The Elf on the Shelf has become a Christmas tradition for many families in recent years. I don’t have anything against it. I actually love seeing the many creative ways that parents are coming up with to add some holiday fun. I considered doing The Elf on the Shelf for my boys before I came across The Mouse and the Miracle.
When I had my first son I wanted to start family traditions that celebrated the true meaning of Christmas. I found out about The Mouse and the Miracle through Oriental Trading. The story is about a little mouse who traveled with Mary and Joseph during their journey to Bethlehem. The little mouse witnessed the birth of Jesus Christ. After his experience he was inspired to to travel the world sharing kindness, love, and delivering the message of Jesus’s birth.
During the holiday season parents can use The Mouse and the Miracle to plan fun activities that will teach kindness and love. The little mouse has a backpack were each day parents can put a little note with an activity for their children. I created little messages for every day leading up to Christmas. On the first day the note read “please give me a name”. My youngest Blake named the little mouse Teddy.
Some other examples of messages I came up with are:
- Make Christmas cards for loved ones.
- Make some cookies for your family and friend.
- Watch a Christmas movie as a family.
- Make or buy your brother a gift.
- Clean up your playroom.
- Sing a Christmas song for your neighbor.
- Help your dad wash the dishes.
- Make gift for your friends at school.
- Say a pray for children in the hospital.
- Merry Christmas! Have a great day opening your gifts. Remember to say thank you.
I love the idea that through this little mouse I can teach my children to be giving and compassionate. Hopefully this will continue all year long beyond the holiday season.
Please share under comments if you do either The Elf on the Shelf or The Mouse and the Miracle.
