When our Elf on the Shelf, Kringle, first arrived at our house last year, K was petrified of him. So much so after three days we asked her if she wanted us to send him back to the North Pole and not come back until next year. She said yes, and Kringle went home. (Mommy was sad, she didn’t mean to scare K with this fun new tradition.)
Fast forward a year, and out of the blue K was looking forward to Kringle’s return. As she inquired over and over when her Elf would return, I devised a plan. Kringle wouldn’t just come back, he would arrive in style with a special welcome breakfast. And so, the night before Kringle’s anticipated arrival this mommy stayed up long past her bedtime planning the perfect welcome breakfast.
Kringle raided the Christmas decorations for the breakfast celebration, getting out the Christmas dishes and all of K’s Christmas books from year’s past. Then he wrapped up a special bag of goodies — Christmas PJs, Santa socks, a Christmas princess coloring book and a Santa Chia Pet (remember those?). For breakfast, snow-covered donuts and hot cocoa, of course.
In the morning Kringle was met with squeals of delight. K was quite impressed with the Elf’s handy work and couldn’t stop talking about all of the things Kringle had done and would do during his visit with us this year. Yes, I believe the fear of Kringle is gone (yay!) Enjoy our breakfast celebration.
(New to the Elf on the Shelf tradition, get 50 ideas for Christmas-related names for your Elf and Elf on the Shelf Ideas.)
In case you are thinking about hosting your own welcome breakfast, here is the text from the letter Kringle left for K.
Dear K –
It’s so good to be back at your house. It has been a busy year at the North Pole making toys for all the boys and girls, but as last minute preparations get underway for the big day, the big guy (that’s Santa to you) has tasked me once again to keep an eye on one of his favorite little girl – that’s you! I am going to spend my days at your house, watching over you so that at night I can hurry back to the North Pole to report to Santa about what a good girl you have been. We want to make sure you are on the nice list after all. Then after my chores are done at the North Pole, I’ll be back to watch over you again.
Since it’s my first day back, I thought I would bring some treats for you to share with your family. How about some snow-covered donuts and hot chocolate to kick off my return? YUM! Oh, and I brought a couple of goodies for you from Santa and the elves too.
Snowflakes & Mistletoe,
Kringle
PS – Santa says, “Hi!”
abbey says
So what are your rules on touching the elf? I thought you couldnt touch the elf because he loses his magic and cant fly back to the NP that night to report back to Santa? JW!
jen says
Right, according to the story you are not supposed to touch the Elf or it will loose it’s magic. We made an exception on day one because she was SO excited she wanted to hug Kringle. 🙂
Maria says
How cute! I haven’t done this but was considering starting this year. I like that he came with goodies to start the season off right!
Amanda says
I heard that they also have girl elves as well… We have a Santa Cam in our Kitchen… Santa Activates the Santa Cam on December 1st! (Santa Cam was previously in a covert operation as a salt shaker…)
jen says
Yep. They have girls too. And you can buy a skirt at Target ($6 I think) to make yours a girl.
cori says
LOVE elf on the shelf! and how cute i s your little on in her christmas pjs!!
jen says
Thanks 🙂
Marybeth says
SO cute, Jen! I’m off to buy our elf tomorrow 🙂
Colleen says
This has become such a big hit I saw they are making a movie/show from it. I have yet to get one myself.
The Williams Farm says
We did this too this year! It was so fun. You take wonderful pictures & your children are precious. I love their matching PJs- too cute!
jen says
Thanks 🙂 I HAD to have those PJs when I saw them!!!
Rhea says
OMGosh! I love it! You are so clever!! I am not clever at all and struggle with any elfie creativity. I wish I had seen your post before today’s elf arrival. I may have tried to make it more snazzy.
jen says
Ahhh Rhea – you could always just do a breakfast one random day as a special treat from your elf!
Lauren says
This is such a cute way to expand upon the tradition! My kids are 5 and 10 and woke up this morning to “hunt” for their “favorite elf”, Chester…..This is a tradition that never gets old!!
Kathryn Skokna says
So Cute! I LOVE the matching pj’s!
Susan H. says
I just love the whole Elf on a Shelf concept. I wish they had this when my kids were small. Maybe one day I’ll have grandkids for the elf to visit.
Yvonne ( mamag) says
Just got our elf on the shelf what a great idea.was going to name him but decided it should be a family event so going to get the kids to agree on a name tomorrow