Introduction
The Elf on the Shelf has become an iconic part of the holiday season for many families. This charming tradition has turned into an important way for parents to create lasting memories for their children. In this article, we will delve into the history and basics of Elf on the Shelf, offer creative ideas for Elf mischief, address FAQs, show parents how to incorporate family values, and provide a step by step guide for making a DIY Elf.
History and Basics of Elf on the Shelf
The Elf on the Shelf began as a children’s book published in 2005. The story tells of Santa’s Scout Elves, who visit families during the holiday season to watch over the children’s behavior and report back to Santa. Over the years, the Elf on the Shelf tradition has grown exponentially in popularity, connecting families across generations and cultures.
Parents can introduce their children to the Elf on the Shelf by reading the story together. Parents can explain that their Elf will visit their home every night to report back to Santa whether children have been behaving well or poorly.
It’s essential that parents set up rules and guidelines for their child’s Elves. Parents should remind their children that the Elves are always watching and to be on their best behavior. They should also provide a designated spot for the Elf to reside in throughout the day.
The magic of the holiday season needs to be maintained, and parents have to emphasize that the Elves come from a magical world and possess magical powers.
Elf Ideas and Inspiration
Parents across the globe have taken Elf mischief to a whole new level, creating a fun and exciting activity for their children to wake up each morning to. Parents can create Elf scenarios by utilizing simple and cheap objects from around their home. Dressing the Elf up in different costumes and creating scenes around the house or with other toys is an excellent way to get children excited about the holiday season.
Making an Elf relay is a fun game activity that children can enjoy. Parents can place an Elf and supplies at one end of the room and have their child race back and forth to collect different toys and supplies while keeping an eye on the Elf. Parents can also create a treasure hunt using Elf clues and add a small reward at the end for the participants.
FAQs
Many parents have some questions and concerns when it comes to introducing Elf on the Shelf to their children. One of the most common questions parents ask is if the Elf on the Shelf is worth the cost. The Elf on the Shelf can range from $10 to $50, depending on the type. Parents can also purchase accessories for their Elf, which can add to the cost. However, many parents find that the joy and magic of this holiday tradition are priceless.
Another common question is how parents can find the time to move their Elf every night. The answer is that it doesn’t have to be complicated. Parents can keep their moves simple by placing the Elf next to a different object every night, or they can go all out, spending hours creating elaborate scenarios. Parents should choose what works best for them and their family.
Incorporating Family Values
The Elf on the Shelf can be an incredible opportunity for parents to teach their children about the importance of values such as kindness, generosity, and gratitude. Parents can set up Elf scenarios that demonstrate these values. By doing so, children learn valuable lessons that will last a lifetime. Elfs can take donations to food banks, create thank you notes, or even offer to help around the house with chores, setting an ideal example for their children.
DIY Elf on the Shelf
For those who prefer to add a little personal touch to their holiday traditions, a DIY elf on the shelf can be a fun and budget-friendly way to participate in the Elf on the Shelf tradition. Materials needed include fabric, thread, stuffing, and a wire coat hanger. Begin by outlining the shape of the Elf onto a folded piece of felt and then sew the sides together. After stuffing the Elf with filling, shape the Elf’s body and add its arms and legs. The coat-hanger can be used to create a complete skeletal framework, and then wrap the Elf’s body around this framework. Finally, decorate the Elf as per personal preference.
Conclusion
The Elf on the Shelf is more than just a holiday tradition. This exciting activity encourages children to engage in the holiday season and promotes wholesome family values. Parents can use Elf on the Shelf to make memories that will last their family for a lifetime, while also promoting good behavior and family values. Whether choosing to go all out with Elf scenarios or just providing a designated place to stay, the Elf on the Shelf can teach children about the joy of family and the magic of the holiday season.
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