A Response to Persistant Questions Regarding the Elf

Dear Philip and Daniel,

For two Christmases now, you have asked me where our Elf on the Shelf is.  I tend to respond with non-answers...I don't know, maybe he's lost, etc.  Last night, you asked if we could leave out cracker crumbs in hopes of attracting an elf.  It was then that I realized it was time to answer your question with some real answers.

Here's what you know from the book, the movie (that Daniel, you watched at school), and your friends.  Santa sends down an elf to watch you.  In addition to playing tricks around the house and moving around, the elf reports back to the North Pole each evening telling Santa whether you have been naughty or nice.  Right?

Well, your Mom and Dad told Santa that they did not need such an elf. 

For two main reasons. 

First, we, your parents, are here with you...watching you, if you will.  We see you when you are nice...we see you when your naughty.  We guide you...help you make good choices.  We praise you when you do good.  Correct you when you slip up.  Mom and Dad think that is the most important job they have as parents, and well, they just aren't willing to leave it up to an elf to take care of.

Plus, the Santa that we believe in is one who bows down at the foot of the manger.  He knows you are not perfect because he knows the One that is.  He knows that you will be naughty some of the time (but, boy, he sure is impressed by how good you typically are!).  He is a man of grace...a believer of forgiveness.  He brings you gifts in rememberance of Jesus' first gifts from the wise men.  He does not bring you gifts for being good for one month.

So, please do not think that you are missing out on any magic of the season.  An elf that flits about a house from room to room making messes for you to clean up has no magic compared to the baby in the manger.  The true magic is that today 2000 years ago, barn animals were eating hay out of an everyday manger.  That manger would become a crib to a tiny, helpless child.  A helpless child that is the Son of God...a Mighty King...a Wonderful Counsleor...a Prince of Peace.  That, my precious boys, is truly magical.

This Advent season, let's keep our eyes on that manger filled with hay.  Let's wait together to see the true magic happen on Christmas day.

Love you more than you will ever know,
Mom

PS - To prove that we do love elves...just the ones that make toys...not the ones that make messes and observe behavior...I'll include one pic...