Each year Christmas brings a wave of nostalgia and memories from the past. These memories are filled with traditions passed down from previous generations and honored by parents and anticipated by children and families everywhere.
One of these cherished traditions is Elf on a Shelf.
When does Elf on a Shelf appear?
The usual elf on a shelf schedule starts on December 1st and ends Christmas Eve day. some families modify this to be the week or 10 days before Christmas. You are free to flex the schedule as you see fit.
The whole point of Elf on the Shelf though is to build excitement and anticipation for Christmas Day. The longer you can keep up with it and the sooner you start the better the overall effect.
Where does Elf on a Shelf happen?
This, dear reader, is the magic of elf on the shelf.
As the elf on a shelf director, each day you get to decide where elf on a shelf happens. Will Elf on a Shelf fall out of the refrigerator when your child opens it? Will the Elf on the Shelf be lounging leisurely on the couch when the kids go downstairs to turn on the TV?
Perhaps Elf on a Shelf will be inside their book bags when they open it at school.
The only restriction on where Elf on a Shelf goes is in your imagination. The more unexpected the location is the more surprise and joy and delight it will bring to your children.
Where can I get Elf on a Shelf ideas?
The Elf on the Shelf tradition is very popular. you can see examples of it on social media everywhere. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Tik-Tok will all have individuals taking and posting pictures of their Elf on a Shelf adventures, where you can draw all sorts of inspiration.
It’s okay to steal an idea, and it’s okay to improve on someone else’s idea and adapt it for your home and your circumstances.
Also, if you are interested in doing Elf on a Shelf, you might have friends who are doing or have done it too. Thinking of great ideas with friends could be a great reason to throw an adults-only planning party to set up your Elf on a Shelf calendar.
Plan ahead and make this Christmas even more magical.
Photo by Hello I’m Nik on Unsplash