wow- thanks for the great idea!! I will definitely be out searchin for an elf to buy and place and start this tradition.. hoping it will last at least another year... My 9 year old, yes 9 year old still believes in Santa, so i am hoping that she still believes in him til 2012!

Your elf, Progik, is so cute. Was it made to sit on pots or did you ccome up with the idea?

He walks around. I like that.

Kids are so imaginative, unless, Progik is a Christmas Miracle. :)

Chuy...if you can't find an elf, there's some cute angel decorations. Walmart had some nice stuff to set on plants. Toni

What do you mean believe in Santa? I still do. Is there something I should know? I've been good, kinda. Sorta.

Odd thing is a box of rocks to some people can be pretty exciting. Great story. Progik. Brightened my day! Paula=^..^=

So this is a BIG BROTHER elf? Kinda creepy, just a little..

My mom ordered him on target's website. He comes with a book too! The book explains how the elf works in kids terms. You can get different kinds of elves too. There are girl elves and boy elves. Dark elves and light elves. Here's the link:

http://www.target.com/p/The-Elf-on-the-Shelf-A-Christmas-Tradition-with-Blue-Eyed-Elf/-/A-13740548

Here's what the book says:

Have you ever wondered how Santa could know
if you're naughty or nice each year as you grow?
For hundreds of years it's been a big secret.
It can be shared if you promise to keep it.

At holiday time Santa sends me to you.
I watch and report on all that you do.
My job's an assignment from Santa himself.
I am his helper, a friendly scout elf.

The first time I come to the place you call home
you quickly must give me a name of my own.
Once you are finished my mission can start.
What will you call me - Markle or Zart?
Will it be Foddle, Criddle, or Clyde?
Frisbee's cute, too, but you must decide.

Each night while you're sleeping to Santa I'll fly
to the North Pole right through the dark sky.
Of course Christmas magic helps me to be quick.
I laugh with my friends and report to Saint Nick.

I tell him if you have been good or been bad.
The news of the day makes him happy or sad.
A push or a shove I'll report to the "the Boss"
but small acts of kindness will not be a loss.

In the care, at the park, or even at school
the word will get out if you broke a rule.

I'll be back at your home before you awake,
and then you must find the new spot I will take.
You'll jump out of bed and come running to see:
who'll be the first to spy little old me.

Maybe the kitchen, the bathroom, or den
is where you will find me, your special elf friend.
I can hide on a plant, a shelf, or a frame.
Where will I be? Let's make it a game.

There's only one rule that you have to follow
so I will come back and be here tomorrow:
Please do not touch me. My magic might go,
and Santa won't hear all I've seen or I know.

I won't get to tell him that you've said your prayers,
or helped to bake cookies,
or cleaned off the stairs.
How will he know how good you have been?
He might start to think you forgot about him.

I can't speak to you, so says Santa Claus.
All of us elves have to follow his laws.

I'll listen to you. Tell me your wishes.
Would you like a game or some tiny toy dishes?
The gleam in my eye and my bright little smile
shows you I'm listening and noting your file.

The final decision with Santa now rests
What do you think?
Will you get your request?

The night before Christmas my job's at an end.
The rest of the year with Santa I'll spend.

So blow me a kiss and bid me farewell.
I'll fly away when I hear Santa's bell.
Of course I will miss you,
but wait 'til next year.
When the holidays come I'll again reappear.

Until then I wish every girl and each boy
a Christmas of peace and a year full of joy.

That's what the books says and at the back of the book it says:

This tradition started for the ______ family on ___________. We welcomed our elf by choosing the name: _______

This is such a cool tradition to start. My 3 year old is really enjoying it and I can't wait for my 1 year old to be able to understand it as well!

~Erin~

Toni.... Thank you so much.. will have to make a stop today!!! Yipee!! :)

Chuy

It's terrific, thanks for sharing that with us. Tranditions are wonderful no matter what they are.