So I had this little festive idea. How about turning The Elf on The Shelf into a big-hearted clutter buster? Here's how: As these little buggers invade homes across the country, they find one item a day to donate to charity. It’s about time they were productive members of society, don't you think? Introducing ... The Get the Elf-ing Out of Here Basket Kids will enjoy seeing what their nocturnal nomad selects for the donation basket or box. After the holidays, you can donate the whole kit and caboodle to a local charity. Or even more magical, leave the basket out with the stockings. See where I am going with this ... Santa himself can pick it up to make sure it gets donated. I checked with him. He's onboard. Don’t have kids or a weird little elf doll, you say? You can still adopt this daily holiday donation idea. Fun, right? If you want to pretend there’s a sly elf involved, hey, the more merry on you. What I like about this game:
In case you haven't noticed, "do easy things" is a recurring theme here at Rock Your Chores. As Mr. Christmas says, "Keep it simple, sweetheart." (He has no idea what this elf-shelf business is all about, and he's good with that.)
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Those were the words of my feisty 4-year-old granddaughter, Quinn, one Saturday when her parents were introducing her to the idea of family chores. She, like her grandmother, is a girl who is all about the fun. We love to be together, and it’s often during busy holidays or weekends that we get that opportunity. But Gigi has stuff to do! So I try to make what I want to get done as fun as possible so she’s happy to join me. One Christmas holiday, I gave her a small clipboard with my to-dos. She got to be in charge of the list, holding me accountable. She was three and couldn’t read, but she faked it pretty well—a born girl boss. When it was time to make up beds, she agreed that I should be the hotel maid and she’d supervise. She didn’t pitch in, but she did order the housekeeping staff pretend pizza. Other times, we turn meal prep into “Quinn & Gigi’s Restaurant.” (Notice who got top billing?!) She helps plan the offerings and oversees the dining room. She makes adorable menus and takes the orders. She’s happily occupied while I get breakfast or dinner ready, and she’s also learning restaurant etiquette and customer service. She can really turn on the charm that one. Quinn’s also keeping up the family tradition of "The 10-Pick-Up Game." When she’s on task, she’s engaged and tenacious. Think the energizer bunny with red hair. The last time we played, she was all about the speed. So it doubled as a workout. ![]() Worker Boy I swear Quinn’s little brother, Cal, came out of the womb ready to rock his chores. As a 1-year-old, he was fascinated with brooms and vacuum cleaners. He preferred that aisle at Target to the toy section. His dad is super tidy, so I think it’s great he sees those as manly tools of the trade. Cal’s three now, and the last time they visited, he told me about all the various jobs he had to do at home and at Gigi and Pa’s house. Building stuff. Smashing stuff. Hauling stuff. He uses a very husky voice when he’s talking about his work ambitions. It’s adorable and a little unsettling too. |
Hello!I am Margie Reece. I am here to help you rock your chores and have some fun doing it. Categories
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