Encouragement for Overwhelmed Moms: Simple Elf on the Shelf Ideas to Help You Enjoy the Holiday Season

The holiday season is supposed to be full of magic and joy, but as a mom, it often feels like an overwhelming checklist of things to do: shopping, baking, decorating, wrapping presents, attending holiday events, and keeping up with daily life. It’s easy to get caught up in the pressure to do it all and make everything “perfect.” But here’s the truth: You don’t have to do it all. You don’t need to be the Pinterest-perfect mom or create elaborate holiday traditions to have a fun and memorable season with your kids.

If you’ve chosen to do Elf on the Shelf, or are thinking about it, the thought of coming up with daily antics might feel like just one more thing on your already full plate. But what if I told you there are simple, no-stress Elf ideas that can still create joy, laughter, and holiday magic for your kids?

This Christmas season, give yourself permission to let go of unrealistic expectations. You don’t have to go over-the-top. The goal is to enjoy the little moments with your family, not to get stuck in a cycle of perfectionism. Here are some simple Elf on the Shelf ideas that take minimal effort, yet still bring big smiles to your kids’ faces.

1. Elf Hides in the Christmas Tree

This classic idea doesn’t require any setup beyond placing your Elf in a new spot every night. Simply have your Elf “hide” among the branches of your tree, peeking out from behind ornaments. It’s quick, easy, and will get your kids excited to find the Elf each morning.

2. Elf Drinks Hot Cocoa

Set up a mini mug (or use a tiny paper cup) next to the Elf with a small spoon and some marshmallows scattered around. This can be a sweet reminder for the kids to make hot cocoa themselves or enjoy a cozy holiday treat together. You don’t even need to move anything else in the house—just a tiny setup next to your Elf is enough.

3. Elf with a Holiday Book

Place your Elf next to a holiday-themed book (or any book you already have in the house). You can simply leave a note that says, “Let’s read together!” It’s a great opportunity to enjoy a low-pressure moment of connection with your kids without any extra work on your part. Bonus points if you make the book part of your bedtime routine for the evening.

4. Elf Takes a Ride

Place your Elf in a toy car, truck, or any small toy that your kids already have. The Elf can “take a ride” around the house or “go on an adventure” by riding along with their toys. This is super easy and doesn’t require much setup, but your kids will love it!

5. Elf Makes a Snow Angel

If you live in an area where snow is common, this is a fun idea. If not, use some flour, powdered sugar, or even salt on the counter to create a “snow angel” effect. Simply lay the Elf down in the “snow” and arrange the arms and legs to resemble the wings of an angel. Your kids will be charmed by this simple holiday magic.

6. Elf Does Nothing

Sometimes, the best idea is no idea at all. Let your Elf “take the day off” and simply sit quietly on the shelf or in a corner with a tiny sign that says, “I need a rest!” This idea is a fun way to teach your kids that it’s okay to slow down and not be “doing” all the time, which is a great message for busy moms too!

7. Elf Brings a Holiday Craft

Instead of doing all the work yourself, have your Elf bring a simple holiday craft for the kids to enjoy. A kit to make paper snowflakes, a few sheets of construction paper to create holiday cards, or some stickers to decorate their own ornaments—anything that engages your kids in a creative activity will be fun and memorable. Plus, it gives you a break from the idea of having to plan everything.

8. Elf Steals a Cookie

Have your Elf steal one (or two!) cookies from the cookie jar. This idea works best if you’ve baked cookies together as a family or if you’ve already made a batch of treats. Just have the Elf leave a little note like “Oops, I couldn’t resist!” It’s a fun way to show your kids that even the Elf has a sweet tooth.

9. Elf Goes for a Swing

If you have a swing set or any hanging toy in your house, hang the Elf from it! Your kids will get a kick out of the idea of their Elf going for a swing. It’s a playful idea that’s quick and easy but sure to bring lots of smiles.

10. Elf Writes a Note

Sometimes, a simple note from the Elf is all it takes to bring joy. Write a little message like, “You’ve been very good today, keep it up!” or “I’m proud of you for helping around the house!” It doesn’t have to be anything elaborate—just a kind note from the Elf to encourage good behavior and remind your kids of the season’s true spirit.

The Key to Enjoying the Season: Lower the Pressure

Remember, the holiday season is about creating memories, not meeting every expectation. Your kids will not remember if the Elf was a little less creative some nights or if you didn’t bake a dozen perfect cookies. What they will remember is the time you spent together—the joy, the laughter, the way you embraced the season as a family.

As a mom, it’s easy to feel like you have to do it all. But this season, focus on what you need to enjoy the holidays. Embrace simplicity, and don’t be afraid to lower the bar a little when it comes to holiday perfection. By taking the pressure off yourself, you open up space to actually have fun with your kids.

