how to start elf on a shelf tradition
The holiday season is a time filled with traditions and customs, and one tradition that has become increasingly popular in recent years is the Elf on the Shelf tradition. This beloved tradition involves a small elf doll that is believed to come to life every night and report back to Santa Claus on the behavior of children. Many families have adopted this tradition as a way to add some extra magic and excitement to the holiday season. In this article, we will delve into the origin of the Elf on the Shelf tradition, how to start it in your own family, and some fun ideas for incorporating it into your holiday celebrations.
Origin of the Elf on the Shelf Tradition
The Elf on the Shelf tradition originated from a children’s book of the same name, written by Carol Aebersold and her daughter Chanda Bell. The book was first published in 2005 and tells the story of how Santa Claus sends a scout elf to each home during the holiday season to keep an eye on children’s behavior. The elf is then believed to fly back to the North Pole every night to report to Santa, and come back to a different spot in the house the next morning.
The idea for the book came from a family tradition that Carol and Chanda had been practicing for years. In their family, they had a small elf doll that would appear in different places around the house during the holiday season. The children would wake up every morning to find the elf in a new location, and they would be excited to see what mischief the elf had gotten into overnight. This tradition of the “elf on the shelf” was passed down through generations in Carol’s family, and they decided to turn it into a book to share with others.
The book was an instant success and became a bestseller. Soon, families all over the world were adopting the Elf on the Shelf tradition, and it has now become a staple in many households during the holiday season.
How to Start the Elf on the Shelf Tradition
If you are interested in starting the Elf on the Shelf tradition in your family, there are a few things you will need to do. The first step is to purchase the Elf on the Shelf book and elf doll. These can be found in most major retail stores, as well as online. The book comes with a small elf doll, but you can also purchase additional elves if you have more than one child in your family.
Once you have the book and elf, you can begin the tradition in your home. The book explains the story of the elf and how he or she works, so it is a good idea to read it to your children to get them excited about the tradition. You can also come up with a backstory for your elf, such as giving them a name and explaining why they are visiting your family.
The next step is to find a spot in your home for the elf to “hide” during the day. This could be on a bookshelf, in a plant, or on a shelf in the kitchen. The key is to make sure the elf is in a different location every morning, so your children know that he or she has been flying back to the North Pole to report to Santa. You can also get creative with the elf’s poses and have them doing different activities each day, such as baking cookies, reading a book, or playing with toys.
Fun Ideas for the Elf on the Shelf Tradition
While the Elf on the Shelf tradition is meant to be fun and lighthearted, it can also be a bit of a challenge for parents. Coming up with new and creative ideas for the elf every day can be exhausting, especially if you have multiple children and elves. To help you out, here are some fun ideas for your elf’s daily activities:
1. Have the elf leave a note for your children, encouraging them to do a good deed that day. This can be something as simple as helping with household chores or being kind to their siblings.
2. Create a “snowball” fight between the elf and some of your children’s toys using cotton balls or marshmallows.
3. Have the elf make a mess in the kitchen by “baking” some mini cookies or cupcakes using Cheerios or other small snacks.
4. Put the elf in a toy car or sleigh and have them go for a joyride around the house.
5. Use some fishing line to create a zip line for the elf to “fly” across the room.
6. Have the elf set up a mini scavenger hunt, leaving clues for your children to find a small treat or gift.
7. Set up a mini movie night for the elf, complete with a tiny bowl of popcorn and a DVD case for them to “watch.”
8. Put the elf in a jar with a note that says “I’m stuck! Help me out!” and have your children “rescue” them.
9. Have the elf leave a note with a joke or riddle for your children to solve.
10. Put the elf in a toy car and have them go through a miniature car wash made out of a cardboard box and some sponges.
These are just a few ideas to get you started, but the possibilities are endless when it comes to the Elf on the Shelf tradition. You can also get your children involved in coming up with ideas for the elf, making it a fun activity for the whole family.
