Anyone else lost a little sleep this month to their Elf on the Shelf?
This was our family’s first year with our scout elf, Chippey, named not-so-originally by my 5-year-old daughter (Chippey was the name of the main elf in the Elf on the Shelf movie). We actually had a lot of fun with Chippey, but now that Christmas has come and gone, I have to admit it’s a relief not to worry about staging elf antics after our girls are asleep.
One thing I DO miss, however, is the "Chippey is watching, mind your manners" function of the Elf on the Shelf. Call me a bad parent, but I used that tool more than a couple of times. The other day, as I was packing Chippey away until next year, I got to thinking that my family, and maybe yours too, could use some year-round lovable mascots to remind us to live a little more conservatively where Mother Nature is concerned.
Want to remind your kids (and yourself) to turn off the faucet while brushing teeth or soaping up hands? How about a Mink by the Sink? Or an Otter by the Water?
Would you reduce or even eliminate fertilizer and pesticide use if you had a Prawn on the Lawn?
How about a Kite by the Light to help conserve energy by turning off lights when you leave the room?
Given enough time, I could come up with lots of corny ideas, but you get the point. The little earth-friendly things we do all add up to big change!
If you turn any of these thoughts into a cuddly plush that makes millions, just donate some of your proceeds to The Conservation Foundation, ok?
Wishing you and yours a Green and Happy New Year!!
~Jill Johnson
