The holiday season is a time of joy and cherished traditions. Among these traditions, one that has captured the hearts of my children and many others is the curious and mischievous Elf on the Shelf.
The beginning of Elf on the Shelf:
The story of the Elf on the Shelf began with the 2005 children’s book by Carol Aebersold and Chanda Bell. The book introduces children to the idea that Santa sends a special scout elf to keep an eye on them during the holiday season. The elf’s primary job is to report back to Santa on their behavior, making it a delightful tool for encouraging good deeds and kindness in children.
Bringing the Elf to Life:
One of the most exciting parts of the Elf on the Shelf tradition is giving your elf a personality and name. My oldest daughter named our elf Noel and boy does she have a personality. All of my children have really enjoyed the magic and Christmas spirit that Noel brings when she comes. (The day after Thanksgiving.) Now that my two older children are teenagers that don’t get the thrill of waking up and finding Noel anymore but, they really enjoy helping me hide / set up scenes with Noel for their younger sister to wake up to. It’s a great bonding experience when my teenagers help, but they sure do come up with some wild ideas be prepared. My youngest loves it when Noel is mischievous and our teenagers are all about that.
Here are a few Elf on the Shelf idea that we have done:
Baking Elf: Place your elf in a tiny apron with a mixing bowl, surrounded by miniature baking ingredients. It suggests that the elf has been busy baking cookies with other tiny stuffed animals.
Fishing Elf: Place Swedish Fish in a mixing bowl with water. Then put your Elf by the bowl with a tiny fishing rod or prop the elf up by the bowl.
Elf Snow Day: Set your elf up with mini marshmallows or cotton balls, with elf tubes, scarfs, and ear muffs.
Artist Elf: Set up a mini easel and art supplies, with your elf “painting” a tiny masterpiece on a small canvas.
Good Deed Elf: Place your elf next to a jar where family members can write down good deeds they’ve done and put it in the spare jar. This encourages kindness and sharing.
Christmas Countdown Elf: Create a DIY chain or countdown chart with your elf marking the days until Christmas.
The Pet Elf: There are so many different pets that your elf can bring with them from the North Pole. Reindeer, cats, dogs, and snow fox.
Wardrobe Elf: There’re several different sweaters or dress up outfits too. This would be great if you run out of ideas.
The Hidden Elf: This is our go to when we have had a busy day or forgotten to do something the night before. We have hidden her in the Christmas tree, on shelfs, on curtain rods, on the tv, and picture frames. Basically, anywhere we can get her to stay without taking the risk of her falling.
The Impact on Family Traditions:
The Elf on the Shelf has the power to bring families closer together during the holiday season. It brings creativity, imagination, and a sense of wonder. Children often look forward to finding their elf each morning, and the tradition can inspire acts of kindness, making it a memorable part of the holiday season. While the elf may only visit for a few weeks each year, the memories it creates and the values it imparts can last a lifetime. So, this holiday season, embrace the enchantment and create your own magical moments with your Elf on the Shelf.
Mom Life Journey 
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