Elf on the Shelf rules: Can you touch Elf on the Shelf? (2024)

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Elf on the Shelf rules: Can you touch Elf on the Shelf? (2)

ELF on the Shelf is a popular Christmas tradition that families follow every year, hiding an elf toy in a different place each morning of December. But can you touch Elf on the Shelf?

Poundland instructions on how to make a Christmas elf

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Elf on the Shelf originated in a children’s picture book written by Carol Aebersold and her daughter. The story explains that Santa's Scout Elves visit children every night in December until Christmas Eve, eavesdropping on conversations throughout the day. The elves go back to father Christmas in the evenings to report on whether children have been naughty or nice. Elves play hide and seek and wait for the families to wake up every morning in a new position. What happens if you touch your Elf?

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    Elf on the Shelf is a social media trend that came from a 2005 children’s book by the same name.

    Kids will be on their best behaviour if they know the elf is watching their every move and chatting to Santa about their actions.

    Elf on the Shelf parents must hide the elf in a new place every morning to keep the magic alive.

    While this may all sound like fun and games, there are a few simple rules to follow.

    Reading the book will help you to understand the dos and don'ts, butExpress.co.uktalks you through the three rules.

    READ MORE- Elf on the Shelf ideas: Best jokes, pranks and games

    Elf on the Shelf rules: Can you touch Elf on the Shelf? (4)

    Can you touch Elf on the Shelf: Touching an elf can cost them their magic (Image: Getty)

    Can you touch Elf on the Shelf?

    The official Elf on the Shelf website details the three rules to follow.

    The first and most important rule is that you must NOT touch your Elf.

    If you do, they will lose all their magic - and nobody wants that to happen.

    When scout elves lose their magic, they can’t go about their Christmas duties.

    This means no presents for anyone in your family!

    Elf on the Shelf rules: Can you touch Elf on the Shelf? (6)

    Can you touch Elf on the Shelf: Elves cannot speak but can listen (Image: Getty)

    The second rule is that children should talk to their elves as much as they like.

    The site explains: “Scout Elves can’t talk, but they are great listeners. Little ones can share secrets and wishes with their elf as often as they’d like.”

    The final rule is that all elves must go back to the North Pole on Christmas Eve, sadly.

    The official rule states: “Scout Elves must return to the North Pole on Christmas Eve to help Santa prepare for the next Christmas!”

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    Can adults move Elf on the Shelf?

    Adults can move the elf with tongs or potholders in an urgent situation.

    The Elf on the Shelf blog details six occasions where it is okay for an adult to touch the elf.
    For example, when:

    • Your Scout Elf was tired and fell off the shelf
    • Your Scout Elf landed in a great spot, but then, the dog spotted them
    • Your Scout Elf lost their balance and fell from their spot
    • Your Scout Elf made a huge mess that needs to be cleaned up
    • Your Scout Elf landed on something you need to use
    • Your Scout Elf fell in something that they can’t stay in all day

    Elf on the Shelf rules: Can you touch Elf on the Shelf? (10)

    Can you touch Elf on the Shelf: If you accidentally touch an elf, you can fix the situation with cinnamon, a letter and singing (Image: Getty)

    What to do if you accidentally touch the Elf on the Shelf?

    Don’t panic if you accidentally touch the Elf, accidents happen!

    You can renew your elf’s magic in one of three ways - you can try them all three if you’re desperate.

    The first option is to write a note to the elf or to Father Christmas apologising for touching the elf.

    Apparently this is the “most effective way” to help the Elf to get its magic back ASAP.

    If you have any cinnamon at home, use it to bring magic back to your elf.

    Sprinkle some of the spice next to the elf to help it spring back into action.

    Rumour has it that cinnamon works like vitamins for the elf, so a dash of the stuff should return the elf to full health.

    The final trick is to sing a Christmas carol with your family.

    The official advice states: “Elves love singing, and all the Christmas cheer is sure to create plenty of Christmas magic to make your Scout Elf better in no time!”

