Elf on the Shelf {A New Tradition}

I remembered my mom telling me about this tradition that she had seen on "Good Things Utah" and I've seen it all over the stores. So I thought I'd share bc I really like traditions and like starting new ones. The set in the store is 30 bucks and the elf isn't very cute so I went to Hobby Lobby and found a cute elf...they are 50% off right now...anyway, here is what the "Elf on the Shelf" is all about.

"His sole responsibility was to watch my children’s behavior and report it to “Santa” each night. The next morning after the children awoke, they discovered the elf had returned from the “North Pole” (with some parental assistance) and was hiding in a different place. My children would race each other out of bed to try and be the first to spy him in his new position.Over the years the tradition was perfected and rules were even introduced. For example, to better preserve his mystique the children were not allowed to touch him; however, they were allowed to talk to him. For obvious reasons, he was not allowed to reply. Eventually, my children even gave him a name – officially adopting him into the family.Unwittingly, the tradition provided an added benefit: it helped the children to better control themselves. All it took was a gentle reminder that the “elf was watching” for errant behavior to be modified.I never dreamed this simple tradition would lead to so many Christmas memories for our entire family" Click Here for the website I stole this from.