According to tradition, this mischievous elf comes out every year before Christmas and checks in on little children on behalf of Santa Claus. While this elf visits your home, he comes alive at night and tends to get into a little bit of trouble.Rumor has it that military elves visit military families, too, and like doing some of the same things that our deployed service members do. And with a bit of camouflage and a dog tag, Sargent Peppermint was born.

These ideas for Elf on a Shelf can also double as some great activities to keep Mom or Dad involved if your family is going through a deployment over the holidays.

1. Elf on the Shelf Joins the Army

It wasn’t hard to make Sgt. Peppermint’s elf-sized ACUs from some camouflage duct tape and his dog tags from a bit of aluminum foil.

You can customize your elf outfit for your branch of service.

2. Elf Goes to “Basic Elf Training”

Create mini obstacles that your elf can do: hurdling ornaments, climbing the tree, chin-ups, and more.

3. Give “Elf Mail” to Your Kids from Mom or Dad

This is a great idea for during deployment. Have Mom or Dad who is deployed send a special letter to your child, then have your elf “deliver” it.

Getting mail is a delight in itself but getting it via “elf mail” somehow makes it seem more like magic.

 4. Elf on the Shelf Visits the Troops

Elf on a Shelf will ship orders to APO addresses so you can order an elf (an elf double), ship it to a loved one overseas and have them take pictures or Skype with the kids to show that the elf visited them one day.

5. Studying Up on Geography

Kids awake to find that the elf is studying up on the country where their parent is deployed/stationed.

You can make all sorts of fact sheets, maps or even a sheet showing the time differences that elf could be studying.

 6. Elf Learns to Salute the American Flag

Pose elf saluting while facing an American flag.

7. Elf on the Shelf Does PT

Physical training is important for elves too. Elves need to be physically ready for the big day, so this elf is doing push ups.

An added bonus would be a drill sergeant action figure to stand over the elf.

8. Elf Makes New Friends

Elf on the Shelf is always on the move. He knows how hard it is to make new friends at every new home. Have your elf hold a sign that says “Make New Friends but Keep The Old, One is Silver and the Other’s Gold.”

9. Operation Elf on the Shelf

Have the elf take part in a military operation with whatever toys you have. We just used walkie-talkies and a few action figures.

Time to break out the remote controlled Humvee, plastic tanks and GI Joe.

10. Zip lining with Soldiers

Sgt. Peppermint choose to zip line from our tree, but your elf could set up a zip line anywhere in the house.

Be sure to tell your kids, this is one of those “do not try this at home” stunts.

11. Elf on the Shelf Cozies Up to the Marine Corps

You should make this your own, pose your elf with your troop’s patches or your military branch’s gear. We thought Sgt. Peppermint looked pretty cute in this Marine Corps cover.

Elf loves to get into other people’s things and even try them on for size.

12. Elf and Combat Boots

Your elf can take a ride in combat boots, or have him try to lace them up and tie them.

This is especially fun if you kids are learning to tie shoes.

13. Shine Your Dress Shoes

Elf loves to be helpful. He can shine your dress shoes/boots (pretending to shine your combat boots works for a substitute).

Sgt. Peppermint has pretty good shoe shining technique.

13. Elf Reads a Story

You often see Elf on a Shelf reading a book, but you can add a military twist by having him read a book about the military or go the extra mile and find a military-Christmas book like The Soldier’s Night Before Christmas.

14. Defending the Presents from an Enemy Toy Soldier Invasion

Sgt. Peppermint can play lookout and defend the presents under the tree.

All it takes is some play binoculars and some toy soldiers and you’ll have a delightful scene.

15. Elf Leads the March

Elf lines up all your toy friends for a march through the snow. Bonus: Make up a Christmas-themed marching cadence.

Hey, Ho, Santa Claus! (Hey, Ho, Santa Claus!)

 16. Elf on the Shelf Hangs with the Nutcracker

We have some military nutcrackers at our house, so we had Sgt. Peppermint spend a night out with the guys.

It looks like they had a good time spreading Christmas cheer.

