Holiday Family Fun Time with Elf on the Shelf

Although Essley had fun last holiday season, this is really the first year she understands what is going on (she turns two three days after Christmas). And that makes the whole experience ridiculously exciting for Robbie and me. As soon as holiday decor started appearing in stores, accompanying us on errands became an adventure for her. She shrieks and claps when she sees Christmas trees. She breaks into a massive grin and yells "Ho Ho Ho!" every time she spots a Santa. And when we got her her very first Scout Elf on the Shelf doll, she wouldn't put it down for days. It sounds so cheesy to say that things feel extra magical this year, but they really do.

The holidays season may have just begun, but we've already started our Elf on the Shelf shenanigans. Essley loves books, and her current obsession is the Elf on the Shelf story book that came with her doll. We take turns reading it to her every night before bed. All three of us look forward to that quiet, cozy time together. And can we just talk for a second about the cute factor of these Elf on the Shelf pajamas? Wearing them is yet another holiday thrill for Essley that seriously melts my heart.

We just started getting creative with the doll itself, first using holiday cookies we baked and decorated (he was sitting on the mantle, enjoying one, when Essley woke up in the morning), and then with some flour (silly little dude made a snow angel on the dining room table the following morning; pic is below). Although Essley seems to understand that he's a trickster and will be in a different place when she gets up everyday, I think it's actually Robbie and I who are having the most fun with him. We even got an outfit set to play dress up, which Essley thinks is pretty much the coolest thing ever.

I can't tell you guys how much we've been enjoying the start to the holiday season with our little lady, or how much joy our little Elf on the Shelf friend has brought to her. One thing that has become incredibly clear to me as I grow older is just how wonderful (and important) it is to spend quality time together as a family. Especially this time of year, when we're all busy and feeling rushed and pressured, taking time together to relish the simple pleasures and quiet moments of the season feels like pure bliss. There is nothing I look forward to more.

I hope that each of you is able to experience similar joyful moments of family time this holiday season, even if just for a few minutes each day. There is truly nothing better! And if you don't already have an Elf on the Shelf of your own, I have to say, it's so worth it to get one. Even if you don't have a little one, there is so much fun to be had in the creative process. You can grab one right now at Kohls.com (or your local Kohl's store). And while you're at it, check out their new exclusive family-friendly Elf on the Shelf collection, which includes fun children's pajamas, festive dinnerware, and cute outfits for your Elf, which you can see us enjoying in the photos above.  You can also find these other items seen in the images here at Kohl's: Elf on the Shelf Believe Nighlight, Elf on the Shelf 2015 ornament, Beatles Guitar Ornament, Snoopy ornament, and North Pole 3 Piece Nesting Bowl Set.

What are your favorite traditions or family moments during the holiday season? Does your family have an Elf on the Shelf?

This post in collaboration with Kohl's. Thank you for supporting the brands that help make Bubby and Bean possible. 

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