Nigel Dinsmore

So I know that the title of this post will surely stump most everyone that reads this... everyone... with maybe the exception of Steve (Phillip's dad).  Just keep reading... and soon... you too will know Nigel Dinsmore.

 

The first holidays for Callie were unusually stressful for me.  I felt this intense pressure to start traditions... so that one day as we're doing something preparing for the holidays... we can look back and say... we've done this since your first Christmas.  Luckily... for me, there was a "fad" sweeping the nation known as the Elf on a Shelf.  Some of you may have seen photos posted on Facebook and whatnot so I'll give you a brief overview of what this Elf is all about.

 

The idea is that the Elf appears on December 1st to watch the children of the house and reports back to Santa every night.  When he flies back from the North Pole, he will appear perched in a new location for the children to find in the morning.

 

I know that Callie won't grasp the full concept of the Elf... but I think she'll really enjoy waking up every morning to try to find the Elf... our Elf, Nigel Dinsmore.

 

(now to explain the Elf's name)

When Louise was pregnant with Phillip, (I think the story goes like this) at a particular OB/GYN appointment, Steve proceeded to inform the physician that they fully intended to name the baby Nigel Dinsmore... which totally took the doctor by surprise, so much so, that when they went back to the hospital to deliver baby Erin (Phillip's younger sister) the doctor started talking about an urban legend of a patient he had once that named their son Nigel Dinsmore.

 

When it came time to name our Elf... we thought we needed something unique... simply Henry or Bob wouldn't do... but Nigel... that sounded like the perfect name for our Elf.  So... in all of his glory... here is our Nigel:

 

 

 

His first perched place was simply in front of the TV... just in plain sight... so my baby girl would see him (please excuse the disorganization that is our entertainment center... I'm working on it :)

My plan is to update this daily... to show where Nigel has hidden and when Callie has found him.  I really think we'll have a fun month... even Daddy was excited to read her the story and to talk about him!

 

 

The Elf on the Shelf Website

 

If you're really interested in reading the full story (Phillip read the book to her tonight for the first time)... here it is:

 

 

The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition

by Carol V. Aebersold and Chanda A. Bell

 

Have you ever wondered how Santa could know

if you're naughty or nice each year as you grow?

For hundreds of years it's been a big secret.

It now can be shared if you promise to keep it.

 

At holiday time Santa sends me to you.

I watch and report on all that you do.

My job's an assignment for Santa himself.

I am his helper, a friendly scout elf.

 

The first time I come to the place you call home

You quickly must give me a name of my own.

 

Once you are finished my mission can start.

What will you call me - Markle or Zart?

Will it be Foddle, Criddle, or Clyde?

Fisbee's cute, too, but you must decide.

 

Each night while you're sleeping to Santa I'll fly

to the North Pole right through the sky.

Of course Christmas magic helps me to be quick.

I laugh with my friends and report to Saint Nick.

 

I tell him if you have been good or been bad.

The news of the day makes him happy or sad.

A push or a shove I'll report to "the Boss,"

but small acts of kindness will not be a loss.

 

In the car, at the park, or even at school

the word will get out if you broke a rule.

 

I'll be back at your home before you awake,

and then you must find the new spot I will take.

You'll jump out of bed and come running to see:

who'll be the first to spy little old me?

 

Maybe the kitchen, the bathroom, or den

is where you will find me, your special elf friend.

I ca hide on a plant, a shelf, or a frame.

Where will I be?  Let's make it a game.

 

There's only one rule that you have to follow

so I will come back and be here tomorrow:

Please do not touch me.  My magic might go,

and Santa won't hear all I've seen or I know.

 

I won't get to tell him that you've said your prayers,

or helped to bake cookies, or cleaned off the stairs.

How will he know how good you have been?

He might start to think you forgot about him.

 

I can't speak to you, so says Santa Claus.

All of us elves have to follow his laws.

 

I'll listen to you. Tell me your wishes.

Would you like a game or some tiny toy dishes?

The gleam in my eye and my bright little smile

shows you I'm listening and noting your file.

 

The final decision with Santa now rests.

What do you think?  Will you get your request?

The night before Christmas my job's at an end.

The rest of the year with Santa I'll spend.

 

So blow me a kiss and bid me farewell.

I'll fly away when I hear Santa's bell.

Of course I will miss you, but wait 'til next year.

When the holidays come I'll again reappear.

 

Until then I wish every girl and each boy

a Christmas of peace and a year full of joy.


Happy Holiday Season everyone!!!  We love you all!