Elf on the Shelf Rules
Welcome to the fun world of “Elf on the Shelf”! If you and your kids are new to this holiday tradition, you're in for a treat. The Elf on the Shelf is a really cool way to add some extra magic to your holiday season. It's a game where a special elf comes to your house to keep an eye on things and report back to Santa Claus.
But, there's a twist – there are some basic elf rules you need to know to keep the magic alive. This guide is perfect for parents with kids under 15 who are just starting out with their elf. We'll go over all the important rules, like not touching the elf and why going to bed on time can be part of the fun.
These rules aren't just for keeping the game going; they're also about making the holiday season more exciting and special for your family. So, let's get started and find out how you can make this holiday tradition a memorable one for your family!
Note: A lot of parents struggle with what to tell their kids and when. How to balance the need for honesty with wanting to make the holidays special. Personally, I refuse to say anything untrue to my kids that could be used against me later, so I've always introduced them to material such as books and movies, then ask what they think without answering myself.
Getting Started with Elf on the Shelf
Starting your Elf on the Shelf tradition is easy and lots of fun! First things first, you’ll need your own Elf. You can find these special elves at many stores during the holiday season.
Once you bring your elf home, the next step is giving it a name. This can be a fun activity for the whole family – maybe something festive like Jingle, Sparkle, or Buddy. Remember, the elf's magic starts as soon as you name it!
Then, you can read the Elf on the Shelf book with your kids to really understand the story behind this fun game. The book explains how the elf watches over your family and reports back to Santa each night.
After reading, find a spot to place your elf. Each morning, the elf will be in a new spot, which adds excitement to each day. Get ready for a lot of laughter and excitement as your family wakes up each morning to see what the elf has been up to!
Official Elf on the Shelf Rules
The Elf on the Shelf comes with a few important rules to make the game fun and keep the magic alive. The most crucial rule is to not touch your Scout Elf. If they're touched, they might lose their magic, which is what allows them to move and report back to Santa.
But don’t worry, even though you can’t touch them, you can still talk to them. Scout Elves are excellent listeners, so your kids can share their secrets and Christmas wishes with them.
Another big part of this tradition is that all Scout Elves have to return to the North Pole on Christmas Eve. They help Santa get ready for the next Christmas, which is a pretty big job! Some families say they also report back to Santa on behaviour and help with the naughty & nice list, but we don't do the whole don't get presents if you are on the naughty list thing so our Elf doesn't report back
Alongside these official rules, you can add your own family rules to make the experience even more special. Encourage your kids to write letters to Santa and give them to their elf; it’s a great way for them to communicate with Santa.
Also, spreading kindness and good deeds is a big part of the holiday spirit, so remind your kids to do something nice for others and spread cheer. Being kind to everyone is another great rule to live by, not just during the holidays but all year round.
And lastly, getting to bed on time is important, especially since elves are known to be more active at night. This can make bedtime a bit more exciting for your kids, as they'll wake up to see what new spot their elf has moved to!
Find Your Perfect Elf on the Shelf: Shop Now!
Excited to kick off the enchanting Elf on the Shelf tradition at your place? Finding the ideal elf for your household is a breeze with us. No matter if you're in search of a boy or girl elf, or one with light or dark skin, we have just what you need.
Check out our links to purchase your ideal elf or two: Male Elf with Light Skin, Female Elf with Light Skin, Male Elf with Dark Skin, and Female Elf with Dark Skin. If you've never seen them, just know the darker skin tone elves are still pretty light…
Every link leads you to a variety of options, allowing you to pick the elf that best matches your family's festive spirit. Don't delay – introduce this cherished holiday tradition to your home now!
Elf on the Shelf Rules Printable
