How Does Elf On The Shelf Work?

If you’re new to the parenting game, you’ve probably wondered, “What the heck is Elf on the Shelf?”

Elf on the Shelf is a Christmas tradition where a special scout is sent to your home from the North Pole to encourage kids to behave themselves. The idea is that Santa’s little helper watches the children by day, and each night, it returns to the North Pole to report on whether they were naughty or nice.

The Christmas tradition has just two rules. First, children are not allowed to touch the elf or it will lose its magic. If an elf is touched by mistake, the official Elf on the Shelf website advises children write a letter to Santa to apologize and sprinkle a little cinnamon beside the elf before bed.

“Cinnamon is like vitamins for scout elves, and it helps them get back to the North Pole,” the website reads. “Once they arrive, the North Pole doctors will check them out.”

The second rule of Elf on the Shelf is that the elf will not speak or move while the kids are awake. The elf only moves at night when it makes its trip back to the North Pole. Once it returns home, it then assumes a new position in the house.

In the past, we’ve seen the elf get up to all sorts of crazy antics, from playing poker to taking selfies to sunbathing on the kitchen counter.

Welcome Back!

<p>When your elf returns for another December of fun, have him arrive with a sweet message.</p> <p>Source: <a href="http://40.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lwgkgvt6BC1r755nso1_1280.jpg" target="_blank">Tumblr</a></p> — When your elf returns for another December of fun, have him arrive with a sweet message.

Source: Tumblr

Snowball Fight With A Buddy

<p>Set up some Lego forts and arm your elf with mini marshmallows for a friendly snowball fight with your child's favourite toy.</p> <p>Source: <a href="http://www.nellycolephotography.com/2011/11/30/the-elf-on-the-shelf-wichita-kansas-elf-photographer/" target="_blank">Nelly Cole Photography</a></p> — Set up some Lego forts and arm your elf with mini marshmallows for a friendly snowball fight with your child's favourite toy.

Source: Nelly Cole Photography

Harry Potter Elf

<p>If you can find or fashion some tiny glasses, this set-up will be a winner for a little <em>Harry Potter</em> fan (or fun for a big <em>Harry Potter</em> fan).</p> <p>Source: <a href="http://www.shelftheelf.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/elfontheshelf_alexmc011.jpg" target="_blank">Shelf the Elf</a></p> — If you can find or fashion some tiny glasses, this set-up will be a winner for a little *Harry Potter* fan (or fun for a big *Harry Potter* fan).

Source: Shelf the Elf

Stocking Switcheroo

<p>Are your stockings hung by the chimney with care? Have your elf switch them out with your silliest pairs of underwear of each family member.</p> <p>Source: <a href="http://cdn.sheknows.com/articles/2012/11/inspiration-for-elf-on-the-shelf-day-11.jpg" target="_blank">She Knows</a></p> — Are your stockings hung by the chimney with care? Have your elf switch them out with your silliest pairs of underwear of each family member.

Source: She Knows

Cookie Tease

<p>Poor Cookie Monster! Your elf could enjoy some cookies just out of his reach if he's feeling naughty, or invite him in to share if he wants to stay on Santa's nice list.</p> <p>Source: <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VUKgZUhR7gA/UL_5rTjZCSI/AAAAAAAAAK8/FA3JOCYxyjw/s320/Elf+on+the+Shelf+Cookie+Monster+Lockout.JPG" target="_blank">Blogspot</a></p> — Poor Cookie Monster! Your elf could enjoy some cookies just out of his reach if he's feeling naughty, or invite him in to share if he wants to stay on Santa's nice list.

Source: Blogspot

Wrap Up The Toilet

<p>If you're a fan of putting cling wrap over the toilet seat on April Fool’s Day, then you'll probably enjoy wrapping your toilet to help your elf play a trick.</p> <p>Source: <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iGMyDCTUK-g/UMlNvgQIJ8I/AAAAAAAABi4/jdDgjhC3ETk/s1600/ElfOnTheShelf13.jpg" target="_blank">Blogspot</a></p> — If you're a fan of putting cling wrap over the toilet seat on April Fool’s Day, then you'll probably enjoy wrapping your toilet to help your elf play a trick.

Source: Blogspot

Playing With An Abacus

<p>Elves have to learn too -- and they can do it with your child's abacus, or another favourite educational toy.</p> <p>Source: <a href="http://craftulate.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/IMAG2587e-876x1024.jpg" target="_blank">Craftulate</a></p> — Elves have to learn too -- and they can do it with your child's abacus, or another favourite educational toy.