In conclusion, the Elf on the Shelf tradition is a fun and exciting way to add some magic to the holiday season. It is a tradition that can be enjoyed by children of all ages and can create lasting memories for years to come. Whether you are starting the tradition for the first time or have been doing it for years, the elf will surely bring joy and excitement to your home during the most wonderful time of the year.
lifetime membership cost 2016
In today’s society, it seems like everything comes with a price. From groceries to gas, and even basic necessities like housing and healthcare, we are constantly bombarded with bills and expenses. So when it comes to something like a lifetime membership, the question on everyone’s mind is: how much is it going to cost me? In 2016, the concept of a lifetime membership cost was a hot topic, with many companies and organizations offering this option to their customers. But what exactly does a lifetime membership cost in 2016, and is it worth the investment? In this article, we will dive deep into the world of lifetime memberships and explore the various costs associated with them.
First, let’s define what a lifetime membership is. A lifetime membership is a type of membership that offers unlimited access to a specific product or service for the duration of a person’s life. This could include a gym membership, a streaming service, or even a membership to a club or organization. Unlike a regular membership, which typically requires monthly or annual payments, a lifetime membership is a one-time payment that guarantees access for life. While this may sound like an attractive option, the cost associated with a lifetime membership can vary greatly depending on the product or service being offered.
One of the most popular types of lifetime memberships in 2016 was the gym membership. With the rise of health and fitness trends, many people were looking for a way to commit to their workout routines long-term. A lifetime membership at a gym could cost anywhere from $500 to $5000, depending on the gym’s reputation, location, and amenities. This may seem like a steep price to pay upfront, but when compared to the monthly or annual fees of a regular gym membership, a lifetime membership could save you thousands of dollars in the long run.
Another type of lifetime membership that gained popularity in 2016 was the streaming service membership. With the rise of streaming platforms like Netflix and Hulu , many people were looking for a way to access their favorite shows and movies without having to pay for each individual episode or movie. A lifetime membership to a streaming service could cost anywhere from $100 to $1000, depending on the platform and the content offered. While this may seem like a large investment, it is important to consider the cost of subscribing to the service on a monthly or annual basis. A lifetime membership could save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars in the long run.
Aside from gym and streaming service memberships, there are also lifetime memberships offered by various clubs and organizations. These could include everything from book clubs to wine clubs to travel clubs. The cost of these memberships can vary greatly, with some being as low as $50 and others reaching upwards of $10,000. The cost of these memberships is often determined by the exclusivity of the club and the benefits that come with membership. For example, a wine club may offer members discounts on exclusive wines, while a travel club may offer discounted rates on luxury vacations.
So why do people choose to invest in a lifetime membership in the first place? The answer is simple: convenience and cost-effectiveness. By paying a one-time fee, a person can avoid the hassle of monthly or annual payments and have access to a product or service for life. Additionally, a lifetime membership can often save a person money in the long run, especially if the cost of the membership is significantly lower than the cost of subscribing to the service on a regular basis.
But before jumping into a lifetime membership, it is important to do some research and carefully consider the cost and benefits. While a lifetime membership may seem like a great deal, it is important to make sure that the product or service being offered is something that you will actually use and enjoy. It is also important to read the fine print and understand any limitations or restrictions that may come with the membership.
Furthermore, it is important to consider the longevity of the product or service being offered. In 2016, technology and trends were changing at a rapid pace, and what may have seemed like a great investment at the time may not have the same appeal a few years down the line. It is important to assess the potential lifespan of the product or service and whether a lifetime membership is truly worth the cost.
In addition to the actual cost of the lifetime membership, there are also other factors to consider. For example, some companies may offer financing options or payment plans for their lifetime memberships, making it more affordable for those who may not have the funds to pay the full amount upfront. It is also important to consider the reputation and reliability of the company or organization offering the lifetime membership. A lifetime membership is an investment, and it is important to ensure that the company will be around for the long haul.
