Years ago, when I first heard about the Elf on the Shelf, I was totally baffled by folks wanting to participate in this nonsense. I mean, it is Christmas time! There’s cleaning, decorating, shopping, and baking responsibilities added to our already overwhelming lives! Who has time or desire for something else to do!!??
Well! A few years ago, Mimi (Ryan & Ryanna’s other grandmother) decided that this is a wonderful thing; Fisbee arrived at their home. When I would go down there, the kids would be so excited to show me what Fisbee had been doing. Ryanna would take my hand and lead me to Fisbee! The excitement and the joy! The kids decided that I needed an Elf and sure enough an Elf arrived at my home.
All of a sudden there was an Elf who needed a name; the name Sparkle was chosen. Sparkle jumps from location to location and periodically brings a gift (like their hats for the Polar Express!), but usually she just hangs out. On December 6, she ran into St. Nicholas! Some days, she leaves us a note. Ryanna finds it interesting that Fisbee writes like Mommy and Sparkle writes like Nonni!! Wonder why?
Sparkle also doesn’t make messes and misbehave. I mean, the Elf flies back to the North Pole every night to report to Santa, so why would she be naughty! Plus, she helps! When I purchase wrapping paper, there is no need to hide it because Sparkle takes it up to Santa! Sparkle is also a baker (she is mine after all!).
Ryanna expected Sparkle to have a new outfit this year and sure enough she did. Notice her pretty plaid skirt, her fuzzy vest and of course, her footwear!
The greatest joy of all is seeing Christmas through the eyes of a child! The Elf is a perfect example!
I am trying to get into full swing with my baking, using some of my typical recipes but I thought I would share this one:
Cranberry Walnut Chocolate Chunk Cookies
Beat until creamy:
Add:
Add:
Using a scoop, please cookies on greased cookie sheet.
Bake at 375 for 9-11 minutes.
Generally, I chill my cookie dough; this is one that doesn’t need it (think it is because of the corn syrup?).
Looking forward to sharing the oplatek with many of you during our Virtual Oplatek.
Please encourage the younger Members who are graduating next year to visit our website regarding information on our Scholarship Programs. Our program is funded by donations from Members, and they want to see their kindness go towards helping a Member on their road to a higher education.
Czolem!