More Christmas Traditions

Last night when we got home after being gone all day, we found The Elf on the Shelf sitting on our mantle! We learned from the book that this elf is one of Santa's special helpers who watches over our kiddos during the weeks leading up to Christmas. He travels to the North Pole every night to report to Santa on their behavior and then returns to another spot in our house the next day. The girls named him Ornament. Noone is allowed to touch him because he could lose his magic.
Somehow I figured out that Isabella touched him (she's just as curious as her dad was as a little boy!), so I told her that she shouldn't be surprised if she gets one less present than Sienna. When she seemed a bit sad about that, I suggested that she write Ornament a note.

This is what she wrote:

Ornament wrote her a note back!

Dear Isabella, Sienna and Elijah-

I really like visiting your home. Thanks for giving me such a great name!

Isabella-I told Santa that you kind of touched me. He said that it's okay that it happened accidentally one time, but please don't let it happen again. I wouldn't want you to lose one of your presents, and I don't want any of my magic to wear off! Thank you for your nice note. Actually, your Dada touched me by accident a tiny bit, too, when I first arrived at your house, but he apologized after you all went to bed. It must be exciting having an elf visit your house. I don't blame you for being curious!

My cousins (Jingle and Rudolph) and I had a good trip to the North Pole last night, but I am tired. I need to rest a lot today!

Be good!!

Love, Ornament

The girls enjoy another old tradition of ours. They take turns hanging a miniature ornament on the Christmas tree on our advent calendar each day. This is the same advent calendar that my sister and I filled up when we were little!