The Elf on the Shelf is a festive family Christmas tradition that continues to grow in popularity each year. The concept is that there are "scout elves" sent by Santa to the homes of kids who celebrate Christmas. These elves have magical powers and a special mission to fly to the North Pole nightly to report to Santa Claus what the kids in the household have been doing—particularly if they've been naughty or nice.
Many parents and kids alike enjoy the fun and games of including this yearly ritual in their Christmas celebrations. However, the Elf on the Shelf tradition may not be right for every family. Below, find out how Elf on the Shelf works and explore the possible pros and cons of bringing home a scout elf for your family this holiday season.
History of Elf on the Shelf
The scout elf tradition began with the popular children's storybook "The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition," which was published in 2005. The book was written by Carol Aebersold and her daughter Chanda Bell.
Since then, millions of households now bring out their elf from Thanksgiving to Christmas Eve for a yearly dose of yuletide shenanigans. In fact, over 15 million copies of the book have been sold.
How Elf on the Shelf Works
Starting the Elf in the Shelf tradition is easy. First, you'll buy the elf doll, which can be customized by gender, skin color, and eye color. Your chosen elf comes as a set of two items in a keepsake "The Elf on the Shelf" box. Inside the box, you'll find the hardcover storybook and your elf.
Read the Story
Reading the book with your children is key to the experience. The storybook explains everything you need to know about your elf as well as what to do to bring the story to life. Consider the story a clever instruction book for adults and an introduction to the elf's purpose for the kids.
The Elf on the Shelf company website also offers more in-depth information, including additional detail on the elf backstory, games, what to do if things don't go as planned, and other elf-related material.
Name Your Elf
A fun component of the tradition is that each family gets to name their own elf. At the end of each storybook, there's a full-page certificate that you customize with your family's name, date, and your elf's name to commemorate when you begin your Elf on the Shelf tradition. After you name your elf, visit the Elf on the Shelf website to register your elf. Your child will then receive a special message from Santa.
Hide Your Elf
The premise is that each night, your elf flies to the North Pole to tell Santa Claus whether your children have been naughty or nice. It's a cute way to keep the spirit of Santa alive—and encourage good behavior in your children in anticipation of Christmas (and hopefully all year round).
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. 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.
Elf on the Shelf Rules
The golden rule of Elf on the Shelf is that the kids can't touch the elf. Otherwise, there are no other specific rules to follow. Kids are encouraged to talk to the elf but not to actively play with it—the idea is that the elf only moves and talks when kids are sleeping. The intention is to keep the mystery alive about the elf and to discourage kids from moving it and hiding it themselves, which might dampen the mystique of looking for it each morning.
The "no-touch" rule may be harder for some kids to follow than others.
For Elf on the Shelf magic to happen, the adults in the household will need to commit to moving the elf each night. Parents will also need to gauge how hard of a hiding spot to find for the elf. It should not be so easy that the child discovers it instantly but not so hard that a frustrated preschooler ends up in tears. Early on, parents may need to remind the kids to look for their elf buddy (and possibly point kids in the right direction) until the routine gets established.
Is Elf on the Shelf Right for Your Family?
Many families find that Elf on the Shelf is a fun way to start the day and get everyone into the holiday spirit. However, like many parenting decisions, there isn't one right answer about whether or not the Elf on the Shelf tradition is right for your family.
Pros
Family traditions can foster family bonding.
Kids look forward to their elf returning each year.
Searching for the elf each morning is a fun game for children (and adults).
Some parents enjoy creatively setting up unique scenarios and hiding spots for their elf.
You can pick your elf's name, gender, skin tone, and eye color—and how elaborately (or not) you hide the elf.
Cons
Adults need to hide the elf each night, which could end up feeling burdensome, especially year-after-year.
Kids can't touch or play with the elf, which may be a challenge for some kids.
Some families may not like the basic idea of the elf—that it's spying on their kids and reporting their behavior to Santa.
The elf is top-heavy with felt legs, which can make it challenging to bend and pose as desired.
Possible Benefits
The Elf on the Shelf concept provides a fun way for kids to interact with Santa (and of course, an elf). For many families, this tradition works to heighten holiday excitement between Thanksgiving and Christmas and provide a creative way for parents and kids to play a several weeks-long game of hide-and-seek together. Additionally, many parents welcome a holiday activity that's screen-free and gets their children moving.
Many parents enjoy the creative challenge of coming up with unique places (and situations) for their elf to be found. Kids often love discovering their elf caught in the act of holiday hijinks, such as hiding in the snack drawer.
