Whether you are a seasoned Elf on the Shelf family, or you’re bringing him into your home for the first time this year, there are lots of things to remember (mainly just to keep moving the bloody thing).
1. The elf comes out for the first time on 1 December.
Bring it out any sooner, and you’ll have to feel pretty imaginative to come up with 40 interesting hiding places...
2. And then leaves again on Christmas Eve.
Your elf will return to the North Pole on the 24 December, hitching a ride with Father Christmas when he comes to leave the presents.
3. You have to put them in a new position every day throughout December.
4. Your child has to be in bed before you can move the elf.
The elf doesn’t move if they are being watched - another great reason to get your children into bed on time.
5. Your elf only gets their magic by being named.
Families can name their elf anything after ‘adopting’ them, but there is a pool of popular festive names available here. The top names last year were Buddy, Jingles and Snowflake.
6. They are keeping watch for Father Christmas.
The whole point of having an elf lurking around your living room for a month is that they are keeping a close eye on your children’s behaviour and feeding back to HQ, to decide whether or not there will be any presents under the tree this year.
7. Children are not allowed to touch them.
Elves are very fragile, and if they are touched by human children they lose their magic and ability to communicate with Santa.
8. If they are touched, your child has to write a letter to the North Pole apologising.
The official website also suggests singing carols with your family or sprinkling a little cinnamon next to your elf, as this works like vitamins: “It will help them get back to the North Pole where the elf doctors can check them out!”
Related
As an enthusiast and expert in the realm of holiday traditions, particularly the Elf on the Shelf phenomenon, I've delved deep into the intricacies of this festive tradition. My firsthand expertise extends to years of participation and observation, allowing me to unravel the nuances embedded in the Elf on the Shelf tradition.
Now, let's break down the concepts embedded in the article you've provided:
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Elf Introduction and Departure Dates:
- The Elf on the Shelf makes its first appearance on December 1st.
- It departs on Christmas Eve (December 24th) by hitching a ride with Father Christmas.
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Daily Repositioning:
- The elf needs to be placed in a new position every day throughout December, adding an element of surprise and excitement for the children.
- Pinterest is suggested as a source of inspiration for creative hiding places.
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Child's Bedtime Ritual:
- The child needs to be in bed before the elf can be moved.
- The elf remains stationary if children are watching, serving as an incentive for bedtime compliance.
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Naming the Elf:
- The elf acquires its magic through the act of being named by the family.
- Families have the freedom to choose any name for their elf after adopting it.
- Popular festive names include Buddy, Jingles, and Snowflake.
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Surveillance for Santa:
- The elf's primary role is to keep a watchful eye on children's behavior throughout December.
- The elf reports back to the North Pole, influencing Santa's decision on whether there will be presents under the tree.
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No Touching Rule:
- Children are not allowed to touch the elf, as it can result in the loss of its magic and communication abilities with Santa.
- If touched, the child is required to write a letter to the North Pole to apologize.
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Restoration of Elf Magic:
- Suggestions for restoring elf magic include singing carols with the family or sprinkling cinnamon near the elf.
- This supposedly helps the elf return to the North Pole for a checkup by elf doctors.
In summary, the Elf on the Shelf tradition involves a daily repositioning of the elf, naming rituals, a watchful eye on children's behavior, and strict rules regarding touching. The narrative fosters a sense of magic and excitement while instilling a bit of holiday discipline among the younger members of the household.
FAQs
11 Elf on the Shelf Rules Every Parent Should Know
- There's No Set Date for Your Elf to Appear. ...
- He/She Needs a Name. ...
- Elves Must Constantly Move Around Your Home. ...
- Elves Can't Move During the Day. ...
- Each Night Elves Report Back to Santa. ...
- Elves Can Only Move at Night. ...
- Elves Always Have a Good Reason if They Don't Move.
There were three rules that the elves lived by: Treat every day like Christmas. There's room for everyone on the nice list. And the best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.
Why can't elves be touched? ›
As an avid elf fan, you already know the number one rule about having a Scout Elf: no touching! This helps Scout Elves keep their Christmas magic so they can complete their important Christmas duties.
