Reindeer food and extra magic from Santa!

The month has flown by. It has been fun (I'm slightly glad to have a break though)!  Last year Santa gave our elf extra magic so the kids could hold and play with her.  This year there are two elves but will be doing the same because my kids loved that they could finally play with the elf!  Also, they'll be making reindeer food!

Here's the poem.....

These last few days sure went by fast
But throughout the month we've had a blast!

It has been lots of fun teaching you!
There isn't an elf job you can't do!

We're very sad that we have to go
But we'll be back next year you know!

We brought ingredients to make reindeer food.
You can't just feed Santa they might think you're rude.

Mix oats, sparkles, and some cinnamon too!
A handful from each of you will probably do!

Today is also the day you've been waiting for!
Santa gave us extra magic once more!

Hold us and play with us throughout the day.
Then when Santa comes we'll be on our way.

Love your elves,
Holly and Kringle

I also previously had posted last years Christmas Eve poem where they could play with the one elf we had last year.  The kids really loved it!

Merry Christmas!

Family and kisses!

I'm trying to teach my children Christmas isn't all about presents so I bought some holiday kisses and wrote this poem.....

The most important part of Christmas is being with your family!
It's not about presents or who has the best tree.

Working for Santa is not about the toys.
It's about being together, amongst other joys!

Presents are great don't get us wrong
But family is there to help keep us strong!

Your mom and your dad love you with all their heart!
That's why family should be the best part!

We brought some holiday kisses to share!
We're glad to be part of your family this year!

We ask that you always make family number one!
Give kisses to those whom you love a ton!

Love your elves,
Holly and Kringle

Snowflake craft

This one was store bought...I needed something quick and easy! Just left it on the table with the poem. It's not much I wrote it at 1 in the morning when my husband and I got home from a Christmas party.
Here it is......
It's time for more creating
Let's do something elating!
Snowflake time is here at last!
C'mon kids let's have a blast!
Make some snowflakes to hang around.
Make them look like they're falling to the ground!
The important thing is that you have fun!
Just remember to clean up after you're done!
Love your elves,
Holly and Kringle

Elves promote reading!

My kids had asked for a book which I originally told them it was too expensive so I didn't buy it (which I find helps them believe I didn't purchase a particular item and that the elves must have brought it)!  I try to encourage my kids to read.  One of my girls reads often the other will sometimes but needs encouragement.  My son is now better but interest is limited to certain topics. I decided the book was a good elf gift and the poem followed.

Here it is......

We thought we would bring you a Christmas book.
It's under the tree, take a look!

We knew you all would like this one!
We want you to enjoy reading, it really is fun!

You use your imagination when you read.
To be an elf, imagination is something you'll need!

Time to start reading all the books on the shelf
Because reading will help make you an elf!

Love your elves,
Holly and Kringle

Ribbon bulb ornaments

For this one I bought clear bulb ornaments (plastic) that you can fill with what you want.  Last year we made some ball shaped with confetti inside.  This year we're putting ribbon inside.  Curling ribbon is what I think will work best!

Here's the poem.....

Today we brought another craft to make!
Something that may be a kind of keepsake.

It's pretty simple, another ornament for your tree.
Hang it there for everyone to see!

Open the ornament, put ribbon inside.
Which ever color, is for you to decide!

Green, silver, red, and gold!
Which color will your ornament hold?

Then put the date so you'll remember...
When you decorate every December!

Love your elves,
Holly and Kringle

I will post a picture of the finished product when they complete them! For now a picture of the ornaments before.

A few more decorations.....

Definitely not one of my best, but hopefully the kids enjoy it! 

Here's the poem.....

We thought a few more decorations would be lots of fun!
We brought this tree and ornaments and then we should be done.

Once you put them up decorating will be complete!
We think the decorations are really, really neat!

We also brought some stickers to place upon the tree!
This is for your enjoyment, however you want it to be!

Have a blast and enjoy yourselves!
We are truly blessed to be your elves!

Love your elves,
Holly and Kringle

I was fortunate to get these items from work!  Hopefully the kids enjoy it, I've been working so much it has been hard to keep up!

Candy treat (no job today)

Today the elves just decided to leave candy bracelets for the kids.  No job today just pretty simple I've been working a lot of early hours so I'm pretty tired and decided on something quick......halfway through writing the poem the girls got out of bed and I had to move the elves again.....

Here's the poem......

Today we left a candy treat
Because we think you're really sweet!

There is a bracelet for each of you
A necklace to share which we hope you can do!

We're glad that school's almost done
We'll be able to see you a ton!

The one thing we don't like as Christmas draws near
Is that we both will have to leave here.

One more week is all we've got
So, we're glad that you'll be around a lot!

