How does Elf On The Shelf work?

The concept is pretty magical! And if you read the book that comes with the elf it will help guide you, but i’ll also briefly explain below!

Starting Elf On The Shelf

1. You and your child will want to first read the Elf On The Shelf book, explaining how the elf works and the rules that should be followed.
2. There are lots of rules to the elf, the biggest one is of course no touching. Touching the elf could make him lose his magic. But don’t worry, he can be “recharged” with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a special Christmas blessing.
3. After reading the book you’ll want to secretly plan for when your elf first visits the kids! This can be any day of your choosing but remember that once the elf visits you have to do it every day.

The Elf On The Shelf first visit

1. On the day of his first visit include the Elf welcome letter as it quickly explains the rules in a fun rhyme!
2. Next you’ll want to name your new elf, this is important because it’s what the elf will forever be called. You can go with something simple like “Bogart” or more elaborate like “Sir Smelly Socks”, leave it up to the kids and they’ll think of something great!
3. The elf is one of Santa’s scouts, so he’ll report back to Santa all his findings (good and bad) during the weeks leading up to Christmas.
4. Every night the elf leaves to “report to Santa” which means you’ve got to move him to a new spot! That way, each morning, the children and search for him and often find him up to no good or with a fun activity like these notes and jokes.

The Elf On The Shelf goodbye

On Christmas Eve, the elf’s mission is complete, and it returns to the North Pole with Santa Claus. It will return again the next holiday season.