Amelie Fairweather and Flossy Egan, Junior reporters
It’s December, and you wake up to a crisp and snowy day already feeling that exciting tingling that all kids feel when you enter the Christmas month. When you race downstairs you see the Christmas tree and on top of it…an elf!
These are no ordinary elves! They are Elf on the Shelf elves, and to the people who carry out this tradition they are some of the highlights of Christmas.
The rules are simple: The elf travels to the North Pole overnight to tell Santa if you’ve been good or bad. In the morning, after it returns from its journey, it’s in a different place in your house, showing that it actually moved overnight.
But just like people question Santa (see last paragraph of this article) the legend of the Elf on the Shelf is also up for debate. Trevina Valliere,10, and her family are supporters of the Elf on the Shelf tradition.
“The Elf on the Shelf is real,” she promptly states. “It’s a great tradition, and you really get into the Christmas spirit if you uphold it. Also, one day I woke up and started to look for one of my Elves on Shelves, I found it sitting and watching a movie on my iPad. My device has a finger recognition and nobody knows my password because I made it myself, and when I turned it on, there was a history of watching a movie that I didn’t turn on. The Elf on the Shelf is real.”
However, Ronan Evans, 13, feels slightly different than Trevina about Elf on the Shelf.
“That is a strong opinion,” he says, once he heard Trevina’s argument. “I also find it unbelievable that he goes to the North Pole with no hands,” referring to the fact that the elves have mittens for hands. “Also, his eyes don’t move, so he wouldn’t be able to see you the whole time. If you got out of his line of sight, you can do whatever you want,” he points out. “Maybe it’s a plot by the government who want to sell more elves!”
“Also,” he finishes, “their legs aren’t very strong, so it’s hard for them to walk. If anyone wanted to talk to me about that I would be happy to hear them.”
Is the Elf on the Shelf real?
The answer is still a mystery!
Lily Mae Sidelecki, 10, is another supporter of the Elf on the Shelf.
When I asked her why, she answered confidently, “I’m a supporter of the Elf on the Shelf; when I was little I had an Elf on the Shelf called Pinky,”
When Lily Mae was informed of Ronan’s argument, she said, “He can have his own opinion, but I think my opinion is better than his.” I asked Lily about how the Elf on the Shelf would travel with mittens and small legs and if she believed that the Elf on the Shelf was a government plot. “So, she replied, “I would say that’s not true, because that’s what I think and it makes sense, that it goes to the North Pole and back and is always in a new place every day.”
Is Santa real?
Yes, in our opinion. But other people think differently.
Here is why Ava, 10, believes that Santa is real: “One night I was watching TV in the basem*nt and there was nothing there. The next morning there was a huge fort that couldn’t possibly have fit through the basem*nt doorway. And I would have been woken up by them if they had built it overnight.”
Amelie and Flossy are in 5th grade. Any students, grades 3 through 8, are welcome to join us in the newsroom on Tuesdays after school.
FAQs
Santa's official Scout Elves always come in an official The Elf on the Shelf® box, and they are accompanied by a children's storybook, just as shown above! You can tell Scout Elves apart from other elves at the North Pole because they arrive in an official solid red jumpsuit.
Are Elf on the Shelf real or do parents move them? ›
If little ones find their Scout Elf sitting on something they need to use, like relaxing in their sink, lying on their bookbag or hanging on their clothes, then it is okay for parents to move the elf, so kids can complete their morning routine and elves can get back to their important job!
Are elf real or not? ›
From a scientific viewpoint, elves are not considered objectively real. However, elves have in many times and places been believed to be real beings.
How does Elf on the Shelf actually 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.
Do parents hide elves? ›
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 happens if you touch a real elf? ›
Elves are very fragile, and if they are touched by human children they lose their magic and ability to communicate with Santa.
How do you get a real Elf on the Shelf? ›
Visit an official Scout Elf Adoption Center.
At these special adoption centres, which are typically only open during the holiday season, you and your family can visit and pick out your very own Elf on the Shelf® to take home. Find an adoption centre near you.
What happens if your elf doesn't move? ›
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.
Do moms move the Elf on the Shelf? ›
Elf on the Shelf is a Christmas tradition that sees parents moving an Elf on the Shelf (also known as a "Scout Elf") around the house every day to keep an eye on children ahead of Santa's visit.
Is Santa real yes or no? ›
According to historical records, Santa is real. Santa is real in the sense that he was an actual person. Otherwise known as Saint Nicholas, his story goes all the way back to the 3rd century. He was a monk who was born in 280 A.D. in modern-day Turkey.
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 ...
What is a female elf called? ›
elven (plural elvens) Originally, a female elf, a fairy, a nymph; (by extension) any elf. [
Do elf on the shelfs move every 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.
Do parents move the Elf on the Shelf each night? ›
Unfortunately, Santa's scout elves aren't sneaking around the house themselves and do need some help from parents. Each night, parents are supposed to move the little elf around the house to create the illusion that he is popping up in different locations.
