Advent Day 9

"Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience." -Ralph Waldo Emerson

Today is totally one of those days where I truly wish I could adopt the pace of nature.  The weather has finally started flirting with close to freezing temperatures.  The chill in the air has me anticipating Christmas even more.  But tomorrow is my youngest daughter's 5th birthday party.  On top of that we took out the nativity set and could NOT find baby Jesus (hopefully we can find a replacement piece before Christmas!)  No time for a mom to go on a contemplative nature walk- at least not today.  Shopping for party food and cleaning up the house were on the top of the priority list.  But while shopping Lucy and I were treated to a teeny tiny snow fall and that was us enjoying nature.  Thank you, God, for beautiful variety in the weather.  

Advent was a quick night to remind ourselves that Moses was a "go-between" between the LORD and the Israelites just as Jesus is an intercessor for us.  We are also starting a new silly tradition.  Let me introduce you to Carlos the Elf.  

Carlos our Kindness Elf

Now I think the original Elf on the Shelf design is probably the creepiest thing I have ever seen.  Plus I dislike the idea that you have to be "good" for presents and the little elf guy "reports" to Santa.  One of the biggest reasons to get a gift is because you DON'T deserve it.  And Santa is not real...sorry...we like to tell the story of Saint Nicolas.  If you enjoy it and your family enjoys it then that is great, it is not for me or my family.  But I very much like the idea of a Kindness Elf.  I have seen many alternatives to Elf on the Shelf but I don't have money or time to get anything "fancy" hence Carlos.  I found him on a shelf at Bi-Mart.  Lucy says, "He is only a little bit creepy."  I think he looks like he could use a home.  Ariana and Hermione named him.  Let's see if he can help emphasis kindness this holiday season.  It will be a little stressful trying to add something new and I have a feeling that we will only be doing 1 or 2 kindness activities at the most, but I want to try.  Prayers appreciated!  Have you ever tried to add a new tradition?  Did it go over well or was it a big dud?  Feel free to share.