George Elf isn’t the only one who has been working hard for the Heins family. Mom-of-three Christy Heins is the magic behind the elf and she’s more than supportive of her family’s elf and his decision to retire early. “I know that some people truly enjoy setting up elaborate scenes with their elf, but for me, cleaning up after three children and a dog is enough,” she wrote on Facebook. “I forgot to move him more times than I can even count, and I cut it close a few times trying to sneakily move him after the kids were already awake.” Christy Heins/Facebook Christy made this bold elf decision after having an eye-opening moment in church. “Today my pastor’s sermon was all about how advent is supposed to be a season of feeling PEACEFUL and cute little George wasn’t exactly falling into that category for me,” she admitted. “I also was never good about using the elf as a way to improve my kids’ behavior so he really didn’t have an effect on their behavior whatsoever.” In order to announce George Elf’s exciting news, Santa sent her three girls a letter — on official North Pole letterhead — updating the family that George’s one Christmas wish this year is to officially become a real toy in the family. “Just like people, each elf is different,” Santa explained. “George Elf wanted more than anything to be played with like a real toy. He saw the excitement and happiness in your eyes each morning when you find him, and he wanted you to be able to touch him and play with him just like your other toys. He asked me if I could make this wish come true for him this Christmas, and I said YES! I love making Christmas wishes come true.” More from CafeMom: This Fed-Up Mom Used Her Kids’ Elf to ‘Cancel’ Christmas & People Are Pissed Christy Heins/Facebook The letter explained that once the girls touch him, George will lose his magic and officially start his new life in all of its retired glory. This means that once the kids find his hiding spot, they are free to play with him. “I crafted this letter keeping in mind that I wanted to keep the Christmas magic alive, and also keeping in mind that many of my kids’ friends will be talking about their elves still hiding and doing funny things,” Christy explained. In addition to the amazingly executed letter, Christy worked with George Elf on a special photo shoot in honor of his big retirement. “Absolutely nothing against this tradition for those who love it! This is just a good fit for our family!” she wrote. “I hope I’ve found a way (kind of a cheater way) to sort of keep it going, but take a little pressure off at the same time. I hope the girls will be as excited as I am!” More from CafeMom: Elf on the Shelf ‘Cheat Sheets’ Exist & They’re Going to Save Your Life This Christmas Christy Heins/Facebook Christy shared an update once her girls found out about their elf’s career change, and it’s safe to say that they were just as excited about his new “real toy” position as mom and George Elf. “I’m happy to report that they are absolutely THRILLED!! They think it’s so special that George wants to be part of our family,” she wrote. “He definitely got the royal treatment today, including his very own bed and about 52 bedtime stories.” Through her daughters’ joy over being able to finally touch the elf and Christy’s relief over not having to deal with the nightly ritual, this clever mom knows that she did what was best for her family. “So happy that all of the magic is still intact but Roy and I get a little bit of a breather this year!!” she added. “Yay for love, laughter, and family memories! Wishing you the same this holiday season, whatever that looks like for your family!” Christy Heins/Facebook
title: “This Mom S Elf On The Shelf Retirement Plan Is The Sweetest Idea Yet” ShowToc: true date: “2024-09-30” author: “Orlando Turner”
George Elf isn’t the only one who has been working hard for the Heins family. Mom-of-three Christy Heins is the magic behind the elf and she’s more than supportive of her family’s elf and his decision to retire early. “I know that some people truly enjoy setting up elaborate scenes with their elf, but for me, cleaning up after three children and a dog is enough,” she wrote on Facebook. “I forgot to move him more times than I can even count, and I cut it close a few times trying to sneakily move him after the kids were already awake.” Christy Heins/Facebook Christy made this bold elf decision after having an eye-opening moment in church. “Today my pastor’s sermon was all about how advent is supposed to be a season of feeling PEACEFUL and cute little George wasn’t exactly falling into that category for me,” she admitted. “I also was never good about using the elf as a way to improve my kids’ behavior so he really didn’t have an effect on their behavior whatsoever.” In order to announce George Elf’s exciting news, Santa sent her three girls a letter — on official North Pole letterhead — updating the family that George’s one Christmas wish this year is to officially become a real toy in the family. “Just like people, each elf is different,” Santa explained. “George Elf wanted more than anything to be played with like a real toy. He saw the excitement and happiness in your eyes each morning when you find him, and he wanted you to be able to touch him and play with him just like your other toys. He asked me if I could make this wish come true for him this Christmas, and I said YES! I love making Christmas wishes come true.” More from CafeMom: This Fed-Up Mom Used Her Kids’ Elf to ‘Cancel’ Christmas & People Are Pissed Christy Heins/Facebook The letter explained that once the girls touch him, George will lose his magic and officially start his new life in all of its retired glory. This means that once the kids find his hiding spot, they are free to play with him. “I crafted this letter keeping in mind that I wanted to keep the Christmas magic alive, and also keeping in mind that many of my kids’ friends will be talking about their elves still hiding and doing funny things,” Christy explained. In addition to the amazingly executed letter, Christy worked with George Elf on a special photo shoot in honor of his big retirement. “Absolutely nothing against this tradition for those who love it! This is just a good fit for our family!” she wrote. “I hope I’ve found a way (kind of a cheater way) to sort of keep it going, but take a little pressure off at the same time. I hope the girls will be as excited as I am!” More from CafeMom: Elf on the Shelf ‘Cheat Sheets’ Exist & They’re Going to Save Your Life This Christmas Christy Heins/Facebook Christy shared an update once her girls found out about their elf’s career change, and it’s safe to say that they were just as excited about his new “real toy” position as mom and George Elf. “I’m happy to report that they are absolutely THRILLED!! They think it’s so special that George wants to be part of our family,” she wrote. “He definitely got the royal treatment today, including his very own bed and about 52 bedtime stories.” Through her daughters’ joy over being able to finally touch the elf and Christy’s relief over not having to deal with the nightly ritual, this clever mom knows that she did what was best for her family. “So happy that all of the magic is still intact but Roy and I get a little bit of a breather this year!!” she added. “Yay for love, laughter, and family memories! Wishing you the same this holiday season, whatever that looks like for your family!” Christy Heins/Facebook
