It’s not that I have anything against that creepy little elf. It’s just that. . .well. . .he’s a little creepy. We’d managed to dodge the Elf on the Shelf phenomenon until my daughter started kindergarten and they did a version of it in class. All the kids began talking about where their elf showed up each morning at their house. She came home begging us to join in on the fun, ‘Mommy, Nate’s elf was swinging from the ceiling fan this morning when he got up.”

But we’ve always placed our pre-Christmas focus on Advent and with the daily countdown (treats included) my girl seemed to be just fine when I told her we wouldn’t be making room on our shelf (or our ceiling fan) for the elf last year.

We’ll continue to read through the Bible as we count down to Christmas this Advent season, but this year, I’m adding in our own little dose of fun. This year we’ll join with the wise men as they journey towards Jesus. It’s a wonderful alternative to the Elf on the Shelf and you can make it as fun or as serious as your family desires.

I’m all about having fun throughout the holiday season. I believe Jesus wants us to celebrate as we look forward to his birthday. I don’t think there is anything wrong with participating in Elf on the Shelf or many other fun, holiday activities. However, if you’d like something a little more focused on the story of Christmas, I invite you to join us as we walk with the wisemen this year.

To read more about how your family can Walk with the Wisemen this year, visit Grace for Moms.

Jessica Wolstenholm is co-founder of Grace for Moms. After 15 years in the music and publishing industries, Jessica came home to be with her two small children. Although the transition from the corporate world to the playground has been an adjustment, she is learning every day to access the grace available to us through Christ as she navigates the full time job of motherhood. She is the co-author of The Pregnancy Companion: A Faith-Filled Guide for Your Journey to Motherhood and The Baby Companion: A Faith-Filled Guide for Your Journey Through Baby’s First Year. Jessica lives in Nolensville, TN with her husband, Dave and two miracle babies, Hope (6) and Joshua (2).