Love your elves,
Holly and Kringle

(I added)
P.S. reminder you need to stay in bed. Grown-ups can't see us move but you girls almost caught us as we started switching spots. We had to freeze.

Elf Job #7 Creative Decorating and Family Time!

Last year our elf brought plain white paper strips for the kids to color and decorate and make paper chains.  When I asked what they're favorite project was from last year one of my daughter's said the paper chain so it's back with a little twist!  Last year they each made their own individual chains this year they'll be doing one together. 

The paper this year we have red and green strips of construction paper which they can either decorate or not.  It's their choice!  I have glitter and sequins they can use or they can just draw on the links!  I will post pictures after they have completed their chain!

Here's the poem......

Today is creative decorating, you'll be making a paper chain!
We brought you Christmas paper which you can design or just leave plain.

Designs are more creative but plain and simple is sometimes better!
We want you to just make one long chain and work on it together!

Togetherness is an important part of what holidays are about!
So, decide on how you want your links with sparkles or without!

Connect all of the links and enjoy what you created!
Most of all enjoy each other and not just because you're related!!!!

Love your elves,
Holly and Kringle

Part of why I enjoy the elves leaving projects and tasks for them, is because they spend more time together.  They're either doing the crafts or tasks together or sharing the excitement by talking about the elves.  Sometimes I get a little carried away and maybe have spent too much money on it, but the family time doubles this time of year!  Togetherness and family is important all the time but if I can use the holidays to try and reinforce it I will!

Elf Job # 6 Gingerbread Train!

I did not get this posted last night because I've been working a lot of crazy hours this holiday season.

Our elves brought a gingerbread train kit.  I have heard mixed reviews on gingerbread houses and thought the train looked a little easier.  The frosting is already mixed in a tube, so hopefully it won't be a problem.  We will be making it when the kids come home from school! 

Here's the poem......

We're guessing that you'll like this job, it's not really a job at all.
Making festive treats is fun, we're sure you'll have a ball!

Build the train and decorate it with all the different sweets!
This is a decoration, not really something that one eats.

There's a plastic tray inside you'll use this as the base.
Then use the frosting to make the pieces stick and hold it all in place!

You'll need to work together because they're sometimes hard to build.
They are sometimes even challenging for elves who are very skilled.

We know that you can do it though, give it all you've got!
We're sure when Santa sees it he'll really like it a lot!

Love your elves,
Holly and Kringle

 

 

Pictures of the completed project will be posted later today!

Elf job #5 wood building

The next job is building and making,  it was $10 at the store. 

Here's the poem.....

Today is the hardest of them all
Building things, is a feat that is not small

We brought you this wood building kit!
You will need to build them bit by bit.

Follow directions, take your time.
Having difficulty is not a crime.

You will be amazed by what you can do.
We bet you'll be proud when you are through!

You can keep them forever or give them away.
They can be presents to give on Christmas Day!

Which ever you choose will surely be fine.
After you build be sure to design!

Lots of color is always fun!
We can't wait to see them when they are done!

One last thing we want to share.....
When the door's closed the fighting we still hear!

Love your elves,
Holly and Kringle

Had to add the last part in because my kids seem to thing they can't be heard when the door is closed!

Elf Job #4 candy cane growing!

This idea was given to me.  Growing candy canes!  I am doing it a little different just to avoid questions I'm afraid my kids may overthink it. 

I bought Christmas tic-tacs (red and green), a christmas tin tray, and chocolate mint and cherry candy canes.  They will plant the seeds (tic-tacs) in sugar and in a day candy canes will grow!  I am adding an extra step to place plastic wrap on the tray first to pretend to be the candy wrapper.  I'm afraid they'll ask where the plastic came from.  Then when they go to bed I will remove the plastic and put the candy canes in the sugar.

Here's the poem.......

Today's job is candy making.
It does not require any baking.

You'll be planting candy
Knowing how to grow it really comes in handy!

Plant the seeds in this tray
You'll have candy canes within a day!

Green is chocolate mint, red is cherry!
Candy canes help make Christmas merry!

When they've grown you know what to do.
Hang them on the tree or you can eat them too.

I put the instructions down below.
Now patiently wait for your candy to grow!

Love your elves,
Holly and Kringle

1. Place plastic over tray
2. Pour sugar on plastic
3. Plant seeds
4. Wait

Caution: DO NOT ADD WATER!  Water makes candy dissolve!

Elf job#3 Movie Testers

My kids have been wanting to see Despicable Me 2 and we never got to the movies.  I bought the movie and some popcorn and their third elf job will be "Movie Testing"!  That's right, elves just make sure it's good before they deliver on Christmas! 

