7 tips for creating Christmas magic

Anyone who knows me knows I LOVE Christmas. But everything that comes with it and the break from the normal routine can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially when you’re a parent. I’m here to share with you 7 tips for creating holiday magic with your family this season without expending too much time, energy, or money. Two tools that I use to bring surprising structure and magic to this time of year are an advent activities calendar and the Elf on the Shelf.

1. Plan ahead.

Use time in November to plan the Elf’s entire itinerary for December 1-24, so that on those tired nights you don’t have to scramble for ideas. Use the form below to subscribe to my email list and receive a free Elf and advent sample calendar for 2022!

2. Incorporate the everyday.

Just because an activity is in the advent calendar doesn’t mean that it has to be extra. Most of the excitement comes from the anticipation, surprise and delight of finding out what the activity will be for the day, no matter what it is. So when it comes to advent calendar activities, make your own life easier by incorporating activities and events that have been planned by someone else or that you need to get done anyway. Make sure to include things like parties hosted at school or friends’ houses, activities planned by grandparents, and things that would normally be considered errands or chores, like mailing Christmas cards or picking out toys to donate.

3. Make it a twofer.

If your advent calendar activity is to build a snowman, maybe your Elf brings the carrot for his nose. If your activity is to donate toys, maybe your Elf brings you an empty box to fill up. Your child will love that the Elf has inside knowledge about the advent calendar.

4. Keep it simple and tidy.

You’ve probably seen really elaborate and messy Elf antics on Pinterest or elsewhere. PSA: You don’t have to make your Elf “mischievous” or messy. In our house, Jingle is a respectful family member who doesn’t leave me messes to clean up and only does anything elaborate on a) the first day he arrives, b) his last day in town (Christmas Eve), and c) Friday and Saturday nights. This means that on only 8 nights out of 24 does it take me more than five minutes to move Jingle. On weeknights, I don’t pressure myself to do anything more than throw him to a new spot in the house. 

5. Use what you have.

I’m fairly certain your kids have lots of toys that could be cool Elf props, so don’t feel the need to buy anything new. In previous years the Elf has ridden one of my son’s toy dinosaurs, or taken a ride in his toy airplane. You also probably already have several Christmas books and Christmas movies - use them! Don’t be afraid to repeat advent calendar activities from year to year either. The great thing about tradition is that there is no novelty required. 

6. Coalition.

Use the Elf as your cheerleader to rally the kids around the activity of the day, even if it might seem boring or tough, like choosing which of their old toys to give away that year, or going to the post office to mail Christmas cards.

7. Start new traditions, and have fun!

Make the Elf arrive December 1st and exit December 24th in the same fashion every year so it’s two less things for you to think about. Check out my Elf Arrival Sign for a reusable option every year. Finally, remember that these memories are special for you too, so include your spouse and other important adults, and have as much fun with it as you can!