Meet “Emmanuel on the Mantle”: A Christ-Centered Alternative to Elf on the Shelf

Hi Sweet Mamas! I hope your Christmas season continues to be filled with God’s Love and Jesus Christ’s Light.

Quickly Addressing a Social Media Incident:

Before I launch into this week’s post, I want to quickly address something that happened on my social media last week:

To promote my last blog post celebrating Mary, I created and shared a lovely Mary tribute video on my Instagram and TikTok- I selected Amy Grant’s “Breath of Heaven” as the audio, but for some reason when the video was posted, it had some kind of creepy music over it instead. I have no idea how that happened, but as I discuss on my socials, I do wonder if it was some kind of evil demonic influence trying to suppress my public sharing of God’s Word. 

The Devil is always trying to stop us from ministering the Gospel…but I won’t let evil stop me. Remember, if you suddenly feel your spiritual battle with the Devil increasing, it’s likely because the Devil recognizes you as a powerful force for Christ who needs to be taken down. 

I’m taking it as a sign from God that my work is even more important now than ever. I’m reminded that God leaves us signs everywhere, in the smallest of things- even in social media posts.

How I’m Escalating my Christ Worship Even More:

While praying and reflecting on how I can ramp up my Worship even further this Advent season, I had a friend and fellow Christian Mama at my church as me if our household observes Santa Claus as part of Christmas.

I explained to her that we don’t observe Santa- there are several reasons for this:

1. I don’t want to lie to my kids that Santa is real, and have that lie cause them to doubt when I tell them the truth of Jesus Christ and God

   
   

2. I do not want to encourage the secularization of this religious holiday in my home

   
   

3. I do not want my children to perform “being good” for a false idol like Santa - I want them to learn that Santa isn’t always watching, because God is always watching, and that they should perform good deeds in the name of Jesus Christ all year round, not just for Santa during December

   
   

I encouraged my friend to adopt the same practice in her Christian home…and I’ll encourage the same for you. Even if you’ve celebrated Santa in the past, it’s never too late to come clean to your kids, and you might even use it as an opportunity to discuss the true meaning of Christmas and have a conversation about Christ. 

She sighed, and admitted to me that she wants to have a Santa-less, Christ-honoring Christmas in her home, but that she feels social and family pressure to give her kids the secular Christmas the outside world thinks they “should” have. In particular, she shared with me that her mother-in-law had gifted them an “Elf on the Shelf” this year, and that her children were so excited to have an “Elf” the way their friends at school do. 

(Which is why all Christian Mamas who want to ensure their kids grow up in the Light and Truth of Christ should homeschool, or at least have them in Church-affiliated private schools…but that’s a longer blog post for another time.)

I found myself slipping into the temptation to judge this Mother, my weakness and pride overcoming me for a moment. But then I heard God in my Heart reminding me that my purpose is to help guide Mothers back onto His path, which requires kindness and understanding. I can empathize with wanting to give your children a special Christmas, and being afraid to disappoint them. 

Maybe what this Mama needed wasn’t simply denial or restriction of popular Christmas celebrations, but instead, a Christian alternative.

I couldn’t shake the idea…how could I help her give her kids the experience of “Elf on the Shelf” while maintaining a Christ-Focused Christmas celebration?

And that’s when it came to me –

A Christian “Elf on the Shelf” Alternative:

“Emmanuel on the Mantle”:

I pulled out my sewing kit and fabric scraps and got to work creating this homemade “Jesus” doll. Like “Elf on the Shelf,” he can be placed around the home each night, perhaps staged next to a tiny Bible verse or prayer prompt for your kids to follow. 

It’s an excellent reminder that Jesus is always with us, and is always watching. It’s Jesus who sees us when we’re sleeping and knows when we’re awake, who knows if we’ve been bad or good.

Placing Jesus everywhere around your home is also a wonderful symbol of his omnipresence in our lives - Jesus is always here: in your cupboards, in your toy chest, under your Christmas tree, in all those tiny little loved spaces.

So, here’s how you can create your own “Emmanuel on the Mantle” doll and interactive activity for your kids this Christmas!

Tutorial: How to Create Your Own “Emmanuel on the Mantle”

+ Daily Christ-Centered Activities for Kids

If you’re ready to bring Jesus into every nook and cranny of your home this Christmas and give your kids a meaningful, faith-filled alternative to the secular “Elf on the Shelf," here’s your complete guide to making your very own “Emmanuel on the Mantle” doll.

This project is simple, heartfelt, and filled with purpose. You can create it in one evening, and begin the tradition the very next morning.

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

You don’t need anything fancy—just basic craft or sewing supplies you might already have.