Here's the poem......

I think that you'll like this next job the best.
We brought you a new movie to test!

All you do is watch it make sure it is good.
Anyone would want this as a job if they could!

Kringle thinks this job is great!
He watches movies until it's really late.

We hope you like Despicable Me 2!
We were actually hoping to watch it with you!

There's also some popcorn two different kinds.
We'll have kettle if nobody minds.

When you get home we'll all settle in,
Sit and wait for the movie to begin!

Love your elves,
Holly and Kringle

P.S. great job wrapping

(Wrapping was the previous job)

Elf job #2 gift wrapping!

This time our elves are teaching the kids gift wrapping.  The elves started off by surprising the kids with wrapping their bedroom doors. 

This required two people.  (Thanks Mom for helping)! When the kids were at school we measured out and cut the paper so when the kids are in bed my husband and I can just stick it on.  There is no way we would've been able to cut and measure without waking them. Also, pick a wrapping paper that doesn't matter which way you turn it because if the print is going in the wrong direction all the pictures will be sideways. Also I bought double sided tape, which I think is better for this project.  Oh and bows to stick on too!

Here's the poem.......

Can you guess what your job is today?
What do you think of your doors by the way?

Wrapping presents is the next thing you'll learn!
It's not that hard there's no need for concern.

Measure, cut, fold, wrap, and tape are the steps you'll need to take.
Once you get this you'll be set to wrap the presents that you make!

Again, take your time and try to have fun.
You can also ask mommy to help on this one!

Love your elves,
Holly and Kringle

Elf job #1

Last night our elves left elf hats and made the kids honorable elves!  Becoming elves they would be taught different jobs the elves do in the North Pole.  The first job is painting.

Here's the poem.....

To our fellow elves Welcome aboard!
There is a lot to learn in case you haven't heard.

You'll be learning jobs that elves often do.
We'll start off with something a little easier for you.

Ornament painting is your first task.
How is this important to be elves you ask?

Painting is part of most toys.
Colors are important to most girls and boys.

If toys had no color they wouldn't be fun.
So, here are some ornaments you can all pick just one.

Take your time paint it well.
If you rush your work Santa can tell.

Paint with any colors you desire.
Do this well and you're an elf they're sure to hire!

Work real hard but remember to have fun.
Get plenty of rest when your work is done!

Love your elves,
Holly and Kringle!

Honorary elves!!!

Our elves will be leaving each of the kids with an elf hat (purchased at the dollar store for $1).  I was going to wait until closer to Christmas but I thought of an idea to make the kids honorary elves and then the elves will teach them things.  Most of the next craft ideas will be the elves teaching them things they do in the North Pole!  I'm actually excited about this hope it works as planned!

Here's the poem......

Just want to say we're proud of you!
You really are great kids.
You often use your manners and don't do things Santa Clause forbids.

We left you something special today, elf hats for you to wear.
It is a special honor that elves don't often share!

Place them on your head, you are now honorary elves!
You really ought to be very proud of yourselves!

Though we cannot share our magic, we'll teach you things we do!
Maybe one day you'll work in the North Pole too!

Love your elves,
Holly and Kringle

Prize and poem!

Tonight our elves decided to hide in the Christmas tree since it was all decorated!  Boy did the decorate, it's a little much but they had fun and love it!  Our elf also left a little prize for them under the tree. Three cans of silly string (one each)!  They've been wanting it for a while and it was only a dollar at the dolllar store.  Here is the poem.......

Where did you think we would be?
Of course we're hiding in the Christmas tree!

It's the most beautiful thing we've ever seen!
Extravagant enough for a King and a Queen!

We're glad you enjoyed the Christmas tree surprise.
Now, look under the tree for a little prize!

We know you've been wanting this for a while.
So, we brought some for you because we love to make you smile!

When you're happy we know we're doing our job right!
So, we'll be working hard to make your holiday bright!

Work hard at school and have a good day!
When you get home it's time to play!

Love your elves,
Holly and Kringle

Christmas tree delivery and poem!

Tonight our elves are going to get us a Christmas tree!  We get a real one and usually wait until around this time because we live in Florida and they seem to die if we get it too early.  The kids usually like to pick it out but I'm hoping they won't mind and will like the surprise.  I won't have pictures until later but here's the poem........

Surprise! We hope you like it, we tried to pick the best
And we thought that this one was better than the rest!

It's not too tall, it's nice and full, and it really smells.      good too!
We know you like to pick it out but we wanted to surprise you!

Now it feels like Christmas really truly is here!
So, let's start decorating and spread some holiday cheer!

Play some Christmas music and sing it merrily
While you decorate as a family!

This is why, of course, our favorite month is December!
These are memories you always will remember!