Some parents also like that having a scout elf around may encourage kids to be on their best behavior, knowing that the elf (and Santa) is watching.
How to Discipline and Motivate Your Child
Possible Drawbacks
For some parents, however, the pressure and time it takes to come up with ever more elaborate scenarios for their elf (and any necessary cleanup) may feel more like another chore than holiday fun. Other parents might find that just having to remember to hide the elf each night can feel like too much.
While the company website does offer a host of excuses you can tell your child to explain finding the elf in the same spot, such as that the elf was testing the kids' observation skills, it's their favorite spot, or they were feeling tired, the burden of keeping the game alive still rests on the adults.
Some parents don't like the idea of a toy that tells kids that they are being spied on. Others don't like the message that kids should aim to behave well because they are being watched and/or to get gifts. Another common complaint questions why the toy can't be played with. Plus, some kids will most certainly want to touch it, which could create household conflict or misunderstandings.
If kids do touch the doll, the legend is that being handled drains the elf's magic, requiring the child to write an apology to Santa and administer a sprinkling of cinnamon to restore the elf's full powers.
Is It OK to Tell Kids to Behave Because Santa Is Watching?
Fun Ideas
If you choose to start this tradition, you can choose to follow "The Elf on the Shelf" book guidelines exactly or you can feel free to adapt the story to your family's preferences. For example, in some households, the family elf creates silly mischief each night, such as taking a "bubble bath" (use marshmallows) in the sink, playing dress-up with doll clothes, getting into the cookie jar, or making "snow" angles (use flour) on the kitchen table.
The point being that you can build upon the story to make the tradition your own if you desire. Here are some other ideas of ways to get the most fun out of adopting the Elf on the Shelf tradition:
- After you pack away your elf on Christmas Eve, set out a small present from your elf to your children. It doesn't have to be a big gift. Candy canes, a book, a Christmas card with the date on it, or another small token can become part of your family tradition.
- Google "Elf on the Shelf ideas" and you'll get plenty more tips on how to make your elf's stay memorable for your kids.
- In 2011, "An Elf's Story: The Elf on the Shelf," a 30-minute animated TV special hit the airwaves. Watch the show with your family each year in addition to reading the storybook to bring the fun of the elf to life for your kids.
- Pinterest has a variety of user-submitted suggestions for where to hide your elf each night. For example, position your elf at your computer's keyboard to make it look like the elf is writing Santa an email or hide your elf in the cupboards to make it look like he's raiding your candy stash. There are countless other ideas posted on the Internet and new ones are added every day.
A Word From Verywell
The Elf on the Shelf tradition is beloved by many but isn't for everyone. Your kids may be too old to enjoy it or you may not like the idea of an elf who spies on your children and runs to Santa to tattle. For many families, however, welcoming Elf on the Shelf into their lives from turkey day to Christmas is just the thing to brighten their holiday season.
By Apryl Duncan
Apryl Duncan is a stay-at-home mom and internationally-published writer with years of experience providing advice to others like her.
See Our Editorial Process
Thanks for your feedback!
FAQs
The Elf on the Shelf concept provides a fun way for kids to interact with Santa (and of course, an elf). For many families, this tradition works to heighten holiday excitement between Thanksgiving and Christmas and provide a creative way for parents and kids to play a several weeks-long game of hide-and-seek together.
Why do people not like 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.
Why not to do Elf on the Shelf in the classroom? ›
Here's why:
- It's not inclusive. Not everyone celebrates Christmas. ...
- It undermines trustworthiness. We're talking about a fairly elaborate lie here. ...
- It erodes intrinsic motivation. As a classroom management system, the Elf on the Shelf is pretty terrible. ...
- It invites chaos. ...
- It's a time suck. ...
- It's a family choice.
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.
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.
Do parents control elf on Shelf? ›
Are grown-ups allowed to intervene? 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.
Who is trying to ban Elf on the Shelf? ›
Now a Georgia judge is offering a reprieve. Judge Robert D. Leonard, of the Superior Court of Cobb County, posted an order on Twitter banishing the Elf on the Shelf in that county.
What to do if your kid finds the elf? ›
Be honest with your child.
Tell him/her that the Elf on the Shelf is something parents do to make the Christmas season a little more fun for kids, and you are sorry he/she is so smart to have figured it out too soon but Santa (or you) will be proud of him/her for letting siblings/friends continue believing in the elf.
