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Elf on the Shelf was first introduced to me 4 years ago and instantly I loved the idea. I am a bit mad for Christmas! Freddie was just 3 when we started the tradition and not only was it a hit for me he absolutely loved it. We started with just one elf and we are currently on 4 elves plus Uncle Si plus a reindeer (Elf Pet)! If you are not familiar with this concept I will explain below.

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What is the Elf on the Shelf?

At the North Pole, Santa has many helpers who make the Christmas season special! His scout elves serve as his eyes and ears in homes around the world.

The Elf Pets play special roles in creating Christmas spirit that will help Santa complete all of his Christmas duties. They traditionally come on the 1st December and watch the children’s behaviour before flying back to Santa every night to report back. They reappear in the morning in a different place so the kids have to go and find them.

Where to Buy the Elf on the Shelf?

Elf on the Shelf Arrival Ideas

As I am a bit super crazy for Christmas we start the festivities around mid-November!! In fact, the Elf actually makes an appearance for Halloween too!!

We create an elf door construction zone where there are workers getting the elf door ready! This is last years efforts! As you can see we take it fairly seriously!! The Elf on the Shelf door then magically appears on the 1st December with the arrival of the Elf for Christmas.

You could have a Christmas treasure hunt either to find the elf or that the elf has done for you. Check out my recent post and grab the free printable.

Names Elf on the Shelf

The first year your elf on the shelf arrives you ask your child to name the Elf. We have a number of different elves and we also have a traditional Elf on the Shelf. On their website, they have created a list of top 20 Elf Names as below.

Freddie decided on Twinkletoes for his first main Elf. But we also have Sparkles, Snowflake and the others we have are not named! Thank God as it is so hard to keep on top of remembering all of the names of his invisible friends and teddy bears as it is!!!

What is the North Pole Breakfast?

With the arrival of the Elf for Christmas, we have a big celebration called a North Pole Breakfast. This is where the elf creates a magical little party with lots of naughty Christmassy food.

He also invites some of Freddie’s friends to join in the party! Before Freddie started school we would do this on December 1st but now he is at school we do it on the nearest weekend before the 1st. We use special straws and create lots of unhealthy and healthy treats.



















Elf Behaviour Cards

With the arrival of the Elf for Christmas, we use Elf Report Cards. Each night we leave one of these notes by Freddie’s bedside saying whether the Elf thought he had been a good boy or a naughty boy that day.

This works really well. The thought of Santa thinking he had been naughty in the run-up to Christmas works really well! We believe that this daily reminder encourages great behaviour and reminds Freddie to be kind every day. If he has been super good we might leave a little present from the elf such as a little chocolate bar.

Elf on the Shelf Ideas for Kids

Our Elf for Christmas is a good elf and as such isn’t naughty. We have lots of friends though who have a naughty elf who wraps the television up in wrapping paper, or rolls down the stairs in a toilet roll!!

If you are looking for an elf or wanting to buy some accessories check out my Amazon Store for some inspiration.

On the last day of November while Freddie is sleeping we change his bedding to a Christmas duvet. We also change ours. So when he gets into our bed in the morning his little face lights up as he knows it is time for the fun to begin!

Check out my latest post on the best elf accessories, and the best free elf antics.































What is a Christmas Eve Box?

Every year on Christmas Eve the elf on the shelf brings Freddie a box of goodies in time for Christmas Day! We include the following in the box each year:

Christmas PJ’s

Christmas Film that we all watch as a family just before bedtime.

Snowman Soup (hot chocolate and marshmallows – we make our own. Have a look on Pinterest for some great ideas)

Reindeer Food (we make a bag of this to sprinkle in the garden before bed)

Christmas Book that Freddie will now read to us

Slipper Socks

A Christmas themed bath bomb

Christmas Chocolates / Popcorn

When does the Elf on the Shelf leave?

The elves last day is Christmas Eve. On Christmas Eve night they fly off with Santa to help distribute the presents to all the boys and girls.

Do you have an Elf for Christmas? Please share with us your favourite antics below…

If you are wanting to visit Christmas markets this year, here is a great roundup of the best Christmas Markets in the UK in 2019

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Summary Article Name Elf on the Shelf and Christmas Traditions Description Elf on the Shelf was first introduced to me 4 years ago and instantly I loved the idea (I am a bit mad for Christmas!). If you are not familiar with this concept I will explain below: Author Freddies Mummy UK