Christmas Tree Snowman...Lasting Memories!

This is an idea I believe I found on Pinterest....bought the pieces I liked for the tree and decided to leave them for the kids to put together!  This one was a little pricey to do since I had to buy the tree too, but I believe it will be worth it!   I'm really hoping the kids enjoy themselves!

We live in Florida and though my husband and I grew up in the North, my children have not experienced a "real" winter.  No snow, or sledding, or snowmen.  My two girls when asked what they wanted for Christmas both said snow.  Unfortunately, I can't do that so the elves thought they would bring a different version of a snowman to them!

I have taken a "before" picture and will attach an "after" picture when they complete it!  Hopefully it comes out as planned! 

I've also of course included a poem.......


We know that you want snow, we're not sure it can be done.
We thought we'd find another way to bring some winter fun!

We found you this white tree and some decorations too!
We've tried really hard, to make this task fun for you!

So, you're going to build a snowman, in your house today!
A snowman that no matter what, will never melt away!

You need to work together, it's going to be a blast!
It's for sure to make a memory that will always last!

Love your elves,

This is just the picture of the elves by the tree with the different decorations. Finished product still to come!

Patience and Teamwork......

Another simple thing  to do.... Tonight the elves are leaving a puzzle for the kids!  I chose a fun Christmas puzzle!  A minion holding a candy cane!  The poem ties it all together with the values that I'm trying to teach them!  Quick and easy ...I'm saving the more complicated ones for when I don't have to work!  A few things coming up are a snowman tree, family movie night (easy but hard with work and school this time of year), and snowman crafts using recyclables (just to name a few)!!!!


The poem.......

This next task, will test you a bit.
Though the biggest challenge will be how long you can sit!

Patience and Teamwork, this one will test.
Two things to find, on your responsibility quest!

They're not responsibilities but things you will need.
With patience and teamwork, it's easier to succeed!

We brought a puzzle, for you to make!
Do it together without taking a break!

We can't wait to see it, when it is done!
Guess, we'll have to use our patience too, on this one!

Love your elves,

Responsibility #4 Being Helpful and Kind......

Tonight the elves kept it pretty simple.....put a table cloth on the table with some Santa hat decorations on the chairs! Along with a Santa centerpiece for the table!  They also left a box of donuts for breakfast! 

I'm trying to teach my children values in a fun way and they love the elves! They look forward to the poems, and crafts, and every morning in the month of December they are excited to see what the next task or activity is.  They enjoy some more than others but they have fun with them all!

The poem.....

We thought that you would like this, we did it just for you!
When you are kind and helpful, others will be too!

This next task should be easy, be helpful and be kind.
Caring and good manners can be very hard to find.

Throughout your day be helpful in any way you can.
It should just come natural, not something you can plan.

Good manners go a long way and show responsibility too.
Characteristics that should shine in everything you do.

Can't wait to hear how helpful and kind you are today!
When you get home from school, we'll listen to all you have to say!

Love your elves,

I couldn't get a good picture but the elves are hanging from the fan above the table!

Responsibility #3 Taking care of your pets....and yes your elf pets too!

Though my kids love their pets. I don't know if they understand that their pets rely on them to take care of them (because honestly, mom does most of it)!  Since they have made reindeer food previously and enjoy doing it every year. I decided to have them do it a little earlier so they could feed their new elf pet reindeer they named Cinnamon.  Usually we make it right before Christmas so they can sprinkle it on the lawn for the reindeer.  Another quick and easy, Besides the poem. I struggled tonight took me a while to write, I've been so tired. Well here it is.....

The Poem:

This responsibility is as important as it gets.
Feeding and taking care of your pets.

Treat them like family or your best friend!
Care for them and love them to no end!

They rely on you to give them what they need.
They're a big responsibility, yes, indeed.

Remember to feed them every day.
Without you they have no way.

The task today has been done before.
Except this time, you'll need to make more! 

