The Holidays Are Around The Corner.... Literally.

I can't believe the holidays are literally just days away! I love the holidays, not just because of the food - though I've been known to endulge tremendously, but because it means we'll be surrounded by family near and far.   This year is especially wonderful because my Aunt who has been staying with us for the last couple of months from the Philippines will actually be celebrating Thanksgiving here with us  true American style.  In addition, my Uncle is flying from the Philippines as well and my other Aunt who we see very rarely will be here as well.

Last Thursday, we got a frantic call from my sister, Karen super excited to let us know that she would be spending the holidays with us verrrry soon. Like ... next day soon.

 As you can tell we've already been putting her to work, ha!

So as you can already tell from reading the first cluster of sentences of my post, we've had a very full house here at home. But honestly, I wouldn't have it any other way. Being surrounded by your loved ones during the holiday season, is the only way to go. Last couple of years, it was so different not having anyone around outside of my immediate family. It was sad, lonely, and cold.  Just wasn't the same.

During my massive dash for last minute (I know..me? last minute? unprepared? never!) shopping at Target today, I stumbled across this Elf on The Shelf activity set.

(Yup! That's the awesome haul I picked up in the background during my errands today at Walmart and Target)

I've heard so many great stories and beginnings of traditions that started with this cute little elf. Though B is beyond his years in believing that"Santa" exists, my two little ones are going to love this! I've decided to start this tradition on Thanksgiving Eve as the story goes, this little Elf will need a name picked out first and visits on Thanksgiving Day.  So to get this little guy going, we need to do it right.

I'm also super excited that on Nov. 26 they'll be releasing the video of The Elf's Story on Blue Ray and DVD.  I've got an exciting Holiday schedule set up for the boys and I'm hoping all goes well with my plans.

The idea behind this little Elf is that he reports back to Santa every day on whether they've been "naughty" or "nice." Every morning, the boys will wake up and try to find where the Elf is. The boys are welcome to tell the Elf anything they want (secrets, Christmas wish lists, etc.), BUT they are not allowed to touch him or they'll be put on the "naughty" list. The elf is not allowed to talk to them - strict orders from Santa, but he's always listening.

Super cute right?

J joked earlier about how I was far more excited about this little Elf than the boys could possibly be. And like most things that I bring home to share with the family, I usually am. 

I believe in the magic of the holidays, that even the most impossible is possible, and that maybe... just maybe, if I pout a bit, this girl will get a couple of things for the holidays that she really wants.

Like this damn elf tradition to go the way it should.

Like the boys indulging me with a little humor and be as ecstatic about the silly things the holidays bring.

Yeah like that.

Anyways, the boys are off for the rest of the week and I'm being super lenient with the bed time schedules as it's almost impossible to do so when I don't really want to wake up at 7 am if I don't have to.  LOL!