To Elf or Not to Elf: Deciding on the Holiday Tradition

Should you bring an Elf on the Shelf into your holiday traditions? In this episode, I’m diving into the great Elf debate! After hearing all the opinions from my Instagram community, I weigh the magic and joy it can bring for kids against the added time and stress for parents. Our community was completely split on this one!

Spoiler alert: I’m giving it a try, but with a plan to keep it fun and stress-free. I share my tips for simple, creative ideas that don’t require hours of effort but still bring holiday magic to your home. Whether you're all-in on Elf antics or leaning toward skipping it altogether, this episode is full of relatable reflections and helpful advice for navigating this whimsical (and sometimes overwhelming) tradition.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

[00:00] Kicking Off: To Elf or Not to Elf?

[00:46] What the Community Thinks About Elf on the Shelf

[02:04] My Hesitations and Concerns

[03:16] Why the Elf Can Be Magical for Kids

[04:15] The Challenges Parents Face

[06:57] My Decision and Approach to Elfing

[09:22] Planning Fun Yet Simple Elf Ideas

[12:16] Easy, Creative Elf Inspiration

[19:37] Wrapping Up: Share Your Elf Stories

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Let’s talk elves! Whether you’re in or out, I’d love to hear your take—message me or share your best Elf stories! Also sharing my spreadsheet and all the easy elf ideas I'll be taking on for my first year! Let's chat! @mommahasgoals