Can you believe it? December is just around the corner! As I write this, I’m feeling a tiny bit panicked because there’s so much to prepare. One tradition that keeps me busy but brings so much joy is Elf on the Shelf. Have you heard of it?
This delightful tradition, born in the U.S., has captured the hearts of millions of families worldwide. It all started back in 2005, when a mother-daughter duo, Carol Aebersold and Chanda Bell, released The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition. The book, sold as part of a kit that includes a “Scout Elf,” quickly became a holiday sensation. Families adopt a Scout Elf to serve as Santa’s eyes and ears during the Christmas season, adding a playful yet meaningful element to holiday celebrations.
What Exactly Is Elf on the Shelf?
Each family’s Scout Elf arrives sometime after Thanksgiving (or December 1st in Europe), sent by Santa himself to observe children’s behavior. During the day, the elf sits quietly in a chosen spot, but each night, it returns to the North Pole to report back to Santa. By morning, the elf is back — often in a new location or, for the more creative parents, in the middle of some hilarious or mischievous scenario.
For kids, the excitement of discovering their elf’s antics is a daily highlight throughout December. More than just a fun holiday activity, the Elf on the Shelf serves as a gentle reminder for kids to stay on Santa’s nice list, making it an Advent-style countdown with a twist.
The tradition also comes with a few key rules:
Name Your Elf: Giving your Scout Elf a name makes it part of the family.
Don’t Touch the Elf: If you do, it might lose its magic and won’t be able to fly back to the North Pole.
Be Nice: Though elves can’t talk, they’re great listeners — so kids better watch what they say and do!
My Family’s Twist on Elf on the Shelf
Living in Finland — the land of Joulupukki (Santa Claus) and Christmas elves — I decided to introduce this American tradition to my family. It’s become a beloved part of our December festivities. My daughter, now 11, absolutely adores our elves, Lumia and Felix, and she’s already counting down the days to see them again. She even writes letters to them throughout the year, firmly believing they come to life while she sleeps.
Every night in December, I set up scenes for Lumia and Felix to “come alive.” Pinterest is my go-to source for ideas, and I even use a spreadsheet to plan their mischief for the month. From toilet-paper snowmen to mini marshmallow fights, it’s a lot of work, but seeing the joy and excitement on my daughter’s face makes it completely worth it.
When to Start Your Tradition
If you’ve never tried Elf on the Shelf, it’s a great time to start! The tradition works best for children around 4–5 years old, as they’re old enough to grasp the magic of Christmas but young enough to fully embrace the elf’s playful nature. Older siblings can also join in, helping to create the scenes or explaining the rules to younger ones.
Buy or Make Your Own Elf
Scout Elves are widely available online and in many stores, including K-Citymarket and Prisma in Finland. If you’re not a fan of the standard design, you can make your own! I’ve sewn our elves based on angel patterns from Tilda’s World, which adds a personal touch to the tradition. However, self-made elves come with limitations:
Handmade versions often lack wires in their arms and legs, making them harder to pose for creative scenes.
They are also larger, which can limit the types of mischievous setups they can pull off.
If you decide to buy an elf, look for one with flexible limbs to make positioning easier and allow for a wider variety of fun ideas! Or you can buy an "ELF Flex Upgrade Kit" from Amazon.
Why Elf on the Shelf Is So Special
This tradition is more than just fun—it’s a way to slow down and savor the magic of the season. For kids, it’s a daily dose of wonder and surprise. For parents, it’s an opportunity to create lasting memories. Even though setting up elf scenes takes time, the giggles and excitement it brings make it a holiday highlight.
Whether you’re a longtime Elf on the Shelf fan or considering starting this tradition for the first time, it’s a wonderful way to celebrate the joy and imagination of Christmas. Who knows? Your family’s Scout Elf might just become the star of your holiday season!
A Personal Touch: Letters from Joulupukki
One of the unique ways we’ve incorporated the Elf on the Shelf tradition into our family is by blending it with Finnish customs. Each year, Lumia and Felix arrive with a personal letter from Joulupukki (Santa Claus). The letter reflects on my daughter’s past year—celebrating her kindness and growth while gently encouraging areas for improvement.
