Lightning the Elf

So, I fell into the Elf on a Shelf trap...I admit it.  Here is the deal for me though, it is a reminder of MY childhood.  I know it is WAY more commercialized now, but when I was growing up my Nanny had elves (that looked JUST like the ones now) that would hide in her house and leave us little gifts of candy and books before Christmas.  She was ahead of her time I guess...she could have made millions if we had only known to patent the idea and create a cute little name to put on a box!!!

Anyway, we have started the tradition this year to have "Lightning The Elf"  in our home every Christmas.  Yes, the idea is to have him report to Santa every night, BUT I think the most fun is just looking for him each morning.  A fun little game for Mason to play when he wakes up. 

We started this on Tuesday night since we were all too sick after Thanksgiving.  After nixing the names "mommy", "T-rex" and "iahobgouabgoueavfgbaoiuvgfai" we settled on Lightning (taking off the Original "McQeen" last name ;) )

Lightning is a silly elf and Mason is not quite sure of him just yet.  We are just having fun with him so far and not emphasizing the threat of bad behavior meaning a dissapointing trip to see Santa.  I think that might be too much for Mason to handle.  And we all know that a fit here and there is perfectly normal AND that Santa will still visit for those that do the whole Santa thing.  So, he'll just be a fun game for us this year.

Here is Lightning on his first couple of hide-outs:

And of course...more important than any elf or Santa or gifts or anything else this holiday season...the TRUE meaning of Christmas.  Baby Jesus.