All of us have enjoyed [The Elf on the Shelf] tradition, no matter how old or young we are,” Malarkey tells TODAY.com. “When my kids wake up, I cannot wait to show them my elf masterpieces and all the creative trouble that will ensue.” The Elf on the Shelf won the Best Toy Award by Learning Express, a Book of the Year Award from Creative Child Awards, and a National Best Books Award sponsored by USA Book News in 2008. The Elf on the Shelf': How the brand evolved over 17 years". foxbusiness.com. November 9, 2021 . Retrieved October 30, 2023.

Whether you’re hosting one of these friendly-faced visitors for the very first time or simply want to understand the meaning behind the elfcapades you see on social media, keep reading to learn more about how The Elf on the Shelf became a cherished Christmas tradition for young and old. The Elf on the Shelf storyElf on the Shelf humbly began as one of Carol Aebersold’s childhood traditions with her family’s elf, Fisbee. In 2005, Carol and her two daughters decided to share their childhood traditions with the world. Together, they began a worldwide media sensation when they self-published their book and elf kit, Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition. Christmas Eve" ( Noch pered Rozhdestvom, 1832) by Nikolai Gogol (from Evenings on a Farm Near Dikanka) Bender, Rachel (December 9, 2015). "5 Traits That Elf on the Shelf Promotes". Yahoo News . Retrieved October 25, 2023. a b c Hank Stuever (November 24, 2011). "CBS's 'Elf on the Shelf': Unwarranted Christmas surveillance techniques". The Washington Post . Retrieved August 25, 2013. [ dead link]

The busy Scout Elves must return to the North Pole on Christmas Eve to help Santa prepare for next Christmas.Another big part of the Elf on the Shelf tradition, and especially in the age of social media, is to share photos of the hilarious antics Scout Elves have been getting up to in the home. Plus, it gives families more genius Elf ideas because you have to get really creative. Writing an apology to Santa for the accident: This is considered "the most effective way" to help get your elf up and running as normal. An Elf's Story". The Elf on the Shelf. Archived from the original on November 7, 2013 . Retrieved December 4, 2013. Elf on the Shelf is a Christmas tradition started by Carol Aebersold and her twin daughters, Chanda Bell and Christa Pitts. Each Elf on the Shelf kit consists of the Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition book and a Scout Elf.

According to "Elf on the Shelf 101," if a Scout Elf was accidentally touched, their magical powers can be restored via one of the following methods: This beloved family tradition has captured the hearts of children everywhere who embrace the magic of having a Scout Elf who reports to Santa each night during the holidays. This boxed set has everything needed to make lasting Christmas memories! This Elf on the Shelf tradition is easy to uphold and follows three simple rules: First, children cannot touch the elf or he will lose his magic. If this happens, no worries, just set some cinnamon next to the elf overnight and his magical powers will revive. Second, the elf does not speak or move while the children are awake ( Psst—for all parents out there, wait until your kids are asleep before you move your elf). The biggest rule of all? Have fun! What Age Should You Start Elf on the Shelf? While Bell says that "no Scout Elf 'idea' is too big or small," The Lumistella Company has created many resources to help busy families “inspire” their elves for a fun and happy season, everything from the Claus Couture Collection of elf apparel to the Scout Elf Ideas app. Elf on the Shelf rules That’s the term Santa uses for these elves because they literally “scout” out what you’re up to during the holidays and then report their findings to Santa. Sounds cute. How can I start?Kavilanz, Parija (November 21, 2017). "Elf on the Shelf phenomenon is 11 million elves strong". CNNMoney. Considered the most important rule, the Scout Elf must never be touched (of course, apart from when the parents move them around) as that will cause them to lose their magical powers.