Front yard Elf on the Shelf brings joy

BY Ariana Shah

Tonight is the last time the front yard of Shawn and Kelley Siepker will be abuzz with activity. The Siepkers have generously donated their massive Elf on the Shelf display, elves, Santa and a whole lot of hot chocolate to Canyon Lake families to enjoy and photograph.

The family’s grand idea to create a life-size Elf on the Shelf to share with Canyon Lake has been an enormous hit. Every Friday this month, the Siepkers have hosted a photo-op with Santa Claus and Elf on the Shelf.

Families were met with hot cocoa and waited in socially-distant lines to seize this unique opportunity.

“We really wanted to do this to bring Christmas joy to Canyon Lake,” Kelley said. “These are such dark times. Our children deserve to have some joy this season.”

Kelley Siepker and her two children join neighbors Ron and Tammy Taylor in front of their Elf on the Shelf life-size display in their front yard. The Siepkers are providing hot chocolate and photos with Santa on Fridays during the holidays. Photo provided by Kelley Siepker

For the Friday evening activity, the Siepker children dress as elves and neighbors Ron and Tammy Taylor sit in as Santa and Mrs. Claus.

“Friday night was so busy. We had made over 350 cups of hot cocoa!” Kelley said, “We are just so ecstatic because what we are doing is making other families so happy and grateful.”

She said many families have come up to her with tears of joy to express how thankful they were for the display and holiday fun.

The picturesque set the Siepker family created was elaborately decorated with Christmas decor.

“It took more than 50 hours to create,” Kelley said. “We used over two truckloads full of wood and tools to make it.”

The Siepkers promise a “special surprise” at tonight’s final week-before-Christmas event. The free event will occur from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at 22755 Gray Fox Dr. Live elves, hot chocolate and a treat from Santa are the highlights of the night. Bring your kids, your camera and enjoy a quick visit with Santa.