What's the story behind Elf on a Shelf? ›
What Is the Elf on the Shelf Story? The book explains that the Scout Elves come down from the North Pole during Scout Elf Return Week (typically November 24 through December 1) to help Santa keep tabs on his naughty/nice list. The elf arrives in a certain spot and watches the children in the home.
How do you end the Elf on the 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.
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)
We explain he'll report back to Santa every night regarding their behavior. Sure, the Elf returns to a new spot each morning, often doing funny, silly things. But for many families, he's partially there to warn children that a lack of good behavior leads to a lack of presents.
Can you touch Elf on the Shelf on last night? ›
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.
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 happens if your Elf on the Shelf doesn't leave? ›
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.
Do you buy an Elf on the Shelf for each child? ›
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.
What parents need to know about Elf on the Shelf? ›
Elf on the Shelf is a Christmas tradition where a special scout is sent to your home from the North Pole to encourage kids to behave themselves. The idea is that Santa's little helper watches the children by day, and each night, it returns to the North Pole to report on whether they were naughty or nice.
Does the elf have to 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 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.
What state is banning Elf on the Shelf? ›
Santa Claus may have to find a new way to spy on children in Cobb County, Georgia after a blistering court decision banning the Elf on the Shelf in homes throughout the area.
In a scathing decision last week, a Georgia judge ordered a ban that could hurt children's chances of making Santa's nice list this Christmas: The Elf on the Shelf is forbidden in Cobb County. The elves, Robert D.
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.
What is the first rule of elf school? ›
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 explain why some kids don't have an elf? ›
“You can just say that you don't need one because your kid is good and Santa already knows it. The elf is for the kids that need to be watched? This is the first year I didn't bring it out and my daughter hasn't asked where he is!” ~Maggie M. “We don't have one.
Do parents move the elf on the shelf every night? ›
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.
Do parents move the elf on the shelf at night? ›
Elf moves back and hides in a new place in the morning. Children are allowed to send their wishes to Santa through Elf. Note: Parents should understand that there are two rules of placing the Elf on the Shelf officially. Firstly, parents should change the position of the Elf every night when their children are asleep.
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.
What does Elf on the Shelf do after Christmas? ›
According to the toy's official website, Elf on the Shelf leaves on Christmas Eve to return to the North Pole. There, elves spend time with their friends, answer letters, and help make toys. So why not have fun with it?
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 Elf on the Shelf talk to you? ›
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!
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!
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.
Does your Elf on the Shelf come back every year? ›
Does your Elf on the Shelf® come back every year? Most Scout Elves return to their families around the same time every year, during Scout Elf Return Week – a week-long window at the end of November, leading into December.
What happens if you touch Elf on the Shelf accident? ›
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.
In 2005, creator Carol Aebersold (a stay-at-home mom at the time) and her daughter, Chanda Bell, published a children's book called The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition, based on their family's own Scandinavian holiday tradition that started in the 1970s.
What does Elf on the Shelf teach? ›
Let's face it, The Elf on the Shelf is a popular holiday tradition, but what does it really teach? I don't want to get too serious here, but really this tradition focuses on encouraging good behavior as a way of avoiding negative outcomes (no toys!).
Do parents move the Elf on the Shelf every night? ›
Elf moves back and hides in a new place in the morning. Children are allowed to send their wishes to Santa through Elf. Note: Parents should understand that there are two rules of placing the Elf on the Shelf officially. Firstly, parents should change the position of the Elf every night when their children are asleep.
What's the story behind Elf on the Shelf? ›
What Is the Elf on the Shelf Story? The book explains that the Scout Elves come down from the North Pole during Scout Elf Return Week (typically November 24 through December 1) to help Santa keep tabs on his naughty/nice list. The elf arrives in a certain spot and watches the children in the home.
Why do parents 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.
What are the three jobs of an elf? ›
Papa Elf : You can bake cookies in a tree. Papa Elf : As you can imagine, it's, uh, dangerous having an oven in an oak tree during the dry season. Tree Elf : I want to make shoes! Papa Elf : But the third job, some call it, uh, "the show" or "the big dance," it's the profession that every elf aspires to.
Elf underscores the importance of family bonding and fatherhood. Even a Burl Ives-like snowman tells Buddy, “At least you had a daddy, I was just rolled up.” Buddy is worth rooting for.
What to do if kid touches elf on a shelf? ›
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 happens if your Elf on the Shelf does not move? ›
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.
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.
Why can adults touch elf on the shelves? ›
But some parents are wondering: Can adults touch Elf on the Shelf? 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.
