Secret Elf

(Picture by Duder!)

While I'm talking about traditions I would be remiss to not mention the favorite tradition of our household.

SECRET ELF

When I was growing up we called it Pixies or Secret Pixie or Christmas Pixie. We call it Secret Elf.

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On the first Monday night of December we draw names and then through-out the month we do secret nice things for that person. I usually help Sweet Cheeks and MDH usually helps Mr.Man. In the past I've set up a little store that the kids could get treats or small gifts from for their person. Each item cost 10 to 25 cents.

This year we wanted our family to focus more on service but we also knew the kids really enjoyed getting the treats and small gifts.

So, we instituted Elf Bucks!

The kids can earn Elf Bucks by helping around the house or just by being very kind and loving to a sibling and then buy things from Mom's store using the Elf Bucks. (Mom's store is a box with smaller boxes and then items grouped according Elf Buck price (MDH organized it for me and made the Elf Bucks so I guess we shouldn't call it Mom's Store) located in our food storage room and is based on the honor system).

It's worked great!

The person who gets the treat knows that whoever gave it to him had to give service ie. help out in order to "pay" for the treat and I think it's made it a little more meaningful.

**Additional info!=== I forgot to mention that we decided our downstairs Christmas Tree would be our Secret Elf Tree. If you can't get into your person's bedroom to leave them a note or treat you can leave it on or under the tree.

Also, card and note making supplies (stickers, paper, markers etc.) are provided at Mom's secret elf store for free.