Making Magic with the Elf on the Shelf: A Creative Guide for Parents
Introduction
There’s nothing quite like the sweet, childlike belief in magic during the holiday season, right? And while the Christmas cookies, twinkling lights, and beautifully wrapped presents undoubtedly contribute to the magic, one beaming elf manages to steal the show every year! Yes, you’ve guessed it, we’re talking about the playful Elf on the Shelf!
Let’s be honest, it can be tricky to come up with fresh and exciting Elf on the Shelf ideas night after night throughout December. That’s why we are thrilled to provide this helpful and creative guide!
If coming up with new Elf on the Shelf scenarios has become another festive headache rather than a season’s delight, don’t worry. We’re here to share ideas that’ll make your elf the superstar of the season (sorry Santa!).
Understanding the Elf on the Shelf Tradition
What Is Elf on the Shelf?
Introduced in 2005 in a delightful children’s book by Carol Aebersold and daughter Chanda Bell, the Elf on the Shelf has since brought joy and giggles to families worldwide.
In brief, the Elf on the Shelf is a small elf doll that visits during the holiday season. Traditionally, the elf flies back to the North Pole each night to report good or cheeky children’s behaviour to Santa. Then, by morning the elf has journeyed back to the family home and settled into a new spot —often getting up to a bit of mischief along the way!
How Does This Tradition Work?
After your elf arrives (usually early in December), it’s necessary to choose a perfect spot for its first appearance. From there, the elf continues to “move” each night, creating a new scene to surprise the kids in the morning— often getting up to good-humoured mischief.
The most important rule? You must never touch the elf, or else the Christmas magic could disappear!
Brainstorming Elf on the Shelf Ideas: Let’s Get Creative!
Beginning with familiarizing yourself with the tradition, we’re going to jump right in and share our wonderfully imaginative and easy Elf on the Shelf ideas that promise to make every morning a delightful surprise for your little ones. So, grab a cookie, get your cozy socks on, and prepare to be inspired. We’re thrilled to take this magical journey with you!
1. Icy Arrival
What’s a better way for your elf to make an entrance than arriving straight from the chilly North Pole! Set up a scene where the elf is “stuck” in a block of ice (a clear plastic container of water should do the trick!). This gives a fun new twist to the elf’s arrival!
2. Cooking With Elf
Let’s turn your elf into a miniature master chef! You can set up a scene where the elf is baking cookies or spilling flour over the kitchen counter. Use miniature cookie cutters, small baking trays, or children’s play cooking sets to achieve this amusing effect.
3. Elves Love Post Its
A mischievous elf loves a good, harmless prank! Imagine the kids’ faces when they wake up to find their room, kitchen, or even the Christmas tree covered in colorful post it notes, all thanks to their playful elf!
4. Elf Reads a Story!
Set up a snug scene where the elf is engrossed in a children’s book. You could even add miniature mugs of cocoa to make it look perfect. Kids will absolutely adore opening their eyes to see their elf engrossed in a magical tale.
Final Thoughts
Creativity is the key to making the Elf on the Shelf tradition a memorable one, and we hope these ideas inspire parents to keep the holiday spirit alive. However, remember, the most important thing is not where the elf ends up each day, but the joy and laughter it brings to your little ones.
Enjoy making December magical with our Elf on the Shelf ideas. Here’s to a fun-loving, elf-filled holiday season, full of precious memories with your family.
Happiest Holiday Wishes!
Preparing for Elf on the Shelf Ideas: Five Things Every Parent Should know
Engaging in the ‘Elf on the Shelf’ tradition can be a delightful way to inject creativity and whimsy into your holiday celebrations. As a parent, you might be wondering how to have the most fun while keeping it easy for yourself. Here’s a helpful guide for you.
1. The Backstory is Essential
Before you begin, make sure you understand the backstory of the ‘Elf on the Shelf’. This knowledge will help you portray the scenario effectively for your children, enhancing their excitement and belief in the concept. Not to mention, it’ll give you ample inspiration for positioning the elf.
2. Start Simple
At the beginning of the season, start with simple Elf on the Shelf ideas. This will help maintain a level of mystery and suspense, and also leave room for more elaborate scenarios as you progress towards Christmas.
3. Plan Ahead
Spontaneity may be fun, but having a basic plan can reduce stress. Before December begins, write down different Elf on the Shelf ideas and indicate the dates you’d like to execute each one. Having this pre-set schedule can save your nights from frantic elf repositioning.
4. Involve the Kids…To Some Extent
Let your children’s ideas and imagination shine through. They could suggest positions for the elf or design new props, but remember, kids shouldn’t touch the elf! It’s part of the tradition; the elf’s magic is said to disappear if touched.
5. Embrace The Unexpected
Lastly, remember that things don’t always go according to plan. If an idea fails or your schedule gets mixed up, no worries! The key is to keep it fun and maintain the magic of the season.
By understanding these five pointers, parents can make the ‘Elf on the Shelf’ tradition a fun, delightful, and stress-free experience during the holidays. Your children will surely remember the joy and anticipation each new day brings.
For more great articles please see here. For more information on parenting, see the Australian Government Supported website Raising Children
This article is meant as information only and is general in nature. Always seek professional opinions prior to making decisions.
