The Naughty List?

For several weeks now, bedtime has been such a struggle in our house.  Kathryn cries, she wants to sleep in our bed (which for the record, she has NEVER slept with us), and overall she just really fights staying in her room.  Last night, we explained to her that Buddy (her elf) was watching, and if she didn't go to bed like a big girl, then Buddy would report that news to Santa, and Buddy might not come back in the morning.  Finally, she stopped crying and went to bed, after about an hour worth of struggling.  During this process, we have asked her why she is upset about staying in her room, and her response every single time is "because." 

This morning, Kyle went to wake her up (as he does every morning because I am at work before she even gets out of bed), and he said she rolled over and the first thing she asked was, "Daddy, am I on the naughty list?"  Kyle said it broke his heart, and it breaks mine too!  Kyle explained to her that he wasn't sure, but he knew that she had to sleep in her bed each night.  Buddy did not come back to our house this morning.  Kyle explained to her that if she went to bed tonight without crying, that Buddy would be back tomorrow.  Kathryn did tell Kyle on the way to school this morning that her room was scary.  We are going to turn on an extra nightlight tonight.  We are hoping and praying tonight is a better night at bedtime.  And, we are hoping Buddy comes back tomorrow, and Kathryn's name is on the Nice List.