The Christmas Magic Has Started! #ElfMagic

***Disclosure: I received complimentary samples to facilitate my post. No other compensation was provided 

You may remember that last year, which just happened to be our first Christmas in our new home, we received a month-long visit from one of Santa's elves, Ella. Ella was sent from the North Pole to help us get into the Christmas Spirit. Over the course of the month, she pulled some silly and often crazy antics, both day and night. We never knew where she'd pop up next, or what kind of elven mischief she would be creating! 

Like clockwork, this year we discovered more elf magic. On the evening of December 1st, as we slept soundly, not one but TWO playful elves arrived in my little hometown in Ohio. We were absolutely delighted to see our old pal, Ella. She looks wonderful, and I think the cool weather here in Ohio suits her lovely complexion. Her cheeks are nice and rosy and she has a healthy glow about her. 

It turns out, Ella has had a very eventful year... Not only did she  receive the Elf of the Year award from Santa Claus himself, she also met Nate, a handsome male elf at her awards ceremony. It was love at first sight while they mingled under a spray of mistletoe, and they've been together ever since. In fact, they're newlyweds and my home is their Honeymoon destination of choice! They just couldn't wait to see my little ones, Sophie and Xander, and of course our fur-babies, too! 

First we discovered Ella and Nate hanging around on one of our wrought iron votive holders. According to them, they like the vantage point they get from this space, since it allows them to see out the window and spy on our slightly creepy neighbors. They're probably penning a letter to Santa now telling them that he'll need some coal in his sleigh for sure! 

Of course they couldn't wait to see the kids! Xander took an instant liking to Nate, which made Ella very happy. She was so hoping her new husband would gain our family's approval! 

Nate is a bit of a bookworm, and he likes to hide among Sophie and Xander's story books. He recently finished reading "The Polar Express" and shared with me the inaccuracies in the book. After all, as one of Santa's elves, he has all of the inside secrets! 

Ella is an avid reader as well. She quickly found all of my John Irving novels, who just happens to be one of the greatest storytellers of all time. She is totally engrossed in "A Prayer for Owen Meany", which just happens to be my favorite book ever. Hopefully she won't get so wrapped up in the rich storyline and colorful characters that she shirks her Elven duties! 

Nate and Ella helped Dan and the kids put up our Christmas tree. They knew that I was very sore and tired after being very ill for a couple of weeks, and that I needed to take a break and rest after surgery. They volunteered to take my place. They even put on the very first, shiny ornament! 

They also decorated my brand new Step2 mailbox. I know...It belongs outside. We need to get a wooden post to install it. Maybe they will take care of that while they're here? Or is that beyong their magical capabilities? 

The elves also helped to hang this pretty Christmas wreath. It's a cheerful addition to our front door, don't you agree! 

They also had a blast using our lace curtains as a slide. Who knew that curtains could easily turn into a play paradise for Santa's elves?! 

Ella and Nate even brought a mini Christmas tree with them to put in the kitchen. I love it's little snowflake ornaments and felt star tree-topper. It's just the right size for the countertops, and adds a nice dose of cheer to the room! 

Ella and Nate took turns "riding" my Great-Grandmother's rooster. This may be the most hideous thing I have ever seen, but it has great sentimental value to me. When I was little, I called my Great-Grandma Rooster Grandma, since this ceramic rooster was always in her kitchen. She passed away many years ago, but I am proud to say that her rooster, and her memory, will live in my kitchen forever, until it's time to pass it down to Sophie someday. 

Wow, elves really are sentimental, intuitive creatures. Part of spreading Christmas joy during their Elfcapades is reminding us that love of family is one of the most beautiful parts of the season. Ella reminded us of this when she found this cross-stitch banner that my mother-in-law, Suzanne, made. 

Suzanne passed away many years ago from Melanoma. I remember her very fondly, since I have known my husband since I was 13. She was a caring, giving woman and a joy to be around. 

Sadly, Suzanne was not there to see her little boy get married to me...She never got to meet her grandkids....I think Ella wanted us to know that while Suzanne may not be here physically to spend the Holidays with us, she is definitely there in spirit. Thank you, Ella, for this comforting message. 

My little honeymooners also decided they'd take advantage of Sophie and Xander's Real Projects Workshop to create preliminary blueprints for their first home together. It seems that Ella wants a Victorian with a big, wrap-around veranda. Nate wants a bungalow. Uh-oh...It seems that they're learning that marriage needs to include loads of compromise! 

They also decided that they would cook together in our Grand Walk-In Kitchen. Boy, these elves are amazing chefs, and even cleaned up after themselves! 

Earlier, it seemed a bit too quiet for my liking. Elves can make quite the ruckus, so when it gets as quiet as a mouse, I know they're up to something sneaky. I headed upstairs and quickly discovered them checking out one of our secret stashes of Christmas gifts. 

It turns out they're taking an inventory of our many gifts to make sure Santa doesn't arrive with any duplicate presents when he makes his rounds. Smart. Very, very smart! 

Ella and Nate made their way to our backyard as well. We discovered them playing on the playground and sliding down our slide. They're lucky the snow melted just in time to allow them this pleasure! 

One thing Ella said she loved most about being our house-elf s getting to spend time with our pets. Apparently, the igloo she is currently leasing in the North Pole isn't pet-friendly. So she loves being able to snuggle and play with our cats and dogs. They were both very excited by our Kitty Palace! 

Here are Ella and Nate taking a nap with my Yorkie, Trouble, after a long day of Elfcapades. Trouble didn't mind being their pillow one bit! Nate does tend to snore, though, so they had to find another place to nap once Trouble woke up! 

They tried sleeping with one of our kittens, Truffles. They found that the top of this cat perch was a bit too cramped to get a comfortable rest. 

Thankfully, they found the perfect place to sleep, with Noodles in one of our living room chairs. They need to rest up for another day of Elf Magic! 

So as you can see, we've been very busy keeping up with our elves, Ella and Nate.  We never know what they're going to do next! The kids are so happy that Santa granted their wish, and they have a blast hunting down Ella...She always turns up in the most unexpected of places. 

It's not too early to have your little ones write to Santa asking for some Elf Magic. I hear he has elves standing by with all different hair and skin tones, boys and girls, ready to come to homes and spread some Holiday cheer!This is a fun-filled Holiday tradition that has been around for decades. The best part? Anyone can participate! 
Elf Magic was the first Elf tradition to be introduced to the market and sold as a complete set, and it’s the only tradition that allows your child play and cuddle with their Elf. Their magic is not lost if a child touches the Elf, and children never have to worry that an elf  is watching them to report to Santa on their behavior like some other traditions. The Elf MagicElf is not used to modify a child’s behavior; therefore the child and elf become Best Elf Friends Forever (BEFF).  Elf Magic captures Christmas spirit you can hold in your hand and feel in your heart.

Look for more posts about Ella and Nate soon! I know they're going to keep us on our toes!