It’s simple: you need to believe in the Christmas spirit, invite the elf with a special letter, and create a welcoming environment in your home.
What is an Elf on the Shelf?
Before we start, let’s talk about what an Elf on the Shelf actually is.
- An Elf on the Shelf is a special Christmas tradition
- It’s a small elf figurine that comes with a storybook
- The elf is said to watch children’s behavior and report back to Santa each night
- Every morning, the elf appears in a different spot in the house, creating a fun hide-and-seek game
This tradition has become very popular in recent years, bringing joy and excitement to many families during the holiday season.
Why Invite an Elf on the Shelf?
You might be wondering why you should invite an Elf on the Shelf to your home. Here are some reasons:
- It adds magic to the Christmas season
- It encourages good behavior in children
- It creates fun family memories
- It helps teach children about the spirit of giving and kindness
As a pastor, I believe that while this tradition isn’t directly related to the religious aspects of Christmas, it can still be a wonderful way to celebrate the season of joy and love.
Steps to Invite an Elf on the Shelf
Now, let’s get to the main question: how can you get an Elf on the Shelf to come to your house? Follow these steps:
1. Believe in the Christmas Spirit
The first and most important step is to truly believe in the magic of Christmas. Elves, like Santa, respond to the power of belief. Here’s how you can nurture that belief:
- Talk about the magic of Christmas with your family
- Watch Christmas movies that feature elves and Santa
- Read Christmas stories together
- Listen to Christmas music
Remember, the more you believe, the more likely an elf is to visit!
2. Write a Letter to Santa
Next, you’ll want to write a special letter to Santa asking for an Elf on the Shelf. Here’s what you should include:
- A polite request for an elf to visit your home
- Reasons why you’d like an elf to visit
- A promise to be on your best behavior
- An invitation for the elf to stay until Christmas
You can write the letter together as a family activity. Make sure to address it to “Santa Claus, North Pole” and put it in your mailbox.
3. Prepare Your Home for the Elf
Elves love cozy, festive environments. Here are some ways to make your home elf-friendly:
- Decorate for Christmas early
- Set up a Christmas tree
- Hang stockings by the fireplace (or on a wall if you don’t have one)
- Place some candy canes around the house
- Leave out a small plate of cookies (elves love sweets!)
4. Create a Special Elf Welcome Area
To really show your elf how excited you are for their arrival, create a special welcome area:
- Choose a spot near your Christmas tree or fireplace
- Set up a small table or shelf
- Place a tiny bed or house for the elf (you can make this from a shoebox)
- Add some miniature decorations like tiny Christmas trees or presents
- Leave a welcome note for the elf
5. Be Patient and Keep Believing
Remember, elves are very busy, especially as Christmas gets closer. It might take some time for your elf to arrive. Keep believing and stay excited!
What to Do When Your Elf Arrives
Once your elf arrives, there are some important things to remember:
- Don’t touch the elf! They lose their magic if humans touch them.
- Give your elf a name. This makes them feel more at home.
- Look for your elf each morning. They’ll be in a new spot every day!
- Talk to your elf. They can’t talk back, but they’re great listeners.
- Be on your best behaviour. Remember, the elf is watching and reporting to Santa!
Fun Ideas for Elf Adventures
To make your elf’s stay more exciting, here are some fun ideas for elf mischief:
- Have the elf “bake” tiny cookies
- Set up the elf having a tea party with stuffed animals
- Make snow angels with the elf using flour or powdered sugar
- Have the elf write messages using alphabet cereal
- Create a zip line for the elf using string and clothespins
Get creative and come up with your own ideas too!
The Importance of Kindness and Giving
While having an Elf on the Shelf is lots of fun, it’s important to remember the true spirit of Christmas. Here are some ways to spread kindness during the holiday season:
- Help your elf “donate” toys to charity
- Have your elf suggest acts of kindness for the family to do
- Use the elf to teach about the importance of giving to others
- Encourage your children to be kind, just like they want the elf to see
As a pastor, I believe that these lessons of kindness and giving are at the heart of the Christmas season.
Saying Goodbye to Your Elf
All good things must come to an end, and your elf will need to return to the North Pole on Christmas Eve. Here’s how to say goodbye:
- Have a small farewell party for your elf
- Write a thank you note to the elf and Santa
- Leave out some special cookies for the elf’s journey home
- Say a heartfelt goodbye and thank the elf for visiting
Remember, your elf will be back next year if you keep believing!
Frequently Asked Questions
How old do children need to be for Elf on the Shelf?
There’s no specific age, but typically children between 3 and 10 enjoy it most.
Can we buy an Elf on the Shelf or does it have to “come” from the North Pole?
While you can buy an Elf on the Shelf in stores, many families prefer to keep the magic alive by having it “arrive” mysteriously.
What if we forget to move the elf one night?
Don’t worry! You can explain that the elf was so comfortable, they decided to stay in the same spot. Or, maybe they were too tired from their trip to the North Pole.
Is Elf on the Shelf a Christian tradition?
While it’s not specifically a Christian tradition, many Christian families enjoy it as part of their Christmas celebrations. It can be a fun way to talk about concepts like kindness and good behavior, which align with Christian values.
Connecting Elf on the Shelf to Faith and Values
As a pastor, I often get asked how Elf on the Shelf relates to our faith. While it’s not a religious tradition, I believe we can use it to reinforce important values:
- Kindness: Just as the elf watches for good behavior, we can remind children that God also sees our actions and appreciates when we’re kind to others.
- Honesty: The idea of the elf reporting to Santa can be a starting point for discussions about the importance of honesty in our lives.
- Joy: The fun and excitement of Elf on the Shelf can be connected to the joy we feel celebrating the birth of Jesus.
- Giving: Use the elf to encourage acts of giving and service, reflecting the love that God shows us.
- Family time: The tradition can bring families closer together, creating opportunities for shared experiences and discussions about faith.
Remember, while Elf on the Shelf is a fun tradition, it’s also important to keep the focus on the true meaning of Christmas – the birth of Jesus and the love and hope He brings to the world.
Conclusion: The Magic of Belief
In conclusion, getting an Elf on the Shelf to come to your house is all about belief, preparation, and creating a welcoming environment. Remember these key points:
- Believe in the magic of Christmas
- Write a heartfelt letter to Santa
- Prepare your home for the elf’s arrival
- Be patient and keep the Christmas spirit alive
- Use the elf’s visit to teach important lessons about kindness and giving
Whether you’re celebrating Christmas from a religious perspective or simply enjoying the festive season, an Elf on the Shelf can be a wonderful addition to your holiday traditions. It brings magic, encourages good behavior, and creates lasting family memories.
As we prepare for the holiday season, let’s remember to keep the spirit of love, joy, and kindness at the forefront of our celebrations. Whether it’s through the antics of an Elf on the Shelf or through other cherished traditions, the most important thing is to come together with loved ones and spread happiness to those around us.
I hope this guide helps you and your family experience the magic of Elf on the Shelf. May your holiday season be filled with wonder, love, and the true spirit of Christmas!
Korean Community Church Of New Jersey