Throughout December, the elves leave little notes based on her behavior. If she’s kind or helpful, they praise her efforts. If she’s naughty, they leave lighthearted warnings to remind her to stay on Santa’s nice list. When the elves return to the North Pole on December 24th, they take a report for Joulupukki, sharing highlights of her December. It’s a magical way to blend fun with reflection, making the season even more special.
How to Make Elf on the Shelf Easy and Fun
Getting started with Elf on the Shelf doesn’t need to be overwhelming! Here are some simple tips to make it enjoyable for both you and your kids:
Get Inspiration from Pinterest
Browse Pinterest for endless ideas, from easy setups to elaborate mischief. Create a board to save ideas, printable locations, and must-try tricks.
Start with Toys You Already Have
Instead of buying extra props, incorporate your child’s toys. Action figures, dollhouses, or LEGO blocks work perfectly for elf adventures.
Use Printables
You’ll find lots of printable props and notes online, mostly in English. Want something personalized? Use the free program Canva to create your own designs in Finnish.
Keep It Low-Key
Start small! Simple tricks, like moving the elf to a new spot or hiding it in an unexpected place, can be just as magical as elaborate setups.
Be a Partner in Crime
Kids love when the elves prank adults - like hiding car keys or wrapping shoes in foil. As a parent, you can make the season even more magical by joining in on the fun!
Easy Mischief Ideas for Elf on the Shelf Beginners
If you're just starting with Elf on the Shelf, try these simple and fun ideas that require minimal prep:
Elf Arrives by Post
Deliver your elf in a small box or envelope with a note from Santa to set the magic in motion.
Elf in the Washing Machine
Place a stuffed toy inside the washing machine, making it look like the elf decided to help “clean up.”
Elf’s Amusement Park Ride
Turn the washing machine into a ride for Barbies, Transformers, or other toys. A few seated “passengers” with the elf as the operator will do the trick.
Elf vs. LEGO Minifigures
Stage a scene where LEGO minifigures have captured the elf and tied it up with string or tape.
Baking Mischief
Scatter flour, sprinkles, and a spoon around to make it look like the elf tried to bake something but left a mess instead.
Elf's Egg Breakfast
Use gummy egg candies to make a “breakfast” that the elf leaves for your child.
Reindeer Poop Surprise
Leave a small bag of chocolate dragees or candy labeled as “reindeer poop” as a funny treat from the elf.
Shiny Shoes Trick
Wrap the child’s shoes in aluminum foil as if the elf was “helping” clean and polish them.
Elf's Secret Selfie
Take a photo of the elf next to your sleeping child, holding a small sign or making a funny pose, and leave the photo for them to discover.
Camping Adventure
Set up a small “tent” using an open book propped up like a triangle. Place your elf inside with mini marshmallows around an electric candle “campfire.”
Toy Disco
Create a mini disco scene with the elf and your child’s toys. Use a flashlight or string lights for the “disco ball” effect and arrange the toys as if they’re dancing.
Elf as a Teacher
Position the elf at a makeshift “chalkboard” (a small slate or piece of paper) with other toys seated as students. Add a few doodles or "lessons" for extra charm.
Piggy Bank Robbery
Dress the elf with a tiny bandit mask (made from black paper or fabric) and pose it next to your child’s piggy bank, holding a few coins as if caught in the act.
Funny Oreo Switch
Replace the cream in an Oreo (or Finnish Domino cookies) with toothpaste for a hilarious snack surprise. Just make sure your child doesn’t actually eat it unless they’re in on the joke!
Treasure Hunt
Hide a few festive sweets around the house and let the kids know how many they need to find. Perfect for a weekend when there’s more time to explore!
Movie Night
Plan a cozy movie night with a little help from your elf! Have the elf “deliver” tickets to a family movie along with a small bag of popcorn or candy.
Card Game Fun
Set up your elf in the middle of a card game with some of your child’s toys. Add a little sign like, “Who’s winning?” for extra charm!
Remember taking pictures!
Elf on the Shelf is a delightful tradition that can bring a lot of joy and creativity to your holiday season. Whether you keep it simple or go all out, the magic is in the memories you create together.
Don’t forget to take a photo after every setup so you can relive those fun moments together. In January, you can even create a dedicated photo book for your December memories filled with Elf mischief and family fun.
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