'Hurry...
Go Faster!!!' This was a common phrase from my mouth each Thanksgiving morning as a young girl, pushing on my older sister's back to race up the stairs.
I just couldn't wait to see what was in my shoes by the front door.
Giddy with excitement I would usually find something I knew only Nutmeg Jim knew I wanted...
fingernail polish in my favorite color, my first lip gloss, or a small art kit.
Throughout the holiday season I remember getting notes on my bed...
'You did such a great job helping your mom with the dishes today.
I noticed your smile while you helped.
Love, Nutmeg Jim'...
or 'Be careful, the fight you picked with your sister wasn't necessary.
Remember I am watching until Christmas.
Love, Nutmeg Jim'.
Each note of praise or warning I took so seriously.
I knew I had to be good because Nutmeg Jim was watching.
Then Christmas morning at four o'clock in the morning I would sneak to my stocking to see what treasures my elf friend had left me.
All day on Christmas there was a sense of excitement, but sadness knowing Nutmeg Jim was going to leave me for another year.
Christmas traditions create memories that last forever with our children.
This is demonstrated because of the memories I had with Nutmeg Jim as a child.
However, one of the smartest things my mom did was provide a Christmas tradition that also helped HER during the holiday season.
Nothing motivated me to be 'nice' more than getting a reprimand from Nutmeg Jim.
This was a life saver for my mom and dad, especially during a stressful time of year.
Let me explain exactly how he works and how you can also benefit from having 'Nutmeg Jim' in your home during the holiday season.
1.
Nutmeg Jim is an 'elf' sent from 'Santa' to our home to make sure we are really ready for Christmas.
He is 'assigned' to us throughout the year, but he actually comes and 'stays' with us from Thanksgiving to Christmas.
2.
Each Thanksgiving Eve right before going to bed we would all put our Sunday shoes by the front door.
Then Thanksgiving morning we would all receive a small gift and a note from 'Nutmeg Jim' indicating that he had entered our home.
3.
From Thanksgiving to Christmas all the kids would receive weekly notes on our beds (sometimes more often) telling us what we are doing well and what we need to improve to be ready for Christmas.
Sometimes we would get gifts as a family (like a $5 movie or game) from Nutmeg Jim on the table when we came out in the morning.
Most of the time this reward came when we had been really 'nice'.
One time 'Nutmeg Jim' left a piece of coal on the table for being 'naughty' because all the kids had been terrible to our mom the day before.
4.
Each Christmas morning everything found in our stockings was from our elf.
He left us a note telling us how much he enjoyed our company and couldn't wait to come next year.
5.
There was an 'elf' that sat on a shelf in the living room that symbolized 'Nutmeg Jim'.
Of course, he couldn't be seen, but the elf was there on Thanksgiving and gone each Christmas when he left with Santa.
Several people we know have adopted this tradition and it has been a life saver for them! There are various names you can choose and be creative with it! Here are a couple ideas: Cinnamon Joe Vanilla Jen Spicy Jenny Allspice Jack You get the picture.
Be creative and have fun with this! Remember, creating Christmas traditions will leave a legacy for your kids to remember you by.
A tradition like 'Nutmeg Jim' will help your holiday season go smoother and happier.
I promise!