I dont know when Xmas Elves became a thing but as anyone with Children will know, as soon as the 30th of November comes round parents up and down the country are putting their kids to bed and then going downstairs to intentionally make mess that they will have to clear up themselves in the morning.
Elf on the Shelf – Origin Story
I researched where this huge modern day xmas annoyance came from, and it looks like we have Carol to thank;
The modern Elf on the Shelf tradition originated from a 2005 children’s book titled The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition, written by Carol Aebersold and her daughter Chanda Bell. The story introduces Santa’s scout elves, who visit families during the Christmas season to observe children’s behaviour and report back to Santa each night. By morning, the elf returns to a new spot in the house, sparking joy and creativity as children search for it each day.
All jokes aside, seeing the joy in my kids faces when they come down to see the elves hanging from light fixtures or making snow angels in the aftermath of an upturned box of rice crispies is worth all the hassle – I think.
Sneaky Elf on the Shelf Ideas
My children are nearing the end of their “believer” phase, and by this point we have had to do the Elf on the Shelf thing for about ten years now -and to be honest, its getting harder and harder to think of clever and original things to do with them.
We’ve all done the shoe-shoe trains, the mess on the kitchen floor and various things relating to the Christmas tree and/or related decorations, but what else can you do with these pesky Elves?
Poorly Elf on the Shelf
This is a favourite of mine, you cant use it year after year and it was a lot easier to get away with this during COVID, but you can get a big jar and put the elves in with a note stating they are unwell and are in quarantine. This should buy you a few days.
If you did this in a previous year, then you can use the same jar but put a note in saying that the Elf put themselves in the Jar so that the child can play with them for the day (as touching the Elf ruins the magic, but not if its in a jar)
Elf Trapped in Shutters or Blinds
This is an easy one to do and is worth saving for one of those “sh!t, we forgot to do the elves!?” moments. Just place them high up and stuck in your blinds or shutters, as if they have been climbing up to be mischievous.
This is also a good one to bear in mind if you have pets too – as they cant get the Elf themselves and ruin the morning surprise.
Frozen Elf on the Shelf
I think this one is genius, but you need a spare elf and some forward planning.
Put the Elf in a tub of water and freeze it. Then find a small Elsa figure or toy (told ya this one needs planning) and pretend she Froze the Elf herself.
Your kids will LOVE this one.
Elf Treasure Hunt
This is a fun one that will get your kids active in the morning. Hide some chocolate coins for your kids to find. This ticks off a few boxes, as you also get to use up some of the chocolate coins you probably bought in excess on the run up to the festive period.
Stick your Elf to the wall
If you do not have time to be “Extra” when it comes to the Elf and you need a simple suggestion so you can get it done and go to bed – then just tape the elf to the wall. Write on the tape if you can, and if you have two elves then perhaps make it look like one of them has taped the other one to the wall. Its easy, your kids will laugh and you can tick another day off.
We’re all in this together – best of luck! 🙂
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