The Elf on the Shelf – One of My Favorite Things This Holiday Season

I was recently introduced to “The Elf on the Shelf” tradition and I think it is so much fun.   As soon as I saw “The Elf on the Shelf” kit from a friend, I headed to the bookstore and bought one for my kids to start the tradition.

Okay, so this is how it works. At some designated time (ex. Thanksgiving/December 1st), “The Elf on the Shelf” arrives on your doorstep wrapped from Santa (wink, wink).  You read the book with your children and explain that the Elf will be watching them each day during the holiday season to report back to Santa whether or not they have been good or bad.  The Elf has to be named and this information can be entered online to receive emails from Santa.

The book explains that the Elf is not to be touched so that he doesn’t lose his magic and he is only allowed to talk to Santa, not to the little children.  Each night the Elf flies to the North Pole to tell Santa if the boys and girls have been good or bad.  Each morning the Elf reappears in a different location and the children are instructed to find out where he will be watching them.

“The Elf on the Shelf” kit includes a little elf that can be purchased in different skin tones and a children’s book.  At the end of the book, there is a page for you to note the name of your Elf and the date that your family started the tradition.  Each year, the same Elf will be sent to the children from Santa (wink, wink).

An additional Activity Book can be purchased that has Elf and Santa games, coloring pages, crafts, and a CD with songs.  I purchased the activity book for future use since I think it would be more appropriate for age 4 and up.

Our Elf arrived on our doorstep last night on December 1st.  He was given the name Carmen by our son and you can see him sitting on the shelf this morning.

“The Elf on the Shelf” makes a great gift for families with little children.   You can always give the gift a little early so they can start it this year.  I sent this gift to friends with babies, so they can start the tradition next year.

You can find “The Elf on the Shelf” kit at most major bookstores.  If giving it as a gift, I recommend purchasing it online to save on the shipping.  Barnes and Nobles has the best price at this time and sells “The Elf on the Shelf” for $29.99 with FREE shipping and the extra Activity book for $14.95.  Amazon.com is currently selling it for $38.99 and the Activity book for  $13.98.

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