17. Elf on the Shelf Joins the Navy and Sets Sail

We outfitted elf with a sailor cap and set sail in the kitchen sink.

Elf would make a very good sailor.

 18. Elf on the Shelf Builds a Plane

Our elf can likes to paint, and decided to paint a model Air Force plane. It also doubles as a surprise for the kids when they find out they get to finish the project and keep the plane.

Elf can even fly on the plane when your kids finish the model, just string it from the ceiling and have elf take flight.

Start thinking Autumn: the best care packages are planned & shipped early!

Yes, I know it’s only mid-August, but I noticed several bright red leaves on my maple tree this morning. Since the best care packages are usually planned in advance and shipped with plenty of time to spare, now might might be a good time to talk about autumn-themed care packages.

There are 3 good themes that run through the autumn season that are just right for care package ideas. Now’s the time to start picking things up so you are not rushing at the last minute or spending too much all at once.

Football care packages happen to be one of my husband’s favorites!

Are you ready for some football?

Football season is a sure sign that the leaves are about to fall! This year’s NFL season starts on September 5. Now is a good time to get a great care package put together for your favorite fan.

Ideas for a football season care package:

• His favorite team jersey
• Other team memorabilia (posters, pennants, mugs, etc.)
• a football
• Sports Illustrated or his other favorite sports magazine
• his favorite football snack (chips, jerky, nuts, etc.)
• Football schedule
• DVD recordings of games as the season progresses

Spooky, Fun and Delicious

Hot cocoa, coffee and apple cider are all cozy touches to add to care packages.

You will want to get the things for this box as soon as the spooky candy hits the aisle. Autumn begins a busy shipping time, so give these packages a few extra days when you ship.
Ideas for a Halloween care package:

• Candy Corn
• Suckers with a white tissue secured around them (ghost pops!)
• Pumpkin Seeds
• Spooky Decorations
• Hot Apple Cider Packets
• A Book of Ghost Stories
• Easy S’mores (Don’t send chocolate since it’s still hot this time of year. Instead, send graham crackers, marshmallows and Nutella.)
• DVDs of their favorite scary movie

Thankful Thursday

Remember to add pictures, personal notes, letters and craft projects from the kids for a personal touch.

Thanksgiving is a tough time of year to be away from your service member. It has been a long time since our family has been complete around the table for this special holiday. It’s hard to send a turkey overseas, but you can send a few items that will make him smile.

Ideas for a Thanksgiving care package:

• Pumpkin bread or cookies
• Spiced cider packets
• Hot cocoa packets
• Turkey jerky
• Thanksgiving decorations
• Thanksgiving art work from the kids (don’t forget the turkey made from a handprint!)
• Autumn scented candle or room deodorizing spray
• Dried fruit
• A special holiday card with small handwritten notes from friends and family on it stating what they are thankful for and a special note of thanks to your service member.

The most important thing is to think about your service member and what he or she will be most excited to receive. You know what he likes. You know what she doesn’t like. Keep their preferences in mind while you shop. Also have fun with it! Stuff the boxes with black and orange tissue paper for the Halloween box. Put plastic leaves in the Thanksgiving box. Make it fun and a create a special way to reach out to your deployed loved one.

Photo courtesy of Juushika Redgrave, eyeliam

But there are ways to keep your deployed spouse involved in your holiday traditions and make the season family-oriented. Here’s a look at five options:

Care Packages

Sometimes the best way to keep your deployed spouse involved in your holiday tradition is to send the season’s cheer in a care package. Whether you’re sending decorations, a favorite holiday film, music or some cookies, care packages are a great holiday tradition for military families. Not only will they enjoy it overseas, but you and your family can have a lot of fun getting into the spirit putting the package together.

Skype & Videos

Although your family may be thousands of miles apart during deployment, technology can help bridge the gap. Skyping while you are putting up the Christmas tree can make it seem like everyone is involved.

Unfortunately, Internet access may be limited to only certain parts of the day, but don’t let that stop you from recording a video of your family sending off the care package or even opening presents. The priceless look on your children’s faces on Christmas morning is the best gift you can give a deployed spouse.