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    Elf on the Shelf rules: Can you touch Elf on the Shelf? (2024)

    FAQs

    Are you allowed to touch Elf on the Shelf? ›

    Santa advises that no family member touch their Elf on the Shelf, but he does describe a few rare instances when an adult may use tongs or potholders to help an elf in an urgent situation. Parents: read on to learn about special, few and far between cases where emergency help will be required.

    What happens if you touch Elf on the Shelf accident? ›

    What to Do If Your Elf Is Touched
    1. 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.
    2. Sprinkle some cinnamon near the Elf. ...
    3. Sing your Elf a Christmas carol with all of the family.

    What are the two rules for the elf on the shelf? ›

    There are just a few rules to remember! The most important—don't touch your Scout Elf, or they will lose their magic! Scout Elves can't talk, but they are great listeners. Little ones can share secrets and wishes with their elf as often as they'd like.

    What are the official rules to elf on a shelf? ›

    The Kids can not touch the elf. If they touch the elf then the elf can not fly back to the north pole that night. The elf does not move nor speak when the kids are awake. The Elf Reports back to Santa at night when they fly back to the north pole to let Santa know how the kids were that day.

    What to do if elf falls? ›

    Sometimes it just happens while you're singing Christmas carols. Accidentally touched the ELF ON THE SHELF!
    ...
    The official Elf on the Shelf website recommends three ways to remedy the situation:
    1. Write Santa a note to apologize.
    2. Say sorry to the scout elf.
    3. Sprinkle pure cinnamon around the elf before bed.
    23 Dec 2015

    Can parents move the elf on a shelf? ›

    In such cases, where an elf may be in an urgent situation or other sticky place (such as falling off a shelf after losing their balance), parents can touch them (using tongs or kitchen gloves) to come to the elf's aid.

    What happens if your mom touched your elf? ›

    Elves are very fragile, and if they are touched by human children they lose their magic and ability to communicate with Santa.

    Is it true if you touch a Elf on the Shelf it loses its magic? ›

    Once your Scout Elf has their magic, they must preserve it as much as they can. Your family can help by never touching your elf. If you accidentally touch your elf, they could lose their magic and be unable to fly to the North Pole.

    Can a kid touch an Elf on the Shelf with gloves? ›

    Can you touch the Elf on the Shelf? Technically, no! That being said, every home has different rules. The Elf on the Shelf tradition is supposed to be FUN!

    How long does Elf on the Shelf last? ›

    According to The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition, the night before Christmas, an elf's job comes to an end. On December 24, most Scout Elves say farewell to their families and fly back to the North Pole following Santa's sleigh.

    Can you touch your Elf on the Shelf on Christmas Eve? ›

    Christmas Eve is debatably the most exciting day of the year, however, that doesn't mean the rules change. Even though your kiddos probably want to embrace your Elf with tons of love before he leaves, he still has to fly back to the North Pole. So, just like the other 23 days, don't touch the Elf.

    How many days do you do Elf on the Shelf? ›

    When does Elf on the Shelf come? The Elf on the Shelf website recommends your Elf arrive between November 24 through December 1. This is also known as Scout Elf Return week, a.k.a. the time when Santa's little helpers flee the North Pole and head out to the houses they'll be staying at until Christmas.

    What are the 3 elf rules? ›

    What are the three rules in "The Code of Elves"?
    ...
    • Making gifts for Christmas (best)
    • Making shoes while cobblers are sleeping.
    • Making cookies in a tree (dangerous)

    How do you end the elf on a shelf tradition? ›

    Usually elves travel by more magical means, but for a more official goodbye, pack up your elf in a box, write “To the North Pole” on it, and slap every stamp you can find on there. You don't actually have to send it anywhere, just make it seem like he's going on a trip to a very cold and faraway place.

    Do you move Elf on the Shelf at night? ›

    According to elf legend, the elf moves each night. Some mornings, though, kids might find themselves asking why the elf is still in its same place.

    What happens if your elf dies? ›

    When elves die, their spirits travel to the Halls, where they rest for a time as disembodied shades. Most of them are then returned to corporeal form and rejoin all the other elves living in Valinor.

    How do I move my elf without touching it? ›

    Perhaps you have the rule that adults can move the Elf on the Shelf, as long as they don't use their hands. This means using kitchen tongs, two forks, a spatula, chopsticks or any other kitchen utensil in your arsenal.

