There is a little guy….all dressed in red, pointy hat and pointy shoes sitting on top of my kitchen light.  Yesterday he was hiding in our tree.  The day before that – on top of the TV.

He is always out of reach.  And every morning, I hear, “Moooooommmmm – Freddie moved again!”

Freddie is our very own Elf On a Shelf.

He just might be the Greatest Purchase Ever. Because he is a tangible reminder that my kids BELIEVE.

He came with a book that shares his sweet little story of magic.

He is one of Santa’s trusted elves – and he has been assigned to our little family.  His job?  To watch Delaney and Cooper – reporting back to Santa every single night with a progress report.  Have they been good?  Or not -so-good?  Do they share?  Spread love?  Use their big-girl and big-boy voices (instead of whining and screaming?) Do they listen to their Mommy (this one is IMPORTANT)?

So far, the small people have been mesmerized.  To the point that I find myself worrying about the time when they stop believing in the Magic of Christmas.  I dread that day, because this?  Right now?  It is so real, so true, so deep-down-in-my-belly divine.

Except of course, when Jeff and I FORGET to move Freddie.  Like last night.  So I fibbed.  Ok – I’ll cop to it.  I lied. I told Delaney Freddie didn’t move because he probably wanted to give her a second chance since yesterday was NOT a banner day for her.

I love this little elf because it is the magic I love most about the holidays.

It is about wishing and dreaming and believing.

It is about the memories.  And I will always remember Freddie with one of those you-can’t-possibly-be-faking-goofy-smiles.