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Elf on the Shelf
Rated by 1 member
"Mama, when's Elfie coming back?" Grace, 6, asks me excitedly as we pass a display of Christmas candy at the grocery store.
"He'll be here any day now," I assure her. I smile as I note her longing gaze at the tempting confections. Grace has a big sweet tooth, so seeing her exercise rare restraint in the candy department can only be described as a little bit of Christmas magic.
Who, with the mere mention of his name, can inspire such self-control? A Christmas elf, of course.
The Elf on the Shelf (www.elfontheshelf.com) joined our family about two years ago when a girlfriend gave him to us as a gift. A charming, vintage-style elf doll — replete with pointy shoes, ears, and hat — he came with an illustrated book that explained the tradition and the rules of his engagement, including the idea that by naming our elf, we had officially "adopted" him.
Elfie, as ours came to be called, is an adorable little spy for Santa Claus. He arrives around Thanksgiving to keep an eye on us during the holidays, and keep Santa informed as to whether we've been naughty or nice.
Each night he flies back to the North Pole to file his report, and each morning a "scavenger hunt" ensues to see where he's landed. Our elf gets harder to find as Christmas approaches — last year, Grace woke us up with laughter when she found him sitting on her potty.
This sweet tradition is one of our favorites — it's fun, engaging, and an easy way to help younger children focus on kindness, self-control, and generosity.
Elfie may work for Santa, but Mama gets the benefits! When we wake up Christmas morning and find that Elfie has returned to the North Pole via Santa's sled on Christmas Eve, I don't know who's sadder, the kids or me.
What keeps kids on their best behavior during the holidays? Click the comments link below to find and share solutions.
Member Comments On…
Elf on the Shelf
I ordered one as soon as I read this article!! My kids 9 & 5 were thrilled, they couldn't wait to find Fred every morning, and it really helped them behave during the holidays. When my 9 yr old had a friend over, he fell in love with him too, so he was sent one, and another friend at school as well... pretty soon all the boys at Pataskala Elementary will have their own elves watching over them! This was such a great tradition and the whole family can't wait for him to come back next year!
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My mom started this tradition with me when I was little - almost 40 years ago. One Christmas after my twin daughters arrived, the same elf I grew up with magically appeared in my home along with two helpers. We now have the main elf in our family area as well as helpers where the girls can get into mischief - their bedroom and playroom! Welcome to the tradition!
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Routine is essential to maintaining the behaviors that are expected throughout the year during this busy month. We did some research a few years ago on the different mythological characters associated with Christmas; one of interest to us is the Nisse, the elf-troll creatures from Norse mythology, probably where the people who created Santa got the idea to give him elves. Keeping with Norwegian traditions, we open presents on Xmas Eve before church, all the children at church then share w/ each other what they got (our church is Scandinavian in culture). The Nisse AKA Dad & Mom fill the stockings later that night. After a late night, we sleep in on Xmas AM! The real key to calmness around here is that our children know that Christmas is the time when we celebrate the birth of Jesus & that all the other stuff is just make believe. They just ask me all the time if I have gone shopping yet! Sometimes I will tease them & say that I thought I forgot to do something!
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I think this is a wonderful idea and am only sad that a) my daughter is too old now and b) I live in the UK and can't get these elves.
However wasn't a similar dream team daily sent out about a week ago? I remember reading a very similar story very recently. Pity because I really look forward to the dream team daily post coming through my e-mail.
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Our little Elf joined us this year. I was hiding him for about a month in my car. I found him at the Hallmark store by my house. At first I was "scared" of his look, but I got used to him. My 7 yr old daughter LOVED him right away. Halfway through the story she decided to name him MARK. Her 9 yr old brother on the other hand was more cautious. He refused to listen to the story and began thinking of Elf scenarios - scaring himself. :) It's the second day with Mark, and we're all excited and anxious to see where he will land tomorrow.
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This elf is a memory from my childhood, minus the story. My mom probably wishes there was a story behind it. But my two daughters ages 9 and 5 are so head over heels over our "Pepper Head!" He makes sure he flies high so the girls don't touch him and he doesn't lose his magic! He's such a great help.
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What a wonderful idea! I love it!
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I LOVE our little Elf on a Shelf. They really take on a life of their own--even our 9 year old believes that this little guy is up to something. It's hilarious and very fun! Thanks for the reminder, I can't wait to unpack ours this year.
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My family has an elf that comes to "spy" also. Last year I couldn't find where I had packed it away and had to tell my dd that she was behaving so well the elf didn't need to come. She was glad she was being so good but disappointed. Well of course I found him when putting the Christmas things away. I do like the scavenger hunt you have mentioned. I may put a little note with him this year telling her that since she was so good and had missed him last year he will play this new "game" with her.
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