 

Cinnamon's hungry and thought it would be neat.
If you could make her a special treat!

Reindeer food is what she would like you to make!
It's easy to do should be a piece of cake!

Mix the ingredients as much as you can.
It will make a lot but we have a plan!

Put some away, save it for Christmas Eve!
So, the reindeer can find you and eat before they leave!

Love your elves,

The ingredients and empty bowls with a letter in the mailbox.....While our elves hide behind the legs of the bench!

Responsibility #2 Waking up on time!

The ironic thing, I almost slept through my job today.  This job. My husband woke me up and asked if I had "the elf thing" done. So, just before 1:30 a.m. I try to decide which one of the responsibilities planned will be quick and easy to prepare!  I started the poem! Luckily I planned the month of elf tasks ahead of time...unfortunately the poems aren't pre-written but at least they only usually take 20 minutes or so to write!

I don't know about you but getting my kids up in the morning can be a job in itself.  For Responsibility #2 Waking up on Time...I'm hoping will be helpful! At least why the elves are here!

The poem.....

The next responsibility is an important one.
Waking up on time to get your job done.

Whether it's work, school, or somewhere to go.
Waking up late is a big No, No!

Especially for elves if we're late building toys.
Think of all the, sad girls and boys.

Each persons job is important in its own way.
So we brought you something to start your day!

One for each room to start each day on time.
It's time to wake up when you hear it chime!

There may be days you do not want to wake.
But what is Santa stayed in bed, so much would be at stake!

So, use this gift we bring to you!
Wake up, work hard, and complete each job you need to do!!!!

Love your elves,

 

The elves are warming by the fire. The quickest thing I could come up with! The clocks are on top of the fireplace with the letter in the mailbox!

Responsibility #1 Christmas Cactus with poem....

The first responsibility includes a Christmas Cactus and keeping it alive!  Simple but it will be the kids plant and watching it bloom will hopefully get them to enjoy it more!

The poem.......

This first responsibility is easy to do.
Maybe you can teach your mom a thing or two!

A Christmas Cactus is what we have here!
Just keep it alive and you'll pass free and clear!

It's not hard to do, even if mom disagrees.
Just give it water and light, and once in a while a breeze.

If the soil is dry, water it good.
With enough love, bloom this plant should!

We hope that you like it as much as we do!
Take good care and let your responsibility shine through!

Love your elves,
Holly and Kringle

Pictures to come....This is for tomorrow since I have to work tonight I'm getting it done now....short but sweet and to the point!  If you didn't guess...Mom (me of course) cannot keep a plant alive, let's see if they can do better!

Elf Pet and Fireplace......

It's that time of year again!  I do get some of my ideas from other posts, pins, and/or internet searches, I always try to make them my own in some way! 



 This year our elves introduced their elf pet!  The kids love it because the book tells them that they are allowed to hold and love the reindeer!




Last year our elves had a theme...elf jobs...the kids were given elf hats and jobs, which once learned they became honorary elves!  (previous posts will explain the activities from last year).


This year The elves decided to go with Responsibility...something a lot of people seem to lack nowadays.


Today Dec.1st was an introduction to what is in store!

Our elf Holly again wrote a poem related to their visit.

The Poem......

A couple of surprises this time around!
It was hard to do without making a sound.

We brought our pet reindeer with whom you can play!
We're hoping your parents will let her stay.

She's a big responsibility almost a chore.
Responsibility is what we chose to teach you all more!

Our tasks will be fun but a lesson they will teach!
Skills that will make nothing in life out of reach!

We'll teach patience and teamwork, plus other things too!
Things that some people struggle to do.

With teamwork we built you this fireplace!
Now go hang your stockings from its mantel face!

We hope you enjoy what the next 24 days have in store!
We love that we get to be here, with you, once more!

Love your elves,
Holly and Kringle

we live in Florida and do not have a fireplace so the kids loved it!  Our stockings are now hanging from our fireplace!......They named the reindeer Cinnamon!