Elf on the Shelf: Elf on the Shelf History, Fun With Elf On The Shelf
The Elf on the Shelf is a bestselling Christmas-themed children's book created in 2005 by Carol Aebersold and her daughter Chanda Bell, as well as published by New York Times best-selling author, Chanda Bell. The story tells of how Santa Claus sends elves to watch over children to make sure they are being "good."
What’s the History of Elf On The Shelf?
The history of Elf on the Shelf dates back to 2005 when the book “Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition” was published. The book tells the story of Santa’s elves who come to visit children in their homes during the holiday season to help them behave.
Since the release of the book, Elf on the Shelf has become a popular Christmas tradition for families all over the world. Every year, parents and children look forward to setting up their elf and watching it move around each day. Many families even give their elf a silly name and create fun elf-sized props for it to play with!
If you’re looking for some Elf on the Shelf inspiration this holiday season, be sure to check out our blog post “25 Creative Ways to Use Your Elf on the Shelf” for some fun ideas.
The Elf on the Shelf has been a holiday tradition for families all over the world for nearly 50 years. But where did this popular Christmas decoration come from, and who invented it?
The original Elf on the Shelf was created in the early 1970s by American writer and illustrator Carol Aebersold and her daughter Chanda Bell. Aebersold came up with the idea for the Elf after seeing a similar tradition in Scandinavia, where children leave shoes out for elves to fill with presents.
Aebersold and Bell wrote a book about their Elf character, which they named "Elfie." The book tells the story of how Santa's elves visit homes during the holiday season to keep an eye on children and report back to Santa on their behavior. At the end of each Christmas season, the elves return to the North Pole until next year.
Since its inception, Elf on the Shelf has become one of the most popular Christmas traditions for families around the world. Every year, millions of children await the arrival of their family's elf, eager to see what mischief he or she will get into each day
Fun ways to play with your Elf On The Shelf
When it comes to Elf on the Shelf, there are endless possibilities for fun! Here are just a few ideas to get you started:
-Dress your elf up in cute outfits to celebrate each day differently. Check out the cute accessories you can get.
-Have your Elf on the Shelf hide in different places around the house each day. See if your kids can find him!
-Leave notes from your Elf on the Shelf for your kids to find.
-Hide small treats around the house for your kids to find.
-Play games with your Elf on the Shelf, like “hide and seek” or “Simon says.”
-Get creative with how you move your Elf on the Shelf each day. You can have him fly, climb, or even slide down the banister!
Tips and Tricks from Pros
If your family is anything like ours, your Elf on the Shelf probably causes as much mischief as he does good! Here are some tips and tricks from the pros to help you manage your own little troublemaker.
• First, get yourself a copy of The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition. This book will help you understand all the ins and outs of being an elf’s parent.
• Second, create an elf identity for your child’s elf. Give him or her a name, background story, and personality traits. This will make it easier for your child to connect with their elf and make believe.
• Third, come up with a list of activities that your elf can do each day. Be creative! There are tons of ideas online or in The Elf on the Shelf book mentioned above.
• Fourth, have fun with it! Your family will enjoy this holiday tradition more if everyone is getting into the spirit of things. Make sure to take plenty of pictures and videos to document your elf’s shenanigans.
Here are some great Elf On The Shelf Ideas And Activities we have found to share.
Get inspired with this list of over 30 easy elf on the shelf ideas and a bonus elf “retirement” letter to help you make the transition away from nightly elf mischief!
Stuck for ideas for a name for your elf? Check out this list of elf on the shelf names organized by category
You will also enjoy the following Elf on Shelf quotes during their visits. They even come with free printables. Check them out here and get inspired.
Use them for each day as your Elf is hiding or lunch box notes.
Welcome your Elf on the Shelf with these free Elf on the Shelf letter templates. They also can be used as message to Santa, wishlist or even naughty or nice list.
These Elf on the Shelf Printable Props will make life easier for parents. Kids will love the new costumes and accessories their elf has on.
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