Become a subscriber and receive my “Mealtime Magic – Biblically Based Conversation Cards” FREE!
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Happy Home Fairy

Helping Moms Build Happy Homes

  • Home
  • Blog
  • About
  • Advertise
  • Privacy
  • Contact
  • Crafts
  • Freebies
    • FREE Printables
    • Giveaways
  • Recipes
    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
    • Sides
    • Soups/Salads
    • Appetizers/Snacks
    • Treats
  • Celebrate
    • New Year’s
    • Valentine’s Day
    • St. Patrick’s Day
    • Easter
    • Teacher Appreciation
    • Mother’s Day
    • End of School Year
    • Summer
    • Father’s Day
    • 4th of July
    • Back to School
    • Fall
    • Thanksgiving
    • Christmas
    • Birthdays
  • Faith
    • Comforting in Crisis
    • Fairy Thoughts
    • Motherhood
    • Marriage
    • Parenting
    • NICU Mommies

25 Shepherd on the Search Ideas!

25 SHEPHERD ON THE SEARCH IDEASI am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Read my full disclosure policy here.

FAVORITE Christmas tradition is our Shepherd On the Search!  Do you know about this?!  It is the Christ-centered (WAY less creepy) version of the Elf on the Shelf.  You can read all about it in THIS POST.

I gathered up my favorite ideas on how to pose your Shepherd On the Search each day leading up to Christmas.  These ideas are super easy and lots of fun.  And don’t worry, you will not need elaborate props or a ton of time because the best ideas use the stuff that you already have!  That is how I like to roll.

Here are the ideas!

December 1 (ARRIVAL)

The Shepherd arrives and brings Advent Calendars for the boys!  Last year the boys got the Tsum Tsum calendars because they are obsessed with collecting Tsum Tsums.  This year they will get chocolate calendars.

December 2

The Shepherd cooking breakfast. 🙂

December 3

All stacked up in a tower of toilet paper rolls in the bathroom.

December 4

The Shepherd made a snowman out of the matchbox cars.

December 5

The Shepherd was caught making a birthday card for Jesus.

December 6

Hiding in the glass cabinet.

December 7

Cooling off in the fridge.

December 8

Working out with his elf buddy.  We can do all things through Christ who gives us strength!

December 9

The Shepherd wrapped the boys’ snacks for school in Christmas wrapping paper.

December 10

Styling some of the family’s best footwear and walking in His ways.

December 11

Fixing his eyes on Jesus this Christmas.

December 12

Jesus heals all of our hurts!  Also bandaids are so much fun.

December 13

Channeling the Easter season.

December 14

Hoping someone will free him before the morning smoothies.

December 15

Because every bathroom needs a toilet paper snowman.

December 16

Reminding the family how sweet it is to trust in Jesus.

December 17

Reading the Christmas story to a group of friends who really get it.

December 18

Spooning.

December 19

Winning at Tic-Tac-Toe.

December 20

The Shepherd wrapped up the boys’ bedroom door while they were sleeping.

December 21

Decorating the bathroom mirrors with ribbons.

December 22

Following that star.  Literally.

December 23

Head first in his favorite morning cereal.

December 24

Creating a Winter Wonderland out of marshmallows and q-tips.

The Shepherd brought wrapped Christmas pajamas for the boys to wear on Christmas Eve.

December 25

Made it to the manger and found the Savior!

I definitely know what it’s like to crawl into bed, start drifting off, and then suddenly jolt awake in a panic because you FORGOT TO MOVE THE SHEPHERD.  When you are tired like that, you need inspiration, so I hope these ideas are helpful!

This will be our 3rd Christmas with our little Shepherd On the Search and I can’t wait to see what tricks he is up to this year!

**Find more ideas HERE.**

Joyfully,

Julie 🙂

Sharing is caring!

Christmas
Christ-Centered Christmas
11 Comments

About Happy Home Fairy

Julie Brasington is a Preschool Director, wife of a South Florida Worship Pastor and mom of 3 boys. She writes at Happy Home Fairy where you can find easy craft ideas, FREE printables, simple recipes, holiday fun, thoughts on raising kids, and encouragement for moms.

