I was naive that first year. I heard parents complain about it, but thought, it will be different for me. I always like making the holidays extra special like my mom always had. I am not scared of a little bit of work. So, so naive.
And the first year was fun! Our elf was very active and creative. I practically planned the entire month out the first week of December. We giggled as we looked around the house at new spots to hide that damn elf. Special treats arrived on the weekends with movie nights and popcorn. I took pictures of the staged adventures. And clearly set the bar way too high.
The second year, the elf arrived as I left for the hospital in labor with Tessa. Trying to remember to move that damn elf while living in a newborn fog at Christmas time was a special kind of challenge. Most of the duties fell to Casey as I was tending to Tessa. I still give him crap for setting her in the baby swing so I couldn't use it all day. And the night we completely forgot to move her. Never knew I could be so good at lying to my kid.
As the third year approached, we were already cussing that damn elf out weeks in advance. But Mila was already counting down the days. She knows it arrives on Mom's birthday (so the elf arrival trumps any other celebrations -- maybe that wasn't planned well). And somehow, she was recalling all of the places that damn elf has been in the last two years.
"Dad, remember when she drew a smiley face in my bathroom?" Last year.
"Mom, remember when Twinkle took a bubble bath in my bathroom. That was so funny." TWO years ago. When you were three. How do you remember that?
There goes repeating any ideas year to year.
Yesterday, a quick Pinterest search (and a mom who doesn't have time to overthink this part of her life anymore) gave me the perfect quick and easy "Welcome Back" sign and activity for that damn elf. So, at 5:15 this morning, I was off to HyVee to get donuts before Mila woke up. On my way home, I started to panic that she was going to get up and go downstairs before I got home. That would ruin everything.
As I quickly ran into the house, my phone flew out of my hands and crashed to the hardfloor in the kitchen. Right below Mila's room. I stage that damn elf on the counter, my plan B option, just in case she starts coming downstairs. Sure enough, as soon as get her set and start to clean of the table, I hear footsteps. I meet Mila at the landing, who is already dancing with glee because she knows Twinkle arrived. I distract her long enough to get Casey and Tessa out of bed to help us look.
The excitement in her voice, the look on her face, the pure joy of Christmas magic. All worth it.
Only ten more years, Casey says. That damn elf.
Telling Twinkle about her day at school
