How Do You Play Elf On The Shelf At Home?

How Do You Play Elf on the Shelf at Home?

Elf on the Shelf is a beloved Christmas tradition that brings joy to children and families around the world. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you play Elf on the Shelf at home:

Elf on the Shelf is a plush toy elf that arrives from the North Pole on the first day of December. The elf’s purpose is to watch over children and report back to Santa Claus about their behavior. Each night, the elf returns to the North Pole to report, and each morning it reappears in a new hiding spot in the house.

Choosing Your Elf

The first step in playing Elf on the Shelf is choosing your elf. There are many different types of elves available, so you can find one that matches your family’s personality and style. Consider the elf’s size, hair color, eye color, and clothing.

Naming Your Elf

Once you have your elf, it’s time to give it a name. This is a fun opportunity to get your children involved. Ask them to help you choose a name that reflects the elf’s personality or appearance.

Establishing Rules

Before you start playing, it’s important to establish some rules with your children. Explain that the elf is a special visitor from the North Pole and that it must be treated with respect. Let them know that the elf is not a toy and that they should not touch or play with it.

Hiding the Elf

The most exciting part of playing Elf on the Shelf is hiding the elf each night. There are endless possibilities for hiding spots, so get creative. You can hide the elf in a stocking, a shoe, a tree, a toy box, or even the refrigerator.

Creating Scenarios

Once you’ve hidden the elf, you can create a scenario to accompany it. This is a great way to add some fun and excitement to the game. You can have the elf reading a book, playing with toys, or even getting into mischief.

Interacting with the Elf

Throughout the month of December, your children will have plenty of opportunities to interact with the elf. They can talk to it, sing to it, or even leave it notes. The elf will not respond, but it will listen and report back to Santa.

Saying Goodbye to the Elf

On Christmas Eve, the elf returns to the North Pole for good. This can be a bittersweet moment for children, but it’s also a time to reflect on the magic of the holiday season.

Emotional Benefits of Elf on the Shelf

In addition to being a fun and festive tradition, Elf on the Shelf can also have some positive emotional benefits for children. Here are a few ways that the elf can help:

• Encourages good behavior: Knowing that the elf is watching over them can help children to make better choices.
• Promotes self-regulation: Having to wait for the elf to return each morning can help children to learn self-control and patience.
• Creates a sense of tradition: Elf on the Shelf is a tradition that can be passed down through generations, creating a sense of connection and belonging.
• Fosters imagination and creativity: Finding the elf each morning and creating scenarios around it can help to develop children’s imaginations and creativity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How old should children be to play Elf on the Shelf?
A: Elf on the Shelf is appropriate for children of all ages. However, younger children may need more help with the game, such as finding the elf and creating scenarios.

Q: Can I make my own Elf on the Shelf?
A: Yes, you can make your own Elf on the Shelf using a plush elf doll and some simple materials. You can find instructions for making a DIY Elf on the Shelf online.

Q: What if I forget to move the elf one night?
A: Don’t worry if you forget to move the elf one night. Simply move it the next morning and explain to your children that the elf was busy helping Santa.

Q: What should I do if my child is scared of the elf?
A: If your child is scared of the elf, try to make it less intimidating. You can cover the elf’s eyes with a blanket or a scarf, or you can have it sleep in a different location each night.

Q: How do I get my child to stop touching the elf?
A: Explain to your child that the elf is a special visitor from the North Pole and that it must be treated with respect. Let them know that if they touch the elf, it will have to return to the North Pole for good.