There’s a reason the recent “Elf on the Shelf” custom has become incredibly popular: Although it takes some effort from parents, it’s a memorable way to build excitement for Christmas. Yet the tradition doesn’t work for many families, perhaps because they don’t do Santa Claus, or because they’d prefer a more spiritual way of anticipating Christmas. For those families, a sweet new custom called “Mary on the Mantel”might be just what they’re looking for.
Erica Tighe Campbell, creator and designer of the Be A Heart Catholic lifestyle brand, recently released a Mary doll that inspired the “Mary on the Mantel” idea. In a blog post, she explains the story behind it:
Brendon, our web developer, had the best idea that I’ve heard all year: replace the Elf from Elf on the Shelf with our new Mary dolls. Brilliant, right? With some brainstorming, Mary on the Mantel was born! A Christian alternative to a family favorite.
Similarly to the Elf, Mary moves around your house throughout Advent, perhaps drawing closer to the Christmas manger. But instead of spying on your kids for Santa, she’s preparing for the birth of her baby. Instead of heading to the North Pole, she’s journeying to Bethlehem, where her Son will be born.
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