Source: Craftulate

Helping With Morning Coffee

<p>Put your elf to work by getting her to have your coffee pod ready and waiting in the morning.</p> <p>Source: <a href="http://www.raininghotcoupons.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/elf-on-the-shelf-ideas3.png" target="_blank">Raining Hot Coupons</a></p> — Put your elf to work by getting her to have your coffee pod ready and waiting in the morning.

Source: Raining Hot Coupons

Play A Game

<p>Have your elf hide a few Christmas treats -- how quickly can your kids find them?</p> <p>Source: <a href="http://www.skinnymom.com/2013/11/20/75-family-friendly-elf-on-the-shelf-ideas/" target="_blank">Skinny Mom</a></p> — Have your elf hide a few Christmas treats -- how quickly can your kids find them?

Source: Skinny Mom

TP The Tree

<p>Sometimes those elves are kind of naughty -- for example, by adding some uncalled-for decorations to your Christmas tree.</p> <p>Source: <a href="http://mycrazygoodlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/TPTree.jpg" target="_blank">My Crazy Good Life</a></p> — Sometimes those elves are kind of naughty -- for example, by adding some uncalled-for decorations to your Christmas tree.

Source: My Crazy Good Life

Movie Night

<p>Set up your elf with some pillows (so she can see the TV) and a popcorn snack. Then, pop a favourite holiday movie in the DVD player.</p> <p>Source: <a href="http://indulgy.ccio.co/b6/Z4/65/275986283385607975saKAwIsUc.jpg" target="_blank">Indulgy</a></p> — Set up your elf with some pillows (so she can see the TV) and a popcorn snack. Then, pop a favourite holiday movie in the DVD player.

Source: Indulgy

Fun With The Photocopier

<p>Your elf decided that one of him just isn't enough, so he made a copy overnight.</p> <p>Source: <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/386113368027518013/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></p> — Your elf decided that one of him just isn't enough, so he made a copy overnight.

Source: Pinterest

Spa Day!

<p>Your elf has been working hard all month! Give her a break with a fluffy towel and a hot shower.</p> <p>Source: <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/280912095481201324/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></p> — Your elf has been working hard all month! Give her a break with a fluffy towel and a hot shower.

Source: Pinterest

Scrabble

Elf On Strike

<p>Are your kids vying for a spot on the naughty list? A striking elf and a little note might be a good reminder to focus on great behaviour.</p> <p>Source: <a href="http://www.overthebigmoon.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/strike_thumb.jpg" target="_blank">Over the Big Moon</a></p> — Are your kids vying for a spot on the naughty list? A striking elf and a little note might be a good reminder to focus on great behaviour.

Source: Over the Big Moon

Getting Into The Syrup

<p>If you've seen Elf, then you know that <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DS8MegEiKLk" target="_blank">elves love syrup</a>!  </p> <p>Source: <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/29273466301925027/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></p> — If you've seen Elf, then you know that elves love syrup!

Source: Pinterest

Meet The Dinosaurs

<p>Have some dinosaurs left over from Dinovember? Set them up on a play date with your elf.</p> <p>Source: <a href="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/af/04/ad/af04adaea5e7276e9b7d1f2a90b413a1.jpg" target="_blank">Media Cache</a></p> — Have some dinosaurs left over from Dinovember? Set them up on a play date with your elf.

Source: Media Cache

Making Snowflakes

<p>Help your elf cut up some tiny snowflakes. And maybe you can put hooks on them and hang them on the tree once you've put him away for the day.</p> <p>Source: <a href="http://prettyprovidence.com/elf-on-the-shelf/" target="_blank">Pretty Providence</a></p> — Help your elf cut up some tiny snowflakes. And maybe you can put hooks on them and hang them on the tree once you've put him away for the day.

Source: Pretty Providence

Read A Book

<p>Pick out a holiday-themed book, have your elf present it in the morning, and start the day by reading a story together.</p> <p>Source: <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-koJMxNH2B9k/UMqUX8O05OI/AAAAAAAAA18/1R6SOj7t57E/s320/IMG_2033.jpg" target="_blank">Blogspot</a></p> — Pick out a holiday-themed book, have your elf present it in the morning, and start the day by reading a story together.

Source: Blogspot

Let's Build A Snowman

<p>Has it snowed in your town? Then put together a few snowballs and have them chill out with your elf in the freezer overnight.</p> <p>Source: <a href="http://melanielee86.blogspot.ca/2012/12/the-best-of-twinkle-2012-elf-on-shelf.html" target="_blank">Blogspot</a></p> — Has it snowed in your town? Then put together a few snowballs and have them chill out with your elf in the freezer overnight.

