We’ve featured Elf on the Shelf on Playpennies once or twice now and although it’s getting bigger in the UK each year, we still see a lot of people asking “What is it?” It can look a little strange, so I’ll do my best to try and explain a little about it.
"Have you ever wondered how Santa knows who is naughty and who is nice?” The Elf on the Shelf is Santa’s very own special helper and decides who should go on the naughty list and who should go on the nice.
The tradition begins when Santa sends his scout elves out to Elf Adoption Centres. Waiting for their families to bring them home, the Elves hibernate until their family reads The Elf on the Shelf, gives their Elf a very special name, and registers their adoption online. Once named, each Elf will receive its Christmas magic and become a part of the family's Christmas each year. That's the appealing part for many I think. We all want our children to have memories of family traditions, especially at Christmas time. Well looked after your Elf could last generations I guess!
Each night, after the family goes to bed, the Elf uses his magical Christmas powers to fly back to the North Pole. Once there, the Elf will make his or her daily report on who has been good and who hasn’t to Santa and they’ll also visit with Elf friends where they will tell stories about their families.
Before the family wake up each morning, their special Elf will fly back to their home from the North Pole. However, since these Elves like to play games, don't expect to find them in the same spot.
On Christmas Eve, the Elf will listen for Santa's bell and then fly back to the North Pole until next December, wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and promising to return next year.
So that’s the history behind the Elf but of course you can adapt that story to suit your family. While some parents may like the idea of Santa watching and the Elf reporting, most parents I know adapt the story to make it slightly less scary and use it as a way to make the whole of December that bit more special and exciting for kids. Little ones get caught up in the excitement and the Elf's overnight antics around the house can be great fun.
So those ideas that your Elf can get up to while you’re asleep? There are literally thousands on the net but I liked this collection HERE at Pretty Providence. Think my favourite is the “Snow Elf” – what about you?
If you’d like to buy your very own the Elf on the Shelf check out this blog here*
You'll find loads more Elf on the Shelf ideas on this thread.
If this is something you’ve did in the past and have any other ideas, we’d love to hear them!
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