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For parents who legitimately rely on The Elf on the Shelf to keep your kids on their best behavior during the holiday season, we hear you. But beyond where on the shelf your Scout Elves are sitting or how often they move (don’t put so much pressure on yourselves, parents!), we’ve scouted out extra ways to have fun with these little elven informants. OPTION 1: GO ALL-OUT
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➽ ABOVE: You’ll meet this pair of polar bears and Santa himself at GIFT OF LIGHTS, a drive-thru light show at Texas Motor Speedway. RIGHT: Acrobatic performers get into character in THE ELF ON THE SHELF’S MAGICAL HOLIDAY JOURNEY in Arlington.
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Meet dozens of real-life elves in-person at The Elf on the Shelf ’s Magical Holiday Journey, open now through January 2 at Choctaw Stadium (formerly Globe Life Park) in Arlington. This new, walk-through experience is part exhibit, part acrobatics show with a company of 50 elf performers clad in red onesies. They’re dancing, juggling and performing tricks against the backdrop of oversized scenes that, well, dwarf the elves in comparison. Families are welcome to snap pics in the Magical Elf Play photo booths, drop toy donations and your own wish lists at Santa’s Mailroom or (available with an upgrade) to visit Santa himself. Timed tickets available at elfontheshelfjourney.com start at $24.95 for adults, $19.95 for children and free for 2 and younger. BONUS: For kids who really love their Scout Elves, don’t miss the one-night-only show The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Musical on Dec. 11. (Flip to our Playbook Calendar on page 59 for more details.)
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WINTER (BREAK) IS COMING What to do with your kids during those weeks off from school ELIZABETH SMITH
IT HAPPENS EVERY YEAR IN THE LEAD-UP TO CHRISTMAS—a whirlwind of recitals and parties, then before you know it, schools have shut their doors and your kids fly back to the coop for the next two weeks. They’re also very likely bouncing off the walls in anticipation of Santa’s arrival and staying up late on New Year’s Eve. Kids are home 24/7 from roughly December 18 to January 3 (depending on your school), and it’s with that timeframe in mind that we rounded up six ideas to keep the kids cheerful and enriched during winter break. Whether you’re ready for a full-throttle outing or prefer a cheaper alternative you and the kids can enjoy at home in your matching jammies, we’ve got options for both so you can tailor your experiences to their energy level and your wallet. 64
december 2021/january 2022 | DFWCHILD
OPTION 2: KEEP IT LOW-KEY
If you’re not wild about another night out of the house, there’s plenty of elf mischief to be made right at home. Log onto santasnorthpole. com for a 360-degree, virtual exploration of the North Pole (ahem, pay close attention to Santa’s Strategy Room) and let your littles play free games like the Scout Elf Flight Simulator. We think feeding Saint Bernard puppies and arctic foxes in the Elf Pets Feeding Frenzy Game is especially darling. For more tactile activities, try the free, printable paper crafts and activities at santasnorthpole.com and elfontheshelf.com. Christmas cards,
PHOTOS COURTESY OF WINTERLAND INC.; THE LUMISTELLA COMPANY
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