George, the Elf on the Shelf

Last night, just before supper, the doorbell rang.  The kids all ran to see who was here.  On the front step was a package that was addressed to the kids, with the return address saying it was from the North Pole; HOH OHO.
Very excitedly they brought it in and opened it up, only to find a book and a strange little toy elf.
So Mike read them the book that was very obviously sent from Santa Claus himself.

And while he read the story of the little elf sent from the North Pole by Santa to watch over the house and report back the activities and good deeds the kids were doing, that little elf looked on from the edge of the chair.  The kids would glance over every now and then; Jacelyn was even a bit apprehensive about the whole business. Knowing that something that looks like a toy will be magically coming to life at night had her worried that he may come into her room while she slept.  I had to assure her otherwise; I certainly didn't want her to be afraid of the little guy.
Afterwards they named him "George", and so begins our new holiday tradition with our very own elf, who will return to the kids each year on December 1st.

After explaining that the kids aren't allowed to touch him, for in doing so the magic will disappear and he won't be able to fly to Santa each night to give his report, the kids had quite the discussion as to how the package got on the front step without anyone seeing.  Jacelyn thinks that Santa himself flew over and dropped the elf on the steps.  As does Brandon, who swears he heard sounds on the roof just before the doorbell rang.  And Charlie believes that the elf flew up to the doorbell to ring it himself, before landing safely back inside his little box.  I'm sure one of those stories is true!
Last night I carefully put him on the mantle to watch over the goings on in the house.  And let me say this: the kids were so extra nice that sugar all but dripped from the eaves.  I don't think I've seen Jacelyn in a more agreeable mood since a few years ago (sadly I'm really not joking about that).  Therefore I'd have to say day one was a success, and we will have to see how the coming days play out.

Then, this morning, we woke up to see this on the living room floor!
It looks like George had a fantastic time last night playing Go Fish, and what better company to keep than the Snowman, Eugene, and Alvin.
I wonder who won?

Charlie figures that George looks like he was peeking at the Snowman's cards to see what he had.  I think she is right!
The rest of the month looks like it will be very interesting. ;)