I have a confession to make, I hate the elf on the shelf. I’m constantly forgetting to move that little bugger and I’m left making excuses as to why Mac is still sitting in the same place. I even went so far as to accuse the kids of touching him because I forgot to move him two days in a row. Mother of the year right here!

I didn’t buy the elf, Mac was a gift for Logan’s birthday a few years back. I’m not sure I would have ever bought such a high maintenance Christmas decoration. In the years before Mac joined our family we had a Saint Nick figurine that sat on the mantle and reported back to Santa each night. Pretty much the same thing without the hassle of nightly movings.

So why do I keep the elf thing going? The kids love it. They enjoy coming down each day and seeing where Mac is hanging out (when I remember to move him). I cannot deny those sweet little faces that month of Christmas joy with Mac. I am getting better at remembering and usually Bill will help if he sees I didn’t move him when he leaves for work. I at least keep my feelings about Mac to myself, and he is starting to grow on me (now that he has some style).

If you’re going to have an elf you might as well have a cool elf right?

That’s where Elf Outfitters comes in.

There are six fun outfits to choose from to add to your child’s excitement over the elf. I have to say, for someone who hates the elf, I want each and every one of the elf costumes.

Ok, I want them all but I’ll start with one. I think that Mac should be a superhero! Super Mac!!!

Super Mac high above the world.

The first thing I noticed about my Mac’s Super Hero outfit is that it looks like it could have come in the box with him. It didn’t seem awkward or out of place at all. Everything was the perfect fit for Mac, of course it would be, it was made just for him.

Every super hero must protect his identity

Once I got over the excitement of the cape and mask (yes, I said excitement.) I noticed there was more in the envelope. A cute little card with some fun elf inspiration and fun ways to get the whole family involved was in there too.

Elf Outfitters provides “Accessories that will inspire your creativity and bring your Family Elf to life.” Hey, if they can get me excited about our elf, then the Elf Outfitter costumes are PERFECT for every family elf.

Love this cape!

When my boys first saw Mac dressed as a Super Hero they went crazy. They thought it was the coolest thing ever that Mac had come back to us with a cape on, it even has a big M on it. It took the magic of the elf to a whole new level for them.

If you have an elf in your house you HAVE to check out Elf Outfitters. What you don’t want cool costumes for your elf? First off that makes you more of a Scrooge than me, and second there are other cool things over at Elf Outfitters. Catch a little one touching your elf? You can find a cute letter that will tell your children how to get his magic back. There are other fun and FREE printables for you enjoyment there too. If you’re like me and tend to be a little less than creative with your elf stop by the Elf Outfitters blog for more great ideas.

Elf Outfitters is so much more than fun costumes for your elf, it’s the whole elf experience. Since they launched a few weeks ago I’ve gotten into the whole elf thing and really embraced it for the first time.

Do you have an elf? What are you waiting for? Go make your elf even more exciting for your kids, you only have one more week and he’ll be gone until next year.

I’ve sung the praises of Longwood Gardens before, it really is a family favorite for us. Whenever we have a “what should we do today” kind of day we usually end up strolling through the gardens.

Right now is my favorite time of year at Longwood Gardens, Christmas time. I can say without a doubt that Longwood Gardens does Christmas like no other; the lights, the sounds, the smells, it’s all part of the experience.

Today I want to share my tips and tricks for Longwood Gardens and more importantly A Longwood Christmas.

Become a member!

If you live anywhere near Longwood Gardens or visit the area a few times a year it’s worth it. For the average family of four the membership will pay for itself in less than three visits. Family in the area but you’re not? Get a membership! How fun would it be to take the in laws out when you go to visit them?

There’s more than just admission included with your membership. How does 10% off at The Garden Shop, the restaurants, classes and guest tickets sound? 15% off the performing arts concerts and 20% off the Fireworks & Fountains tickets. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Throw in member’s only events, free things like lectures and Walk & Talk and your membership is paying for itself even faster. Here’s a tip not many people know, your Longwood Gardens membership also gets you discounts at retailers throughout the tri-state area.

Go during the week whenever possible.

To get the most out of Longwood Gardens you want to visit during the week. Not only will it save you money (if you haven’t taken my advice and purchased a membership), you’ll also be able to see and enjoy more. That’s right, it’s cheaper to go during the week and it’s also less crowded. Remember that membership I told you to get? If you had one you could go on Monday for members only Mondays and avoid the crowds even more.

Less crowds mean it’s easier to get around the gardens and you don’t have to feel like you’re part of a herd. When it’s easier to get from place to place you can get there faster which of course means you can see more and get the best bang for your buck.

To really get the best Longwood Christmas experience you really need to go during the week. I know this from personal experience.

Our little family is slowly collecting some wonderful Christmas traditions and Longwood Gardens has been one of them since before the boys. If your visit to Longwood Gardens doesn’t get you in the holiday spirit NOTHING will. Even a Scrooge like me enjoys Christmas when Longwood Gardens is a part of it.

Have you been to Longwood Gardens before? Seen the Christmas display? Feel free to share your experience here.

Disclaimer: I was given a family membership and a wonderful evening at Longwood Gardens in exchange for this post. That being said, these are MY thoughts and opinions and I’d love Longwood Gardens and think you should too no matter what.