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4 Friday, December 2, 2016 brooklintowncrier.com Our Brooklin Kids By Leanne Brown Elf on the Shelf - It's Not for Everyone For those unfamiliar with the Elf on the Shelf, it is exactly how it sounds. An elf. On a shelf. The elf is one of Santa's scouts who is asked to watch what goes on during the day in children's houses. Each night, the elf flies back to the North Pole and gives Santa a report on who was naughty and who was nice. When they return, they settle in a different location in your home. The fun's in the kids discovering them in a sort of game of hide and seek. We have two elves in our house. It wasn't a tradition I'd planned; in fact it happened quite by accident. You see, our elves aren't the branded "Elf on The Shelf" elves but rather wonderful decorations I had acquired a few years back. Last year my daughter got very excited when she discovered them in a box as we decorated the house. She immediately called them her Elves on The Shelf. Thus began the tradition in our house. As it is with traditions in many families, we've taken the original concept and made it our own, one that embodies our culture and beliefs. Our elves "Twinkle" and "Twizzler" follow some of the usual Elf on The Shelf rules, but instead of reporting to Santa, they watch for the good deeds she does. They recognize her kind and giving behaviour with the occasional little positive note. Our elves teach the true meaning of Christmas: kindness, caring and love. They encourage our daughter to use these traits to help others. We use them in the spirit of the holiday season. But as much fun as elves are for us, not every family agrees. My work colleague Tina feels strongly about the elves. "Elves aren't welcome in my home," she says. "I really don't like the idea of my kids being watched. It haunts kids with the idea that someone is always waiting for them to mess up." For my friend Sera who has five children under the age of 12, an elf is not on her to-do list. She feels it's a challenge coming up with daily mischief. "It's just another thing I have to do. Christmas is busy enough already," she adds. "I don't need to add to it." True, the tradition is not for everyone. But it's great that many families have been able to take the idea of Christmas elves and sort of make it their own. Sera embraces the idea of elves during the holidays "My kids like seeing elves out in the community. But for us they are just Santa's helpers in town visiting." No matter how you feel about the tradition, the reality is these little imps aren't going away soon. According to the official "Elf on the shelf" publisher, Creatively Classic Activities and Books, more than 10 million scout elves have been sold in eight countries since 2005. On the official website www.elfontheshelf.com, you can buy fashion and pets for your elves, play games, and even download an app for parents who need ideas for elfin mischief. What's trending with elves in 2016? The popular thing now is to capture elf selfies - "elfies" - on your phone or kid' tablet for them to discover at random. My idea? Why not include your elf in the traditional family holiday photo? Refugee Committee Surpasses Goal St. Thomas' Brooklin Refugee Committee surpassed its goal to cover food for a year for a family of five and raised over $9,000. This was thanks to the Rotary Club of Whitby-Sunrise's donation of $500.00 Brooklin Village and Meadowcrest schools ran Halloween Loonie Drives that raised over $500. Along with the sponsoring churches St. George's (Pickering Village) and St. Paul's on the Hill (Pickering) are St. Thomas, Brooklin; All Saints, Whitby; and St. George's Oshawa which all helped with the fundraising initiative. AURA (Anglican United Refugee Alliance) has decided sufficient funds are available and is now looking for a family. In the photo are some members of the Refugee Committee (from left to right): Nancy Bugg, Bruce Beveridge, Rev. Canon Claire Wade, Don Mills, Betty Cincurak and Peter Bocking of the Rotary Club of Whitby - Sunrise The Town is launching a new initiative to get residents talking about opportunities to bring new life and creativity to Celebration Square. Our Colour the Square campaign kicks off on Friday, December 2, as we begin to involve residents in the transformation of this unique public asset. To complete this project, the Town is partnering with 8 80 Cities, a Toronto-based organization that specializes in community engagement and public space. Together, the Town and 8 80 Cities will run a series of pop-up community engagement hubs to gather ideas from residents for animating Celebration Square. "Celebration Square has the potential to become a premier destination in downtown Whitby," said Mayor Mitchell. "Creating a more culturally engaging and dynamic downtown will be of great benefit to all residents, and the Colour the Square campaign will be a tool toward achieving that goal." Several consultations and an online survey will provide insight on how Celebration Square is currently used and identify new ways for residents to enjoy the space, including programming changes that will create a more welcoming atmosphere. "We applaud the Town of Whitby and Mayor Mitchell for launching this initiative," said Ian Ross, Chief Librarian and CEO of Whitby Public Library, whose main branch is located adjacent to the Square. "By bringing renewed focus and life to Celebration Square, this campaign will tremendously benefit the library, our patrons, and our community." More information on Colour the Square can be found on the Town's website at whitby.ca/colourthesquare. Whitby engages residents to "Colour the Square" Our last issue for 2016 will be Dec. 16. First one for 2017 will be Jan. 6 with a deadline of Dec. 30