I’ve been remembering a game that my sister and I played when we were little with my Great Grandmother (who we affectionately called GG). On rainy days, or days that were too hot, or for no other reason than we loved it, we would play “hide the thimble.” We would spend hours : one person would hide this little silver thimble in nooks and crannies around GG’s house – and then the others would search for it.
So, you can imagine my excitement when I came across this little holiday item. ( Yes, I’m preparing for Christmas- sorry to burst your bubble if you’ve been in denial or procrastinating…) Its called the “Elf on the Shelf.” You use the book and the little elf figurine, counting down to Christmas each day of December by reading the book and hiding the figurine so the children can search for him around the house.
I was elated, right up until I realized there was a problem.
With GG, it wasn’t just fun stuff like thimbles and splitzies (you’ll have to look back on my blog for the definition of a splitzie) – it was Jesus and Scripture memory and wholesome thoughts and character building. She was a big part of my spiritual development. Which brings me to the problem: The Elf on the Shelf had nothing to do with Jesus – at a time of year when everything should be very carefully centered around Him.
Now, if you have an “Elf on the Shelf” – I am not condemning it. It looks like a lot of fun. But, we (my husband and I) are making a concerted effort to really celebrate the entire Advent season this December leading right up to the day of Christmas, with our hearts and minds on Christ. Which is why I’ve decided to trade the Elf on the Shelf for a Christmas thimble.
This season, every day of Advent, I will take turns with Emily and Isaac, hiding our beautiful Christmas thimble, instead of the elf – and when it is found, we will read our Advent Scriptures for the day, instead of the Elf story. It all seems to fit together like a puzzle. Just as much as GG loved to play games and have fun with us, she also loved to teach us God’s Word and help us hide it in our hearts. And now – during this Christmas season, I have found a way to focus on Christ with my own children, using a GG inspired thimble.
Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:16-17
daily portion 
HOW precious, Melody! I LOVE when you share about GG. I’m sure there are times you wish she was able to see your precious children. My dad passed before Jim’s little boy was born – and SO many times, we’ve said, “Papaw would LOVE to be here.” AND, of course, you are keeping GG’s memory alive by the stories you share – and by honoring the things she taught you!