A few weeks before Christmas I break out The Elf on the Shelf, which we received as a gift from my Mom a few years ago, to watch over Hayden and Trevor before Christmas. And boy does it ever work!

The first day that Hermie (that's what we call him) was out watching over everyone, Hayden said to me, "Mommy... that little boy is watching me!" Ahhh, and then it was time to read the story of the Elf on the Shelf.

Hermie's job is to watch over the kids before Christmas. Each night he flies back to the North Pole to report to Santa about how they have been behaving. If Santa knows that they have been good, then he will bring them presents on Christmas Day. If Santa knows they've been bad, then Santa will be sad and won't bring any presents.

There is nothing like the magic of Christmas, and this little set of the Elf to put on the Shelf and the accompanying Story Book is sure to be a tradition in our household. And of course, if you can make the magic of Christmas that much more fun for your children it's all worth it!

To purchase the Elf on the Shelf gift set for your children, or a child in your life visit Amazon.com!