Say goodbye to boring Elf antics and hello to these cheeky Southern-inspired ideas
Once the Christmas carols start and the tree goes up, it’s time for the elf-led mischief to start.
If your kiddos look forward to seeing their snitching little buddy arrive every year, and you’re a little bored with the same tired ideas from last year, these Elf on the Shelf ideas can make it a little more interesting.
It’s Elf on the Shelf, but make it Mississippi
Make your elf a proud Mississippian with some of these moves:
“Hotty Toddy, Gosh Almighty.” Dress your elf in her favorite player’s Ole Miss jersey and arrange a few footballs and coolers for a little pre-gaming.
Keep it local. Create a miniature travel scene around the coast with a tiny slot machine or boardwalk and a little stroller for it to enjoy the familiar scenery.
Break out the grill. The elf can cook up some ribs or brisket for all her toy-friends. Grab some sauce from a local bbq restaurant like The Shed or Ocean Springs to make it authentic.
Get a winter tan. There is nothing more Southern than unseasonably warm weather at the holidays.
Show off her dance moves: Set up your elf on a stage with your favorite Mississippi-born musician: Muddy Waters, Jimmy Buffett or Faith Hill. There’s a long list for the elf to enjoy.
Let her share a little bit of Mississippi’s literary past. Set your elf up in front of an audience of other stuffies with a book from a famous Mississippi author: William Faulkner, John Grisham or Jesmyn Ward.
If your elf likes to explore the South as a whole
Imbue your elf with a little Southern charm, if the Mississippi coast feels too local.
Gone fishin’. Set up your elf with a stick and string as a fishing pole and a gummy worm on the hook. Have her cast her line into a bowl filled with Goldfish. Don’t forget to have her later lie about the size of the fish she caught.
A mini tea party. Arrange the elf to sit around a tiny table with doll-sized cups filled with sweet tea. Don’t forget the cheese straws and lady fingers.
Porch swing party. Create a cozy swing using string and a small piece of wood or cardboard, and have your elf relax with a tiny glass of lemonade.
Biscuit baking elf: Place your elf in the kitchen surrounded by flour (use powdered sugar) and biscuit cutters. Don’t forget the honey or the sausage gravy.
Make her hunt. What’s more Southern, or holiday-related, than taking down that big buck. Find a toy deer, and let the elf do the rest.
Whether you look forward to the elf’s arrival every year or you dread all the extra holiday work, your kiddo will appreciate the effort.
Just kidding. They probably won’t notice at all, but at least you’ll have a little elf-related fun this holiday.
