Hello, everyone! Pastor Ko Han-Seung here. As we approach the holiday season, I wanted to share my thoughts on a beloved Christmas tradition that’s captured the hearts of many families – the Elf on the Shelf. Today, we’re going to talk about the last day of our elf’s visit and how we can make it special for our children.

What Happens on the Elf’s Last Day?

The last day of Elf on the Shelf is typically Christmas Eve. This is when our magical friend returns to the North Pole to help Santa prepare for next year’s Christmas. It’s a bittersweet moment for many children who’ve grown attached to their elf over the holiday season.

Why is the Last Day Important?

It marks the end of a fun holiday tradition
It helps children transition from the excitement of Christmas to everyday life
It provides an opportunity for reflection and gratitude

Making the Last Day Special

As parents and guardians, we can make this day memorable for our little ones. Here are some ideas to celebrate your elf’s departure:

1. Plan a Special Goodbye Breakfast

Start the day with a festive breakfast. You could:

Make elf-shaped pancakes
Serve hot chocolate with marshmallows
Use Christmas-themed plates and cups

This sets a celebratory tone for the day and gives your family a chance to reminisce about the elf’s antics.

2. Write Thank You Notes

Encourage your children to write thank you notes to their elf. This activity:

Promotes gratitude
Helps children express their feelings
Creates a keepsake to look back on in future years

3. Take a Family Photo with the Elf

Capture the moment with a family photo. You could:

Dress up in matching pajamas
Hold up signs saying “See you next year!”
Include any pets in the picture

This creates a lasting memory of your time with the elf.

4. Read Elf on the Shelf Stories

Spend some time reading Elf on the Shelf books together. This:

Reinforces the story behind the tradition
Provides quality family time
Helps children understand why the elf needs to leave

The Spiritual Side of Elf on the Shelf

As a pastor, I often get asked about the spiritual implications of the Elf on the Shelf tradition. While it’s not directly related to the religious aspects of Christmas, I believe we can use this tradition to teach important values:

1. Kindness and Good Behavior

The elf encourages children to be on their best behavior. This aligns with Christian teachings about:

Treating others with kindness
Being honest and truthful
Helping those in need

2. The Joy of Giving

Just as the elf brings small gifts or creates fun scenarios, we can teach our children about the joy of giving to others. This reflects:

The spirit of Christmas
Jesus’s teachings about generosity
The importance of thinking of others

3. The Magic of Faith

While we know the elf is a fun game, it can open discussions about faith. We can talk about:

The difference between make-believe and religious faith
How believing in things we can’t see (like God’s love) can bring comfort and joy
The importance of traditions in strengthening family bonds and faith

Addressing Common Concerns

Some parents worry that the Elf on the Shelf tradition might overshadow the true meaning of Christmas. Here’s how we can address these concerns:

1. Keep the Focus on Jesus

While enjoying the elf tradition, make sure to:

Read the Christmas story from the Bible
Attend church services
Participate in nativity plays or other religious activities

2. Use the Elf to Reinforce Christian Values

Have your elf:

Leave Bible verses for the family to discuss
Encourage acts of kindness or charity
Appear near your nativity scene

3. Explain the Difference Between Fantasy and Faith

Have open conversations with your children about:

The fun of pretend play
The deeper meaning of religious faith
How both can coexist in a healthy way

When does Elf from the shelf comes back?

Transitioning Away from the Elf

As children grow older, they may start to question the Elf on the Shelf tradition. Here’s how to handle this transition:

1. Be Honest

When children ask if the elf is real:

Answer truthfully
Explain that it was a fun game to celebrate the season
Emphasize that the love and joy behind the tradition are very real

2. Involve Them in Creating Magic for Others

As children outgrow the tradition, you can:

Let them help move the elf for younger siblings
Encourage them to create magical moments for others
Discuss how we can spread joy year-round, not just at Christmas

3. Start New Traditions

As your family evolves, consider:

Creating new holiday traditions that feel more age-appropriate
Finding ways to give back to your community during the Christmas season
Exploring deeper spiritual practices as a family

Reflecting on the Elf’s Visit

As the elf prepares to leave, take some time to reflect on the past month. Ask your children:

What was their favorite elf moment?
Did the elf inspire them to do anything kind or helpful?
What are they looking forward to next Christmas?

This reflection can help:

Create lasting memories
Reinforce positive behaviors
Build excitement for next year’s holiday season

Saying Goodbye to the Elf

On Christmas Eve, it’s time to say goodbye to your elf. Here are some ideas for a special send-off:

1. Leave Out Treats

Just as we leave cookies for Santa, consider:

Leaving a small snack for the elf’s journey
Writing a goodbye note
Sprinkling some “magic” glitter to help the elf fly

2. Create a Goodbye Scene

Set up a final scene where:

The elf is waving goodbye
There’s a small suitcase or backpack for the journey
You include a “See you next year!” sign

3. Have a Bedtime Story

Read a special Christmas story that:

Thanks the elf for visiting
Reminds children of the joy of the season
Looks forward to next year’s visit

Keeping the Christmas Spirit Alive

Even though the elf is leaving, the spirit of Christmas can stay with us all year. Here are some ways to keep that spirit alive:

1. Practice Random Acts of Kindness

Encourage your children to:

Help a neighbor
Share with friends
Volunteer in the community

2. Continue Family Traditions

Throughout the year:

Have special family dinners
Create and maintain family rituals
Make time for quality family activities

3. Remember the Reason for the Season

Regularly discuss and practice:

Gratitude for our blessings
The importance of giving to others
The love God has for us all

Looking Forward to Next Year

As we say goodbye to our elf friend, we can also look forward to next Christmas. Here are some ideas to build excitement:

1. Start a Christmas Countdown

Consider:

Making a paper chain to count down the days
Using an advent calendar
Having a special family activity each month to remember the Christmas spirit

2. Plan for Next Year’s Elf Visit

Brainstorm:

New hiding spots for the elf
Fun activities the elf could do
Ways to make the tradition even more meaningful

3. Set Family Goals

Discuss:

How you can grow in faith together
Ways to help others throughout the year
New traditions you’d like to start

Conclusion: The Lasting Impact of Our Elf Friend

As we bid farewell to our Elf on the Shelf, let’s remember that the joy, love, and kindness it represents don’t have to end. The elf may return to the North Pole, but the spirit of Christmas can stay in our hearts all year long.

Whether you’ve embraced the Elf on the Shelf tradition or not, the important thing is to create meaningful experiences for our families that reinforce our values and bring us closer together. As we move into the new year, let’s carry with us the lessons of kindness, generosity, and faith that the Christmas season embodies.

May God bless you and your families, and may the joy of Christmas remain with you throughout the coming year. Until next time, this is Pastor Ko Han-Seung, wishing you all the best from the Korean Community Church of New Jersey.

Elf on the Shelf rules

KCCNJ

Korean Community Church Of New Jersey