It's that time of year again! The time when parents across the country dread the nightly task of moving their kids' elf around the house.
For those who are unfamiliar with the Elf on the Shelf tradition, it goes like this: On the night of December 1st, an elf arrives in your home and perches himself on a shelf.
Every night, while your child is asleep, the elf flies back to the North Pole to report back to Santa on whether your child has been naughty or nice. Then, every morning, he returns to your home and can be found in a new location.
How did the Elf on the Shelf Tradition Start?
The Elf on the Shelf tradition first started in 2005 when author Carol Aebersold and her daughter Chanda Bell wrote a book about their family elf, named Elfie. The following year, they released a second book, called The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition. These books were an instant hit, and families across the country began adopting their own elves.
Not only are these elves a fun way to get your children excited about Christmas, but they're also a great way to teach them about responsibility and good behavior. After all, if they know that their elf is watching their every move and reporting back to Santa, they're going to be extra careful to behave!
If you're thinking of starting the Elf on the Shelf tradition in your own home this year, there are a few things you should know.
First, it's important to choose an elf that your child will connect with. There are all sorts of different elves available these days, so take some time to pick one that you think your child will love.
Secondly, be prepared for some mischief! Elves are known for getting into all sorts of trouble (just ask any parent who's woken up to find their elf hanging from the ceiling!). But that's all part of the fun! Just remember to have a sense of humor about it and you'll do fine.
Elf Twister Game
There are many fun games and props to use with your Elf and you can also purchase a Christmas Elf Activity Kit. Among other things this kit includes elf arrival and departure letters and most importantly has some pre-written cards you can use if one night you forget to move your elf!
One of our favorite fun and easy games for your elf to play is twister. You can make your own elf sized twister mat or download one here.
Then set your elf and some of your kids favorite toys up into funny positions on the twister mat. When they wake, your kids will love to find their elf and toys having a fun game of twister!
Some Elves are not very bendy so just make sure you set up the scout elf with one of their hands or feet on the mat. You can then twist the other toys into all sorts of silly positions.
If you have your own twister mat, you can get that out and set it up near your Elf Twister game. Then your kids can use the elf sized spinner to play their own game on the full size twister mat.
So if you're looking for a fun, interactive way to bring some Christmas magic into your home this year, look no further than some fun games to play with your Elf. With a little bit of creativity and imagination, your family will be sure to have an unforgettable holiday season.
More Fun Party Game Ideas:
Looking for some fun family Christmas games? Look no further than this classic game of Pictionary. Need some help with Christmas Pictionary words? We go you covered.
Looking for some fun Christmas games to keep the family entertained? Look no further! These emoji-based games are perfect for all ages and will have you laughing and playing right up until Santa comes down the chimney. Merry Christmas!