In conclusion, a lifetime membership cost in 2016 could vary greatly depending on the product or service being offered. Whether it is a gym membership, a streaming service membership, or a membership to a club or organization, a lifetime membership can offer convenience and cost-effectiveness for those willing to make the investment. However, it is important to carefully consider the cost, benefits, and longevity of the product or service before committing to a lifetime membership. With thorough research and careful consideration, a lifetime membership can be a valuable and worthwhile investment in 2016 and beyond.
parkers fake qr codes parking meters
Parking meters have been a staple in cities and towns all over the world for decades. They are a convenient way for local authorities to regulate parking and generate revenue. However, with the increasing use of technology, parking meters have evolved from traditional coin-operated machines to more sophisticated systems, including the use of QR codes.
QR codes, short for Quick Response codes, are two-dimensional barcodes that can be scanned using smartphones or specialized readers. They can store a large amount of data, making them ideal for various applications, including parking meters.
In recent years, there have been reports of fake QR codes being used on parking meters, causing confusion and frustration among drivers. These fake codes are often placed on parking meters by scammers, with the intention of tricking unsuspecting drivers into paying for parking that is not valid. This has become a widespread issue, especially in busy cities like New York, where parking is already a scarce and expensive commodity.
One of the main reasons for the rise of fake QR codes on parking meters is the ease of creating them. With the availability of free QR code generators online, anyone can create a fake code and print it on a sticker or paper. These fake codes often have the same design and layout as legitimate ones, making it difficult for drivers to differentiate between the two.
Moreover, the increasing use of contactless payments has made it easier for scammers to target parking meters. Many parking meters now allow drivers to pay using their smartphones by scanning a QR code on the machine. This has made it easier for scammers to replicate the codes and trick drivers into making payments to them instead of the legitimate parking meter.
Not only do fake QR codes cause inconvenience to drivers, but they also have financial implications. Drivers who fall for the scam end up paying for parking that is not valid, resulting in wasted money. This can add up, especially for those who frequently park in busy areas.
In response to this issue, many local authorities have taken measures to combat the use of fake QR codes on parking meters. One of the most effective methods is the use of unique QR codes on each parking meter. This makes it difficult for scammers to replicate the codes, as each one is specific to a particular meter. This method has been implemented in cities like San Francisco, where each parking meter has a unique QR code that is tied to its location and parking rate.
Another solution to this problem is the use of anti-counterfeiting measures on parking meters. Some parking meters now come with security features, such as holograms, that make it difficult for scammers to create fake codes. These measures not only protect drivers from falling for the scam but also help local authorities to track and identify counterfeit codes.
The use of technology has also played a significant role in combating fake QR codes on parking meters. Mobile apps that allow drivers to pay for parking are becoming increasingly popular. These apps often have built-in security features that can detect fake QR codes and alert the user. Some apps also allow drivers to report any suspicious codes they come across, helping to prevent others from falling for the scam.
Educating the public about the use of fake QR codes on parking meters is also crucial in addressing this issue. Many drivers are not aware of the existence of fake codes and the potential risks they pose. Local authorities can launch awareness campaigns to inform drivers about the issue and how to identify legitimate QR codes on parking meters.
In addition to the use of fake QR codes, there have also been instances of scammers placing fake parking meters in public parking spaces. These meters often look identical to legitimate ones but do not work, causing drivers to lose money and waste time. To combat this, some cities have implemented a system where only authorized personnel can install and maintain parking meters. This ensures that all meters in public spaces are legitimate and functional.
In conclusion, the use of fake QR codes on parking meters is a growing issue that poses a threat to drivers and local authorities. However, with the implementation of various measures such as unique QR codes, anti-counterfeiting measures, and awareness campaigns, this problem can be addressed. It is crucial for drivers to be vigilant and report any suspicious codes they come across to prevent others from falling for the scam. As technology continues to advance, it is essential for local authorities to stay ahead of scammers and protect the public from such fraudulent activities.