I’ve recently discovered the book The Elf on the Shelf and cannot wait to start this tradition with my family. The timeless Christmas story tells of how Santa knows who is naughty and nice by sending one of his elves to the homes of children around the world. Once the elf is in your home he will be acting as Santa’s “eyes and ears” and reports messages back to the North Pole. The fun part of this tradition is the placement of the elf in a new location of your home everyday until Christmas Eve. Usually the elf is brought out at Thanksgiving but when I was at the The Elf on the Shelf book signing earlier this week the author told me to be creative and make my own tradition. I’m still not sure if I will bring it out earlier. I hope you all purchase the book & elf and start this tradition with your family. If you would rather had a girl elf they sell the cutest little skirt to put on your elf.
Once I bring the elf out I will be posting pictures of all the creative spots that I place the elf. I would love to see your photos on our Facebook Page.
The Tradition:
The tradition begins when Santa sends his scout elves out to Elf Adoption Centers. Waiting for their families to bring them home, these patient elves hibernate until their family reads The Elf on the Shelf, gives their elf a very special name, and registers their adoption online. Once named, each scout elf will receive its Christmas magic and become a part of the family’s Christmas each and every year.
Excellent listeners and even better observers, these scout elves are the eyes and ears of Santa Claus. Although they cannot be touched, or else they may lose their magic, the elf will always listen and relay messages back to Santa. Taking in all the day-to-day activities around the house, no good deed goes unnoticed; these scout elves take their job seriously.
Each night, after the family goes to bed, the scout elf uses his magical Christmas powers to fly back to the North Pole. Once there, the elf will make his or her daily report to Santa and visit with elf friends where they will tell stories about their beloved families, play with the reindeer, and of course, sneak some of Mrs. Claus’ cookies!
Before the family awakes each morning, their special scout elf will fly back to their home from the North Pole. However, since these elves like to play games, don’t expect to find them in the same spot! While some like to hide in the freezer (probably because it reminds them of the North Pole) and others prefer to sit on the fireplace mantle or hang from the chandelier, these elves love to play hide-and-seek with their families.
On Christmas Eve, the scout elf will listen for Santa’s bell and then fly back to the North Pole until the next season, wishing every girl and each boy a Christmas of peace and a year full of joy.
