What Do You Do For Elf On A Shelf Arrival?

What Do You Do For Elf on a Shelf Arrival?

The Elf on the Shelf is a beloved holiday tradition that brings joy to children and families around the world. But if you’re new to the tradition, you may be wondering what you need to do when your elf arrives. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you make your elf’s arrival a magical experience for your children:

Plan Ahead

Before your elf arrives, take some time to plan some fun activities and surprises. This will help you create a memorable and engaging experience for your kids. Consider the following:

• Choose an arrival date: The Elf on the Shelf typically arrives on the first day of December, but you can choose any date that works best for your family.
• Create a special welcome: Set up a welcome area for your elf with a letter from Santa, a small gift, and some treats.
• Plan a few “elfing” activities: Think of some fun and creative things your elf can do around the house, such as playing with toys, reading books, or making mischief.
• Prepare a daily routine: Decide where your elf will sleep, eat, and play each day.

The Elf’s Arrival

On the day of your elf’s arrival, make it a special occasion. Here’s what to do:

• Introduce your elf: Gather your children and read them the story of the Elf on the Shelf. Explain that the elf is a magical being sent by Santa to watch over them and report on their behavior.
• Welcome the elf: Show your children the welcome area you created. Let them explore the letter from Santa, open the gift, and give the elf a name.
• Set the rules: Explain to your children that the elf is a guest in your home and should be treated with respect. Let them know that the elf cannot be touched or moved, and that it must report back to Santa each night.

Daily Elf Activities

Once your elf has arrived, it will become a daily part of your holiday routine. Here are some ideas for elf activities:

• Hiding: Your elf can hide in different places around the house each night, like a bookshelf, under a pillow, or in the Christmas tree. Encourage your children to search for the elf each morning.
• Mischief: Elves love to create a bit of mischief, so let them move toys around, rearrange furniture, or hide objects around the house. Your children will love the surprises they find.
• Reading: Your elf can read books to your children or help them write letters to Santa. This is a great way to promote literacy and create special memories.
• Playing: Elves can play games with your children, such as hide-and-seek, board games, or pretend play. Encourage your children to interact with the elf and have fun.
• Reporting to Santa: Before bed each night, your elf must report back to Santa on your children’s behavior. Encourage your children to be good so that the elf reports positive things.

Elf Departure

On Christmas Eve, the Elf on the Shelf must return to the North Pole to report to Santa. Here’s how to handle the departure:

• Create a special farewell: Gather your children and sing a farewell song or read a story about the elf.
• Thank the elf: Thank the elf for visiting your home and helping to make the holiday season special.
• Send the elf home: Help your children place the elf on a shelf or in a box to send it back to the North Pole.

FAQs

1. What if I don’t have an Elf on the Shelf?

You can purchase an Elf on the Shelf online or at most toy stores. If you don’t want to spend money, you can make your own elf using a doll or stuffed animal.

2. What if my child is scared of the elf?

Start by introducing the elf in a gentle and reassuring way. Let your child know that the elf is a friendly and helpful being. If your child remains scared, you can limit the elf’s activities or allow them to touch or move the elf.

3. What if I forget to move the elf?

Don’t worry if you forget to move your elf one night. Just explain to your children that the elf was busy with important elf duties and couldn’t move. You can also create a silly story about why the elf didn’t move, such as it got lost or fell asleep.

4. What if my child misbehaves and the elf reports it to Santa?

If the elf reports that your child has misbehaved, don’t panic. Use it as an opportunity to teach your child about the importance of good behavior. Talk to your child about why their behavior was wrong and encourage them to make better choices in the future.

5. Is the Elf on the Shelf really magical?

The Elf on the Shelf is not magical in the literal sense, but it can be a powerful tool for imagination and creativity. By embracing the tradition and engaging with your children, you can make the Elf on the Shelf a magical and memorable part of your holiday season.