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

You May Also Like These Posts

JOYServe – Advent Christmas Kindness Countdown – FREE PrintableSimple Christmas Ideas from A-ZChrist-Centered Christmas Stocking – FREE PrintableChristmas Nativity Yard Décor Thank You Note – FREE Printable
Prev Post Everything You Need to Know About Having a C-Section
Next Post GIVEAWAY – Favorite Christian Board Books

Reader Interactions

11 Comments

  1. Dawn Brent

    November 25, 2018 at 3:46 pm

    I am so glad I found your website, I have shared it with our daughter. I appreciate the ideas you share on so many things that are not going with the “world” and it’s ideas. Praise God!

    to Dawn Brent" aria-label="reply to this comment to Dawn Brent">reply to this comment
  2. Dawn Brent

    November 25, 2018 at 3:52 pm

    Where did you get the little stuffed shepherd boy for the activity?

    to Dawn Brent" aria-label="reply to this comment to Dawn Brent">reply to this comment
    • Happy Home Fairy

      November 25, 2018 at 4:16 pm

      Thank you for your comment!! I am so happy you found me too! The link for the Shepherd on the Search is in the blog post! Simply click on the highlighted text! Or use this link >> https://amzn.to/2KvuHtF

      to Happy Home Fairy" aria-label="reply to this comment to Happy Home Fairy">reply to this comment
  3. Beth Hendrikse

    November 27, 2018 at 1:48 pm

    So fun! Day 17th is my favorite!

    to Beth Hendrikse" aria-label="reply to this comment to Beth Hendrikse">reply to this comment
  4. Heather

    November 30, 2018 at 11:29 pm

    Thanks for all the great ideas!! “SawSaw” joined our family last year, but my kiddo was 2 & just too young. This year we are reintroducing our shepherd but just for the last 14 days – we recently moved & I’m still unpacking. I am excited to try these ideas! And I agree about the elf – creeps me out!

    to Heather" aria-label="reply to this comment to Heather">reply to this comment
  5. Casandra

    December 8, 2018 at 8:51 am

    I am so thankful that you shared about Shepherd on the search. Our family has been enjoying this activity & I am thankful to have something Christ centered to do first throng in the morning. What’s really great is that it’s not a challenge to get my kids out of bed in the morning, all I have to do is say “who will find the shepherd first?” and they all jump out of bed and start racing around the house.

    to Casandra" aria-label="reply to this comment to Casandra">reply to this comment
    • Happy Home Fairy

      December 8, 2018 at 2:36 pm

      Ahhh! That blesses me so much to know!!! THANK YOU!!!

      to Happy Home Fairy" aria-label="reply to this comment to Happy Home Fairy">reply to this comment
  6. Christina Landfried

    November 22, 2020 at 4:19 pm

    Super excited to include your daily “search” ideas this Christmas. I have 3 teen boys living in my home this year and I want to show them Christ this Christmas in a fun way. My children are adults themselves and so there was nothing like this (or even the “Elf”) back when I was raising them. Being an “empty nester” I’ve been envious of incorporating these fun traditions in my home at Christmas time, and now God has given me the opportunity! Thank you for the awesome Christian inspiration!

    to Christina Landfried" aria-label="reply to this comment to Christina Landfried">reply to this comment
    • Happy Home Fairy

      November 23, 2020 at 10:34 am

      Hooray!!! This makes me SO happy!!!

      to Happy Home Fairy" aria-label="reply to this comment to Happy Home Fairy">reply to this comment
  7. Bethany Lindemann

    November 25, 2020 at 10:23 pm

    Thank you for all of the ideas. We just got ours in the mail and I am excited to start this year. 🙂

    to Bethany Lindemann" aria-label="reply to this comment to Bethany Lindemann">reply to this comment
    • Happy Home Fairy

      November 26, 2020 at 11:58 pm

      That is so fun!! I hope you love it!!!

      to Happy Home Fairy" aria-label="reply to this comment to Happy Home Fairy">reply to this comment

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

Loving God Loving Others and Having Fun

Hey there! My name is Julie, the Happy Home Fairy. I am married to a Worship Pastor, we have 3 boys, and I am a Preschool Director. I love sharing easy, fun ideas to help moms build a happy home! Here you will find simple crafts, FREE Printables, yummy recipes, stories about my journey to trust Jesus with my family, and encouragement for your mama's heart. You can read more about me HERE!

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Instagram
  • YouTube

My eBook!
AVAILABLE NOW!

book-sidebarThe Kindness Antennae is my brand new eBook packed full of uplifting stories, fun ideas, printables, and truths to help you (and your kids!) live a life that makes a difference – one act of kindness at a time.

BUY NOW

Subscribe Now and Get a FREE Gift!

Preschool Crafts and Ideas

Preschool Classroom Reveal

Creation Book – FREE Printable!