You’ll Need:

• Light-colored cotton, linen, or felt fabric (for the face, legs, and hands)

• Brown or cream cotton, linen, or felt fabric (for the robe)

• Colored fabric scraps (for the sash or accents - I used red velvet)

• Poly-fil or cotton stuffing

• Black paint, paint pen, or sharpie (for the eyes)

• A needle and basic sewing kit

• Fabric glue (optional if you prefer less sewing)

• Yarn, embroidery floss, or wool roving (for hair- I used brown wool roving!)

• Scissors

• A small floral or greenery wire piece for crown (optional)

• A small cross charm or ribbon (optional)

• 
  

Step 2: Create the Body

1. Cut two matching “gingerbread-man” shapes from the light cotton fabric—about 8–10 inches tall.

   • This will form Jesus’s body.

     
     

2. Paint the face before sewing the pieces together:

   • Two small black painted ovals will do- keep it simple!

     
     

3. Add hair using yarn, embroidery floss, or wool roving:

   • Cut short lengths of your hair material

   • Stitch or glue them along the top of the head

     
     

4. Place the two body pieces together, right sides facing out, and stitch around the edges.

   • Leave a small opening at the bottom.

     
     

5. Stuff with Poly-fil until firm but cuddly - make sure he can still bend at the top of his legs in case you want to position him sitting!

   
   

6. Stitch the opening closed. Your little Emmanuel is starting to take shape!

   
   

Step 3: Sew the Robe

1. Cut a rectangle of fabric large enough to wrap loosely around the doll.

   
   

2. Cut a hole for the neck.

   
   

3. Slip it over the doll and secure with a bit of stitching at the shoulders - sleeves optional!

   
   

4. Create a sash from a strip of fabric and tie it around the waist, over one shoulder

5. Optional: add a wreath crown

   
   

6. Optional: Add a tiny cross charm to the sash.

   
   

Step 4: Blessing the Doll (Optional)

Place your hand on the finished doll and say a simple prayer, such as:

“Jesus, may this little reminder of Your presence fill our home with Your light. Help my children feel Your love and learn Your truth through this tradition.”

This step is optional but often makes the moment special and reverent for your children.

Step 5: How to Use “Emmanuel on the Mantle”

Just like Elf on the Shelf, Emmanuel moves nightly -- but the purpose is entirely different.

Instead of mischief or behavior manipulation, Emmanuel brings Scripture, love, and gentle guidance.

Each night after your children are asleep:

1. Place Emmanuel somewhere new in the home.

   • Mantle

   • Bookshelf

   • Under the tree

   • By the breakfast plates

   • In the toy bin

   • Near the bathtub with a “God washes us clean” note

   • Anywhere!

     
     

2. Add a small message:

   • A Bible verse

   • A prayer focus

   • A small act of kindness to complete

   • A question prompting reflection

   • A simple reminder of God’s presence

     
     

3. Keep it holy, gentle, and rooted in Scripture.

   • This tradition is not about surveillance or fear, it’s about constant companionship with Christ.

     
     

Daily Ideas for Emmanuel’s Messages:

Scripture Prompts

• “Today, read Luke 2:10 together—Jesus came to bring Good News!”

• “Let’s remember: ‘The Lord is my Shepherd.’ Psalm 23:1.”

  
  

Acts of Kindness

• “Today, choose one toy to give away to bless another child.”

• “Let’s make a card for someone who needs encouragement.”

• “Give someone a hug and remind them Jesus loves them.”

  
  

Discussion Prompts

• “Where did you feel God’s love today?”

• “What’s one way we can show Jesus kindness in our home today?”

• “What gift can you give Jesus that isn’t a ‘thing’?”

  
  

Simple Presence Reminders

• “I am with you always. – Jesus”

• “You are God’s beloved child.”

• “Jesus sees your heart, and He loves you deeply.”

  
  

Step 6: Christmas Morning Tradition

A beautiful final step:

On Christmas morning, place Emmanuel near a Bible opened to Luke chapter 2. Encourage your children to sit with Emmanuel as you read the story of Jesus’s birth together.

This creates a powerful memory that keeps Christ at the center.

Share your prayers and blessings with the Home Sweet Holleigh community! Comment below or engage on social media! Find me on Instagram and TikTok at @homesweetholleigh

Want to start your own "Emmanuel on the Mantle" tradition, but don't have the time or skills to make your own doll?

(First, I do recommend you start practicing those skills, homemade is always better! And I want to remind you that you should never "not have time" for the Lord and honoring your Faith....)

But for now.... Check out the "Finding Jesus" Countdown to Christmas Doll from Seek Him First, as well as these Christ figures and "cheat supplies" from Hobby Lobby:

Finding Jesus Doll

Mini "Jesus Loves You" Figures at Hobby Lobby

Bendable Muslin Doll Base at Hobby Lobby

remember to always find meaning in the little things