With Christmas fast approaching, it won’t be long before a certain elf comes to stay for their annual visit. Each day in December, they bring magic and mischief to our homes – causing chaos all in the name of Christmas spirit. Yet, have you ever wondered what it would be like if they were nicer? This year we invite you to find out! We’ve switched out our Elf on the Shelf and are ready to share all of our secrets about why you should use kindness elves this Christmas.
What are the benefits of using kindness elves?
There are many reasons why you should use kindness elves this Christmas. They encourage good behaviour, promote helping others and set a positive example for your children. But the real magic lies in the lessons they teach us.
You see, despite our best intentions, telling our children that Santa won’t come if they’re naughty puts all of the focus on their negative behaviour. Instead, kindness elves teach us to focus on the positives.
By encouraging acts of kindness and rewarding selfless behaviour, kindness elves teach our children how good it feels to be generous! They also understand that we slip up every once in a while – they’re not here to judge our mistakes or report us to Santa. This removes any pressure or shame our children may feel during the run-up to Christmas.
At the heart of it, kindness elves teach our children that gifts aren’t something to be earned or bargained for – they are a token of someone’s love and appreciation.
How should you use your elves to encourage kindness?
Since your elves won’t be getting up to their usual mischief this year, it’s a good idea to re-introduce them to your children. Kindness elves often like to introduce themselves with a letter. This way, they can explain why they’ve come to stay and what your children can expect during their visit.
Kindness elves like to spread Christmas cheer with kind gestures. During their stay, they will leave notes and ideas for fun and thoughtful activities for your children. On some days, they will even leave special treats to reward good behaviour! You will still find them hiding around the house (bathing in the kitchen sink or climbing into your mixing bowl), but this year it will be to encourage acts of kindness – like doing the washing up or baking for a neighbour.
25 days of kindness
If your elves need some inspiration, we’ve come up with 25 ideas to help you spread some kindness this Christmas.
- Smile at a stranger
- Make someone else’s bed (as well as your own)
- Give someone a hug
- List 3 things you’re grateful for
- Bake for a neighbour
- Write someone a Christmas card
- Donate old toys/clothes to charity
- Do the washing up
- Visit a relative
- Help carry the shopping
- Pay someone a compliment
- Draw your friend a picture
- Tell a family member you love them
- Help cook the dinner
- Write down your favourite things about your parents/siblings
- Hold the door open for someone
- Call a Grandparent
- Pick up some litter
- Leave a kind note for a friend or family member
- Tidy your room
- Give someone a high five
- Help wrap up some Christmas presents
- Invite someone new to play with you
- Donate some food to your local food bank
- Write a thank you letter to Santa
If you’re still wondering why you should use kindness elves this Christmas, we ask you this – what better way is there to spend the festive season than making a habit out of helping others? We hope we’ve inspired you to reinvent your Elf on the Shelf and to spread some extra kindness this Christmas season.
At Schoolhouse Daycare, we enjoy learning, encouraging confidence and we love life! If you think your child would enjoy life at Schoolhouse, then please do not hesitate to arrange a visit.
