It’s no secret that I’m not a Pinterest kind of mom. Any craft or project I try usually ends up as a complete fail. Maybe I’m slightly bitter about my horrible creative skills and that’s why I’ve never been able to fully get behind the “Elf on the Shelf” craze, but I think it goes a little deeper than that.
Tricking children into good behavior because an elf is watching them to tell Santa has never seemed like a good idea to me. I don’t want my children to be motivated to do kind things or have good manners because of an external reward such as a Christmas gift. I want my children to learn to love and serve others because they love and serve Jesus. I want my children to be motivated to do good because they know how much God loves them.
That being said, I’m not a grinch (most the time…). Christmas is a time for making memories and seeking out opportunities to bring more joy into our home. I knew there had to be a Pinterest mom or dad out there somewhere who could come up with a creative spin on the Elf on the Shelf to make it Christ-centered. I’m so excited about what I found on my search that I want to share it with all of our readers. Take a look at the ideas below and find one or two that will work for your family.
5 Christian Alternatives to Elf on the Shelf
1. Mary On The Mantle
An alternative to “Elf on the Shelf” the Mary on the Mantel Activity Kit is a great way to help kids prepare – in a fun interactive way – for the birth of Jesus! With a modern twist, the Mary on the Mantle Book explains how Mary is preparing to give birth to her Son and how she needs your child’s help.
This amazing set features a Mary Doll, a pregnant belly attachment, baby Jesus in swaddling clothes, a sling, a caregiver guide with tips and ideas for what Mary can do around your home, 60 Acts of Kindness cards to tuck into Mary’s tote bag and a fun map of the Holy Land for Mary and Joseph to plan out their journey. Everything you need for a simple, well thought out way to celebrate Advent with kids!
2. A Jesse Tree
A shoot will spring forth from the root of Jesse!
Embark on a joyful journey through Advent! This interactive children’s book uses the beloved tradition of the Jesse Tree to bring the story of salvation alive. Unfold a flap each day in Advent to discover the key figures and events in the Bible, all leading to the greatest gift of all: the birth of Jesus Christ!
Then ask children to place the corresponding symbol on the magnetic Jesse Tree Board, which can be hung on the wall as a daily reminder of the countdown to Christmas. A beautiful and holy Advent calendar tradition!
Let the Jesse Tree be your guide as you prepare your hearts for the true meaning of Christmas.
3. The Shining Light Dolls Complete Nativity Set
What makes this different than every other nativity set? The Shining Light Dolls set comes with TWO Blessed Mothers! For Advent, Mary is visibly with child and on Christmas morning the Virgin Mary will be holding Baby Jesus. I love the pro-life, pro-family message this sends children. Bonus: These dolls are incredibly durable and washable. My daughter colored her Mary doll with a sharpie and has taken her on endless adventures with us, yet Mary still looks new! Order your set from the Shining Light Dolls website.
4. Christmas Star From Afar
Christmas Star From Afar is a hide and seek game that keeps the focus on Jesus. Children set up the Nativity and each night parents hide the star for the children to find. The beautifully designed set comes with scripture cards that can be read each time the star is found. If your family has done Elf on the Shelf in the past, Christmas Star From Afar may be just what you need to keep things fun while moving to a tradition that is more faith-based.
5. The Giving Manger
I just received my Giving Manger set and I could not be more impressed. This is a high-quality, beautifully designed product. The storybook gives all the details and instructions children need to get started. Throughout Advent, the empty manger is displayed and for each act of kindness, service, or good deed that a child does they are allowed to put a piece of hay in the manger. Their good works will make a bed for baby Jesus. This is a tradition that I can’t wait to get started in my family.
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