The Fuss about The Elf (On The Shelf)

Have you heard about “The Elf” and wondered “What is all this fuss about?”   The Elf on the Shelf has become a popular activity with  young children during the holiday times.  Have you ever really wondered how Santa knows if boys and girls are naughty or nice?  Each and every night the elf flies to the North Pole to tell Santa about the behaviors of your children.  Then elf then flies back to your house and lands in a different spot.  Each morning kids wake up with one mission in mind, to find the elf.  This is the ultimate game of hide-and-seek!  The elf is untouchable by children because he/she will lose her magic and the ability to fly and report to Santa.  As the eyes and ears of Santa Claus the scout elves monitor your children’s behavior.

My older daughter is five and the elf is her favorite thing…ever!  In fact, her Christmas list requests “An elf that never has to leave our house.”  She will get her wish this year when she receive more of a soft, fluffy elf that she can keep year round.  This is such a fun tradition that we started two years ago.

As a parent, I have to admit that last year our elf forgot to fly to Santa several times.  Ooops!  That was due to a forgetful parent.  My Facebook statuses have been filled with people talking about needing to move their elf…..or people who forgot to move it.  One of my very smart friends mentioned that she set her Elf Alarm Clock.  A nightly reminder on your phone is amazing and that elf really does move!

 Another take on The Elf on the Shelf is Christopher Popinkins.  We don’t have that one, but it looks super cute!

Do you have an elf?  What are some of your elf’s best hiding places?  Here is a fantastic list of Elf on the Shelf ideas to supplement your creativity.