It’s the day after Thanksgiving and do you know what I love most about today? In my home it marks the first official day to pull out the “Santa card.” (And you thought I was going to say black Friday sales didn’t you?!) If you’re here visiting from another planet and are not familiar with this practice, let me break it down for you. When one of your children is literally scratching another of your children’s eyeballs during a battle over whose turn it is play with the balloon parrot that Captain Steve created during a recent visit to Pirate Island, you simply waltz into the room and casually say…”Boy, I sure hope Santa doesn’t hear about this. You know he’s got his elves out now and they’re going to be peeking in occasionally to see how you’re behaving, and then returning to the North Pole to report to Santa as to whether you’ve been naughty or nice.”
Works like a charm.
Suddenly they’re arguing over who is more sorry, and going out of their way to be uncharacteristically kind. Now, in the past I’ll admit that I’ve made the mistake of pulling out the Santa card as early as October. I’ve since learned that if you play it too prematurely it loses its magic when you really need it. Like say for example when your toilets need a good scrubbing for that dinner party you’re hosting. It’s amazing what those little hands can do when they’ve got some good motivation—my bowls have never sparkled so brightly!
The day after Thanksgiving also marks the commencement of a number of fun family traditions that we incorporate into our Holiday celebration. One of those traditions includes special little visits from Santa’s elves; who periodically stop in at night when the children are sleeping, to leave them little treats or treasures along with personalized notes. The notes are filled with praise for acts of kindness that the elves have witnessed during their routine visits and encouragement in areas that may need a little work. Watching the children’s faces light up with awe and amazement as they read the letters that have been customized for them helps to enhance the magic of the season.
A variation of this aforementioned tradition is that of a letter from the big man up top, the one with the beard that’s long and white…good ole Saint Nick. I’m certain that if a note from one of Santa’s elves can bring such joy to the hearts of my children, a letter signed by Mr. Claus himself would send them straight through the rooftops. For those of you who are looking to incorporate this tradition into your family this year, you’ll be happy to know that in one of my recent online journeys, I happily stumbled upon this adorable site. All the information is explained in the “how it works” link. There are eight darling letter samples to choose from, and my favorite detail of all is that they each include a reminder for the true reason we celebrate the season. So hop on to this site quick, quick, quick (orders must be placed before December 10th) and prepare to experience a little piece of seasonal wonderment.
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Candace, I love you, you are to funny! I am pleased to inform you that I for the first time have been able to pull out my santa card, but I had never thought of the positive reinforcement side to things with letters from the elves…what a great idea!
Also great find on the Santa letter, I too love that it involves the true meaning of Christmas, I have already shown my sister, and she already placed her order! Thanks so much!!