I LOVE the idea of creating whimsy and memories into a child’s life, but I have a huge aversion to having a month full of “it’s all about me” mindset. That just breeds bratty, entitled children. So my intention was to create cards where at least part of the month the focus was on “others” and doing something nice for them. OK, with that said, I want to share another warning I have with the Elf on the Shelf movement. Young moms today are already burdened and barely find time to sit down. So when you add the “pressure” to keep up every day with another activity that just triggers guilt if you can’t keep up. So PLEASE be nice to yourself, your children won’t die if you can’t do something elaborate every day. No pressure, just have fun building memories!
Card 1: You probably will be baking cookies sometime in the month. Think ahead and save that card for the day before you’ll make cookies.
Card 2: Give your kids some paper and markers and let them make a card for someone in the military. Here is where you can find the address to send it to.
Card 3: Give your kids a small chore and then go to the store to buy a couple of canned goods that they can drop in a food drive box or the church food pantry. This takes a little time but teaches A LOT!
Card 4: This card will take a little planning ahead but it’s a great way for your child to get the message that there are kids who receive very little for Christmas. It doesn’t have to be a big gift but something to get the message across.
You can download the calendar HERE and the printable cards HERE
You can also grab this Elf on the Shelf idea page to help you organize your month. It can be found in my Buffalo Check Planner here.
I hope you enjoy these and build lots of wonderful memories with your children.
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