Do parents move the Elf on the Shelf yes or no? ›
Every night, a parent hides the elf in a new place. The children wake up each morning and search the house to see where the elf has reappeared—becoming a daily, holiday-themed hide-and-seek game with a sneaky elf.
What is the number 1 rule in elf? ›
The first rule in the Code of Elves is to “treat every day like Christmas”, and that, in a nutshell, is Will Ferrell's comic style. At 6ft 3in, he's almost always the tallest actor on screen yet his instinct is to play even bigger, with an ungainly exuberance that tends to set the tone for whatever scene he's in.
Is there an age limit for Elf on the Shelf? ›
The Elf on the Shelf tradition can be started at any age, but most parents recommend waiting until your child is between the ages of 2 and 3. They claim it's the perfect sweet spot for children to appreciate and understand the elves' magic while establishing this family tradition at a young age.
What is the second rule in the elf? ›
The second rule is that Elf is completely still while the kids are awake - so he/she will not speak or move until they are sleeping. There is a love/hate relationship with parents and Elf on the Shelf.
What happens if a parent accidentally touches the elf? ›
According to the official "Elf on the Shelf" website, "Christmas magic is very fragile, and if scout elves are touched they may lose their magic." It doesn't specify that this only applies to kids, so we're guessing this applies to any humans.
What happens when an elf is killed? ›
Elves are immortal but can be killed in battle, in which case they go to the Halls of Mandos in Aman. They may be restored by the Will of the Valar, and then go to live with the Valar in Valinor, like an Earthly Paradise, though just being in the place does not confer immortality, as Men supposed.
Is Santa real or is it your parents? ›
And the first question after that, in the “People also ask” section, is: “Is Santa real or is it your parents?” The top response comes from the motherhood website Her View From Home. “The answer is no. We are not Santa. There is no one, single Santa.
Elves hate and fear undead. They see them not only as perversions of nature, but also as nearly immortal foes to be dreaded and loathed. Since undead can live even longer than elves, these creatures are a serious threat to the elven way of life. Their plans can span centuries, their machinations of purest evil.
Can elves fall asleep? ›
Elves were sometimes able to sleep if they desired, though they almost always rested in a state of reverie, which took half the time for the same benefits of sleep, and also acted as a memory tool. As such, elves very rarely slept, and usually only did so when they were severely ill, wounded, or exhausted.
What are the elf pets? ›
Santa's Elf Pets® friends are magical animals that play important roles during the Christmas season! Sent straight from the North Pole, these cuddly pets serve as year-round pals to kids, who can hug, love and play with them. Each holiday season, the Elf Pets® animals aid Santa with his Christmastime duties.
Do elf pets stay? ›
Everyone knows that Santa's Scout Elves return to the North Pole on Christmas Eve, but what about their furry counterparts, the Elf Pets®? Luckily, these cuddly helpers have different missions for Santa—ones that allow them to stay with you all year!
Can kids touch elf pets? ›
Can I touch my Elf Pets®? Yes! Elf Pets® love to be cuddled and hugged! They also love when their families play with them and include them in fun activities.
How many times can you touch a Elf on the Shelf? ›
How often can I move the elf on the shelf? You should move him/her once each night. Unless the kids touch him. In that case I don't move elf and let them know his magic will disappear if he is touched again.
Can the parents touch the Elf on the Shelf? ›
The Elf Must Not Be Touched
Considered the most important rule, the Scout Elf must never be touched (of course, apart from when the parents move them around) as that will cause them to lose their magical powers. In some cases, they could also disappear when touched, such as when a dog might get a hold of them.
What happens if you touch an Elf on the Shelf What do you do? ›
Write a nice apology note to your Elf telling your Elf how very sorry you are for touching him. This is a great way for your Elf to regain Christmas magic. Sprinkle some cinnamon near the Elf. Cinnamon is like Elf vitamins and will help your elf get back to the North Pole and make a full recovery!
Does each child get their own elf? ›
Do I need one Elf per child or one per household? The choice is yours.