Love your elves,
Holly and Kringle

Hot chocolate and poem

Today our elves left hot chocolate, marshmallows, and Christmas mugs for the kids!  The mugs were a dollar each at the dollar store and the marshmallows are found with the hot chocolate at the store ( in case you were wondering)! 

Here's the poem.......

Now it's time for something yummy
Tasty hot chocolate to warm your tummy!

Peppermint or chocolate take your pick
But be careful, don't drink too quick!

It's called "hot" chocolate for a reason
To warm you in winter but good in any season!

We brought a mug for each of you.
Pick one out or you can share them too!

Plus a container of the best thing ever
Extra marshmallows for the marshmallow lover!

We know you'll like this c'mon who wouldn't
We wanted to drink it all but figured we shouldn't!

Have some for breakfast or right before bed
Maybe just have it for a snack instead!

We thought you would like something sweet
Hope you enjoy this yummy treat!

Love your elves,
Holly and Kringle

Pictures to come haven't set it up yet!  This should be one you can easily use.  If you only have one elf change the "we" to"I" and that's it!!!

Tree- snowman and poem!!!!!

Another thing I found at a book store actually they have a lot of fun Christmas things!  It is a Christmas tree...put it in water and it turns into a snowman.  I'm curious how this will work myself!

Here is the poem......

Time for more fun, look what we brought!
Looks like a tree but it really is NOT!

Put it in water what is it now?
Yes, a snowman, don't ask me how.

More of Santa's magic was put into this.
Don't know about you but we're in complete bliss!

Santa is very, very clever!
These last few days have been the best ever!

I think you'll like what's coming your way!
Lots more fun things every single day!

Love your elves,
Holly and Kringle!

Great job cleaning up and prizes with poem!

My husband had the kids cleaning up, recycling, sweeping, etc.  They usually argue but they were pretty good sports about it tonight....not sure if it was because of the elves or not!  I bought them a few small toys they had asked for a while back and held on to the for when we had our elf (elves) visit!  This one is a little more generic easier used than some of the others!

We're very proud of all of you!
You made a really good cleaning crew!

You worked real hard and got the job done.
Even though cleaning isn't much fun.

Sometimes you have to do things you don't want to do
Like cleaning and homework or eat vegetable stew!

There's something special for you three
They're sitting by the Christmas tree!

We remember you asking for them once before.
So, we made a special trip to the store!

This kind of behavior is what we like to see!
It will also assure Santa's toy delivery!

Love your elves, Holly and Kringle

Owl Messenger and Poem!

Our elves brought an Owl Messenger dressed like Santa...just an owl stuffed animal in a Santa outfit I found at the book store! I thought it was really cute and had to buy it! In the poem I made the Owl the elves messenger and it had a message to the kids from Santa!

Here it is......

We found this owl isn't she cute?
She's dressed like Santa.  What a HOOT!

She has become a great friend
She delivers messages I need to send!

She sees Santa more than I do.
And has a message from Santa to you!

" I want you three to get along.
Screaming and teasing really is wrong.

You really don't do it a lot
But a couple of weeks is all you've got.

If you fall to the Naughty list it will be hard to get back
And there will not be toys for you in my sack.

Keep that in mind, love one another.
You can be the best sisters and brother."

That was all the message said,
Keep that message in your head!

Love, Holly and Kringle



Yes, I tried to make the poem in the shape of an owl, it looks more like a potato ghost but I never said I was artistic!

 

 

 

The magic tree and next visit from our elves! Poem for tomorrow done!!!

Since I have the day off and the kids are at school, I figured I would get this done now instead of tonight!  I have been randomly picking up gifts and/ or ideas for our elf over the past couple of weeks and I found a magic tree!  I thought it would be a fun activity for our elves to leave!

This morning my kids were talking about getting our Christmas tree and I told them it is too early.  We always get a real one because I loved having a real tree growing up!  Living in Florida though the trees don't live as long (I'm originally from up north), so the kids have to wait a little longer for the tree.  So, I decided it would be a good day to bring out the Magic Tree!  I'm sure they'll enjoy it.

Here's the poem and pictures (minus the elves I can't move them until tonight)!.....


We heard you talking about getting your tree
And we heard your mom say it was too early.

We decided to help you out!
This will be fun without a doubt!

Just add water and it will grow!
Then decorate and leave it for show!

This will be your tree until the real one's here.
Then we'll use it as our tree this year!

We'll put it by the workshop if it won't fit inside.
It probably won't since the door isn't real wide.

We hope you like it, we want you to have fun!
We're sure it will be Perfect when it is done!

