If you're here, you probably know about the little Christmas tradition called "Elf on the Shelf."
Yes, the scouting little elves keep your kids in check duringthe holiday season, but at the expense of parents' precious time to find Instagram-worthy hiding spotsthroughout the house.
It all started with the 2005 book authored by mother-daughter duo Carol Aebersold and Chanda Bell.
As the story goes, elves arrive around Thanksgiving and keep watch of children up until Christmas Eve. Every night during this time, elves fly to the North Pole to report to the big guy, ya know, Santa, about the kids' naughty or niceness, then return to a new spot each morning.
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When does 'Elf on the Shelf' return?
The season's "Scout Elf Return Week," as they call it,runs from Nov. 24 through Dec. 1.
Parents choose different dates to bring back their elves depending on their own holiday traditions and creative endurance.
Here are some ways to kick off the magic in your house. And don't worry if it's a week into December and you are just now reading this. There are plenty of excuses below.
Keep it simple
Grab a little card or piece of scrap paper andwrite"I'm back!" Or use a dry-erase makerto write "Did you miss me?" on a mirror. Plop that little elf in front of it and ignore it until your kids discover that their elf has magically returned.
Write a letter
If you are the overachieving type of parent, you can write a letter to your little ones from their elves. Elves can explain to the kids that they are on a mission from Santa and that they will be reporting back to him. Don't forget to remind them that they can't touch the elves or they will lose their magic!
Spell it out
Grab some marshmallows or M&Ms and spell out "Guess who's back?" Or grab that old Scrabble game to create a little "I'm back" sign. Or you probably have some of those alphabet magnets lying around, right? Set it next to your elf and done. Easy peasy.
Plane ride
Incoming!!!! Elves can make an entrance by having them ride in on balloons or land on your Christmas tree. Attachballoons to a little bucket and place the elf inside. Or make a paper airplane that says, "We've landed."
Excuses, excuses
Soooo your elf showed up a little bit later this year or your just need a break. What's up with that? Here aresome ideas: The elf was doing some important elf training, he was devouring Mrs. Claus' sweets, she was on vacation or was stuck in a snowstorm. Or maybe elf just got some boo-boos and needsto rest before starting his elf duties.
Happy efl'ing!
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As an enthusiast deeply immersed in the whimsical world of holiday traditions, particularly the beloved phenomenon known as "Elf on the Shelf," I bring to you a wealth of firsthand knowledge and an unbridled passion for the subject. The origins of this enchanting tradition trace back to the collaborative efforts of Carol Aebersold and Chanda Bell, a mother-daughter duo who authored the seminal book in 2005. This book serves as the cornerstone for the tradition, captivating the hearts of families worldwide.
The essence of Elf on the Shelf lies in the mischievous activities of these pint-sized scouts, who diligently watch over children from Thanksgiving until Christmas Eve. Each night, these magical elves embark on clandestine journeys to the North Pole, reporting to none other than the legendary figure himself—Santa Claus. The whimsy of the tradition unfolds as the elves reappear in different locations within the home each morning, keeping children on their best behavior during the holiday season.
Now, let's delve into the key concepts explored in the article:
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Scout Elf Return Week: A pivotal moment in the Elf on the Shelf calendar, this week spans from November 24 through December 1. During this time, parents orchestrate the return of their elves, adding a touch of magic to their households.
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Creative Initiatives for Elf Returns:
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Keep it simple: Utilizing a small card or scrap paper, parents can write a quick "I'm back!" message or use a dry-erase marker to leave a playful note like "Did you miss me?" on a mirror.
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Write a letter: Overachieving parents may opt to craft a letter from the elves, explaining their mission from Santa and the importance of not touching them to preserve their magical abilities.
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Spell it out: Employing marshmallows, M&Ms, Scrabble tiles, or alphabet magnets, parents can create playful messages like "Guess who's back?" to herald the return of the elf.
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Plane ride: Elves can make a grand entrance by riding in on balloons or landing on the Christmas tree, adding an extra layer of excitement to their return.
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Excuses for Delayed Elf Arrival:
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Important elf training: Justifying a delayed arrival by explaining that the elf was undergoing crucial training.
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Indulging in sweets: The elf might have been caught devouring Mrs. Claus' sweets, leading to a slight delay.
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Vacation or snowstorm: Offering creative excuses such as the elf being on vacation or stuck in a snowstorm.
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Elf injuries: The elf may have sustained "boo-boos" and requires rest before resuming its holiday duties.
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In the delightful realm of Elf on the Shelf, creativity knows no bounds, and these ideas serve as a testament to the joyous lengths parents go to make this tradition truly magical for their little ones. Happy elfing!
