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Rocking around the Christmas tree and having fun with Elf on a Shelf

I have a little obsession with this somewhat-new Christmas trend called Elf on the Shelf. For starters, he’s an ornery little fellow. And I like jokes.

Especially of the practical variety.

This little guy didn’t start appearing perched on shelves — since moving on to other places around the house — until 2005. So he is new on the holiday tradition scene. He came to pop culture popularity through the children’s picture book, “The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition.” He finds a family to move in with, watching for naughtiness and niceness for Santa.



Gauging by photos on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram, this elf is often up to no good himself.

The Elf on a Shelf action figure is now a mainstay in many homes with kids — and even those without — beginning on the day after Thanksgiving. Through Christmas Eve, he hangs out on shelves and countertops, even in freezers and bathrooms.



Kind of puts the idea that Santa is always watching into perspective.

There are a couple of tricks to the Elf on a Shelf concept. He isn’t supposed to be touched because that takes away his Christmas magic after he’s named by the family. It is quite the mystery how he makes his way around the house in the middle of the night. Each morning leading up to Christmas, Elf on a Shelf can be found getting into the hot cocoa mix or re-enacting the “Nobody puts Baby in a corner” dance scene from “Dirty Dancing.” With an ornery elf, the possibilities are endless.

Christmas is magical like that.

Friday

The holidays can be a mish-mash of happiness, stress, excitement, anticipation and last-minute shopping sprees, while making memories lasting a lifetime. My go-to holiday traditions include eggnog sprinkled with nutmeg, making my own heartfelt gifts, and still believing in Santa. Even as an adult, my heart drops a little when I see the Bearded One sitting in his big chair asking all the little boys and girls what they want for Christmas. Sometimes even the big kids get in on the fun and share their holiday wishes, including yours truly. For that much-needed Santa fix for kids of all ages, head to the Silt Town Hall from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for old St. Nick visits, holiday refreshments and gifts. There will be free photos with Santa and all-around Christmas cheer.

Saturday

PAC3: Reno Divorce and The Sixty Sevens

I first met the guys from Reno Divorce — one of my all-time favorite names for a band — at a punk show benefit I emceed at Two Rivers Park a few years back. An extremely talented foursome out of Denver, Reno Divorce blends skate punk, honky-tonk country and rockabilly into one big rocking show. They return to the valley, this time at PAC3 in Carbondale. Opening is The Sixty Sevens, a fine collection of some of my favorite Bonedale musicians, including Ananda Banc and Josh Phillips on guitar and vocals, Steve Cook on drums, and Frank “The Tank” Botti rocking the bass. This all-ages show starts at 9 p.m., with doors open at 8:30 p.m. Buy tickets online at http://www.pac3carbondale.com and hear a sneak preview on Luke Nestler’s radio show on KDNK at 4 p.m. Friday.

Friday, Saturday and Sunday

Love and marriage take on a new persona when the nest of children suddenly becomes vacant. Thunder River Theatre Company tackles the empty-nester topic after 35 years of marriage, along with other phases of matrimony, with the Tony Award-winning comedy “The Fourposter” at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. The play stars valley actors Mike Monroney and Nikki Montany, who play Michael and Agnes, and is set in the couple’s fourposter bed. Tickets are $22 for adults and $12 and students. Visit http://www.thunderrivertheatre.com for more information.

April E. Clark would like to ask Santa for a pair of new boots, a bottle of Sailor Jerry’s rum and world peace for Christmas. She can be reached at arts@postindependent.com.


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