The book Elf on the Shelf was written in 2005 by Carol Aebersold and her daughter Chanda Bell. Based on the Scandinavian family tradition of having an elf watch their children. They wanted to create something that their own children could embrace, and they created the Elf on the Shelf in the hopes that it would make their children feel more connected to Santa during Christmas.
About Elf on the Shelf
The cute idea is that a mischievous Elf comes to visit your family leading up to Christmas. And it reports back to Santa whether your kids have been naughty or nice.
Parents make it more fun by hiding the elf in funny places each night. Also by making up situations where the Elf might get into some kind of trouble. Some even buy Elf on the Shelf clothes, pets, and accessories to give their elf a unique personality.
Fun Christmas Tradition
Even though some children might be terrified by the idea of an Elf spying on them, this fun Christmas tradition is wildly popular and growing. People post photos on social media of the elf in all kinds of silly and sometimes mischievous situations.
It’s not for everyone, though. Some adults might find the pressure to come up with creative scenes a little stressful or time-consuming, especially year-after-year.
For most however, this tradition provides a great way to heighten excitement for Christmas and get kids moving around the house each day. Many parents love the opportunity to celebrate Christmas by making it more about the joy and fun of it.
According to the official Elf on the Shelf website, kids are not allowed to touch the elf. But if they do, they must write Santa a letter of apology. They must also sprinkle cinnamon next to the elf before they go to bed. Cinnamon replenishes the elf with strength and power. Otherwise, they lose their magic and will no longer report to Santa.
Favorite Photos
Here are some favorite photos of our Elf on the Shelf (we fittingly named Eve).
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