The Elf on the Shelf

     It's Christmas time and the elves are back! If you don't know what an elf on the shelf is, then you must not have been a naughty kid. The elf on the shelf is an elf in your home that moves around, watches you, and then "reports" back to Santa Claus about your behavior. It started out as a way to get kids to behave better around Christmas. According to tradition, around Christmas time Santa sends out his elves to adoption centers around the world, where they wait for a loving family to come find them. Once the elf recieves a name, it gets it's Christmas magic and becomes part of the family every year around Christmas time.

     These elves are the eyes and ears of Santa Claus. Part of the tradition is that they are not allowed to be touched, or they might lose some of their Christmas magic. They watch every good and bad deed that goes on in the household during the day, then, using their Christmas magic, they fly back to the North Pole and report back to Santa. While there, they also talk with friends, play with the reindeer, and sneak some of Mrs. Claus's cookies.

     Then, before the family wakes up in the morning, the elf flies back to the house, but since elves like to play games, the elf goes back to a different spot! Some like to hide in the freezer, while others sit cozily on the mantle above the fireplace. Whatever the case, these elves love to play hide-and-seek with their families. Then, on Christmas Eve, the elf listens for Santa's special bell, then it goes back to the North Pole to wait for next Christmas. These elves are fun to have at home, in the classroom, or even at work! Based on the book The Elf on the Shelf, this small book has made the elf on the shelf a christmas tradition all over the world. No matter the case, you better be on your best behavior, because Santa's elves are watching!
Happy Holidays!

(Based on the book The Elf on the Shelf by Carol Aebersold)