Love your elves,
Holly and Kringle

I'm hoping they can do it before school so when they get home it will be grown!  Simple but fun!  Thicker paper would've been better because of the glue but it will bother me more than it will bother the kids.

                                                                                           Tree first set up                                            

 

 

Part way grown!

Thought I would share!

This morning my kids all enjoyed seeing their elves in their new clothes and reading the poem that was written!  My son dislikes reading but was the first to read the poem out loud and he loved Kringle's football jersey!  Both of my girls liked Holly's new skirt and LOVE the visits.  My youngest said this morning that she wishes it was December every day!

The letters/poems make it a different experience.  They allow your children to really feel that the elves are watching them!  You don't have to do it every day like I do, but do a few.  It keeps them on their toes... I tell you my daughter got right out of bed this morning to see the elves and gave me absolutely no trouble getting ready for school!  She knows the elves are watching!  Usually she fights with me about something.

I'm not  a stay at home mom, I work retail and this time of year is very busy for me.  I don't get to spend as much time with my kids as I would like.  Not only now but all throughout the year. I don't have a set work schedule. Sometimes they come home from school and I leave for work.  That's why I enjoy doing the elf poems and giving them tasks and crafts to do.  I know they don't know it's me but one day they will!  One day they'll be able to look back and remember all the fun things mommy did for them at Christmas time even though she couldn't always be home when they wanted her to.

Give it a shot, it'll be worth it , I promise!

-Katie

The second visit from our elves!

This morning our second elf joined our family!  The kids named him Kringle!  They were sooo excited!  I loved hearing my youngest wake up the others to tell them Holly our elf came and there was a second one and they had to name him! 

Honestly, I do believe the poems, riddle, rhymes whatever you want to call them, make the visit from our elves more exciting.  They love it!  They get jobs, crafts, or tasks to do.  Sometimes they get to hear about the elves visiting Santa and getting ready for Christmas.  It really brings it to a whole other level (in my opinion)!

When you write a letter or poem to the kids from the elves and the next day they are so excited they want to write a letter to the elf or just yesterday my youngest, 6 years old, decided to attempt to write her own poem!  It's worth the extra effort and remember what may seem simple to you will be Amazing to your children!  My poems are here for ideas but like I said if I can help you put together something that relates better to your children let me know, I will try my best to help!

Here is the poem my children will see tomorrow when they wake up and picture of the elves!

We like the name Kringle, it's a great holiday name!
When we told Santa, he thought the same!

We had to report back to Santa last night
To help him make sure his lists are both right!

Again, you're all on the nice list so far!
Please keep your behavior up to par.

Your behavior keeps us happy, so always be good.
It's not real hard to do, just do the things that you should.

Santa gave me this beautiful, sparkly skirt!
He gave Kringle a jersey, which I think you call a shirt!

We'll miss you when you go to school today
But we'll just sit here and think of more games to play!

Love your elves,
Holly and Kringle

The pictures aren't the best, think ink looks different colors but it's all red.  Hope this gives you an idea or two!

December 1st...introducing our second elf!!!

The start is finally here. We are going to have a second elf this year! For this one our new elf is hiding in a box and the elves brought some donut holes for breakfast!!! My kids just went to bed and I whipped up this poem......

It's me again, I'm back to play!
I'm pretty tired from traveling all that way.

I brought a yummy breakfast, it's the most important meal.
It's not very healthy but once is no big deal.

I brought you something else, he's hiding in this box!
I think you'll really like him, I know, I think he ROCKS!

Same rules apply, no touching allowed, and he needs a name.
He said he's going to help me plan every craft and game!

It'll be nice to have a friend, when you're away at school
And when we're all together it will be twice as cool!

I hope you're all as good, as you were last year!
We're both super excited to finally be here!

Love your elves,
___________

I will add a picture once I have it all together (and I know the kids are sleeping)!!!!

Christmas Eve...last year!

The last poem last year....

Today is my last day. I will miss you all so much.
Santa loaded me up with magic, so I am safe from your touch!!!!

That's right!!! You can hold me, hug me, play with me but when it's time for bed...
Say goodbye and please don't cry, tears should not be shed.

I'll be back again next year.
Though the exact date is not clear.

You're all my new best friends, I'll visit sooner if I can.
Maybe I'll come in summer to work on my tan!

Let's just enjoy our last day
Before I leave on Santa's sleigh!

Love your elf,
_______

P.S. todays task make cookies for Santa

So the poems were out of order they did not make cookies two days in a row.  This is the reason I did a Thanksgiving one because our elf didn't make it back in the summer.  Hope you enjoy...will post the new one tonight or tomorrow morning!

Cookies again with poem!

Need to post the last two before the first, so here goes...

A few more days left, what should we make?
Oh, I know ! How about something to bake?

