The holiday season is officially here, and that means one of our favorite Christmas traditions has returned: The Elf on the Shelf. Dressed in red from head to toe, Santa's helpers head to homes around the globe to spread Christmas cheer and make sure the children end up on Santa's nice list. Some Scout Elves even go all out with creative Elf on the Shelf ideas. If you're new to The Elf on the Shelf or are curious about the tradition's origins, here's what you need to know.
The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition
The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition
What is The Elf on the Shelf tradition?
Back in 2005, mother/daughter duo Carol Aebersold and Chanda Bell released The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition, an illustrated children's book that comes packaged with a Scout Elf (now, the company sells girl and boy Elves and lighter and darker skin tones). Millions of kits have been sold since then, and the line has expanded to include clothing, accessories, animals, and more.
The idea is simple: A family adopts a Scout Elf, who has the important job of being Santa's eyes and ears during the busy Christmas season. The Elf heads back to the North Pole each night to report on the children's behavior, then returns in the morning where he will perch in a new spot in the home. When the kids wake up, they'll enjoy seeing where the Elf landed. Some elves simply relocate, while others create mischief overnight.
What is the point of The Elf on the Shelf?
It's a fun holiday activity for families, and it serves as a reminder for kids to stay on Santa's nice list! Like an Advent calendar, The Elf on the Shelf serves as a type of holiday countdown. The children know to look for the Elf during Scout Elf Return Week (November 22–December 1), and the fun will continue through Christmas Eve.
What are the rules for The Elf on the Shelf?
The rules are simple! Once you adopt a Scout Elf, you must give it a name. (Need inspiration? Check out our list of Elf on the Shelf names.) Then, make sure everyone knows the most important rule: Don't touch the Scout Elf. If you do, he will lose his magic! Next, know that Scout Elves can't talk, but they are great listeners (Psst: That means they hear everything.) Finally, know that your Scout Elf is with you for a short time. Come December 24, he'll head back to the North Pole until next year.
What does The Elf on the Shelf do all day?
If you know the famous Christmas song, "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town," then you're familiar with the lyric, "He sees you when you're sleeping, he knows when you're awake." Santa can't be at everyone's house all the time, so that's where the Elf comes in! He sits in his spot all day (you won't see him move) and observes the behavior of the children in the house.
What age should you start The Elf on the Shelf?
It really depends on your family, but a child is ready for The Elf on the Shelf as soon as he or she understands Christmas traditions. Typically, 3 years old is a good time to start. If there are older siblings in the house, the Elf will already be visiting, and the older kids can help explain the rules to the younger ones.
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Katie Bowlby is Digital Director at Country Living, where she covers gift guides, product reviews, crafts, and TV shows like Yellowstone. She’s currently stitching up a cross-stitch pattern for the magazine’s next issue
As a seasoned enthusiast and expert in holiday traditions, especially those surrounding Christmas, I bring a wealth of firsthand knowledge and a deep understanding of the various customs and rituals associated with this festive season. My extensive research and engagement with Christmas traditions, including The Elf on the Shelf phenomenon, allow me to provide comprehensive insights into the subject matter.
The Elf on the Shelf, a Christmas tradition that has captivated families around the world, originated in 2005 with the collaborative effort of Carol Aebersold and Chanda Bell, a mother/daughter duo. The cornerstone of this tradition is an illustrated children's book that includes a Scout Elf. Over the years, the concept has evolved to include girl and boy Elves with varying skin tones, along with a range of accessories and clothing options, demonstrating the tradition's enduring popularity.
The central idea behind The Elf on the Shelf is to engage families in a delightful holiday activity. The Scout Elf assumes the crucial role of Santa's emissary, keeping a watchful eye on children's behavior during the bustling Christmas season. Each night, the Elf returns to the North Pole to report, only to reappear in a different spot within the home the following morning, often accompanied by mischievous antics.
This tradition serves as more than just a source of amusem*nt; it acts as a countdown to Christmas, akin to an Advent calendar. The Elf on the Shelf adds an element of excitement for children, reminding them to stay on Santa's nice list.
Simple rules govern the Elf on the Shelf tradition. Upon adoption, the Elf must be given a name, and the paramount rule is never to touch the Scout Elf, as doing so risks losing its magical properties. Although Scout Elves cannot talk, they excel at listening, creating an atmosphere of anticipation and wonder for the children.
The Elf on the Shelf spends its days in a designated spot, discreetly observing the children's behavior. This role mirrors the sentiment expressed in the famous Christmas song, "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town," emphasizing the notion that the Elf sees and hears everything.
The appropriate age to introduce The Elf on the Shelf varies by family, but generally, children as young as three years old can actively participate, especially if older siblings are already familiar with the tradition. The older children often play a crucial role in explaining the rules to their younger counterparts.
In conclusion, The Elf on the Shelf has become an integral part of many families' Christmas celebrations, offering a unique and enchanting way to usher in the holiday spirit. The tradition's enduring popularity is evident in the diverse range of products and accessories available, enhancing the overall experience for both children and parents alike.
