I wanted to be one of those moms.  I really did.  I had ideas pinned all over Pinterest.  I had grand plans to photograph everything and do a cutesy blog post showcasing my creations.

And then I woke up.

Our first night with Fred (our Elf on the Shelf —  better known as “I wish I was the person who came up with this goldmine!”) went well.  Here he is all nestled in with his holiday books.  Awe.

And that, ladies and gentlemen, is the last photo I took.  The only exception being this iPhone snap of my husband finding humor despite the entire house having the stomach flu at the same time.  Now that’s real life, people!

And I was actually feeling guilty about this (and…er….perhaps forgetting to move Fred once or twice) until I read this blog post (click below).  It’s gone viral for good reason.  Hilarious.

Over Achieving Elf on the Shelf Mommies

 

This is not to say that you can’t enjoy being creative with your elf.  But if you are up to your elbows in travel, shoots, client orders, birthday parties, holiday shopping and, truth be told, vomit;  it’s okay to throw yourself a bone and be at peace with it.  Your kids will love you either way.  And chances are, they won’t even notice that you weren’t supermom.  They think you are pretty super just the way you are.  And besides, we parents don’t move the darn elf anyway.  Christmas magic does…duh! 😉

And so I leave my perfectly imperfect elf story with 2 recent photos.  Decorating the tree was a memorable experience this year.  Max, dressed only in his t shirt and diaper (told you this was real life), got to place an ornament on the tree for the very first time.  His concentration amazed us.  He was determined to do it “by myself” and held the same wooden Santa in his hand for half an hour until he got it in place.

And Maya — who just celebrated her 6th birthday– magically transformed from the reckless preschooler who insisted on placing all the ornaments on a single branch, into a careful, focused artist.  I’m in awe at what difference a year makes.

And that’s what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.