Elf on the Shelf

This year we have decided to adopt the Elf on the Shelf tradition. I wanted to make sure that I was as organized as possible before committing to this new tradition. I searched high and low for a starter kit with no luck. S is only three so I wanted something that was organized yet simple. As for many families, Christmas is one of the busiest times of the year for us.

A Look at the Month Ahead - Month Calendar
I knew the first step was to take a look at the month leading up to Christmas day. I created this blank calendar and gathered my many planners. I started by noting what days we had plans: work parties, family gatherings, daddy's birthday, etc. This makes it easier to know which days to keep it simple and which days I can "go all out."

Elf Mischief
There are so many great Elf on the Shelf ideas out there! I needed a way to write down some of my favorites yet be able to make as many changes as needed. I chose to use post-it notes (cut into fourths) so that I could write an idea down and still have the ability to make changes without a scribbling mess.

One Week at a Time - Weekly Plan
Now that I had a plan for each day, I needed to make sure I had an easy way to keep track of needed supplies. I broke down the month by weeks and wrote each day's idea along with what was needed to carry it out on the "Weekly Plan."

Plan and be Prepared - Other Helpful Printables
Going into this I know the Elf is bound to be touched at least once. I needed an "emergency plan" for when this happens. I created the Elf Recovery Dust in case we need it. It's a relief to know that I am prepared for any mishaps that could turn this tradition into a terror. I also made some Official Reports for our Elf to bring back with her each morning. Although I am not using the Elf to turn my kid into a better behaved child, but rather for the fun of it, I wanted an easy way to show my three year old that the Elf was going to and from the North Pole, just like in the book.

I hope you find these printables as helpful as I do!
**********Elf on the Shelf Printables**********

Happy Elf-ing!
        - Mariah