Day 1 of Elvie and Elfie's Shenanigans (Late Post)

Oh my goodness, when Elvie made her grand return this Christmas, I was completely surprised to see she brought a companion, Elfie! It truly is double the magic, and yes, double the fun, but also a bit more to plan! For years, we've loved watching Elvie's antics, but now with two, the possibilities have exploded. Initially, I wondered if it would be twice the work, but it’s actually opened up so many creative avenues for their nightly adventures. One tip I've found incredibly helpful when you have Elvie and Elfie – or any two elves – is to give them distinct personalities. Maybe Elvie is the adventurous one, always planning daring feats, while Elfie is more of a quiet observer, leaving sweet notes or acting as the 'queen' of kindness. This not only makes them more engaging for the kids but also makes coming up with unique scenarios easier for you. For instance, one night, I staged Elvie trying to 'teach' Elfie how to make a paper airplane, which was adorable. Another time, I found them seemingly 'at work' on a tiny craft project, leaving a note that said, 'Shhh... we're making something special!' This draws inspiration directly from the fun things we imagine our elves doing! Having two elves also means double the opportunities for interaction. They can play miniature board games together, have a tiny tea party with dollhouse furniture, or even engage in a friendly snowball fight with cotton balls. Imagine them building a fort out of pillows or trying to 'fish' for goldfish crackers in the sink! The key is to think about how two friends would interact, adding a layer of storytelling that wasn't there with just one elf. You can even create little dialogues for them in notes they leave for the kids, like Elvie encouraging Elfie to be a bit more mischievous, or Elfie gently reminding Elvie to be kind. Don't forget to incorporate various props you might have around the house. Tiny toys, craft supplies, even leftover pieces of materials like PETGMASE (if you're into 3D printing or crafts!) can become part of their elaborate scenes. One morning, the kids found Elvie and Elfie trying to 'lift weights' using marshmallows on a toothpick bar – simple, funny, and perfect for two. The goal is to create memorable moments that make the kids wake up excited to see what their elfie friends have been up to. To avoid burnout, I recommend keeping a running list of ideas and even doing some simple setups. Not every night needs to be an elaborate production. Sometimes, just having Elvie and Elfie holding hands, or one 'reading' to the other, is enough to spark joy. The magic is in their presence and the excitement they bring to the holiday season. Embrace the double trouble, because double the elves truly means double the Christmas magic!