Spirited Essence Works

Can you believe it’s almost that time again? The countdown is on, just 44 days until our elves return! Around here, they always show up the day after Thanksgiving, bringing all the fun, giggles, and just a touch of Christmas chaos with them.

Every year, I start prepping early, usually in October, because let’s be honest, the holidays sneak up fast. Having a little “planning cheer” before Halloween makes me feel ahead of the game and sets the stage for a smooth (and magical!) season.

Once those elves arrive, December can quickly become a blur of cookie crumbs, glitter trails, and late-night setups. A little bit of forethought goes a long way toward keeping the magic alive and your sanity intact! I make a calendar for our elves in October, not because I’m overly organized (okay, maybe a little), but because it helps me balance the fun stuff with the “easier days.” After all, even elves get tired too.

When I sit down to plan our elf season, I start by thinking about the different ways we can bring joy into our home. I love mixing things up so the kids never quite know what to expect next. Some days call for creativity and messiness, other days are perfect for cozy moments, and then there are those mornings when you just need a good laugh to start the day.

Crafts have always been a favorite in our house. There’s something special about those mornings when the elves leave supplies for making ornaments or Christmas cards, or when they challenge the kids to see who can create the most intricate paper snowflakes. Even simple coloring days can feel magical when presented by an enthusiastic little elf who’s been “working hard” in Santa’s workshop.

Then there’s the baking…oh, the baking! Some of my favorite elf moments involve waking up to a kitchen that looks like a flour bomb went off, with tiny elf-sized cookies cooling on the counter. The kids absolutely love when the elves leave ingredients for Wookiee Cookies or set up everything they need for a gingerbread house competition. And don’t even get me started on Buddy Spaghetti! This has become a tradition that the elves have to do EVERY YEAR!

I’ve discovered that sneaking in a little science and STEM learning makes December even more exciting. Making volcanos or growing crystals in the “Elf Lab” never gets old, and there’s something almost magical about watching their amazement when conducting the projects. We’ve even done candy cane dissolving races to see which liquid, water, soda, or vinegar, melts them the fastest. The kids think it’s just fun, but they’re learning too!

Of course, no elf season would be complete without the antics and the dad jokes. And I am the biggest fan of DAD JOKES! Some of my kids’ biggest laughs have come from finding Brown “E”‘s on a cookie sheet or having hawaiian buns attached to the backsides of the elves with a sign singing Sir Mix-A-Lots’ song “I like BIG Buns and I cannot lie.” A stack of groan-worthy dad jokes at the breakfast table? Pure gold. And yes, we’ve had elves TP the Christmas tree (gently!) and zipline across the living room more times than I can count.

But here’s what I’ve learned over the years…you absolutely need those easy days built in. Sometimes the elves leave a simple note saying “Even Santa lets us rest!” and take a cozy nap in a tissue box bed. Other mornings, they bring a new Christmas book for everyone to snuggle up with, or they set out popcorn and cocoa packets for a family movie night. These quieter moments are just as magical, and honestly, they save your sanity during the busiest weeks of the year.

As kids get older, it can be tricky to keep the elves exciting, but it’s not impossible! I’ve found that getting creative with the approach makes all the difference. Having the elves leave clues for a mini scavenger hunt or create a scene of some show or book or game that they love keeps older kids engaged in ways that simple scenes might not. Adding inside jokes that only your older children will understand makes them feel like the magic is still theirs too. And honestly? Sometimes encouraging them to become “elf assistants” and help keep the magic alive for younger siblings gives them a new role in the tradition that feels grown-up and special.

The key is reminding everyone that the elves aren’t just for little ones. They’re here to make Christmas magical for the whole family, in whatever way that looks like for your crew.

There’s something so heartwarming about sitting down with a mug of cocoa in October, jotting down elf ideas and imagining the smiles to come. Planning early means you can gather supplies without the last-minute rush, balance those busy December days with easier ones, and build in rest for both you and your elves! When you think about concepts like crafts, baking, science experiments, silly antics, and dad jokes as you’re planning, you create a well-rounded season that keeps everyone excited and engaged.

So tell me…when do your elves return? Do they sneak in after Thanksgiving like ours, or wait until December 1st to make their grand entrance?
However you plan it, here’s to a season filled with wonder, laughter, creativity, and just the right amount of mischief. Let the countdown begin!