I Didn't Do Elf On The Shelf This Year

Does this make me a bad mum?

Eddie Elf

It’s officially the holidays, and as a mum of two toddlers, this is definitely the most exciting and magical time of year. This year feels extra special because my nearly four-year-old is truly starting to understand the magic of what’s going on. It’s the first year she’s written a letter to Santa, and also the first time she’s had an idea of who that very popular naughty elf might be.

Yes, I bought the little guy from my local Asda on the 31st of November. I had big plans to hide him each night for the girls to find every morning throughout December, right up until Christmas. But honestly? By day three, I completely forgot to keep hiding him… and so did the girls. Now Eddie elf is just another christmas toy they enjoy playing with together.

There is so much going on this month, as I’m sure many of you will know. Christmas parties, pyjama days, school fairs, nativities, meeting Santa - all while trying to squeeze in movie nights, baking, arts and crafts, and visiting family, on top of nursery, school, work schedules, and everything else in between. Not to mention Christmas shopping! My calendar and to-do lists are absolutely jam-packed.

If it wasn’t for my eldest reminding me every morning, I would totally forget to open the advent calendars. This really is the craziest time of year.

So do I feel guilty for not doing Elf on the Shelf this year? Not at all.

I think it’s a truly lovely thing to do for your kids, and I love seeing what everyone comes up with late in the evening, some of them are genuinely hilarious. But I’m also comfortable missing out on some things. I’ve made my own traditions over the years, and I know that as a parent, I do a wonderful job of creating magic for my little ones at this time of year, even when I don’t do everything.

Why am I sharing this?

Because I’ve seen and heard a few parents this year feeling like they’ve let their kids down for missing out on something “everyone else” does. The truth is, not everyone does everything and that’s more than okay. It’s healthy.

Find your traditions. Make them up as you go. Use your imagination. And please don’t exhaust yourself trying to tick off every festive detail just because you see it online.

Wishing all my fellow parents a crazy, lovely, happy Christmas. ❤️