I'm seeing so many moms looking for better alternatives for the elf on a shelf gig and rightfully so. Why do we need little hooligans showing our kids that it's ok to cause mischief and play pranks on people? There's enough of that in our world today. Not to mention the MESS!
About 4 years ago I found this little shepherd doll from Shepherd's Treasure, which started this tradition for us where he arrives under our Christmas tree on the first day of Advent and leaves my kids special notes with a scripture theme, daily devotions, and sometimes little gifts, activities, or treats. They talk about him all year long. Seeing the joy he brings them in such a wholesome way definitely has been worth the trouble.Unfortunately, I didn't have a great experience with the company so stopped using their stuff. I typically just find a Bible verse that is relevant to what's happening in our life, or one of my favorites, and put it on a card. Sometimes it's just a hand-written note, depending on how organized and creative I am. The kids don't seem to care if it's written on a sticky note or a cute print-out. They mostly enjoy searching for him each morning to see what he has to say. So, don't over think this. Less is more. I have seen this cute Shepherd on a Search set on Amazon that would give you a good starting point.
I am finally organized enough in life to share Shep's adventures. I have a start to designing little cards (an upgrade from the sticky notes I used last year 
) and I will be posting them HERE on my page, plus HERE is a free downloadable of what I have so far, for you to print and use or just use as inspiration. I will continue adding to this so save the link somewhere. Or follow me as I'll be posting it from time to time.
) and I will be posting them HERE on my page, plus HERE is a free downloadable of what I have so far, for you to print and use or just use as inspiration. I will continue adding to this so save the link somewhere. Or follow me as I'll be posting it from time to time. If you don't have a shepherd doll, you can easily substitute another stuffy like a lamb or these adorable plush Mary and Jesus dolls, or even...gasp.....an elf.... and customize your cards accordingly.
Here are a few ideas I've done with our shepherd.
I have used this "never stop praying" card a few times. Each time I have gifted a little prayer book. The one the kids use the most is "Power of a Praying Kid".
This Marvel Action Bible has also been a great investment. It's so rewarding to see my kids grab it off the book shelf and sit together while one reads to the others. I even see our Youth Faith Formation kids grab it off the shelf at church and go sit in the chapel with it. There's just something about it that grabs their attention. It's very well done.
I often use any toys or things the kids have left out like this Color the Rosary book that has been another great tool for enriching our prayer life.
As you can see, we have fun with our Shep, and I love the conversations that have happened and the focus on faith he brings to us during a time of year when it's easy to get caught up in worldly things and stressed out. Keep it simple. Use what you have. And never hesitate to ask God for inspiration (or Pinterest). This will be something my kids will always remember about Christmas, and it is so much more fruitful than a mischievous elf.
I hope you have a blessed Advent season as we prepare to celebrate the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ. 
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