So if you feel overwhelmed, know that you’re not alone. Let go of the guilt, embrace the little moments, and most importantly, make sure to savor the magic of the season—however simple that magic may be.

Mere Christmas, and take care of yourself too!

What's for dinner?

Answering this dreaded question once and for all.

Don’t get me wrong, I love to cook and bake but it is the absolute last thing I want to do after a long day of working or shuttling kids around town. All of the mental energy that goes into feeding a family on top of being tired and hungry myself. A combination sure to result in some sort of meltdown.

For years, I saved recipes on Pinterest, magazines and cookbooks only to be overwhelmed at dinner time or worse, missing a key ingredient. Until I heard this…

Write out a list of every recipe you know how to make by heart. Every recipe you know how to make easily without extra brainpower. Then, get rid of the rest.

So, I went through my cabinets and bookcases and tossed every specialty recipe that wasn’t “weeknight friendly”. The cookbooks, that taunted me when I opened the cupboard, went to the local used bookstore and the printed recipes were recycled. Leaving me with two shelves of resources I knew would be helpful on holidays or for preserving our garden harvest.

The best part…no more panic searching through recipes at 5 o’clock.



Now that we have a cleaned out space and a list of all the recipes that can be thrown together without thinking any extra at rush hour, let’s put together a weekly dinner plan before the week starts. Grab a piece of paper (or open the Notes app on your phone) and make two lists: one of the recipes that will be made and one of ingredients that you will need to shop for. Below is a printable version of my favorite meal planner + grocery list.

We are a family of 5 and I like to have five dinners planned out along with favorites for breakfast and lunch. Usually, my kids like snack-style lunch boxes while I prefer leftovers, warm lunch meals or chopped salads.

Last week we made:

  • Pork Chops & Cheesy Zucchini Rice

  • Steak with Mashed Potatoes

  • Carne Asada Nachos

  • Chicken Bacon Mushroom Fettuccine Alfredo

  • Sausage with Stir-fry Veggies

  • Chicken Tenders & Watermelon

Clear Storage Solutions

These viral hard-sided clear pencil cases from Target started a massive trend in clear storage for small supplies. Compact, convenient containers to tackle organization for little parts and pieces. Can be used at home or in backpacks and tote bags.

In our homeschool math caddy, an Ikea Raskog cart, we have utilized these hard sided cases to divide manipulatives preventing messes inside larger bins. Being able to see exactly what is inside each case and limiting what we work with continues to ease clean up as well.

The problem is that this Target version is only available during back-to-school time making them very difficult to find. The demand for these unique storage items has sky-rocketed due to their versatility. It has taken me years to collect the dozen or so we have in rotation and they are limited to one size.

I love the concept which led me to purchase some different sizes of Bliss Bins from Texas-based small business Maple & Lark.

On a recent trip to Disneyland, we used the extra small and small size Bliss Bins by Maple & Lark. Making packing and going through security a breeze!

This post contains Amazon affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn commissions from qualifying purchases.

Extra small Bliss Bins are perfect purse companions for holding drink packets, medications, lipsticks, makeup or floss.

In the video above, we used the small Bliss Bins for a first aid kit with bandages, antiseptic ointments, and medications. Walking around Disneyland, we were prepared for any blisters or cuts that would cause an upset to our plans.

For school and travel, we love the more compact size of small Bliss Bins for pencils, pens, markers, highlighters. Perfect for church, Bible study and work on the go. Great to protecting snacks in backpacks and purses! The possibilities are truly endless.

Activity Bliss Bins are another favorite for school & planner supplies. Pockets & dividers inside hold pens & sticky notes nicely.

As I walk into my third year of teaching, full of reflection and anticipation, I would like to record some of the stories God has written in my life and in our family.

Sharing my heart through words can be challenging and as I attempt to share these circumstances and events that have crafted a continuous testimony of God’s faithfulness, I am reminded this week of how important it is and how deeply connected we are through our stories.

The saying “with great blessing comes great responsibility” is often applied to financial stewardship but that is not the only blessing I am considering tonight. God has graciously entrusted me with the blessing of mothering three children. And as I have taken on that role, for almost sixteen years, I became responsible for their well being, protecting and training, nurturing and educating each of them.

In 2022, our youngest son was ready to begin Kindergarten. Our older two children had been homeschooling after attending private and public schools. And I was not looking to send either of them back to school full time. But God…

God called us to make a change in our family. To enroll our three children in school together.

I gave God my yes to serving at this new-to-us private school. And He called me to take a part time teaching position.

After fifteen years of being a full time mother and wife, I added the role of middle school English teacher.

In the days, weeks, and months that followed, God equipped me in unthinkable ways. Not because of any extraordinary part in me but only by His miraculous power.

A little reintroduction post while I am adding life updates to my blog and social platforms.