Let's make some sugar cookies, they're a yummy treat!
Cut them any shape I'm sure they'll be real neat!

Maybe you can save some for Santa when he comes
Or maybe if you want we can make different ones!

Love your elf,
______

Christmas cookie cutters and sugar cookie mix and your done!

Elf needs ideas from the kids!!!!

After a while it is hard to come up with things.  Honestly, I have about 12 days planned for this coming year and need to think of some more.  Here is a poem though from our elf last year when she was running out!

There's one more week for fun and games, so let's have lots of fun!
I need to get some more ideas. I'm down to my last one!

So, if there are some things that you would like to do!
Let me know, I would like to try something new!

Today I brought some Christmas cookies for you to enjoy!
Hopefully you'll like them, even though it's not a toy!

Bring one to school, eat it with your lunch.
I think they'll be quite yummy, but that is just a hunch!!!

Love your elf,
_____

YES, they were store bought cookies and NO they didn't care a bit! They brought one to school and even bragged to their friends, their elf brought them cookies!

Paper snowflakes!!!

Our elf left blue and white paper to make paper snowflakes, something we've all probably done as kids!

Fun, fun fun.....more fun stuff to do
I'm having so much fun planning these things for you!

Blue and white paper. What do you think it's for?
Okay, give up? How about paper snowflakes to hang on the door!

Since it doesn't snow in Florida, thought I'd help you make your own!
Make some blue, make some white, you can even make two tone!

Can't wait to see them all, since no two are the same!
I'm having so much fun, I'm really glad I came!

Love your elf,
______

It will cut a little out of the poem but if you don't live in Florida you can skip the lines typed in green.  Again, if your kids like crafts like mine do, they will love it!

Permission to play with the elf in the car!!!

Our elf this time was near the Christmas tree in Barbie's car. So, our elf gave them permission to play with her as long as they didn't touch her and cleaned their rooms first!

Hi, Not much excitement planned for today
But, you can play with me, just don't touch me okay!

The only thing that you first must do......
Clean your rooms, make them look Brand New!

It is very important if you want Santa to come.
I know you can do it, you're all Awesome!

Clean then play that is the deal.
Get it done and joyous I will feel!!!

Love your elf,
______

Again, probably a last minute one but they were so excited! They couldn't wait to play with her and they could do it as long as they left her in the car!

Frosted sugar cone trees!

For this one you'll need a few things....

sugar cones
frosting (green, you can buy it green or dye it yourself)
Holiday sprinkles different types

For this turn the sugar cone upside down so it looks like a tree frost it and decorate it. Make an edible Christmas tree! Very simple and LOTS of FUN for the kids.  My kids loved it!  I wish I took pictures but like I said I didn't expect to get so in depth with this!

And of course a poem to go with it......

Good Morning, Good Morning to you!
How 'bout another fun thing to do?!

Place the sugar cone upside down.
Frost it, decorate it, Go To Town!!!!

Turn it into a Christmas tree.
Then eat it or leave it for everyone to see!

I hope you have a ton of fun!
I can't wait to see each one!

Love your elf,
______

Very simple not too costly.  They will love it I recommend this one! ENJOY!!!

A poem after the tree was decorated!!!

I'm trying to catch up I have a few more poems from last year and it's almost time for our elf to return and to start new poems.  The next poem our elf wrote after the kids decorated the tree and she put up some extra decorations for them to wake up to!  She put garland around the doorway with some mistletoe hanging from it. She also sprayed fake snow on the door (we live in Florida so fake is all there is)! She also put some scented pine cones in the tree.

Also, previously she had mentioned fighting and/or screaming in a poem and they had a bad day and were fighting again, so she addresses it in this poem too.

What a great job you did on the tree
I added a little something extra, go see!

I put up some garland and some mistletoe
The sliding glass doors are frosted with snow!

I hope that you like it, I know that I do!
Now there's something I need to discuss with you.

The teasing and fighting, I said "No More!"
You think I can't hear you when you close the door.

So, let's get along and do what you should.
Being put on the Naughty list wouldn't be good!

Well, have a good day. I'll miss you a lot.
When you get home I'll be in the same spot!

Love your elf,
________

Quick rhyme......

This one was obviously one I either forgot or had to work late not much to it....


I hope you don't mind a quick rhyme
I seem to be short on time

A glittery letter for each of you
Find some ribbon and attach it with glue!

When it's dry hang it on the tree.
Hang it high for everyone to see!

Love your elf,
_______

I went to Michaels and found glittery letters they happened to be red and they had each of my kids initials so it became another elf project.  They were also clearance...maybe 50 cents!  I took a marker and wrote the year on the back of it.  Now this year the kids will be able to see the different ornaments hanging on the tree from last year and we will be adding to their collection this year! Again very simple but enough to entertain and not too much on your part either!