What age do kids stop believing in Santa? ›
Overall, the average age in the United States for no longer believing in Santa Claus is 8.4 years old. Mississippi has the oldest average age at 10.2 years old. Not far behind is Iowa where the average age is 9.9 years old. Rounding out the top five oldest are Montana (9.8), and Hawaii (9.5).
What to do if child touches elf? ›
What to Do If Your Elf Is Touched
- 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. ...
- Sing your Elf a Christmas carol with all of the family.
Can you touch your elf babies? ›
The only rule for children is that they can't touch their elf or else the magic might disappear. Elf babies aren't an official toy from the Elf on the Shelf store, though many are dressed in the red outfits that match the signature elf.
Can elf on the shelfs get pregnant? ›
Well, we went to the fine folks at the Elf on the Shelf Customer Service department and here's what they had to say about Elf on the Shelf reproducing. To answer the burning question, no, Elf on the Shelf can't have babies.
Where can I hide my elf on 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.
How do Elf on the Shelf lose their 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.
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.
Is it OK to accidentally touch an 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.
Can the Elf on the Shelf leave the house? ›
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.
Why is my elf not coming back? ›
Your elf ate too many treats from Mrs. Claus' Sweet Shop™. It can happen to the best elf (or human) when so many tantalizing treats are floating around during the holidays! Your Scout Elf may need an extra day or two to digest his or her holiday treats and get back into tip-top flying shape before returning.
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.
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.
Do Elf on the Shelf only move in December? ›
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 is the elf's phone number? ›
Simply dial +1-319-527-2680 or +1-712-770-4404 and get talking!
Can parents talk to Elf on the Shelf? ›
Even though your family can't talk to your elf directly while they are at the North Pole, you can keep in touch and let them know you're thinking of them – talk to your Elf on the Shelf® either online, by post, or keep up to date with their magical adventures!
What age do you start 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.
Santa Claus is real, of course.
Not to mention, Santa has his own hotline and the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) even tracks his sleigh on Christmas Eve. But the current Santa Claus isn't from the North Pole.
What age to say Santa isn't real? ›
There isn't a right or wrong age to tell kids the truth. Instead, take cues from them and their understanding of the world. Usually, somewhere between the ages of five and seven kids begin to think a little more critically.
Are parents the real Santa? ›
The answer is no. We are not Santa. There is no one, single Santa. We are the people who fill your stocking and choose and wrap the presents under the tree—just as our parents did for us, their parents did for them and you will do for your kids someday.
What is the number one rule for 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.
Why do people hate Elf on the Shelf? ›
“Elf on the Shelf” undermines a child's natural motivation to try hard and do her best. For example, if a child cleans up her room in the hope of getting more presents at Christmas, she'll be less likely to clean up her room at other times of the year, because there's no incentive.
What is a dark elf called? ›
In the Dungeons & Dragons multiverse, especially in the worlds of Greyhawk, the Forgotten Realms and Eberron, dark elves are commonly called drow.
Do elves have babies? ›
Elves typically have four children or fewer. Fëanor and Nerdanel, who had seven sons, were a notable exception. Whenever the Eldar married, whether in youth or in later life, their children were produced within a relatively short time after their wedding.
Can you touch the elf mates? ›
Huggable and playable, the Elf Mates are sent from Santa to raise cheer through kindness and good deeds.
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.
How do you make your elf move in front of you? ›
How to Make Elf Move
- Download the free stop motion video app, Life Lapse.
- Start a new project by clicking the big blue “+” sign.
- Place your phone somewhere still like leaning it against a mug (see how in the video above). ...
- Take a photo of Elf in one position.
- Move Elf on the Shelf slightly and then take another photo.
The truth is, Scout Elves only move when they are certain noone else is around. This is because when they're with you, they must fulfill their duty for Santa, watching and listening to every single thing that happens in your home.
How many Elf on the Shelf can you have? ›
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.
Is 12 too old for Santa? ›
D., a pediatric psychologist at Children's Health℠, "and there's no set age where children should know the truth about Santa Claus." Dr. Lamminen says each family and each child within that family will be ready to talk about Santa at different ages.
What to say when kid asks if Santa is real? ›
Lie again to avoid feeling like a liar
Instead, give kids context about why you told them this story about Santa. “Say, 'This is a story that parents tell their kids,'” she says. You can talk about the magic of Santa in your own childhood or the fun the story offered for your family.
Is 13 too old to believe in Santa? ›
There's no specific age, necessarily. No edict that at exactly 11 3/4, a child will cease to believe.
What happens if your Elf on the Shelf stays in the same spot? ›
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.
Does Elf on the Shelf move every 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 to do if you lose your Elf on the Shelf? ›
Write a Letter to Your Elf
Although the North Pole may be a long ways away, your Scout Elf is always easily reachable online. Kids can write to their elf or Santa through our online portal or on our Facebook page, and one of Santa's mailroom elves will be sure to send back a kind reply!
What if Elf on the Shelf doesn't move? ›
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. This should restore your elf's magic.