    Why didn t my elf move last night? ›

    They have a favorite spot in your home. When your Scout Elf flies back from the North Pole and lands in the same spot, chances are it's their favorite place to sit in your home. Just like you have a favorite spot on the couch, your elf has favorite spots, too! The spot has a great vantage point.

    How to get your elf on the shelfs magic back if you touch him? ›

    Sprinkle some cinnamon

    Cinnamon is like vitamins for your elf, according to the Elf on the Shelf website. So, sprinkle some of this life-giving substance around your elf to help it regain strength and restore its magic if your Elf on the Shelf is touched.

    How many Elf on the Shelf are in a household? ›

    Do I need one Elf per child or one per household? The choice is yours. We have included two Nice List Certificates and two Letters to Santa in each kit, as these items are personal. All the other items can be shared as a family.

    Are you supposed to cut Elf on the Shelf hands? ›

    Are you supposed to cut the tie between their hands? This is again a personal decision. Some people don't and some people do. The reason you would cut them would be to make your elf easier to position when placing him each night.

    Where can I hide Elf on the Shelf? ›

    Here are 25 places to hide your Elf on the Shelf:
    • Above the stockings. Difficulty level: EASY. ...
    • Inside the holiday wreath. Difficulty level: MEDIUM. ...
    • Inside the family photo area. ...
    • Tucked in the kids' toys. ...
    • Poppin' out of a Rice Krispie cereal box. ...
    • Scaling the wall with bows. ...
    • Scaling the tree. ...
    • On the coffee table display.
    3 Dec 2017

    How do I make my elf move again? ›

    Write a note to your elf or Santa apologizing for touching your elf. This is the most effective way to help your Scout Elf get back in action quick! Sprinkle a little cinnamon next to your Scout Elf.

    What to do if your child sees you move the elf? ›

    When your child asks you if you moved the Elf, you can always do a mental switcheroo on him. You can tell him that your Elf is actually upset that he would think that you touched him, since everyone knows that no one is allowed to handle the Elf.

    How do you get your Elf on the Shelf to move in front of you? ›

    How to Make Elf Move
    1. Download the free stop motion video app, Life Lapse.
    2. Start a new project by clicking the big blue “+” sign.
    3. Place your phone somewhere still like leaning it against a mug (see how in the video above). ...
    4. Take a photo of Elf in one position.
    5. Move Elf on the Shelf slightly and then take another photo.
    8 Dec 2020

    What does Elf on the Shelf do at night? ›

    The story goes that Santa's Scout Elves fly to the North Pole each night of December to report to Santa if your children have been behaving (or misbehaving). The elves then fly back and hide in a new spot for the children to find him the next morning.

    Does Elf on the Shelf stay in the same spot? ›

    An elf does not want to report a child's bad behavior to Santa. Instead of reporting naughty behavior, they will stay in their spot for a few days until there is something nice to report to Santa. If you want your elf to move, you better be good!

    Does Elf on the Shelf leave a gift? ›

    Sometimes, the Elf -- and a friend or two -- leave a mark. The Elf can also leave a special present from Santa before finally departing.

    What is a female elf called? ›

    elven (plural elvens) Originally, a female elf, a fairy, a nymph; (by extension) any elf. [

    How does elf on a shelf work? ›

    The Quick answer for How does Elf on the shelf work is you get an elf on the shelf, and then daily he or she makes the kids smile by doing funny things around the house, hides in the house and sometimes brings little treats. After you get your elf, he or she will need to make an introduction and his first visit.

    Can the Elf on the Shelf come late? ›

    The elves are capricious little guys and gals, and they arrive for the holiday season according to their whims. So if your neighbor's Elf on the Shelf has arrived and you're still waiting, don't worry! Some make their first appearance on Thanksgiving night, and others wait until December.

    What is the elf code? ›

    In computing, the Executable and Linkable Format (ELF, formerly named Extensible Linking Format), is a common standard file format for executable files, object code, shared libraries, and core dumps.

    What is the first elf rule? ›

    63) In the movie Elf (2003), what was the first rule of The Code of Elves? The first rule of The Code Of The Elves is "Treat every day like Christmas."

