I remember telling a friend one year that I liked the idea of Elf on the Shelf…but something about it just didn’t fit our family. We don’t really “do” Santa in the traditional way. We watch the movies, we enjoy the magic, but in our house he’s more of a fun Christmas character than the main event
She immediately said, “Oh, you need to try Shepherd on the Search.”
And honestly? From the very first year, we were hooked.
Back then I only had two boys, and they loved it instantly. Every morning they’d jump out of bed and run around the house like tiny detectives trying to find where the shepherd had wandered off to. The funniest part was that my younger one was always the first to spot him, like he had a built-in shepherd radar. It cracked me up every single time.
Those early mornings turned into one of those traditions that sneaks up on you. You don’t even realize you’re going to love it until one day you’re like, “Okay… this is actually one of my favorite parts of Christmas.”
What made Shepherd on the Search stick for us is that it just fit who we are as a family. It brought in the magic and excitement my boys loved, but it also kept the focus exactly where we wanted it: on Jesus, the story of Christmas, and the anticipation of something meaningful.
There was no pressure to come up with wild setups or Pinterest level scenes. The shepherd didn’t need props, acrobatics, or a full production schedule. He just “journeyed” through the house, and that was more than enough. Honestly, it felt like the first Christmas tradition that brought joy without adding a bunch of work for me.
And I loved watching the boys connect with it. They weren’t just finding a figure, they were talking about why he was searching, asking questions about the nativity, putting pieces together in their own little kid brains. It was simple, sweet, and grounding in the middle of December chaos.
Some traditions feel like they take from you.
This one felt like it gave something back.
What You Actually Need to Get Started
Getting started with Shepherd on the Search is super easy and you don’t need a huge stash of supplies or complicated setup. Here’s what you’ll need:
- The Shepherd on the Search set – This usually comes with the little shepherd figure and the storybook.
- Shepherd on the Search devotional – Some sets include a devotional that pairs with the daily hiding activity. It’s a simple way to weave in meaningful moments and reflection for your kids.
- A little creativity for hiding spots – That’s it! You don’t need to go overboard; just pick fun or silly spots your kids will enjoy searching each morning.
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The best part? Once you have the shepherd and the story, you can keep the tradition going year after year. No extra bells and whistles required, just a little daily excitement and connection with your kids.
How We Do It at Our Home
At our house, Shepherd on the Search has become a simple, fun morning ritual. Each night, I tuck the shepherd somewhere in the house. Sometimes it’s an easy spot, sometimes it’s a little tricky, just to keep the boys on their toes.
In the morning, they race to see who can find him first. And yes... the younger one still spots him before his older brother, which still makes me laugh. Once he’s found, we read a short passage from the devotional together. It’s a calm moment in the middle of all our morning chaos, and it’s become a sweet little connection point for our family each day.
We’ve kept it low stress. No elaborate setups, no pressure, just daily joy and excitement. It’s become one of those small traditions that makes the holiday season feel magical without adding more stress.
One of my favorite parts of this tradition is hearing my boys talk about it. They get so excited searching for the shepherd each morning, and their little conversations about where he might be hiding or what he’s “doing” always makes me smile.
And I hope someday they remember these simple mornings: the laughter, the suspense, the silly little search that somehow became a big part of our Christmas season. For us, Shepherd on the Search has become one of our favorite traditions because it’s more than a game. It’s a gentle, joyful way to slow down and soak in the heart of Christmas together.
Wrapped in a blanket with a cup of hot chocolate… those are the moments that feel like the real magic of the season.
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