Tears Doll

Tears Doll

Why a New Christmas Tradition? Why a Christmas Elf Doll?

A "Christmas Tradition" is a funny thing. Typically a Christmas tradition is something that's been done in families year after year. For example, in my family it could be the green Jell-O that my grandma used to make, that still appears on our holiday table, which nobody likes. It could be the Christmas tradition of opening gifts on Christmas Eve v. Christmas Day. I hated that tradition when I was a teenager. I knew all new must-have outfits were inside those boxes and I wanted to tear them open on Christmas Eve!

Then I became an adult and one day it dawned on me - while I must keep most traditions (because I do love the sentimental value of EVERYTHING) I could tweak some of the traditions and better yet - start my own Christmas traditions.

Having children of my own made me realize very quickly how important it is to keep the magic of Christmas alive as long as possible. I had visions of beautifully elaborate holiday seasons which included an eye-pleasingly decorated home, the yummiest aromas filling the air, the sounds of Christmas music and children laughing echoing throughout, perfectly wrapped gifts in coordinating paper with extraordinary bows adorning each one, ... Sadly, that vision bubble burst before my oldest child turned one. That vision wasn't physically or mentally possible in my reality. Well, I added more kids to the mix and realized that my vision wasn't what Christmas traditions were all about anyway. Life seemed to be getting more chaotic and my vision was now a blur.

This was about the time when the Elfing Around elves were discovered. Eureka - the Christmas tradition I'd been dreaming of! The elves were right up my alley. They were messy, funny, enchanting - but most of all they put a sparkle in my children's' eyes and smiles on their faces everyday, all day long. Before my eyes these magical Christmas elves changed Christmas as we knew it. They aren't just elves to my children - they are Jingle and Sugar Plum, of course! After I set up each nightly escapade (the elf comes with a book explaining what you need to do) I would go to bed excited to see my children's reactions the next morning.

The elves became part of our family immediately. They were brought on play dates and introduced to their friends, they came to restaurants, parties, movies, ... Honestly, this new Christmas tradition, these two Christmas elves, Jingle and Sugar Plum, brought our family together in ways I can't explain. This Christmas tradition is all about family! They've made our Christmas less about the hype and commercialization and more about the joy that Christmas brings to those who believe. So now when someone asks me - Why a new Christmas Tradition? Why a Christmas Elf Doll? - I answer smilingly, just because, it's magical!

 

About the Author

Lisa Huckemeyer is the owner of Elfing Around. She lives in Southern California with her husband and two boys.