New holiday traditions are starting now that my toddler is old enough to understand and enjoy everything the season has to offer. She remembers Santa from last year, but was not old enough to put her thoughts into words and write a letter to him. This year, I have started the tradition of writing a letter to Santa. I asked my daughter if she wanted a visit from a special Elf, and of course she excitedly responded. Then we got to writing… I helped her out on this part, but she was very active in telling me what to write to Santa. Then, my toddler left out crackers and a cup of ice water. You see, elves love ice water because it reminds t hem of the North Pole, and the crunchy crackers remind them of the crunching snow.
The day after Thanksgiving, Riley the elf showed up with a note that had some tips on caring for her. Ironically, Riley appeared in my toddler’s play kitchen, and this is where my toddler keeps her throughout the day because “she likes it there” until it is time to go to bed at night. Then, Riley comes out to say goodnight and sits on the counter. She is sprinkled with her magic snowflakes, left a few crackers and some ice water, and then the magic begins…
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- Well, hello there, I’m Riley!
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- Riley was trying to make it back into the fridge, but got stuck in the microwave
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- She thought it was a real snowman.. she might be a little homesick
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- Riley’s snack every night before bed time
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- Riley! You don’t belong in the fridge! It must remind her of the North Pole!
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- Riley came with instructions from Santa, a special note, and her magic snowflakes
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- Best friends already!
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- Excited to know more about her new friend
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- You know she’s the real deal since she had a snowflake on her heart
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- Caught Riley trying to make it up the Christmas tree!
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- Riley getting into shenanigans…
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- Riley is going for a ride!
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- Peek a Boo! Riley sees you!
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- Searching for Riley high and low…. turns out she just wanted to go for a ride!
Riley is only here for a few weeks. She is going to head back to the North Pole on Christmas Eve so she can help Santa load the sleigh. I’ve explained this to my toddler, who was very upset that Riley will have to eventually leave. I think this will be a fun tradition each year to have with my daughters.
You can find out more about Riley, and find out how she or her other elf friends can pay a visit to your child by visiting Elf Magic.
We’ve never done a magic elf, but we always do letters to Santa.
this is so cute. I think I will start an Elf thing on the first
hahahaha swinging from the ceiling fan now thats a good one. I have an elf tht used to by my grndma’s and we use him for the same thing. So fun
We use a similar elf called Enzo. The boys are looking forward to his return.
I wish I’d started an “Elf” tradition before my son got to old to do it. :/