Have you heard of Elf on a Shelf Tradition? Giveaway

SO I had never heard of the tradition of Elf's on a Shelf till last year. A online community that I belong to was the first place I heard about this tradition. So this year our Elf will be joining us on Thanksgiving night. You can find out more about this tradition here. Here is a little bit about the actual Elf On a Shelf.

From My Family to Yours,
My earliest memories of this charming tradition began when my brother and I asked the all-too-familiar question, "How does Santa really know if we are being 'naughty or nice?'" The answer came in the form of a small pixie elf. Our mother told us how special this elf was. We learned the elf acted as Santa's eyes and ears, reported our behavior to St. Nick himself, and was our very own friend from the North Pole. Each year the elf returned to perform its assigned task.
To my delight, the elf continued its yearly visits as I married and started a family of my own. The children fell in love with the little red elf that arrived every holiday season to watch and listen. "Fisbee," as he had come to be known, became a treasured member of our family. Two of their favorite memories are racing each other out of bed to see where Fisbee had landed after his long return flight from the North Pole, and telling him their treasured Christmas secrets.
There was only one simple rule, and the kids had no problem sticking to it: They were not allowed to touch Fisbee for fear his Christmas magic might disappear. No one wanted to take a chance that Santa wouldn't get to hear how good they had been!
Fisbee, like all scout elves, was under orders not to speak to the children, but grown-ups have been known to send and receive occasional messages through the elf to Santa. One message I sent to Santa was to request his permission to write our story so others could share in this fun tradition. After hours of persuasive negotiation (with a good word from Fisbee and Mrs. Claus,) Santa granted his blessing to the project. To insure only families who wanted a scout elf received one, he arranged for each elf coming from the North Pole to hibernate in its box until it was adopted by its new human family. Being given a name would cause the elf to receive its Christmas magic.
Unwittingly, the tradition provided an added benefit. It helped the children to better control themselves. All it took was a gentle reminder that "the elf is watching," for errant behavior to be quickly modified.
I never dreamed this simple tradition would lead to so many treasured memories for our entire family. It is my earnest desire that The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition® will bring as much joy to your family as it has to mine.
Enjoy this tradition, and MAKE IT YOUR OWN!

With my best wishes for you and those you love,

You can purchase the official Elf On A Shelf with the book on Amazon with free shipping. You can also read more about the vast experiences of the Elfs but Swagging Elf On a Shelf. I have had a lot of people ask about the concept of Elf On a Shelf and alot of people concerned by the cost. I do not feel that $30 is overly high BUT the bargain shopper in me is always looking for ways to save! While in KMart tonight my mother in law and I were walking with Caleb through the Christmas section. I found the cutest little Elf that would work wonderfully! The best news is this wonderful Elf can join your family for $3.99!!!

You do not have to have the book to bring the Elf to life this holiday season. The story is simple He has an important job. This Elf is assigned to watch over your family and report back to Santa each night about who has been naughty or nice that day. By morning he's back but he's in a different place in the house for a daily hide-and-seek ritual that will delight your kids and adults alike.

Your Elves can play tricks such as the ones listed here, bring gifts, or just look out for trouble.  Honestly the only thing that controls this Elf is your imagination. Now onto the GIVEAWAY!

WIN IT: One reader will win the Elf pictured above! (This is not a sponsored giveaway I bought this today to supply as a prize to a reader.) This is a simpler giveaway and a little shorter. Winner will have 12hrs to respond so I can ship on Saturday 20th so will arrive in time.

MANDATORY ENTRY: Swag (or google) Elf on a Shelf Traditions and tell me something you learned or found to do this year with your elf!

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This giveaway will run from 11.8.10 until 11.19.10, please leave separate comments for each entry, winner will be selected via Random.Org  & emailed. They will then 12 hours to respond, or another winner will be drawn. Please see my disclosure policy for details about reviews and giveaways! U.S. residents only please.