Dear Elf On The Shelf - I'm Sorry I Suck At You.

As soon as October rolls around I start to troll the pages of pintrest looking for inspiration on how I can smash elf on the shelf out of the park this year. It is the third year that elf is with us and every year begins with such optimism and hope that I am going to be the pintrest-mom that I imagine myself to be.

I LOVE finding bargains on eBay and Ali Express to help you achieve your elf antics that the children get so excited about each morning. And to be fair I've got the first week of activities nailed. Advent calender's, Christmas shirt's and hanging upside down from the Christmas tree.

But that's where it ends. And for that I owe you an apology. 

I do LOVE everything about you. And I am really good at Christmas. BUT I am really bad at you! 

Back when you first arrived, I was 110% dedicated to the cause. 

I had a notebook with the number 1 - 24 listed down the side. I had ideas penciled in every single night. I even created a pintrest board with at least 50 'back up ideas' in case I needed extra inspiration. But in all honesty, you did not get a pintrest perfect family - you got me. 

I'm sorry that you were merely moved from shelf to shelf last year with no creativity put in at all. I'm sorry for all the late night texts to my partner to move the elf when he got home from work happened atleast six night's a week in the lead up to Christmas. 

I'm sorry that you were stuck with a name like 'Chippie'and that your friends have cool names like 'sparkle and fairy floss'. While were here i'm sorry your friends have cool accessories, drive cool barbie car's and have nicer clothes. 

But the truth is, you are an essential part of our Christmas. And the kids wouldn't have it any other way. Life may have become more hectic as we start the festivities with school aged kids now plus a few more but you elf - are here to stay. 

The first thing the kids say in the morning is 'can I go find Chippie?!' followed by a cackle of laughter and it just reminds me that we may not be perfect but we are damn good enough. 

Here's to another year of elf antics.