It’s the time of year (for some) when our little red fuzzy elf friend comes to cause mischief and cheer.
The elf can feel overwhelming and stressful at times, especially when us moms are already jugging all the things during an extra busy and full time of year; however, it doesn’t have to be that way. The elf experience is what we make it and it doesn’t have to be extravagant for it to be magical for our little one(s).
Below are a few tips from experienced holiday elf adventure moms and our solution for stress-free elf planning this holiday season.
Tips for First-Time Elf Adventure Moms (from the moms who have done it for years) —
- Less is more. Friend, don’t out do yourself! It’s easy to get caught up in all of the possible ways your family elf can cause fun-filled holiday havoc in your home. Take a step back after thinking of ideas and ask yourself if you’ll really have time to get the things, do the things, clean the things . . . and then do it again day after day for 25+ days — all during times when the kids won’t see you. Think of your future self and do them a solid by making the prep and clean up easy.
- Do not, under any circumstance, use glitter. Unless you’re cool with glitter everywhere like a Guy Diamond fart (see Trolls movie for reference), then go for it.
- Do what brings you joy. Part of the magic of the elf is getting to experience the fun too. If the elf is stressing you out and/or not bringing you any joy, let it go. It’s okay. There are so many other ways to create magical moments for your kid(s) this season.

Stress-Free Elf Planning
Whether you’re new to the elf world, the fly-by-the-seat of your pants kind of elf planner, or plan all the elf’ing fun in advance, we’ve curated a simple (but oh so cheery) elf activity list using only household items! Don’t fret about December’s elf adventures.
Our list of elf activities and calendar helps save you some mental load so you can spend more time enjoying the magic of the elf from your child(ren)’s perspective.
Find our Elf Planner and Calendar printable pack >>HERE.<< Bonus: We’ve also created and included an elf welcome letter, a goodbye letter, AND Christmas gift tags to use in this printable pack!
To make it even easier for you, we’ve also created >>THIS<< super handy Holiday Elf Planner Amazon list with all the household items needed for the activities shared in our Elf planner. Anything you need can be added to your cart in the click of a button! (Isn’t technology grand?!)