Unless you’ve been living under a rock, I will assume you’ve at least heard of the Elf on the Shelf. We’re reaching that time of year when my Facebook feed is littered with Elf Shenanigans. You know the ones… Elf wraps up the toilet with Christmas paper, hides in the tree or makes a mess in the kitchen. While I absolutely love the magic that comes along with these adventures, I’ve found myself wondering if maybe I couldn’t use this pint-sized homewrecker for something nice, instead of the standard naughtiness.
So this year, our Elf is going to embark on Operation: Nice List. There will be some usual naughty elf shenanigans, but for the most part, we’re going to focus on random acts of kindness that I can get the kids involved in. My plan is for our Elf to bring the kids a Kindness Mission every few days throughout the Christmas season. It will be something simple, and something we complete as a family.
I came up with a master list I can pick and choose from throughout our Elf’s visit. We won’t accomplish all these, but I’m hoping that I’m setting a goal of 5-10 good deeds for this year.
- Bake Cookies and deliver them to the Fire Station
- Make Cards for the Mailman & Garbage Guys
- Donate Toys to School Toy Drive
- Donate Canned Food to School Food Drive
- Hand Out Small Toys to Kids at Target
- Put Dollar Bills in the Books at the Library for People to Find
- Tape Microwave Popcorn on a Redbox Machine
- Do A Chore for Mom
- Go Visit an Elderly Grandparent
- Make & Send I Love You Cards for the Grandparents
- Deliver Hot Chocolate to Someone Working Outside (Crossing Guard, Salvation Army Bell Ringer)
- Buy Something from an Angel Tree
- Pick Up Trash Around the Neighborhood or Park
- Deliver Wish List Items to the Ronald McDonald House
- Offer to Buy Groceries for a Family in Need
- Donate Old Blankets to the Humane Society
- Drop off Care Packages at a Home for the Elderly
- Take Presents to Kids in the Hospital
- Take a Special Treat in for Your Teacher, School Secretary, Custodian or Cafeteria Workers
I’m hoping that by working together as a family to complete our kindness missions we’ll teach our children that this season is more about giving than it is receiving. So moms, are you with me? Join my family in Operation: Nice List this year and let’s see if we can’t spread some random acts of kindness around Jacksonville.
This year, we’ve put together a Random Acts of Kindness Calendar to help encourage Jacksonville kids to give back. I’ve also included an Operation: Nice List printable for you to use. Just click the link below for a free .pdf download and you can write a note from your elf with some suggestions for kindness missions for your family.
Download a Blank Elf on the Shelf Operation: Nice List
Looking for more Holiday Events for your family? Be sure to check out our Ultimate Guide to Holiday Events in Jacksonville!
Here are also some ideas of where to put your Elf!
Can I please have a copy of your letter? I love this idea. THANKS so much!
Glad you liked the post Angela, the letters I used were just samples to tell the kids what their mission is for that day. I’ll try to work on a form letter and update the post.
Love this idea! Is there a template of your letter that you can post? Thanks!
I don’t have a template of the letter at this time. I can try to add one. The ones pictures were just samples to let the kids know what their mission is for that day.
Thank you SO much! I would also love a copy of your letter! GREAT IDEA!!
Glad you liked the post Elizabeth. The letters shown were just samples that let the kids know what their mission is for that day. I’ll see if I can update the post with a template.
Hi!
I’d love a copy of the operation nice list letter too!