All aboard The Polar Express! This year our elf on the shelf, Snowball, arrived back for the Christmas season riding on the Polar Express. Christmas is the perfect time of the year to indulge in special family traditions like the North Pole Breakfast. I secretly love the idea of using the Elf to help keep the boys in line. I also enjoy moving the Elf around in fun mischievous ways, that is when I remember to move it. The North Pole Breakfast is a festive way to bring a little magic to your family’s holiday season.
North Pole Breakfast Tradition
So you may be asking yourself, what exactly is the North Pole Breakfast? So here’s the rundown, the North Pole Breakfast is a festive breakfast tradition that aligns with the arrival of the Elf on the Shelf for the season. It is a meal full of all the sweet sugary treats that dreams are made of. Good thing that this only happens once a year because it is not the healthiest. Most breakfasts align with the arrival of the Elf on the Shelf sometime between Thanksgiving and the first weekend of December. Check out previous years breakfast themes with the Grinch and Disney.
Table Decorations
You can let your imagination run wild with possibilities. Some ideas include the traditional red and green, a snowy wonderland with different hues of blues, or even a themed party. Consider a Christmas tablecloth, festive plates and napkins, special mugs, and centerpieces to add a little cheer to your table. Over the years we have really embraced the themed idea with the Grinch breakfast, Disney, and Disney gingerbread. This year we planned to recreate the experience of our favorite tradition of riding on the Polar Express. It was canceled this year like most other holiday events, but we made the decision to continue the tradition at home instead.
Set Up Details
- Navy Table Runner
- Gold Mercury Glass Christmas Trees
- Silver Glass Christmas Trees
- Polar Express Train
- Polar Express Luminary
- Silver Lantern
- Blue Ball Ornaments
- Silver Sleigh Bells
- Reindeer
- Cake Stand
- Mercury Glass Candles
- Tiered Tray
- Gold Charger
- Blue Plates
- Gold Plates
- Gold Ornament
- Polar Express Mug (From our last trip on the Polar Express)
On the Menu
Of course, the food choices include all their favorites like donuts, cinnamon rolls, waffles and pancakes. Cue the sugar high! This year, the boys enjoyed helping me make and decorate the Christmas tree pancakes. Simply turn the pancake mix green and make the circles smaller and smaller as you stack them up. Trim the tree with sprinkles and powdered sugar and top with a star. We used these mini star sparklers and they were a huge hit!
Hot Chocolate Bar
Are there any Polar Express passengers in need of refreshment? Is it really a polar express party without hot chocolate? We set up a hot chocolate bar on a tiered tray with all the fixins. Don’t be afraid to unleash your inner Willy Wonka to come up with amazing mix-ins and toppings. Our favorite hot cocoa from Williams Sonoma comes in several flavors like sea salt caramel, peppermint, dark chocolate and of course classic. Here are some ideas to add to your bar too.
Hot Cocoa Bar Options
- Hot Chocolate Mixes
- Vanilla Marshmallows
- Peppermint Chocolate Chip Marshmallows
- Candy Cane Marshmallows
- Milk Chocolate Chips
- Andes Crushed Mints
- Hot Chocolate Spoons
- Peppermint and Chocolate Stir Sticks
- Candy Canes/ Peppermint Sticks
- Chocolate Peppermint Rolled Wafers
- Carmel Bits
- Festive Sprinkles
- Chocolate Sprinkles
- M&Ms
- Nutmeg
- Peanut Butter Chips
- Chocolate Shavings
- Whoppers
- Sea Salt
- White Chocolate Chips
- Cinnamon
- Toffee Pieces
- Butterscotch Chips
- Coconut
- Truffles
- Cookie Crumbles
- Dark Chocolate SyrupCarmel Sauce
- Cherries
- Whipped Cream
- Adult options: Baileys or Amaretto
We only got one rule, never ever let it cool!
Matching Pajamas
There is just something about a matching set of Christmas pajamas to get you in the spirit! We usually wear them for the Polar Express Ride but how fun would they be for a themed breakfast and cozy movie. These believe blue pajamas were actually made by a talented lady at Crafty Threadz. Other matching options can be found at Hanna Andersson, Burt’s Bees, Disney, Target, and Kohls. Protip- I highly recommend that you shop early to get the sizes that you need.
Small Gift of Christmas
The Elf on the Shelf can bring a present for each kid too. Think of it as the first gift of Christmas. Don’t worry this is not a must do and save the big ones for Christmas day. I just raided my Christmas stash and wrapped something for each boy. Place the gift next to their plate to find when it’s time for breakfast.
You can do this too and doesn’t have to be so over the top or Pinterest worthy. It is the thought and effort that counts! Your kids will be just as excited no matter how simple or elaborate it is. We hope everyone stays healthy this Christmas Season.
