b"Need a Little Extra HelpFinding Joy this Season? SOMAs own Angeli Elliott brings you a festival of elvesBY ADRIANNA DONATA ngeli Elliott has a special con- each morning. The note would say it is from an elf nection with the holiday sea- who has come to help our family celebrate the Fes-son.Inlovewiththemagictival of the Elves. Each note had instructions for the andwonderofthistimeofkids to do something silly or fun, says Elliott. year,shewantedtofindaElliott is the first to admit she isnt the best poet, meaningfulwaytoshareitbut her kids loved the notes and couldnt wait to get withherkids.Thoughherup the next day to find the next note. Monday is job as a human resources technology strategist didnthide-and-seek day, and one of her Monday notes leave a lot of extra time in her day, she came up withreads:an idea that changed the way her family celebrates inWeve hidden a trinket for you all to find,December, which she calls the Festival of the Elves.Its something we made and one of a kind,I wanted to surprise and delight the kids eachKeep your eyes peeled. Search high and day, says Elliott. Her family has an Advent box, butsearch low,Elliott was looking for something less focused on theHeres a hint: where do the cards go?children receiving gifts and more focused on family- So everyone, lets start the fun,oriented activities.Now count it down.3-2-1-RUN!I also didnt want the concept to be about kidsEach day has its own theme like doing some-being naughty or nice, says Elliott. She wanted tothing silly together, making art, and Elliotts favor-encourage her kids to be thoughtful and have fun. ite, Gratitude Day. Each day has its own theme. This is Noel's Silly Day So I started writing notes for the kids to findThe Festival of the Elves was an instant classic innote.16/ matters magazine / holiday 2020"