    How do you say goodbye to your Elf on the Shelf forever? ›

    One popular way to bid farewell is to have your elf leave a special, personal message for your kid, whether it's a typewritten note or a message spelled out in candy or plastic letters on the fridge or on snow-painted window or mirror.

    Can my Elf on the Shelf get wet? ›

    Can My Elf Get Wet in the Sink? While I wouldn't recommend soaking your elf in water, it won't hurt for it to get wet. You can easily wash your elf on the shelf if you want. For this idea, you will be making your elf look like he or she is washing up, not actually dunking them into the water.

    Do parents hide the elf? ›

    Each morning, the elf chooses a new vantage point from which to keep an eye on the kids. The night before Christmas, the elf flies off one last time to spend the year with Santa until reappearing next season. Every night, a parent hides the elf in a new place.

    What is the most common elf name? ›

    According to the pros over at elfontheshelf.com, these are the top 20 names that families swear by when it comes to their elves.
    • Buddy.
    • Snowflake.
    • Elfie.
    • Jingle.
    • Jingles.
    • Sparkle.
    • Jack.
    • Holly.

    What age do you start Elf on the Shelf? ›

    The book is aimed for kids ages 5, 6, and 7 to read aloud. There's also a movie, called An Elf's Story: The Elf on the Shelf, which tells the backstory of the elf and might be more engaging for your kids if they don't like reading.

    What is the first elf rule in elf? ›

    63) In the movie Elf (2003), what was the first rule of The Code of Elves? The first rule of The Code Of The Elves is "Treat every day like Christmas."

    What happens if your Elf on the Shelf doesn't move for 2 days? ›

    If your elf didn't move, they may be trying to communicate an important message to you! If your elf is accidentally touched, they may have just enough energy to get to the North Pole but not enough magic to create a whole new scene in your home.

    Does the Elf on the Shelf have to move every night? ›

    As the days inch nearer to Christmas, families across the country are taking part in "Elf on the Shelf" festivities, where a small elf figurine is placed around the home every day to watch if children have been naughty or nice. According to elf legend, the elf moves each night.

    What happens if a kid touches a elf? ›

    Per official Elf on the Shelf lore, a touched Scout Elf loses their magic. Learning this fact could leave your kids spiraling down an endless rabbit hole of unwanted outcomes — ending up on the naughty list and Christmas being cancelled being their chief concerns, according to my own kids.

    When did the elf leave him? ›

    The elf left him when the last day of school arrived as there was no more homework to be done. The man was tiny in size and was wearing a woollen shirt with old-fashioned trousers and high tall hat like a witch. 7.

    How does Elf on the Shelf arrive for the first time? ›

    Write a letter from Santa to arrive with the elf.

    For example, you can have Santa tell them that kids aren't allowed to touch the elf, that the elf comes every day until Christmas, and that it reports back to Santa in the North Pole every night. You can also have the letter be written by the elf instead of Santa.

    How does Elf on the Shelf work for the first time? ›

    The Quick answer for How does Elf on the shelf work is you get an elf on the shelf, and then daily he or she makes the kids smile by doing funny things around the house, hides in the house and sometimes brings little treats. After you get your elf, he or she will need to make an introduction and his first visit.

    Why you shouldn't do Elf on the Shelf? ›

    One philosophy provides a compelling argument about the dangers of the Elf on the Shelf, namely that it is a lie, threatens the trustworthiness of parents, ultimately encourages gullibility in children rather than critical thinking and inadvertently teaches children that their behavior should be governed by potential ...

    Why did my Elf on the Shelf disappear? ›

    Often an elf will lose their magic over night when the temperature gets too warm or they use up too much energy making something for you. Solution: To make sure the elf has enough magic to leave the next night, gently pick him up with kitchen tongs and place him in the refrigerator for 30-45 minutes.

    Why can't kids touch Elf on the Shelf? ›

    The official Elf on the Shelf website details the three rules to follow. The first and most important rule is that you must NOT touch your Elf. If you do, they will lose all their magic - and nobody wants that to happen. When scout elves lose their magic, they can't go about their Christmas duties.

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