I’m Hilari, a dedicated mom on a journey through motherhood, education, and simple homemaking. Here, I share my experiences, tips, and inspiration to support and connect with fellow parents. Join me as we navigate the beautiful chaos of raising kids and nurturing their growth, one day at a time. Let’s build a community where we can learn, support, and uplift each other on this incredible adventure. 💗

Pictured here with my husband, Jim, in 2020. Photography courtesy of Lorie Chambless.

10 Quick and Easy Organization Hacks for Busy Moms

Being a mom is a full-time job in itself, and keeping everything organized can sometimes feel like an uphill battle. From managing your household to juggling work and family commitments, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But fear not—these 10 quick and easy organization hacks are designed to streamline your daily routines, so you can focus more on what really matters.

Tip 1. The Power of a Family Calendar

A shared family calendar is a game-changer. Whether you prefer a physical calendar in the kitchen or a digital one on your phone, having a central place to track appointments, events, and to-do lists helps keep everyone on the same page. Try color-coding different family members’ schedules for an at-a-glance view of the week.

This post contains Amazon affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn commissions from qualifying purchases.

I personally love The Happy Planner {this is a cute 2024-25 version on Amazon} because I can choose a planner for our family calendar needs and customize another {teacher planner on Amazon} for organizing all of my school responsibilities and lesson planning.

Tip 2. Daily Declutter Sessions

Decluttering has become a powerful tool in tackling the overwhelm of managing our household. But how do we fit in decluttering in our already packed schedules?

Set aside 10 minutes each day for a quick declutter session. Tackle one area at a time—whether it’s the kitchen counter, the kids' playroom, or your desk. This small daily effort prevents clutter from building up and makes it easier to maintain a tidy home. And you won’t lose an entire day or weekend dedicated to a major decluttering session.

Tip 3. The 5-Minute Rule

The 5-Minute Rule is simple: if a task will take five minutes or less, do it immediately. This can include putting away a stray item, responding to an email, or washing a few dishes. By addressing small tasks right away, you’ll prevent them from piling up and becoming overwhelming.

Tip 4. Prep Meals Ahead of Time

Meal prepping can save you time and stress during the week. Set aside some time on the weekends to prepare meals in advance. Cook in bulk and store portions in the fridge or freezer. This way, you'll always have healthy meals ready to go, reducing the temptation to opt for takeout.

Tip 5. Create a Command Center

Designate a specific area in your home as a command center. This could include a bulletin board, a mail organizer, and hooks for keys and bags. This is where your family calendar will live. By centralizing your family’s essentials in one spot, you’ll make it easier to keep track of important documents and reduce the daily search for misplaced items.

Tip 6. Utilize Storage Solutions

Invest in smart storage solutions to maximize your space. Use clear bins to store toys, seasonal clothing, or extra supplies. Under-bed storage can be great for out-of-season clothing or rarely used items. Another great storage option for off season bedding and blankets are vacuum seal storage bags {like these from Amazon}.

Label everything clearly to make finding what you need a breeze. As you declutter, storage bins can be a great tool in limiting how much you keep for the next season or how many toys you are willing to manage.

Tip 7. Streamline Your Morning Routine

Mornings can be hectic, so make them smoother with a bit of planning. Lay out clothes for yourself and your kids the night before. Simplifying your clothing options and your makeup routine can help you quickly get ready by eliminating time wasted on making extra decisions. Pack school bags, prepare lunches, and set out breakfast items. A little prep the evening before can significantly reduce morning chaos.

Tip 8. Implement a Cleaning Schedule

Instead of waiting for the mess to become unmanageable, create a cleaning schedule that breaks down tasks into manageable chunks. For example, designate Mondays for bathroom cleaning, Tuesdays for vacuuming, and so on. A regular routine will help you stay on top of household chores without feeling overwhelmed. You may also want to include laundry or dishes as daily tasks, meaning you run the dishwasher daily and complete one load of laundry per day. Something that has helped me is to do the cleaning tasks at the same time each day as well.

Tip 9. Automate Your Finances

Set up automatic payments for recurring bills to avoid late fees and reduce mental load. Most banks and service providers offer this option. By automating, you ensure bills are paid on time and free up mental space for more important tasks. Scheduling a day and time each week to check in on your finances and make needed adjustments can be helpful not only to yourself but also in communicating with spouses and family members.

Tip 10. Encourage Family Participation

Getting the whole family involved in organization can make a big difference. Assign age-appropriate chores to kids and make it a routine. Teach them the importance of tidying up after themselves and involve them in planning family activities. This not only lightens your load but also instills valuable organizational habits in your children.

Conclusion

With these 10 quick and easy organization hacks, you’ll find that managing a busy household doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By incorporating these strategies into your daily routine, you can create a more organized and less stressful environment for you and your family. Remember, the goal isn’t to achieve perfection but to make your life a little easier and more enjoyable. Happy organizing!