Elf On The Shelf Ideas: When Does Elf On The Shelf Arrive

James Caan stars in Elf with Will Ferrell in 2003

Elf on the Shelf has exploded in popularity over the past few years, stemming from a 2005 children’s picture book, written by Carol Aebersold and her daughter Chanda Bell. From the book, a Christmas tradition of adopting one of Santa’s scout elves for the festive period has been born.

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The Elf on the Shelf helps Santa Claus to monitor his nice list and reports back to the North Pole each night.

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Each morning, the elf returns and it is the children’s job to find him hidden around their homes - often creating mischief.

Some parents create elaborate scenes for their children to find, such as their elf playing in flour, helping to decorate the Christmas tree or spelling out messages in sweets.

They can also be stealing presents, taken hostage by toys or wrapping themselves up in toilet roll.

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Elf on the Shelf ideas: Ideas for welcoming your elf, naming them and hiding them (Image: ELF ON THE SHELF/ GETTY)

Elf on the Shelf ideas: You could welcome your elf at breakfast (Image: ELF ON THE SHELF)

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When does Elf on the Shelf arrive?

According to the official Elf on the Shelf website, your elf is sent by Santa during Scout Elf Return Week, which runs from November 23 to December 1.

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Often to announce your elf’s arrival he or she will write your children a letter, explaining why they have come, what they will do each day, and what they will tell Santa.

Some parents implement rules for the elf, which come on the accompanying book, including not to touch the elf or they will lose their magic power.

Elf on the Shelf ideas: Kids can't touch the elves or else they will lose their magic! (Image: ELF ON THE SHELF)

Elf on the Shelf ideas: Each elf comes with a story book about their visits to the North Pole (Image: ELF ON THE SHELF)

Elf on the Shelf Welcome Letter

Below is a template you could use when introducing your elf.

Hey [Child or Children’s names]

I am one of Santa’s special scout elves, and I’ve just arrived from the chilly North Pole!

This time of year is full of magic, treats and fun and I’m here to make sure Santa knows exactly what you want for Christmas and whether you’ve been naughty or nice.

I go back to Santa each night and let him know how you’ve behaved, and update him on your Christmas list!

When I come back I like to cause a bit of mischief and hide around your house, and it’s your job to find me!

While searching for me is super fun, you have to remember not to touch me or else I lose my magic and can’t fly home to Santa.

Now it’s your job to give me a name, tell me what you want for Christmas and wait to see where I’ll turn up tomorrow.

Remember I’m always watching and want to tell Santa you’ve been very good, so for the whole of December you need to be on your best behaviour!

Let’s get the festive fun started,

Love your elf

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Elf on the Shelf names

Each elf does not come with a name, so it’s your family’s job to name them.

Below are some examples:

• Twinkle
• Noelle
• Noah
• Mistletoe
• Dasher
• Peppermint
• Jolly
• Scout
• Pixie
• Eve
• Chip

Elf on the Shelf ideas: Whacky ideas like rolling along in toilet paper can be fun (Image: ELF ON THE SHELF)

Elf on the Shelf first-day ideas

To welcome your elf, here are some ideas for their first day

1. Welcome breakfast

You could set up the breakfast table with cereal, toast, whatever you fancy, but pride of place pop the elf in the centre.

You could even pose them hugging the milk or poking out of the cereal box!

Pop him there with his or her note, and over breakfast, you can come up with a name.

2. Advent Calendar

If you introduce your elf on December 1, you can place them by your children’s Advent calendars.

You could even pop some tinsel around him to make him extra festive, open some sweets and eat some before the kids see to show he (like Buddy the Elf) enjoys the four main food groups - candy canes, candy, candy corns and syrup.

3. In a hot air balloon

If you’re feeling creative, you could blow up a balloon and create a basket out of cardboard for your elf to sit in.

This could then hang from the ceiling, door or even Christmas tree and could be used as the way your elf arrived from the North Pole.

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4. Movie night and hot chocolate

If you want to wait until a bit later in the day, you could create or buy some hot chocolate sets - with cocoa powder, marshmallows and chocolate shavings - and pick a suitably festive film to welcome your elf.

Set it up with your letter, and after the film, once everyone’s in the Christmas spirit, you could come up with a name for your elf.

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