WHAT IS THE ELF ON THE SHELF? (2024)

Learn all you need to about the Elf on the Shelf with this ultimate guide to this cherished Christmas tradition! What is Elf on the Shelf? Why do some people hate the tradition of the Elf on the Shelf? Learn answers to all those FAQs and some tips to make your holiday season magical!

What is the Elf on the Shelf?

The Elf on the Shelf is a Christmas tradition based on a book of the same name. It involves a special elf doll, which acts as Santa’s scout. The elf watches over the household and reports back to Santa each night about whether the children have been naughty or nice.

Where does the Elf on the Shelf tradition come from?

This tradition was popularized by the book “The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition“, written by Carol Aebersold and her daughter Chanda Bell in 2005. The book comes with a special elf doll.

When does the Elf on the Shelf Arrive?

The elf arrives at your home at the start of the Christmas season (generally on December 1st) and is placed in different spots around the house each day. The elf watches the family’s activities during the day and then returns to the North Pole each night to report to Santa.

I share an awesome Elf on the Shelf Arrival Letter and I also have a post full of ideas on how to Say Hello to Your Elf!

Are there rules for the Elf on the Shelf?

Yes, there are two main rules. First, the elf cannot be touched, or it might lose its magic. Second, the elf does not move or speak when people are awake; its magic allows it to move or appear in different places only when no one is watching.

What do you do if the Elf on the Shelf gets touched?

If your Elf does accidentally get touched, I have an awesome Elf on the Shelf Recovery Kit you can use to help your Elf get their magic back! This has been a life saver a handful of times during my kids childhood!

How often do you move your Elf?

Each night, after the family goes to bed, parents often move the elf to a new location in the house. The next morning, children enjoy finding where the elf has moved to and what it might be up to.

If you’re looking for ideas on hiding spots consider these Easy Elf on the Shelf Ideas (that take under 5 minutes) and these Last Minute Elf on the Shelf Ideas.

When does the Elf on the Shelf leave?

The Elf on the Shelf typically leaves on Christmas Eve. This departure aligns with the end of its duty monitoring and reporting back to Santa about the children’s behavior. On Christmas Eve, as Santa makes his journey around the world, the elf returns to the North Pole. The family know that the Elf will return the next year to continue the tradition.

Are there different types of Elf on the Shelf dolls?

1. Blue Eyed Boy Elf: This is the original version, typically dressed in a red outfit.
2. Brown Eyed Boy Elf: Like the original version, but with brown eyes!
3. Blue Eyed Girl Elf: The elves come in both male and female versions, allowing families to choose or have a mix.
4. Brown Eyed Girl Elf
5. Different Skin Tones: To embrace diversity and inclusivity, Elf on the Shelf dolls are available in various skin tones. I have found other brands have better options.
6. Clothing Variations: Some elves come with different clothing options or accessories, allowing for customization.
7. Special Edition Elves: Occasionally, special edition elves are released, possibly to mark an anniversary of the Elf on the Shelf tradition or for a special theme.
8. Plush Elves: For families with younger children or for those who prefer a softer, more cuddly version, plush elf dolls are available.
9. Animals and Pets: Some sets include pets or animal companions for the elf, adding more variety to the storytelling.

When are you supposed to move your Elf?

The Elf on the Shelf is typically moved at night, after the children have gone to bed. This aligns with the story that the elf flies back to the North Pole each night to report to Santa Claus about the day’s events. When the elf returns, it finds a new spot in the house to observe from the next day.

Here’s a general guideline for moving the Elf:

1. After Children’s Bedtime: Waiting until the kids are asleep helps maintain the magic of the elf moving on its own.
2. Before the Family Wakes Up: Ideally, the elf should be in its new position before anyone in the household wakes up in the morning, ready to be found by the children.
3. Consistency: While it’s not necessary to move the elf at the exact same time every night, a consistent routine helps reinforce the story for children.

Remember, the key to the Elf on the Shelf tradition is the joy and excitement it brings, especially for children. The exact timing can be flexible and adapted to fit each family’s routine and lifestyle.

Are you supposed to cut the tie between your Elf on the Shelf’s hands?

This is a personal decision. Some people do and some people don’t. The company suggests is that you should not cut the tie between the hands of an Elf on the Shelf doll, as it’s part of its intended design and helps maintain its signature pose. Cutting the tie could damage the doll and detract from its appearance. The reason you would cut them would be to make your elf easier to position when placing him each night. I have also seen tutorials online that help teach you how to add wire to the arms and legs of your Elf, so you can bend them in fun positions. They also add velcro to their hands, so that they can hand or attach them to things. This tutorial from Dirty Diaper Laundry is a good one!

Is the Elf on the Shelf supposed to be mischievous?

Elves are commonly known for their mischievous antics, often finding themselves in playful predicaments. However, this isn’t a strict rule. The elf’s behavior is flexible and can be adapted to suit your family’s style. While the Elf on the Shelf is traditionally seen as playful and mischievous, the extent of its mischief can vary. From simple hide-and-seek games to more elaborate pranks, you have the freedom to decide. Ultimately, whether you prefer your elf to be playful or calmly observant, it’s your choice. This adaptability allows each family to make the Elf on the Shelf tradition their own.

Is the Elf on the Shelf just for kids?

While it’s primarily a fun tradition for children, adults also enjoy being creative. It’s a delightful way to add extra magic to Christmas time.

What if our family forgets to move the elf?

It happens! Some families might say the elf loved the spot so much it stayed an extra day, or you can come up with a fun story about why the elf didn’t move. Remember, the tradition is all about fun and magic, so there’s always room for improvisation.

Here are some imaginative and light-hearted explanations you can use:

1. Extra Tired: Perhaps the elf had an extra-long journey to the North Pole the previous night and was too tired.
2. Loves the Spot: The elf might have found the spot so perfect that it wanted to stay longer.
3. Special Mission from Santa: The elf was given a special mission by Santa to observe from the same spot for another day.
4. Weather at the North Pole: The weather was bad at the North Pole, making it safer for them to stay put!
5. Magic Recharge: Just like any magical being, sometimes the elf might need a little extra time to recharge its magic.
6. Observing a Special Event: There might have been something special happening in your home that the elf wanted to observe closely for another day.
7. Elf Games: The elf might be playing a game with the family, seeing if they notice that it hasn’t moved.
8. Forgot: The elf was having so much fun that it forgot to fly back to the North Pole.

Why do people not like the Elf on the Shelf?

There are several reasons why some people might not be fond of the Elf on the Shelf tradition:

1. Daily Commitment: Moving the elf every night can become a too stressful, especially during the busy holiday season.
2. Behavioral Management: Some critics argue that using the elf as a behavioral management tool – to encourage children to behave in the hope of getting presents from Santa – can send the wrong message about the spirit of the holiday season.
3. Commercialization: The Elf on the Shelf is sometimes viewed as another aspect of the commercialization of Christmas.
4. Creepy: The idea of the Elf watching the house and moving can be a bit creepy for some.
5. Cultural or Religious Beliefs: Some families find that the Elf doesn’t align with their cultural or religious beliefs.