elfontheshelf.com

This charming tradition began for the author's family when her children were very small. Plagued by their desire to know how Santa really knew who had been naughty or nice, she searched through the Christmas decorations for a plausible explanation. Nestled among them was the answer; a small elf doll from her own childhood. With that discovery, the idea for the elf tradition was born.

At her home the elf would arrive around the holidays, usually at Thanksgiving. His sole responsibility was to watch the children's behavior and report it to "Santa" each night. The next morning after the children awoke, they discovered the elf had returned from the "North Pole" (with some parental assistance) and was hiding in a different place. The children would race each other out of bed to try and be the first to spy him in his new position.

Over the years the tradition was perfected and rules were even introduced. For example, to better preserve his mystique the children were not allowed to touch him; however, they were allowed to talk to him. For obvious reasons, he was not allowed to reply. Eventually, the children even gave him a name - officially adopting him into the family.

Unwittingly, the tradition provided an added benefit: it helped the children to better control themselves. All it took was a gentle reminder that the "elf was watching" for errant behavior to be modified. She never dreamed this simple tradition would lead to so many Christmas memories for their entire family. "It is my earnest desire that The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition will bring as much joy to your family as it has to mine."

How to use the Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition

1. Remove elf and book from box. Read the story with your family!

2. As a family, decide on an appropriate name for your elf.

3. Register your elf's name on the website.

4. Write the elf's name on the certificate in the back of the book.

5. Place the elf securely on a shelf, or other object suitable for him to watch children.

6. At night while children are sleeping, move the elf to a different spot.

7. Repeat each night.

8. Don't forget to store him in your keepsake box on Christmas Eve and bring him out again for the next holiday season.

Other Fun Ideas & Tips:

1. Always place the elf up high to keep the children from touching him.

2. Use fake snow to leave a trail around the house, to show where the elf has flown around.

3. Dribble cookie crumbs on the elf and leave him next to the cookies, as if he ate some.

4. Children love to anticipate the elf's appearance. Try to pick the same day every year for the elf's arrival at your home.

5. The elf may fly to a new location any time the children are not looking.