Source: Blogspot

Colour A Picture

<p>Elves have an artistic side and sometimes they need to let it out. For example, with your child's colouring book and crayons.</p> <p>Source: <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GS7nr76noD4/TuJGytw0jpI/AAAAAAAAMAQ/7Jb6NgNG6to/s640/IMG_2406.jpg" target="_blank">Blogspot</a></p> — Elves have an artistic side and sometimes they need to let it out. For example, with your child's colouring book and crayons.

Source: Blogspot

Snow Angels

Reindeer Noses

Sack Race

<p>With a few paper bags, you can set your elf up on a race with the household toys.</p> <p>Source: <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HLVtedITfMQ/UppYIUqhbBI/AAAAAAAAAnc/8as9KpL13VM/s640/_DSC0724.jpg" target="_blank">Blogspot</a></p> — With a few paper bags, you can set your elf up on a race with the household toys.

Source: Blogspot

Bath In The Sink

<p>Elves love sweets, which means they love marshmallows -- so much that they bathe in them!</p> <p>Source: <a href="http://i0.wp.com/www.bombshellbling.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Elf-on-the-Shelf-Ideas-66.jpg?resize=399%2C600" target="_blank">Bombshell Bling</a></p> — Elves love sweets, which means they love marshmallows -- so much that they bathe in them!

Source: Bombshell Bling

Breakfast For The Family

<p>Have your elf ready and waiting with family breakfast -- including syrup, of course. Make sure there are some tiny pancakes for her too!</p> <p>Source: <a href="http://www.homestoriesatoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/elf-on-the-shelf-makes-breakfast.jpg" target="_blank">Home Stories A to Z</a></p> — Have your elf ready and waiting with family breakfast -- including syrup, of course. Make sure there are some tiny pancakes for her too!

Source: Home Stories A to Z

Help The Needy

<p>Set up your elf with some non-perishable goods and a note suggesting you all make a trip to drop them off at the food bank. You could also do this with gifts to donate to a toy drive.</p> <p>Source: <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KI-qcIqHraA/UMU6ibrW1AI/AAAAAAAABnE/H_o2hU2zYWU/s400/IMAG0063.jpg" target="_blank">Blogspot</a></p> — Set up your elf with some non-perishable goods and a note suggesting you all make a trip to drop them off at the food bank. You could also do this with gifts to donate to a toy drive.

Source: Blogspot

Ready For A Nap

<p>Sometimes elves miss the chill of the North Pole. A nap in the butter compartment seems cozy to a homesick elf.</p> <p>Source: <a href="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/originals/77/fc/99/77fc996aa1f86e6b23f07026d4548960.jpg" target="_blank">Media Cache</a></p> — Sometimes elves miss the chill of the North Pole. A nap in the butter compartment seems cozy to a homesick elf.

Source: Media Cache

Encourage Potty Training

<p>Are you working on getting your child to use the potty? A little bit of encouragement from the elf -- complete with a chocolate-chip potty deposit -- might do the trick.</p> <p>Source: <a href="http://www.clumsycrafter.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Elf-on-the-shelf-ideas-Elf-has-an-accident-oops.jpg" target="_blank">Clumsy Crafter</a></p> — Are you working on getting your child to use the potty? A little bit of encouragement from the elf -- complete with a chocolate-chip potty deposit -- might do the trick.

Source: Clumsy Crafter

Say Goodbye

<p>Give your elf a great send-off after Christmas with a sweet letter on Christmas Eve, just before your friend heads back to the North Pole for another year.</p> <p>Source: <a href="http://prettyprovidence.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/says-goodbye.jpg" target="_blank">Pretty Providence</a></p> — Give your elf a great send-off after Christmas with a sweet letter on Christmas Eve, just before your friend heads back to the North Pole for another year.

Source: Pretty Providence

The world was first introduced to the Elf on the Shelf in 2005. That year, Carol Aebersold and her daughter Chanda Bell published a children’s book called The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition. They teamed up with Aebersold’s other daughter, Christa Pitts, to market the book to kids.

The story was based on the family’s own holiday tradition that started in the 1970s. In their household, an elf would appear every year after Thanksgiving to keep an eye on the children and prevent them from misbehaving.

In 2008, the book won a number of awards, including the Best Toy Award by Learning Express and Book of the Year Award from Creative Child Awards.

Phenomenon continues

Today, the book has become a bestseller and inspired an animated TV movie called “An Elf’s Story: The Elf on the Shelf.” The phenomenon has become so strong that the Elf on the Shelf is also now a regular at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade.

Kids can adopt an elf and register it online. They can even receive a personalized adoption certificate and letter from Santa.

Usually, the Elf on the Shelf arrives at the end of November or beginning of December.

Also on HuffPost: The hottest toys for the kids on your list. On mobile? Click on the gallery to bring the photos up full-size.