At this point, I’ve already learned as a Mom that it is much easier to raise a “getter” than a “giver”. In fact I may have already created a monster. I mean Aston’s whole day revolves around how many treats he can get…arrrgh…
Meet Gus…Aston’s “Elf on the Shelf” (thanks Mama Kathryn for pickin’ him up). Uncle Jay Jay helped us name him. Basically Gus’s job is to report back to Santa. Gus sits in a new place every day and keeps a watchful eye Aston and Stellyn. He lets Santa know when they’ve been good and and when they’ve been bad. Gus introduced himself on Thanksgiving Day and let the kids know he will be watching until Christmas. Gus has a new job in the Lee household. He delivers treats each day in the appropriate window/door/chimney of our Christmas advent houses if Aston was good the day before (notice the lollipop stick poking out the top of the chimney by Gus). It’s only day 2 and obviously Aston LOVES this new game. However…I think there needs to be a couple days when Gus catches him hitting his sister and makes good on his word…and leaves an empty door the next morning. 
“Operation Raise a Giver”:
Step 1: Jeff and I have created a present policy. Only 3 presents from us on Christmas/Birthday…this includes gifts from Santa but does not include stocking stuffers. It’s best to manage expectations now…
Step 2: Starting today…Aston will GIVE Gus a gift of his choice each night before bed…Gus will bring this “gift” back to his friends at Santa’s workshop to deliver to other boys and girls in need…(it will be something that he will not get back…again…expectations will be set:)) He’s already offered him some of his favorite cars…yikes!
4 comments:
Love the elf! Ours is named Santy....must get him out of the attic tonight! Love your 'raise a giver' initiative. Trying similar things in our house, though the moments that I can't tell if they're listening I'm ready to drag them to a soup kitchen for a rude awakening. :) Just praying its sinking in....
love the elf - ours is named 'nomo' (elf in spanish - v. original i know). love the giver idea and that he's giving away stuff. marcus and i set a 3 gift limit for emi as well - managing expectations at this age is what it's all about i feel.
great idea about giving to gus!
hopefully our elf will come in the mail soon!
thinking now we may name him ian.
love the advent houses.
hehe we have an elf too! however jacob found him way before the holidays so now i'm not so sure it will work on him. great idea about the giving. we too are cutting down on jacob's gifts. we're only giving a couple of things for xmas.
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