New parents usually have a lot of questions to ask. About their child’s health, behavior, how to handle tricky situations, food, and so much more. This festive season, the question you’re asking may very well be “What on earth is Elf on the Shelf?”
The Story behind the Elf on the Shelf
source: Parent Pretty
The Elf on the Shelf is a long-standing Christmas tradition and many variations on the same theme exist in several countries. It has recently become more popular, thanks to a book called ‘The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition.’
The concept behind it is simple. One of Santa’s little helpers – an elf – visits your house just after Thanksgiving. He stays till Christmas and reports to Santa on your child’s behavior every night. The tradition has two simple rules:
- The children cannot touch him
- He doesn’t move during the day when you can see him
As you might guess, it’s up to you as parents to move the Elf to a new position during the night. Quite a lot of fun for children to discover new hiding places for the Elf each morning. Many parents have just as much fun hiding the Elf as their kids have in finding him!
Still, it can be hard to find new places each year. Scrolling through Instagram or Facebook for new Elf on the Shelf ideas can often be overwhelming. So, here are a few ideas to get you going:
Eating and Drinking
source: A Small Snippet
Like everyone else, the Elf needs to eat and drink. Have him pose with some sweets or candy for a sweet surprise. A couple of marshmallows make a great chair for an elf. How about setting him up with a mini breakfast for his first visit from the North? You can even include a note from Santa for the kids to read!
Sleeping on Various Things
source: Sweet Shoppe Design
Sometimes your Elf will get tired from his nightly trips. He may not wake up on time. Your children will have a lot of fun finding out his sleeping nooks. They’re so small an Elf can sleep anywhere. How about a box of tissues or a small hammock? Or maybe he was investigating your children’s cupboards and fell asleep in their school bag!
Sharing Your Favorite Hobbies
Your Elf has been spending so much time watching your kids that he wants to share their hobbies too. Does your 5-year-old love to read books? Prop up the Elf in front of a book and a tiny mug of hot chocolate! Pose him in front of the TV or as if he’s listening to music.
Acting out Favorite Movie Scenes
How much fun would it be for them to wake up and find their Elf reenacting scenes from their favorite movies? It’s quite easy if you have the action figures or dolls. Scenes from movies like Frozen or Spider-Man are very popular among young kids.
Hanging out with the Toys
source: Florida Firsties / Instagram, You and Kids
This is a slight variation on the movie theme. You can easily pose the Elf with toys you have around the house. You can even use Christmas themed decorations like wrapping paper or cookies. Maybe your toys decide to throw a party for the Elf one of these days!
Playing Games
Are there any games you like to play together as a family? Board games, video games, physical games etc. are all great ideas. Does your Elf like to play Monopoly or volleyball? Set up the board with a few of the other dolls for some gaming fun.
Cooking Breakfast
source: Kristen & Co.
The Elf likes to help out parents, especially in the kitchen. He likes to give a hand baking cookies or even make breakfast for everyone. He can roast marshmallows or even make you some coffee in the machine!
The Adventurous Elf
source: Pinterest, Peanut Blossom
Going up to the North Pole every night is not easy. But your Elf likes an adventure. Make him a parachute with a small towel and some string. What a way to announce his arrival! Maybe he likes to paddle a kayak or ride a bike? Who knows, next time he just might decide to drop by in a monster truck!
Superhero Elf
source: Growing A Jeweled Rose
It’s so much fun being a superhero. Spider-Elf to the rescue! Or how about flying around with Superman for a change? Whether your children read the comics or watch the movie, it’s a neat idea.
Elf on Vacation
source: I think we could be friends, Pinterest
Your Elf is working through these holidays while your kids have fun. But why not give him a mini-vacation for a few days? Would he like to sunbathe under your desk lamp? Send him to the beach or take him for a hike among your indoor plants.
The sky’s the limit when it comes to the Elf on the Shelf. So go ahead, have some fun with your kids this festive season!