The Elf that came to our house
The following was written about one of my families traditions that began back in 1967 when my older brother was just a toddler and I was only a few months old.
Tony was a baby when my parents were told he had an incurable kidney disease and could not be exposed to others, especially throughout the winter months for fear of becoming infected with any type of germ that could make him sick.
As Tony grew older he was so sad at the fact that he could not be among the children in his small community that went to see Santa at the local Fire Department with their Christmas list in hand and who walked away with a bag full of holiday treats.
When Tony was three years old Santa came to see him riding on a fire truck, with the siren screaming and could be heard throughout the small town. What a thrill it was for him. Although Tony wanted so much to see Santa - he ran to the stairs peering through the banister in amazement.
“Well young man come down and let me see you†said Santa “I can see you†replied Tony with eyes as wide as saucers. Santa climbed the stairs; and there they sat the two of them having a marvelous visit.
After their little chat Santa stood to leave and Tony eased down the stairs with a smile that lit the room “you are a good boy†Santa said with smile and gave him a hug “I will be watching you until I return on Christmas Eve, be a good boyâ€Â.
After Santa had gone Tony noticed that an Elf had come to sit on a branch in his Christmas tree. “Mommy look, Santa left an Elf,†“well I think that he left him to watch over you until Christmasâ€Â, Mom responded.
The next morning when Tony woke, a note along with a small Christmas sock were left under the tree for Tony instructing him that when he had a good day there would be a surprise in the tiny sock each morning, if his day happened to be a bad one, the sock would be empty or worse, have a dirty rock in it.
The elf would move around the room watching over Tony. Elf might appear on top of the curtain, lamp, or pictures moving at will throughout the night. This was exciting for Tony although he never actually saw the elf move, he believed in his ability to fly while everyone was sleeping.
Santa had given strict instructions that Elf should never be touched or he would disappear never return. If Santa’s instructions were followed, each year on Thanksgiving night Tony was to ring a jingle bell that was tied with a red ribbon, just before going to bed and Elf would return for another Christmas Season.
Tony is no longer here, he passed away at the age of 13 but Elf was passed on to me, Tony’s little sister then on to my little brother Josh who enjoyed Elf’s annual visits for many years.
At present day - Elf has been passed on to Trey and Coty (twelve-year-old twins), who now know Elf is not real, but still believe in the magic that he brings with him each year when we place him in our family Christmas Tree.
We’ve often created Elf Kits for close friends and family - included in a beautiful Christmas tin is a letter from Santa telling the history of Elf, a letter to the parents instructing them on how the Christmas magic works, a jingle bell tied with a red ribbon, a small Christmas stocking (one for each child) and Himself the Elf. It’s been a wonderful gift that we’ve been able to share and a tradition we’re proud to pass on. It’s a way of keeping Tony alive in all of us.
Whenever we can, we share the tales of Elf with classmates, friends and anyone who truly believes in the wonderful magic this holiday season brings.
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What an absolutely touching story! And very worthy of the award.
Wow, I love this story and would love to do something like it for my own family.
We are really big into the holiday magic, whether it be christmas, st.patty’s day or easter.
Gayla - love the story and have just posted it on my site as a way of helping others…www.widowsquest.com.
Our Family’s Christmas Elf is a children’s picture book that we wrote about a tradition our parents began in the mid-60’s. They had 12 elves that would appear in different places to surprise their 6 children and guests everyday. We never knew where they would appear. In this book the elf is hidden in the pictures. It placed as a finalist in the Best Books 2006 contest sponsered by http://www.usabooknews.com. For your enjoyment, we have placed on ebay a limited edition of books with elves so all families can enjoy this tradition. Search under Our Family’s Christmas Elf.
We have had a similar tradition on our family for years!Our elves come to the house on St. Nicholas day (Dec 5th) and then go back to the North Pole with Santa on Christmas Eve. We started selling elves as fund-raisers for local churches, day-cares and faith based schools. Check it out at http://www.hostanelf.com!
Thanks for sharing this story with us Gayla. I LOVE it!!
We have started a elf tradtion at my house. the elf who we call glitter was playing hide and seek from my son because I could not find a elf anywhere. I finally found one about two weeks into Dec. Glitter has been found playing with playdough, eating popsciles in the fridge and he even put all the decorations on our tree one night. He is a smart elf. We sprinkle him with fairy dust before going to sleep so he will come alive during the night.
I’m wondering where you guys get your elves, how big they are and what they are made of. I have 2 daughters, 2 & 4, that would absolutely love this. Not sure how big of an elf to buy or where or anything, please advise
The best place I found is at Menards. The elves are very flexible and are about a foot tall, maybe less.
Any elf will do though. The power is in the story teller.
Our elves are absolutely adorable! They measure only 7″ tall and come with a children’s picture book explaining how the elf comes to watch a family prepare for Christmas. Go to ebay.com and look for “Our Family’s Christmas Elf” If you mention you saw this on momgadget, email us and we will give you free shipping. The shipping cost you save will then be donated to the st. jude organization for children. Merry Christmas!