Boy and girl having fun with a sleigh in winter. (tverdohlib (123RF))
As parents, we put a lot of pressure on ourselves to make our children’s childhood magical and exciting. Wholesome memories are essential for children. Your childhood memories stick with you forever, and they make an imprint on who you become as you get older. Take the pressure of this season’s magic-making by utilizing these simple and easy Elf on the Shelf ideas!
For those who do not know, Elf on the Shelf is an adorable Christmas tradition where one of Santa’s elves comes to your home to watch your children’s daily activities. However, while the elves are supposed to be scouting for Santa’s naughty and nice list, they end up partaking in mischievous fun every night, only to be caught red-handed by your children every morning! Be sure to tailor this tradition to your family’s needs as you see fit. For example, the elf does not need to be a scout for the naughty and nice list so much as a friendly gift from the North Pole.
While Elf on the Shelf can be found on Amazon and at the Exchange stores or website, don’t be pressured to buy one in order to partake in this fun. You can use any holiday figure or stuffed animal you already own and give it the magic of the season to come alive every night and make your child laugh every morning. For those in Germany, you can use one of the popular Christmas gnomes. Here are some Elf on the Shelf ideas that can be used to entertain your children every day of their winter break.
Elf on the Shelf sitting with un-stuffed scarecrow costume (Elizabeth Bird)
Elf dumped out sugar (or flour) and made snow angels on the kitchen counter!
Elf opening a present before Christmas!
Elf has the remote in hand and was watching a Christmas movie!
Elf roasting a marshmallow over a candle!
Elf next to mom’s phone in the morning and has changed mom’s locked screen to a picture of himself next to the sleeping child!
Elf put a stopper in the sink and is seen with a fishing line (a stick and a piece of string) fishing for Goldfish crackers or Swedish Fish!
Elf in the fridge next to the egg carton and he switched out all the eggs for plastic ones!
Elf playing Jenga with unwrapped KitKat bars!
Elf in the freezer with a blanket wrapped around himself!
Elf made a “shoe-shoe” train and is found driving the front shoe of the train!
Elf in the microwave in a mess of popcorn that he popped the night before!
Elf wearing someone’s underwear!
Elf put googley eyes on all the fruit!
Elf covered an entire window in stick-on bows!
