Today my boys got to visit the Elf Shelf at their elementary school. I’ve heard of other schools doing this, but it was a first for us. The PTA had three tables set up in an empty classroom. The tables were covered with inexpensive gifts. The children got to go and visit the “shop” during school, and could make their purchases after school.
What amazed me was how excited my boys were about the “Elf Shelf”. We go to stores all the time. Just last weekend we went to an incredible toy store to look around. So I was surprised. I finally figured out their excitement wasn’t about the shopping. Their excitement was about getting to pick out and buy surprises for their family all on their own. They didn’t have a mother beside them telling them to get something else. They picked out the presents and paid for them with their own money. They even willingly stood in line for twenty minutes to pay for their purchases while I waited impatiently outside.
The afternoon reminded me to include them in more of the shopping and surprises of Christmas. Yes it’s more trouble if they are along. Having them in the stores means I can’t pick up things for them at the same time. It means I will have to make extra trips. Having them help with the wrapping is definitely more trouble. But all that is part of the fun. And I do want them to realize that giving presents can be as fun as receiving them.
I don’t know how long today’s gifts will actually be secret. I’m already hearing some pretty good hints. In the past the boys haven’t been good at keeping secrets. That’s one of the reasons I stopped buying things in front of them. But part of the Christmas fun is keeping secrets, so I will try to give the chance to learn how to do that this year.
Today was a good reminder that Christmas isn’t about getting things done, it’s about having fun along the way.
Also See:
Fun Traditions – Peppermint Pig