If you are familiar with Elf on the Shelf, you love this tradition, hate this tradition or intrigued by it. However, it is a tradition that kids love and look forward to once they know it about it. It’s fun for them and really brings them joy.
What is Elf on the Shelf
The Elf is centered around Christmas and from the North Pole. The elf goes to the North Pole each night to give report to Santa on whether the kids have been nice or naughty.
How Elf on the Shelf Started
The Elf on the Shelf was started by a mother and daughter duo in 2004 – Carol Aebersold and Chanda Bell. It was a family tradition they practiced when Chanda was a child. They actually did not get good feedback when they marketed their idea. They told to self publish, which they did and it the book is illustrated by Coë Stienwart. They went on to market their Elf on the Shelf at craft shows and fairs where their product flourished. Families loved the idea.
How Elf on the Shelf Works
A family adopts and Elf and gives it a name. The elf goes to the North Pole each night to give report to Santa on whether the kids have been nice or naughty. Every morning the Elf is in a different place to observe the children. The rule for the kids is to make sure they don’t touch the elf, causing it to lose the “magic.”
When Does Elf on the Shelf Arrive
Usually between the days after Thanksgiving and definitely by December 1st.
Where to Buy Elf on the Shelf
You can adopt an Elf from your local Kohls, Target or Walmart.
Elf on the shelf and Elf Pets
You can expand the fun with Elf pets. They are also magical and help with Santa duties. The available pets are a Artic Fox, a St. Bernard and a Reindeer.
Elf on the Shelf Props
There are other Elf on the Shelf items that you can purchase to such as an
- Elf on the shelf advent calendar
- Elf on the shelf clothes
- Elf on the shelf door
- Elf on the shelf Plushee Pal
- Elf on the shelf jammies
Families across the world have taken to having their own Elf who often causes holiday mischief. We have brought you our own Elf on the Shelf ideas to occupy your kids all month long.
If you want more ideas, check 25 More Elf on the Shelf Ideas.
Writer, mother, travelista. Experiencing life one day at a time.
having a calendar is such a great idea! We have an Elf – but I gave up on trying to find funny things to do with him every single day. Now I just do one fun thing per week – and I find that it’s just enough to keep my daughter’s attention!
This is a great way to keep the ideas for every day! I don’t know how you guys do it, lots of work!
Okay, that explains how that whole elf on a shelf thing started. I think it’s silly. But, I don’t have young children at home.