This Holiday Traditions: Elf on the Shelf ideas post is sponsored by Gymboree. All thoughts and experiences are my own. 

Holiday Traditions: Elf on the Shelf Ideas

The holiday season is definitely one of the best times to be a kid. For W, December is definitely a highlight of his year since he has both his birthday and Christmas. As a mom, I am doing my best to develop family traditions for both events. For example, we always celebrate his birthday as early in the month as possible so that it is separate from Christmas.

Because once Christmas creeps up, I will admit that I get into it. I cannot resist the sights and smells of the holiday season. I love shopping for others, stopping and buying a cup of my favorite hot chocolate while shopping with Grambo, and baking up a storm of homemade cookies.

Oh, and our elf makes his appearance. Yes, we are an Elf on the Shelf family. But I’m all about keeping the elf antics focused on easy and affordable ideas. I especially love involving our elf in things that lead to family memories. You can check out all of my Elf on the Shelf ideas to see how we do it around here.

While I prefer for our elf to be a bit more well-behaved, sometimes he gets a little mischievous. And while I hate to waste a roll of toilet paper, taking a roll down the stairs is definitely an affordable and easy way for your elf to have a little fun. Seeing W’s face light up as he laughs at our elf’s antics is definitely worth a roll of toilet paper.

I’ve found that the memories are all in the little things during the holiday season. In a few years I might not remember every single gift I gave this year, but I will remember the look on W’s face when he discovered his elf.

Holiday Traditions: Baby’s First

This year will definitely have many more of those small moments that turn into memories I carry with me forever. This is C’s first holiday season and although she won’t be old enough to really begin making her own memories, I plan to incorporate her into our family traditions as much as possible.

And in December, that means holiday clothing! W is difficult to dress these days because he likes to have a say in what he wears. Luckily he doesn’t seem to be against wearing shirts with a holiday theme. But my baby girl doesn’t have much choice in the matter. So we have a lot of holiday outfits for her.

Gymboree has helped me get prepared for dressing C to the nines this holiday season. From casual outfits that are perfect for the holiday season and the rest of winter to more dressy outfits, I couldn’t be happier. I love that the clothes are high quality while being fun for the kids. Who doesn’t love polka dots? I happen to be a huge fan!

But really, the holidays are all about the little details. Whether it’s a smile on my son’s face when he wakes up in the morning. Or little bows and ruffles on my new arrival, these are the things I will remember for years to come!

What are your favorite family holiday traditions?