This post is sponsored by Ace Hardware.


‘Twas the week before Christmas and all through the new (old) house.

I needed some help (and not from a mouse).

The stockings weren’t hung, there was a mess everywhere.

How could I get ready before Santa was there?

I needed a helper and I needed one fast.

To help with the wrapping and to put the ornaments up fast.

When at the front door there arose such a clatter,

I pushed aside the cedar garland to see what was the matter.

When what to my wondering eyes should appear?

But a #HelpfulScoutElf named Jingle bringing help and good cheer.

His eyes how they twinkled and his grin was so merry.

He was ready to work without a moment to tarry.

He said not a word but went right to his work.

Jingle sprinkled the cookies and not a one did he shirk.

He filled these Rubbermaid containers from Ace and checked each present with glee.

I couldn’t believe it.  He was such a help to me.

He was dressed all in red from his head to his foot.

And into that flour his hands he did put.

The red Nordicware bundt pan was ready in under a minute.

And all because of the help he put in it.

His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow.

And the flour on his nose was as white as the snow.

I wanted to laugh and I wanted to shout.

My #HelpfulScoutElf was truly helping me out.

Jingle perched on the counters and helped supervise.

He made sure the Lux timer worked so I was never surprised.

A wink of his eye and a twist of his cap.

We had everything ready in just a snap.

I’d packed away presents I didn’t think I could find.

But Jingle?  He brought a NEBO Big Larry flashlight get me out of a bind.

From Ace Hardware he purchased these amazing LED lights.

The flashlight holder combo is bold and it’s bright.

He looked high and low and when he was done.

He’d found each present and wrapped every one.

And when we were done, our tasks all complete.

I asked for help once more with an extra special treat.

I explained Santa’s so busy on each Christmas Eve.

There’s no time for his reindeer and sleigh to stop for reprieve.

So, when Santa stops by our house with the toys and the sleigh.

Could Jingle shine the  NEBO flashlights to show him the way?

Go around the corner and just down the stair.

In the room where our stockings are hung up with care.

Christmas Eve, Santa will find milk and cookies all ready for him.

Next to the packages brightly tied up with trim.

It’s just a little bit of joy from all of us here.

We wanted to say thank you sprinkled with cheer.

He finished his work and let out a sigh.

The house was ready for Christmas as the holiday drew nigh.

And I heard him exclaim with eyes merry and bright.

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.

This little Christmas story was brought to you by one of the most helpful places I know, Ace Hardware.  I cannot tell you how many times I’ve walked into my local Ace and been greeted at the door with a smile and a listening ear.  They are also a one-stop shop for your holiday gifting needs this year—the lights Jingle used in the post are a great stocking stuffer.  If you have questions that need answers or a problem that needs solving or even the perfect flashlight for the upcoming winter season, Ace has got you covered.

Truly.

Ace is the place.

Ace is also offering a coupon for 25% off one item under $50 if you need a last-minute gift! Click the coupon here and stock up on some fun last-minute gifts or stocking stuffers.

I worked with Ace and my #HelpfulScoutElf this holiday season to prepare cookies for Santa and to guide him through the night, but the #HelpfulScoutElf can do all sorts of helpful projects this season. Share your own Elf photo on Instagram or Facebook using the hashtags #HelpfulScoutElf and #ThistlewoodFarms for a chance to win a $100 Ace Hardware gift card.

disclosure:  This post was sponsored by Ace.
All opinions are my own.
Please see my disclosure page for more information.

Want to know how to decorate your home for free?
Click here to get my FIVE BEST secrets.

Comments

  1. Image for Stephanie Wethington Stephanie Wethington

    Karianne, you are such a precious person. I loved this story and once again you filled my heart with joy. I need a Jingle friend to help me today and tomorrow. Merry Christmas to you and your family. xo

  2. Image for Marjorie Marjorie

    Loved the story and all the red products. Now relax and enjoy the Christmas holiday. May you and your family have a blessed time.

  3. Image for Denise Cox Denise Cox

    Well, what can one say? Only you, KariAnne! Did you make up the poem? It would not surprise me if you did. How cute. Once again, A Merry Christmas!

  4. Image for Diane Diane

    Only you KariAnne could take something so ordinary and make it truly extraordinary. Your creativity is the kind only true rockstars enjoy. ;) Thanks for making me smile. And yes... Ace is the place. ;) Merry Christmas sweet friend. xo

  5. Image for Michelle Michelle

    What a cute twist on 'The Night Before Christmas' and you're so right about Ace! My talented hubby built our first major piece of furniture (an entire wall of shelves with a desk in the middle) thanks to Ace. Nice memories. And I love the cute little Elf on the Shelf helper. Reminds me of some of Mom's Christmas décor from the 1950s. Merry Christmas!

  6. Image for CathyAnn CathyAnn

    #HelpfulScoutElf ...the.BEST.helper.EVER! The poem...super.creative! and, YOU, KariAnne...AWESOME!!! Wishing you peace, abundance, happiness that grows daily, health for you and yours, pleasure in all you do, energy to pursue your dreams & joy to fill your days! Merry Christmas 🎄

  7. Image for MARY-ANN (FROM CANADA!) MARY-ANN (FROM CANADA!)

    KariAnne, you are such an amazing gal! We love your posts and thank you for them! May you be blessed with a wonderful Christmas in your gorgeous new home! How wonderful to be back "home" where it all started! Now you will truly be blessed with all the new precious memories you will make! MERRY CHRISTMAS! May your heart and home be blessed with a New Year filled with wonderful days!

  8. Image for Linda Linda

    Adorable poem and pictures! Love how you ROCK the simple things. You are so talented. Merry Christmas to you and your family and may all your days sparkle!

  9. Image for june june

    You are really something Miss Karianne! Sending you heartfelt blessings to you and your family in your new precious, memory filled home. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Sending you chilly hugs from Minnesota!!!!!

  10. Image for Beverly Ebersole Beverly Ebersole

    This year in my preschool class room we had Sparkle the Elf. Sorry to say Sparkle had no pictures to share. Loved your story.

Comments are closed.