Poem with treat from Santa!

This one Santa gave our elf cookie mix with sprinkles and frosting to decorate. Again, you can pretty much do whatever you want with this one!  Here's the poem our elf wrote.....

Last night I went to see Santa Clause
He said to give you a round of applause!

I told him about your reading test
He said "Boy, those kids are the best!"

Santa gave me this craft for you to do!
That's right, directly from Santa to you!

Another craft that is a treat
and will be very yummy to eat!

I hope you have a great day at school!
Ya know,  being your elf is super cool!

Love your elf,
_____

Message to readers!

I hope some of you are enjoying the poems and ideas.  They are still of course last years poems and ideas. That is why I don't have pictures of all of them.  I will for the upcoming this year! I didn't expect to get to this extent with this whole thing.  It just sort of happened!

 I didn't expect to ever be a poet!!!!  I wrote the first and the second and it went on from there.  Honestly, it's hard sometimes to keep up with them. There were nights when I had to work and at midnight I remember, oh no the elf and had to come up with a quick rhyme.  Some of the poems are not as good as others but they do the trick.  Fortunately, the poems aren't difficult for me.

 Kids don't need their elf to be complex.  There are so many ideas out there. I'm not very creative so I do things they can do themselves which also makes it enjoyable for them.  Some of the crafts I have shown pictures of might not be fancy, like some others have done, but that's because the kids are doing them not me.  It makes it exciting when there is something for them to do!  Just have fun with it, most importantly let them have fun with it!

If you would please comment, share, and/or follow my page to help get the ideas out there I would greatly appreciate it! To follow just go on the blog page and under the picture on the right hand side is a box that say s follow click on it and you will receive  a message when I post something new. Also to recommend click on the +1 button will increase the number !!! (May not be a one if someone else has added to it).

If any of you are having difficulty writing a poem yourselves and I can help let me know.  Whether there is a word you can't rhyme good or you're having a hard time tying your info. into my poems if I can help I will!  If there is a certain activity you have planned and need me to help make one for you I will try......though I will have to put our elf activities first once December is here!

Thanks for reading,
Katie

Another generic......

First the poem.......


Hello friends, good morning, the days sure go by quick.
I had an exciting trip when I visited Saint Nick!

I told him how you've been and how hard you try in school.
The first thing that he said is "These _______ kids are cool!"
                                                         (last name)
He said I'm a lucky little elf and not all kids are good.
I told him, for the most part, you do the things you should!

So, Santa gave me a special treat for you.
A way of saying "Thanks" for behaving like you do!

Love your elf,
______

P.S. I hid them on the tree! Can you find them?


This one I'm not 100% sure what I did.  I think I bought candy canes and put them on the tree.  Again there are so many possibilities!!! An ornament, candy, or you can disregard the tree hiding part and do your own thing!!!

Even if you do your own poems and don't use these, try to remember to have the elf praise them once in a while and show them that he/she notices how they've been.  I think it makes it that much more exciting.  Once in a while I hear my oldest daughter tell the others "Holly's watching you", or "Holly can see you!"  We have a lot of fun with our elf!

More generic poem......

This next poem doesn't have a specific craft idea to go with it, so you can pretty much pick what you want! I'm honestly not sure what I left with this one, since it was last year.

Today it's time to decorate!
So far everything looks great!

Can't wait to see when it's all done.
I am having so much fun!

Today I brought a special treat.
Because I think you're all so neat!

I have a secret that is true...
Santa's proud of all of you!

Have a Great Day!

Love your elf,
_______


I think I may have left some decorations this time.  Maybe some garland or window clings.  You can really do anything, even though it mentions decorating.  Leave them cookies, or hot chocolate.

Also, the words in the poem are very easy to switch around.  If you only have one child you could write.......Because I think you're really neat .... instead of Because I think you're all so neat.Also the other line Santa's so very proud of you, or for two children write both of you, instead of all of you. 

Apple Cinnamon cut-outs!!!! With poem!

This one is a little more work than I expected.....but worth it!

11 tbsp. cinnamon
7 tbsp. warm applesauce
1 plastic straw

ribbon

cookie cutters

jewels or other crafts to decorate

glue (if needed for decorations)

Mix cinnamon with applesauce to dough like consistency. Roll on wooden surface to about 1/4 inch thickness - cut cookie cutter. We used Christmas cookie cutters (snowmen, Christmas tree, Santa, stocking, star, and gingerbread man)!

