How We Rewrote Elf on the Shelf

I love the 25-day-long game of hide and seek that is Elf on the Shelf. But the first time I read the book back in 2020, I didn’t love the message of an ever-present stranger judging my kid and letting the big guy know where he’s falling short.

So, I made some quick edits on the sticky part of post-it notes and edited the book in the way we’ve been reading it ever since.

My favorite part of the rewrite is this line: “This tradition is not about your behavior, but about the magic and joy of the holiday season.”

Happy December 1st to all who creep around their homes in late nights and early mornings to spark joy from this tiny red visitor. I hope this gives you a little permission to shift the narrative to what you want it to be about.

The perfect way to create your own holiday magic. 🪄

You’ve seen how easy it is to change a tradition for the better. Now, what's next for your holiday season? For more ideas to make your holidays and everyday moments special, check out our full collection of Holidays & Seasons posts.