We have what is called "The Elf on the Shelf". I bought him at Hallmark last year. You can also go online and register his name on the website. I won't go through the whole thing, but every night after we put the boys down, I move him to a different place in the living room. Then, when Asher wakes up, he looks around to see where Barnacle (the name HE chose) is hiding today. Every night he goes back to report to Santa on how the kids have been. Then when he comes back, he finds a different place to sit and watch. The boys are not allowed to talk to him directly...only parents can. He was a HUGE hit last year. I highly recommend him. It came with a story book and everything too. You can Google it.
I love Outdoor Christmas Lights!!