Decorating

Not only can you send pictures and videos of yourself decorating the tree, but you can also include your spouse in the decorating process with your family.

Decorate a picture frame or make an ornament as a holiday craft and include pictures of the entire family. Many children love to make holiday-related art. You can have them draw a picture of the family around the tree and send it in a care package or even scan it into an email for fast delivery.

Letters from Santa 

One of the best ways to keep your spouse involved is to have them write letters from Santa to your children asking what they would like, responding to their Christmas list or even as a check-up to see if they’ve been naughty or nice.

This is a great way to hear about the children from their perspective as well as be involved in some holiday fun even though they can’t be there to pick out gifts.

Christmas In July

Another great way for deployed service members to enjoy the holiday season with their family is to celebrate when they return. You can still decorate the house and everything in December, but also do something small once they have returned.

You can set up the tree together, make hot chocolate and exchange a few gifts so everyone can enjoy their favorite traditions as a family.

These are just a few ways to make sure everyone enjoys the holiday season even during a deployment, so don’t let the business of the military lifestyle detract from this special season.

Photo thanks to jarek69 & evelyn via Flickr Creative Commons

Try some of these easy activities to welcome your spouse home for the holidays:

Deck the halls

Hanging decorations around the house while holiday music plays is simple and relatively low energy. Asking your military spouse to climb the roof and staple lights may be too demanding.

Photos

Make some hot cocoa, snuggle and look at photos from last year’s holiday season.

Movies

Holiday movies put people in the spirit. Pick your spouse’s favorite movie and watch it together for a simple night in.

Ice skating

If your spouse feels comfortable on skates, take him or her to a rink for an evening that promises some falls and some laughs.

Wrap gifts

Hide the things you bought for your spouse and invite them to help you wrap presents for other recipients.

Bake goods

It’s not common for a service member to return home and turn down home-baked goods. Ask your spouse to chop nuts or blend batter.

Light gazing

Military families with children are sure to hear the young ones request a drive through a light spectacle. Take the whole family to a nearby park or neighborhood that went all out.

Start a new tradition

This can be whatever you’d like it to be. The possibilities are endless. It can be silly or routine as long as it embraces the holiday spirit and brings a smile to your military spouse’s face.

Photo thanks to Aubry Aragon via Flickr Creative Commons

In addition to restrictions and guidelines, USPS recommends “send by” dates to get packages to military members on time. Most dates are before December 10, so see if these ideas can get your mind cranking quickly:

• Tree: You can send a mini Christmas tree with decorations and battery operated lights (with plenty of batteries). This way your service member and his/her unit can decorate it together.
• Classic Movies/Cartoons: What’s Christmas without Rudolph, the Grinch and twenty-four hours of A Christmas Story? Pick out some holiday favorites and send them over.
• Stuffed Stockings: Send a stocking with goodies including essentials like Chapstick, toothpaste, etc. but also send some candy canes and toys. In an AllMilitary.com forum, it was mentioned that deployed members enjoyed playing with toy soldiers, parachute men and squirt guns. Most dollar stores carry these items.
• Christmas Carols: You can buy or make your own play-list set of Christmas carols. If you really want to personalize it, record your family singing tunes together for your service member.
• Church Sermon: Many people make it a tradition to attend church for the special Christmas sermon. With the Internet it’s easy to get archives of past sermons. Snag one from the previous year and send your member a copy.
• Gingerbread House Kit: Many grocery stores will stock winter-themed gingerbread kits during the holidays. It may be a fun activity for your service member and unit to play around with.
• Decorations: Get kids involved and send homemade paper snowflakes, snowmen or Santa himself
• And don’t forget New Year’s: You may be an ocean or two apart, but you can help your member welcome in the New Year by sending some confetti, blowers, hats and plastic champagne glasses to toast at midnight. You can also share your New Year’s resolutions and ways your deployed service member can be a part of them upon their return.

Photo thanks to anna gutermuth via Flickr Creative Commons