If you’re like most Americans, you bought into the Elf on the Shelf phenomenon. Hook, line, and sinker. Don’t feel bad, we ALL did that. We all joined the Facebook groups to swap photos of our mischievous elves, and we all scoured Pinterest for hours in hopes of finding new ideas. Now, the Elf on the Shelf is falling to the wayside. Parents wake-up in a cold sweat because they forgot to move the dumb thing, and kids may no longer be as excited to see where their elf friend is. After all, Pinterest can only give us so many original ideas.

Ninjas That Want to Inspire Kindness


I recently read about the North Pole Ninjas and it has me intrigued. Instead of focusing on whether or not you’re naughty or nice, it sets the stage for being put on the nice list. It also gives you all of the tools you need to fulfill kindness to others.  The set comes with a book telling the ancient story of  North Pole Ninjas. It also gifts children with a huggable ninja of their own, 50 kindness cards. It also leaves readers of all ages with inspirational ideas on spreading kindness into a world that so badly needs it.

 

Advent Calendars


If you and your family want a daily “thing” to check in with, try an advent calendar. There are many on the market, so finding one that fits your needs should be easy enough. From religious to chocolate based, wine-infused to trinkety, there is something for everyone.

 

The Kindness Elves


The Kindness Elves were created by Anna at The Imagination Tree. The Kindness Elves were made for both home and school, and have the same message as the North Pole Ninas. They sprinkle kindness and joy wherever they go, and spend their days encouraging others to do the same. There is a hardcover book that explains the elves, as well as everything else you need to get started. The Kindness Elves store is easy to navigate and has a plethora of information on how best to use the set.

 

Holly’s Magical Mistletoe


Families and couples alike can have fun with Holly’s Magical Mistletoe. The magical mistletoe will be moved throughout the holiday season, leaving everyone to wonder where it will be. However, there is one guarantee: Magical Christmas kisses will be plentiful in you home with this set.

 

The Christmas Star From Afar


If you want a daily reminder of the true reason for the season, look no further than The Christmas Star from Afar. Just as the wise men followed the star to the manger, your children will play hide-and-seek with the star each day. The set includes a wooden star, an activity book, a manger scene, and all of the corresponding pieces. Remember that Jesus is the reason for the season, and spend your holiday searching for the star. The set also comes with optional scripture cards to use as you wish.

 

The Shepherd on the Search


For another religious based option, The Shepherd on the Search is a another choice. A beautiful hardcover book and a huggable plush shepherd will add joy and adventure to your holiday season. Much like the Elf on the Shelf, families get to name their shepherd as they wish. The shepherd is then hidden for children to find, all the while enjoying the amazing story that is included. This is also a great activity to be used with a church family outside of the home.

 

Why Kindness Matters


You don’t have to be a grown-up to know that kindness is necessary. Classrooms are teaching social-emotional wellbeing to their students and parents are teaching kindness to their children. Kindness matters because the choices that are modeled for children today are the choices that they will one day duplicate as adults. If you want to focus on kindness instead of a mischievous elf, know that other fun options exist.

We want to hear from you! Do you invite the Elf on the Shelf into your home? Have you tried any of these alternative ideas? Do you want to? Let us know what you think! No matter how you spend your holiday season, we wish you all the best from Mojitos & Munchkins.

Photo Credit: Mojitos & Munchkins, Tyler Knott Gregson, The Kindness Elves, Pixabay, Holly’s Magical Mistletoe, Star Kids Company, Day Spring

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