#SpreadKleenexCare And Holiday Cheer With The Elfing Tradition- FREE Printable

Momma Told Me: Give without reason.


My favorite thing about the holidays, by far, is the excuse to spread a little goodwill and cheer. Growing up, Momma's mother, my grandmother, was notorious for opening her home to anyone in need. She would also, quite literally give you the watch/necklace/sweater off her back if you so much as complimented them. As she explained to me, many times before her passing, she was an especially blessed lady, with an exceptionally full and fortunate life, and the only thing she then desired was to spread the fortune with others. She volunteered with and fed the local nuns, kept the doors of her personal home open to any wayward employees on holidays (so that no one she knew would ever have to be alone,) and gave without hesitation when asked. She was a pretty freaking awesome lady, if I do say so.

As an adult, I've constantly drawn upon her memory as my own inspiration to give to those in need, and generally give without reason. Helping someone unexpectedly and without question can often be just as valuable as helping those with outstretched hands. That is to say, we should all actively practice 'Paying it forward' outside of the coffee window drive-thru. Even more importantly, for parents, there are always small pairs of eyes watching us, and it's great to share the joy of giving when we can. Traditions such as 'Booing' and 'Elfing' have come around out from such a purpose.

What on Earth is Elfing?

Elfing is the act of playing seasonal 'Dong, Dong, Ditch,' with a positive outcome. Essentially an individual or family would put together a small gift basket to leave on a neighbor's door, anonymously. The 'Elf' (in this case you or your family,) would place a note with the basket of goodies explaining what has happened and asking the recipient to 'pass it on' by spreading more good cheer and acting as an elf themselves. This time of year I've seen 'Elves' deliver everything from a frozen turkey to a 'get better kit' for the seasonal woes. There are no rights or wrongs, really- the only goal is to have fun, and spread smiles.

For our 'Elfing' kit we decided to pick up a small pre-lit coffee table tree, some holiday hand soap, a delicious smelling candle, a pop up tape dispenser (for seasonal wrapping,) some light up 'snowballs,' a few of our favorite K-Cups, homemade cookies, and several packages of Anti-Viral Kleenex. Every home needs extra Kleenex on hand this time of the year, and we always have plenty to share thanks to the convenience of club pickup orders and bulk sizing at Sam's Clubhttps://ooh.li/8083a94. I thought the new Anti-Viral Kleenex were especially thoughtful and important since they will undoubtedly soothe AND protect my recipients throughout the season.

After you've assembled your 'Elfing' gift go ahead and print our FREE printable 'You've Been Elfed' starter kit twice. You'll want one copy to include with your surprises, and another to give your recipient for them to elf with! Or, you can write this post link on the back and send theme here to grab their own printables! I used a hole punch to run some festive ribbon through the door hanger and Elfing announcement as a little extra touch. Make sure that your recipient knows to hang the 'Wev'e Been Elfed' sign on the door so the next Elf knows not to stop there!

The neighbor we chose to elf happens to be friends with us on Facebook, so it was especially rewarding to see their enthusiasm online! Not only were they completely surprised by the gesture but the follow up responses to her post were quite excited and interested in the 'Elfing' process. I, personally, participate in a lot of 'swaps' this time of year because I like to shop for strangers and receive surprises. 'Elfing' is very similar, except you know someone else will receive the kind gesture in return. And that's precisely the good cheer the holidays are made of!

Start your own 'Elfing' tradition in your neighborhood today and pick up all of your seasonal necessities, such as Kleenex at Sam's Club. You'll find great varieties of quality, soft, Kleenex, such as Anti-Viral, Ultra Soft, and seasonal prints/packaging in bulk sizes sure to get you and your family through the holiday season. Now, tell me, how do you give back during the holiday season? Does your family participate in a tradition similar to Elfing?

What Daughter Says:  The holidays are a great reason to give, but life should be lived in the spirit of giving, no matter the season.