Lisa Mallette Photography: November 2014

We could not hold out for much longer as December has finally arrived. The much anticipated (ahem dreaded) arrival of the elf on the shelf is upon us. Yes, the little elf with the questionable smile. It's as if he knows the mixed emotions that he brings. 24 days of morning excitement with the little people wondering where he will be and what mischief he may have gotten himself into. 24 days of hope that good behavior is reported to Santa and he is allowed to return to continue to observe.

But look at him. Just look at him! That Mona Lisa smile and glaring eyes. He knows what the next 24 days will really be like. 24 daily bits of stress......a slow daily pinch of torture all for the sake of pulling off the elf on the shelf tradition without a hitch. If only it was that easy.

The annual debate.... "Do we unstitch the hands for the sake of executing a unique posture or placement?" I have to admit, his hands have been restitched a few times. However with each stitching I almost experience a crude elf voodoo doll form of enjoyment.

The never ending battle with the stiff legs. The legs that will not bend! For an elf who is supposed to sit, he sucks at it! Not only will his legs not bend, but he constantly has to be propped and held up into a sitting position. The frequent checking on him in the evening and during the day to ensure he has stayed in his place before and after he has been found.

It's as if he has this disproportionate extensor tone that continuously battles against any seated position. It's almost spiteful. Just like a strong willed toddler, at any given moment stretching himself out into full extension hoping that someone will catch him in his rebellion against staying still.

And the nightly dilemma of where to put the stinkin' thing. Brainstorming for either a location that he has not already been in or a mischievous pickle that has not been caught doing. This year we have to be more creative and limit his whereabouts for the chance that he may get eaten by the family pet as a midnight snack. A thought that does not necessarily make me shudder.

The thought of the overall process, staying creative and remembering the nightly placement of the elf often seems daunting and tiring. I know. ......First world problems. I get it.

Yes, it is tiring, but being a parent is also tiring. Yet it is something we lovingly do everyday for a much, much longer time span. All for the love of our children and for the love of the cherished memories and traditions that it will bring. Along with the funny stories that will be told when they are grown.

And so it begins..........another year and another season with the return of the "star" cast member to our home in the countdown to Christmas. The Elf on the Shelf.