Brown Bear, Brown Bear Handprint Project

Preschool Morning Meeting Ideas

More Preschool Ideas

Popular Categories

  • Printables
  • Winter
  • Spring
  • Summer
  • Fall
  • Recipes
  • Preschool
  • Encouragement

Footer

JOIN THE CONVERSATION ON
Facebook

SEE WHAT I’M PINNING ON
Pinterest

PEEK BEHIND THE SCENES ON
INSTAGRAM

@happyhomefairy
Happy Home Fairy

@happyhomefairy

I like to make people happy.✨ Author of #thekindnessantennae 🎉 💛Psalm 28:7💛
  • Serving freedom with a side of mullet. 🫡

Happy Birthday, America! 🇺🇸😆🇺🇸
  • All Noah wanted for his 17th birthday was a Honda Civic… 

So we got him one. 😉
  • 🌴 I love palm trees. 🌴 

They don’t break in storms - they bend *with* the storm. ⛈️ (John 16:33)

They stay green all year round. 💚 (Psalm 92:14)

They grow best when it’s hot. ☀️ (Jeremiah 17:8)

They produce good fruit to be a blessing to others. 🥥 (Galatians 5:22-23)

They point straight up to heaven, reminding us of the goal. ⬆️ (Philippians 3:20)

Their branches are symbolic of victory. 🌿 (John 12, Revelation 7)

Go and be like a palm tree today! 🏝️🙌🏻🤩

“The righteous will flourish like the palm tree…” Psalm 92:12
  • ☀️Annual happy place week!☀️

The boys are trying to shoot me with water guns while I sit by the pool. The moon is a sweet bright spot in the night sky. A couple just rode by on the Broadwalk with music and extravagant lights on their bikes. The wind is gently moving the palm tree branches. Zion has a case of late night giggles. Noah is eating 3 scoops of ice cream from the Ben and Jerry’s shop and I am wishing this night will never end!

Thank you for another magical week, Hollywood. 🫶🏻 We will be counting down the days until next year!

🌴☀️💕🌴☀️💕🌴☀️💕🌴
  • One of these amazing boys made me a thoughtful card and gave me a small box of chocolates.

One of these amazing boys made me a special edition of his homemade comic strips in honor of Mother’s Day.

And one of these amazing boys patted my stomach during the sermon at church and whispered, “I think there’s a baby in there.”

😂🫠😂🫠😂

Happy Mother’s Day! 

💕🫶🏻🌷💕🫶🏻🌷
  • We are celebrating that because of the cross we have the unwavering favor of God. Because of the cross we are pursued daily by God’s perfect love, we are offered forgiveness and freedom, and we are equipped with the hope of the Holy Spirit. Thank you, Jesus! 

🤍🙌🏻🤍🙌🏻🤍🙌🏻🤍
  • Things I’ve learned from breaking my tailbone >>

1. It is possible to wear only 4 outfits in 2 weeks.

2. God is more concerned with developing character and deep roots than about our physical comfort.

3. My children don’t love to see me bedridden, but they love that they have been able to eat nuggets, pizza, and fries for 2 weeks.

4. When you can’t sleep because of pain or wild imagination that is not helpful, put on worship music.

5. A good prayer to pray, “Show me the depth of my need for You and shatter my self-sufficiency. Change my mindset so that prayer becomes my first response in every situation. May I seek You in all things. Help me to put all my hope in You...”

6. Hold on to a sense of humor. Or find someone to get you laughing. Even though it will hurt to laugh. You need to not take it all so seriously!

7. God’s people are so precious. People showed up on our doorstep with lasagnas, flowers, sandwiches, Uber Eats gift cards, and one dear soul even sent her cleaning ladies to our house to undo the damage of mama being down for days on end. Whenever I was tempted to despair, someone would text or bring by some freshly cut fruit. The message here is don’t ask, just do > because every act of kindness reminded me of Who is in charge.

8. When hard times come, lean into gratitude instead of fussiness and resistance. Thank your husband for carrying everything while you’re down, thank your community for carrying you to Jesus, thank the Lord for being present in all circumstances with a plan for your good and His glory. There is a reason God tells us in the Bible to do all things without complaining or disputing-so that you. will. shine. It’s not easy, but the reward is GREAT. I want the world to see Jesus shining in me in my adversity. Doesn’t mean you can’t cry and admit that what you are facing is so very difficult, but this can be done with a surrendered heart. This is the new assignment. Accept it, receive it as something that is from a loving Father. Look for the provisions along the way. You will go from strength to strength. Move forward with hope. He’s got you!

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Romans 12:12
  • He makes me laugh more than anyone. And for some reason he is especially hilarious now when it hurts really bad to laugh. 😆 

Happy Valentine’s Day, best friend. 💖
  • The only place to buy your Christmas ghosts.

