Elf on the Shelf
I got a little emotional today. Monkey (our son), Jane, and I decided to go ahead and take the jump and put up our Christmas tree today. Last Christmas, with Monkey being only one and 1/2, he didn’t help us too much… which was expected. This year, and two and 1/2, he LOVED helping us hang the balls on the tree. Granted there were a few sections where there were 5-6 balls all hanging from each other, but all in all he did a GREAT job.
Once most of the tree was decorated, I sat on the couch and watched Jane and Monkey finish hanging balls on the tree. Watching them reminded me back when I was really little helping my mom decorate our Christmas tree. The Holidays can be really tough for me sometimes; but today I was really happy seeing Monkey and Jane create those memories that he’ll always remember over the years.
Elf on the Shelf Helps Monkey Be A Good Boy!
This Christmas is going to be a GREAT Christmas for Monkey. We’ve got him some really great presents and now that he understands Santa = presents, he’ll be one excited little guy come Christmas day. And we’re trying something new to see if we can get him to “be a good boy” between now and Christmas. Jane told Monkey all about the Elf on the shelf and red him the book today. The Elf on the Shelf makes sure that he’s a good boy and reports back to Santa every night. :)
See The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition with Blue Eyed North Pole Pixie-Elf
Anyway… I think some of the toughest parts about being a parent of a little one this time of year is…
1. Staying within your Christmas present budget, especially if you finish shopping a month early. We always see things that he’d love when we’re out and about, but need to stick to our guns. 
2. When you have the presents hidden deep inside the closet, not going back there to give your little Monkey one of the presents sometimes is tough… Especially during one of the ‘terrible twos’ tantrums and you know for a fact that one of the new toys you bought would put an end to it!
Such a fun and magical time a year for our little ones, isn’t it?
Are any of you starting any traditions with your little Monkey?
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I hope you guys have a great Christmas : )