Are you looking for a fun elf on the shelf alternative? Every year I see those fun little elf ideas, I feel a little sad that we don’t get to participate. However, both my husband and I cannot seem to get over the idea of a naughty little elf who is always watching our children. We have not been able to come to terms with teaching our children that every time they are bad, someone is there to tattle on them and maybe (gasp) they won’t get any presents. Not only does the elf on the shelf contradict what we believe Christmas to mean, but it also sends my children some really mixed messages. I am trying to teach my kids that tattling to get someone else in trouble is wrong. I am trying to instil in them the concept of grace, that it’s okay to mess up. I am trying to teach them to live with integrity, not be naughty when no one else is watching. The elf himself can send some really mixed messages, he is naughty but expects the kids to be nice? I can’t help but feel that it is a confusing little game, though I love the fun aspect of it.
Last year, my sister in law and I were debating what we would do with our children and searching for a fun elf on the shelf alternative. We stumbled across this super cute idea of doing a journey to Bethlehem. We both fell in love with it and jumped right on the bandwagon! We went out and purchased a Little People Nativity Set and had our little Mary and Joseph all ready to go on December 1st. I realize I am a bit late this year, but I really hadn’t even thought of sharing this with you guys! And yet, as I unwrapped my chunky little Mary and Joseph and started preparing them for tomorrow, I was inspired. I pulled out my camera to snap a few photos and put it together in a quick post (or not so quick, the night is rapidly closing in on me!).
In today’s post I am going to show you an idea for each of the 24 days leading up to Christmas through a series of pictures (I find those easier to scroll through). The idea is that on the last day, the children will find them in the stable with their new little baby; the shepherd and wisemen all gathered around. I had so much fun coming up with some original ideas for you guys, and even if it is a bit late, you can TOTALLY jump in whenever you find this post and join us in our journey! Don’t forget to pin this post for later so you can find it again next time!
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Elf on the Shelf Alternative: Mary and Joseph’s Journey to Bethlehem.
December 1st
December 3
December 4
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December 7
December 8
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December 24
Elf on the Shelf Alternative: Journey to Bethlehem… have fun with it!
On Christmas morning, set up the manger scene and have the children come out and see Mary and Joseph and baby Jesus. I hope these pictures gave you some ideas and inspiration. You can do ANYTHING with these scenes, the point is to do what is funny to your kids and/or meaningful. There is a lot of adult humor about pregnancy you may decide to switch out. I would LOVE to hear what you come up with and even see some of your pictures! Come on over to my Facebook page and share your photos at http://facebook.com/rebeccaspoonerpgblog.