#homegoods #funny #humor
View on Instagram
@happyhomefairy
@happyhomefairy
•
Follow
Serving freedom with a side of mullet. 🫡 Happy Birthday, America! 🇺🇸😆🇺🇸
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
1/9
@happyhomefairy
@happyhomefairy
•
Follow
All Noah wanted for his 17th birthday was a Honda Civic… So we got him one. 😉
3 days ago
View on Instagram |
2/9
🌴 I love palm trees. 🌴 

They don’t break in storms - they bend *with* the storm. ⛈️ (John 16:33)

They stay green all year round. 💚 (Psalm 92:14)

They grow best when it’s hot. ☀️ (Jeremiah 17:8)

They produce good fruit to be a blessing to others. 🥥 (Galatians 5:22-23)

They point straight up to heaven, reminding us of the goal. ⬆️ (Philippians 3:20)

Their branches are symbolic of victory. 🌿 (John 12, Revelation 7)

Go and be like a palm tree today! 🏝️🙌🏻🤩

“The righteous will flourish like the palm tree…” Psalm 92:12
@happyhomefairy
@happyhomefairy
•
Follow
🌴 I love palm trees. 🌴 They don’t break in storms - they bend *with* the storm. ⛈️ (John 16:33) They stay green all year round. 💚 (Psalm 92:14) They grow best when it’s hot. ☀️ (Jeremiah 17:8) They produce good fruit to be a blessing to others. 🥥 (Galatians 5:22-23) They point straight up to heaven, reminding us of the goal. ⬆️ (Philippians 3:20) Their branches are symbolic of victory. 🌿 (John 12, Revelation 7) Go and be like a palm tree today! 🏝️🙌🏻🤩 “The righteous will flourish like the palm tree…” Psalm 92:12
6 days ago
View on Instagram |
3/9
☀️Annual happy place week!☀️

The boys are trying to shoot me with water guns while I sit by the pool. The moon is a sweet bright spot in the night sky. A couple just rode by on the Broadwalk with music and extravagant lights on their bikes. The wind is gently moving the palm tree branches. Zion has a case of late night giggles. Noah is eating 3 scoops of ice cream from the Ben and Jerry’s shop and I am wishing this night will never end!

Thank you for another magical week, Hollywood. 🫶🏻 We will be counting down the days until next year!

🌴☀️💕🌴☀️💕🌴☀️💕🌴
@happyhomefairy
@happyhomefairy
•
Follow
☀️Annual happy place week!☀️ The boys are trying to shoot me with water guns while I sit by the pool. The moon is a sweet bright spot in the night sky. A couple just rode by on the Broadwalk with music and extravagant lights on their bikes. The wind is gently moving the palm tree branches. Zion has a case of late night giggles. Noah is eating 3 scoops of ice cream from the Ben and Jerry’s shop and I am wishing this night will never end! Thank you for another magical week, Hollywood. 🫶🏻 We will be counting down the days until next year! 🌴☀️💕🌴☀️💕🌴☀️💕🌴
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
4/9
One of these amazing boys made me a thoughtful card and gave me a small box of chocolates.

One of these amazing boys made me a special edition of his homemade comic strips in honor of Mother’s Day.

And one of these amazing boys patted my stomach during the sermon at church and whispered, “I think there’s a baby in there.”

😂🫠😂🫠😂

Happy Mother’s Day! 

💕🫶🏻🌷💕🫶🏻🌷
@happyhomefairy
@happyhomefairy
•
Follow
One of these amazing boys made me a thoughtful card and gave me a small box of chocolates. One of these amazing boys made me a special edition of his homemade comic strips in honor of Mother’s Day. And one of these amazing boys patted my stomach during the sermon at church and whispered, “I think there’s a baby in there.” 😂🫠😂🫠😂 Happy Mother’s Day! 💕🫶🏻🌷💕🫶🏻🌷
2 months ago
View on Instagram |
5/9
We are celebrating that because of the cross we have the unwavering favor of God. Because of the cross we are pursued daily by God’s perfect love, we are offered forgiveness and freedom, and we are equipped with the hope of the Holy Spirit. Thank you, Jesus! 