Use a plastic straw to make a hole at the top of each ornament. Bake at 140 degrees for 5 hours with stove door partially open or air dry 3-4 days - TURNING DAILY. Tie ribbon hanger through each ornament. Decorate!

 

You may have to add cinnamon but don't make it too dry.  They're a nice fragrant decoration.  You can also decorate them however you like.  The kids had a lot of fun!

 

 

 

 

The poem........

 

 

Ready or not it's time for more fun!

But not until your chores are done.

 

I heard you all talking about getting your tree!

Well, time to start a cleaning spree!

 

Pick up the toys and get the broom.

Then clean the floors and make some room!

 

Once the cleaning is all done,

then it's time to have some fun!

 

Mix apple and cinnamon, cut them out.

You will enjoy, without a doubt!

 

Time to bake and decorate.

Boy this craft will be really Great!

 

String them with ribbon, when they're done.

This craft is sure to be the best one!

 

Love your elf,

______

 

 

P.S. Love your chains!

(we did the chains the night before so I added this, obviously discard this part if you didn't!)

Following Day after they drew on the window! New Poem and Craft!

Good morning my friends. Did you have fun?
Your drawings are great, I enjoyed every one!

I loved ______'s picture and _____'s reindeer.
Loved ____'s snowman and color everywhere!

I have a new project, my favorite so far!
I want you to paint and put your name on a star!

Then tie some ribbon so you can see,
how nice it will look on your Christmas tree.

I hope that you like it as much as I do!
Have a good day and fun painting too!


Love your elf,
______

(Just insert first names in the blanks)

Unfortunately, I cannot find the stars to show you a picture.  What I bought for this were star shaped sun catchers.  The plastic ones that kids can paint and hang in the window. Well, I had them make them into ornaments instead.  They must be packed away still.  Simple and they had a blast! You could also buy actual ornaments and have them decorate, I'm sure you can find all varieties at a craft store.  I try to keep it as low cost as possible because I do something different every day and it adds up!

I am now going to include the next poem because it also ties in with this one.......

Good morning to  you
How do you do?

You did a great job on your stars.
I bet you can see them twinkle from Mars!

How about some more fun. What do you think?
Use this paper and make a link!

Color them tape them, connect them all.
Make a chain to hang on the wall!

Take your time, don't work too fast.
Can't wait to see it, hope you have a blast!!!

Love your elf,
______


So this is just basic paper chains.  Make them any length you want.  You can use construction paper or in my case I used white scrap paper I got from work.  Being plain it allowed them to color and design them the way they want and it didn't cost me anything! 

 Another project that can be very simple or you could jazz it up with more crafts to design them with but remember the kids don't mind simple.  I think most of the time it is the parent(s) who isn't satisfied and need to push it that step further!

A creative idea for the kids from their elf with a poem of course!!!

Since I missed a day I figured I would do two tonight.

This one, they had a lot of fun with.  I bought a box of Crayola window/glass markers.  When they woke up they found their elf on the bathroom sink with the markers and a picture of a Christmas tree drawn on the bathroom mirror! Also, with the following poem.

Good morning to you, I drew you a tree!
Here are the markers, they're yours, they are FREE!

When you get home from school, you all have a chore.
Draw me a picture on the sliding glass door!

Draw anything, draw what you love!
Draw a picture of Santa or maybe a dove!

There's only one rule, you have to have fun!
I can't wait to see, when it is done!

Love your elf,
______

When the kids came home they all started drawing away!  They absolutely loved it.  They love drawing but I think to be able to draw on the house (even though it was just a door) made it even more exciting!  They're washable so it doesn't hurt anything!  They are sold in the same aisle as the other markers!  Not expensive and loads of fun!

ENJOY!

Poem and Marshmallow Snowmen treat idea!

This time our elf left her poem with a fun treat for the kids to make by themselves!

The treat is Marshmallow snowmen.  You may have seen this idea before. There are many different recipes to make Marshmallow snowmen on the internet. 

I chose a simple one because honestly I'm not too crafty and it had to be easy for the kids to do.  I wanted them to be able to do it themselves.  We used large marshmallows, which we held together with toothpicks.  We also used toothpicks for arms.  then we used edible color markers to draw the face. Plus, licorice for a scarf.  Like I said not very complex, there are a lot fancier ones but regardless the kids loved it!  Whichever recipe you choose here is a poem that might work for you!

Good morning to you, I'm feeling so glad.
None of you have really been bad.

This week has been so much fun!
I love all the wonderful things you have done!

Todays craft is really neat.
When you're done, they're yummy to eat!

Marshmallow snowmen, for you to make!
Don't eat too much, you'll get a bellyache.

Have a good day, I'll see you later!
Then you'll be a snowman creator!!!

Love your elf,
_______