The Ultimate Elf on the Shelf Outline to Make Your Holiday Season Magical – Click Here for Tips and Tricks!

The Origin and Purpose of Elf on the Shelf

Elf on the Shelf was created by Carol Aebersold and her daughter Chanda Bell in 2004. The idea came from a family tradition of an elf that “magically” appeared in their home every Christmas season. The elf would watch over the children to see if they had been naughty or nice, and report back to Santa Claus each night. The next morning, the elf would return to a different location in the home, creating excitement and anticipation for the children.

Aebersold and Bell wrote a book, “The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition,” that detailed the story of the elf and how families could bring one into their own home. The kit includes an elf doll and the book, which explains the rules and traditions of the tradition.

The Rules and Traditions of Elf on the Shelf

The rules of Elf on the Shelf are fairly simple, but strict. The elf must remain in the same spot during the day, but each night he “magically” moves to a new location. Children are not allowed to touch the elf, or else he will lose his magic. They must also be on their best behavior, since the elf is always watching and reporting back to Santa. The tradition ends on Christmas Eve, when the elf makes his final report to Santa and returns to the North Pole until the next holiday season.

Many families enjoy getting creative with their elf set-ups each day. From decorating the Christmas tree to leaving notes for the children, the possibilities are endless. Pinterest has become a popular source for Elf on the Shelf inspiration, with thousands of ideas for parents to try.

Criticisms and Controversies Surrounding Elf on the Shelf

Despite its popularity, Elf on the Shelf has received criticism and controversy. Some parents believe that the tradition sends a negative message to children, since they are always being watched and judged for their behavior. Others argue that it promotes consumerism, since families must purchase the kit in order to participate.

There have also been concerns about the pressure that the tradition puts on parents to come up with creative set-ups each day. Some parents have expressed stress and anxiety over making sure that their elf is moved to a new location each night, leading up to Christmas Eve.

Alternatives to Elf on the Shelf for Holiday Traditions

For families who want to start a holiday tradition but do not want to participate in Elf on the Shelf, there are plenty of alternatives. Santa’s Magic Key is a popular option, which involves leaving a special key for Santa Claus to use instead of coming down the chimney. The Christmas Pickle is another tradition, where families hide a pickle ornament on their Christmas tree and the child who finds it gets a special treat. Other ideas include baking holiday cookies, visiting local Christmas markets, or volunteering at a charity.

FAQs:

1. When should I introduce my child to Elf on the Shelf?
You can introduce your child to Elf on the Shelf at any age, but it is most popular with children between the ages of 3 and 10.

2. What happens if my child touches the elf?
If your child touches the elf, he will lose his magic and will not be able to report back to Santa Claus each night.

3. What are some ideas for Elf on the Shelf set-ups?
There are many creative ideas for Elf on the Shelf set-ups, including writing letters, leaving treats, decorating the Christmas tree, and more. Pinterest is a popular source for inspiration.

4. What are some alternatives to Elf on the Shelf for holiday traditions?
Some alternatives to Elf on the Shelf include Santa’s Magic Key, The Christmas Pickle, baking holiday cookies, volunteering at a charity, and visiting local Christmas markets.

In conclusion, Elf on the Shelf has become a popular holiday tradition for many families. It originated from a family tradition and has since turned into a cultural phenomenon. While there are criticisms and controversies surrounding the tradition, it remains a beloved and creative way for families to celebrate the holiday season. Whether you participate in Elf on the Shelf or choose an alternative tradition, the most important thing is to create special memories with loved ones during this special time of year.