The Magic of Elf on the Shelf :: Ellie and Caleb
Two in This House
Ellie, our Elf on the Shelf, made her grand debut one December morning, perched on the mantel with a mischievous smile. My husband’s co-worker had introduced us to this magical tradition, gifting us Ellie along with the book that explained her role. Our kids, wide-eyed and full of wonder, soaked up every word. At the time, our kids were fourteen, eleven and five. The magic was new, exciting, and full of promise.
That first year, my husband and I worked as a team, brainstorming creative ways to bring Ellie to life. From dangling on the Christmas tree to orchestrating tiny snowball fights with marshmallows, Ellie kept us busy—and our kids enchanted.
Job Well Done
The magic worked like a charm. Ellie brought joy and laughter, and her antics encouraged good behavior. Our kids never once broke the rule of touching her, their belief in her magic unwavering. They even gave her the name Ellie, making her a true member of the family.
Night after night, my husband and I took turns setting up her escapades, and each morning, the kids’ reactions made it all worthwhile. Their giggles, gasps, and whispered speculations about Ellie’s adventures became the soundtrack of our holiday season.
Another One
A few years later, our oldest came to us with a request: Ellie needed a friend. I remember staring at my husband in disbelief, silently wondering how we’d manage two elves when one was already a handful. But we couldn’t resist their excitement, so Caleb joined the fun.
With two elves, the shenanigans doubled. Ellie and Caleb unwrapped gifts, climbed the cabinets, built a train out of shoes from their closet, and even took a family trip to Branson in their travel jar. Some mornings, they were caught tangled in strings of lights; other mornings, they were discovered baking “cookies” with flour spilled across the counter. Coming up with ideas every night was no small feat, but we took turns, traded ideas, and somehow made it work.
The End Result
The years flew by, but Ellie and Caleb’s magic never faded. Even as our youngest, now thirteen, grew older, she still clung to the tradition. This year, we thought perhaps the elves’ time had come to an end. Days went by with no mention of them, and we began to wonder.
Then, just as we were settling into bed one night, her voice rang out: “Mom, when are the elves coming?” The next day, she asked her dad the same question. It was music to our ears.
Knowing that she still believes, even if just a little, melted my heart. Whenever she’s ready to let go, we’ll be here, ready to cherish the memories we’ve made.
The Reason
The Elf on the Shelf tradition has given our family so much more than smiles. It has reminded us of the magic of believing and the importance of creating joy for our children. Our older two may have outgrown Ellie and Caleb, but the memories of their laughter and excitement will always stay with us.
As we carry on the tradition for as long as our youngest wishes, we’re reminded of the true reason for the season: to believe, to cherish, and to hold onto the magic for as long as we can.