🤍🙌🏻🤍🙌🏻🤍🙌🏻🤍
@happyhomefairy
@happyhomefairy
•
Follow
We are celebrating that because of the cross we have the unwavering favor of God. Because of the cross we are pursued daily by God’s perfect love, we are offered forgiveness and freedom, and we are equipped with the hope of the Holy Spirit. Thank you, Jesus! 🤍🙌🏻🤍🙌🏻🤍🙌🏻🤍
3 months ago
View on Instagram |
6/9
Things I’ve learned from breaking my tailbone >>

1. It is possible to wear only 4 outfits in 2 weeks.

2. God is more concerned with developing character and deep roots than about our physical comfort.

3. My children don’t love to see me bedridden, but they love that they have been able to eat nuggets, pizza, and fries for 2 weeks.

4. When you can’t sleep because of pain or wild imagination that is not helpful, put on worship music.

5. A good prayer to pray, “Show me the depth of my need for You and shatter my self-sufficiency. Change my mindset so that prayer becomes my first response in every situation. May I seek You in all things. Help me to put all my hope in You...”

6. Hold on to a sense of humor. Or find someone to get you laughing. Even though it will hurt to laugh. You need to not take it all so seriously!

7. God’s people are so precious. People showed up on our doorstep with lasagnas, flowers, sandwiches, Uber Eats gift cards, and one dear soul even sent her cleaning ladies to our house to undo the damage of mama being down for days on end. Whenever I was tempted to despair, someone would text or bring by some freshly cut fruit. The message here is don’t ask, just do > because every act of kindness reminded me of Who is in charge.

8. When hard times come, lean into gratitude instead of fussiness and resistance. Thank your husband for carrying everything while you’re down, thank your community for carrying you to Jesus, thank the Lord for being present in all circumstances with a plan for your good and His glory. There is a reason God tells us in the Bible to do all things without complaining or disputing-so that you. will. shine. It’s not easy, but the reward is GREAT. I want the world to see Jesus shining in me in my adversity. Doesn’t mean you can’t cry and admit that what you are facing is so very difficult, but this can be done with a surrendered heart. This is the new assignment. Accept it, receive it as something that is from a loving Father. Look for the provisions along the way. You will go from strength to strength. Move forward with hope. He’s got you!

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Romans 12:12
@happyhomefairy
@happyhomefairy
•
Follow
Things I’ve learned from breaking my tailbone >> 1. It is possible to wear only 4 outfits in 2 weeks. 2. God is more concerned with developing character and deep roots than about our physical comfort. 3. My children don’t love to see me bedridden, but they love that they have been able to eat nuggets, pizza, and fries for 2 weeks. 4. When you can’t sleep because of pain or wild imagination that is not helpful, put on worship music. 5. A good prayer to pray, “Show me the depth of my need for You and shatter my self-sufficiency. Change my mindset so that prayer becomes my first response in every situation. May I seek You in all things. Help me to put all my hope in You...” 6. Hold on to a sense of humor. Or find someone to get you laughing. Even though it will hurt to laugh. You need to not take it all so seriously! 7. God’s people are so precious. People showed up on our doorstep with lasagnas, flowers, sandwiches, Uber Eats gift cards, and one dear soul even sent her cleaning ladies to our house to undo the damage of mama being down for days on end. Whenever I was tempted to despair, someone would text or bring by some freshly cut fruit. The message here is don’t ask, just do > because every act of kindness reminded me of Who is in charge. 8. When hard times come, lean into gratitude instead of fussiness and resistance. Thank your husband for carrying everything while you’re down, thank your community for carrying you to Jesus, thank the Lord for being present in all circumstances with a plan for your good and His glory. There is a reason God tells us in the Bible to do all things without complaining or disputing-so that you. will. shine. It’s not easy, but the reward is GREAT. I want the world to see Jesus shining in me in my adversity. Doesn’t mean you can’t cry and admit that what you are facing is so very difficult, but this can be done with a surrendered heart. This is the new assignment. Accept it, receive it as something that is from a loving Father. Look for the provisions along the way. You will go from strength to strength. Move forward with hope. He’s got you! “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Romans 12:12
5 months ago
View on Instagram |
7/9
He makes me laugh more than anyone. And for some reason he is especially hilarious now when it hurts really bad to laugh. 😆 

Happy Valentine’s Day, best friend. 💖
@happyhomefairy
@happyhomefairy
•
Follow
He makes me laugh more than anyone. And for some reason he is especially hilarious now when it hurts really bad to laugh. 😆 Happy Valentine’s Day, best friend. 💖
5 months ago
View on Instagram |
8/9
@happyhomefairy
@happyhomefairy
•
Follow
The only place to buy your Christmas ghosts. #homegoods #funny #humor
6 months ago
View on Instagram |
9/9

Copyright Happy Home Fairy © 2026  •  All Rights Reserved  •  Site Design by Emily White Designs

 

Loading Comments...