These Are the Holidays Summed Up by Buddy the Elf

It isn't a holiday season without a traditional family viewing of Elf, because not only does Buddy the Elf reflect the spirit of Christmas, but he also represents the kid in all of us. Because we feel so strongly about the way this beloved family film makes us feel, we decided to lay out the holiday season as summed up by Buddy and his crazy antics.

01
When you want to cram all of the holiday things into such a short period of time.
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When you want to cram all of the holiday things into such a short period of time.

So much on the bucket list, so little time.

02
When you can't explain why the holidays make you so happy.
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When you can't explain why the holidays make you so happy.

You're smiling like an idiot at everything holiday-related, and you don't know why.

03
When you experience some setbacks while cooking a holiday meal for your family.
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When you experience some setbacks while cooking a holiday meal for your family.

The Pinterest craze got the best of you, but you're determined to make meaningful holiday memories, so you'll try again!

04
When your kids can barely contain themselves on Christmas Eve.
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When your kids can barely contain themselves on Christmas Eve.

It's like fireworks are exploding within them, and they just cannot keep it together (but it's amazing to watch).

05
When you're shopping for gifts and you can't get on board with what kids are into these days.
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When you're shopping for gifts and you can't get on board with what kids are into these days.

06
When you start comparing everything around you to something holiday-related because you can't contain your joy.
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When you start comparing everything around you to something holiday-related because you can't contain your joy.

EVERYTHING IS WONDERFUL AND CHRISTMASSY!

07
When you find out that the most high-priority thing on your kid's wish list is sold out.
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When you find out that the most high-priority thing on your kid's wish list is sold out.

WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU DON'T HAVE ANY LEFT?!

08
When your kids get a bit overeager while decorating the house.
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When your kids get a bit overeager while decorating the house.

You asked them to detangle the lights, not climb the tree.

09
When the people around you are starting to get sick of your relentless Christmas tunes.
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When the people around you are starting to get sick of your relentless Christmas tunes.

You mean other people don't want to listen to "I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas" all day on repeat?

10
When your diet goes 100 percent out the window for the entire month of December.
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When your diet goes 100 percent out the window for the entire month of December.

All of the carbs and none of the caring.

11
When you realize the hard way that not everyone is as excited for the holidays as you are.
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When you realize the hard way that not everyone is as excited for the holidays as you are.

OK, so maybe you shouldn't have gift-wrapped all of your co-workers' cubicles. You see your mistake now.

12
When you wake up on Christmas morning and see your kids' faces as they spot the gifts under the tree.
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When you wake up on Christmas morning and see your kids' faces as they spot the gifts under the tree.

Nothing is better than seeing your kids radiate pure toy-fueled joy.

13
When you're trying to navigate the checkout lines during your last-minute shopping.
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When you're trying to navigate the checkout lines during your last-minute shopping.

Getting around all of these shoppers is like playing Frogger in the middle of New York City.

14
When you let your kids' diets consist of syrup and candy canes leading up to Christmas.
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When you let your kids' diets consist of syrup and candy canes leading up to Christmas.

It's OK to use the holidays to justify the marshmallow-eating contest going on in your kitchen right now.

15
When you spill the beans about Santa — oops.
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When you spill the beans about Santa — oops.

You've really only ruined using Santa as a yearlong scare tactic for yourself.

16
When you have one too many at your holiday Christmas party because you can't drink freely around your kiddos.
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When you have one too many at your holiday Christmas party because you can't drink freely around your kiddos.

When work becomes a place you feel free, that's how you know you're a parent.

17
When your kids start taking holiday games too far.
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When your kids start taking holiday games too far.

Everyone is just a little overexcited, and that snowball almost broke your window.

18
When you eat "Santa’s cookies" really quick right before the kids come down for presents.
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When you eat "Santa’s cookies" really quick right before the kids come down for presents.

Of all the things to forget, how could you not remember to eat the cookies?!

19
When you realize that you're forgetting the true meaning of Christmas and need a reality check.
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When you realize that you're forgetting the true meaning of Christmas and need a reality check.

It's not all about material things, though it's easy to get caught up.

20
When the magic of Christmas and the love you feel for the season takes over.
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When the magic of Christmas and the love you feel for the season takes over.

It truly is the most wonderful time of the year.