1. The holiday season brings joy and wonder, and for many families, that includes the mischievous antics of the Elf on the Shelf. To elevate your Elf on the Shelf game, here are some ingenious tips and tricks that will make the experience even more enchanting.

• Paper Clip Wizardry: When it comes to orchestrating those gravity-defying poses, a simple paper clip can be your secret weapon. Use it strategically to help your elf maintain that perfect mid-air or climbing position. This tiny tool adds a touch of magic to your elf's escapades, leaving your little ones in awe.
• Household Items Turned Props: Get creative with everyday household items to craft imaginative scenes for your elf. Miniature adventures can unfold using items like sugar cubes as building blocks, toothpicks as magic wands, or cotton balls as snowy landscapes. The possibilities are endless, and repurposing household items adds a personal touch to your elf's whimsical world.
• Dollar Tree Delights: For budget-friendly and delightful accessories, look no further than your local Dollar Tree. This treasure trove often has a variety of miniatures, trinkets, and decorations perfect for creating enchanting scenes with your elf. From tiny furniture to festive decorations, Dollar Tree is a goldmine for adding that extra flair to your elf's escapades without breaking the bank.
• Elf Management with Timers: With the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, it's easy to forget to move your elf. Set a daily timer on your phone to remind you when it's time for the elf to embark on its nightly adventures. This simple trick ensures consistency and keeps the excitement alive for your little ones as they eagerly wake up to discover the latest antics of their magical friend.

Santa Beard Christmas Countdown

Supplies needed:

• Paper plate
• Flesh colored paint 
• Scissors 
• Paper Cutter
• White copy paper 
• White and red cardstock paper 
• Cotton balls
• White boa
• Googley eyes 

Instructions:

1. Paint the inside circle of your paper plate with flesh colored paint. Set aside to dry. 
2. Cut out 25 white strips of copy paper.
3. Cut a triangle out of red paper to make the Santa hat. 
4. You can design the paper chain beard for your Santa anyway you choose with your 25 paper strips. 
5. Cut off a small strip along the top of your plate to make a straight edge. 
6. Glue hat to plate.
7. Add mustache, nose and eyes. 
8. Add cotton balls to beard line. 
9. Add boa to hat.