Moving to England in 2012 brought many changes to our family’s routine, but one of the most delightful surprises was discovering Elf on the Shelf. In Italy, this tradition was unheard of, and I had never seen or heard about it before moving abroad. Yet, the moment I stumbled across it, I fell in love with the idea. It wasn’t just a cute holiday gimmick – it was a ritual that carried magic, laughter, and a sense of togetherness.
Here, I’ll share how we embraced this tradition, how it works, and some creative ideas to keep the magic alive year after year.
What is Elf on the shelf?
The concept is simple yet enchanting. The Elf is no ordinary helper of Santa Claus who merely works at the North Pole preparing gifts. Instead, it is an interactive character that “visits” homes during the Christmas season. Starting from December 1st, the Elf arrives to observe children’s behavior, flying back to the North Pole every night to report to Santa. Each morning, it returns and is found in a different spot in the house, creating an exciting game of hide-and-seek.
The magic lies in its mischievous nature and the unwritten rules: no one can touch the Elf, or it might lose its magic. It doesn’t talk but “listens” to children’s stories, laughter, and occasional confessions. And on Christmas Eve, the Elf bids farewell until the following year.
The first arrival: a magical beginning
Our family’s Elf journey began on December 1, 2012, our first Christmas in England. Elisa was six years old, and Marco was three. I’ll never forget the excitement on their faces when they discovered the Elf for the first time.
That morning, I had carefully placed a festive box on the breakfast table. Inside was the Elf, a book explaining its story, and a personalized letter announcing its arrival. We read the book together as a family, with Pietro joining us in the excitement. This story set the tone: the Elf’s mission, its nightly travels, and the importance of choosing a name to awaken its magic.
Choosing the name was a family affair and a moment of pure joy. Giving our Elf a name not only made it “real” for the kids but also sparked their imaginations. It was a tradition we would repeat every year, with a fresh welcome letter adding a personal touch.
The daily adventures of the Elf
The real fun began each morning when the children would search for the Elf. It was never in the same place twice! Sometimes, it would simply perch on a shelf or sit under the Christmas tree. Other times, it would engage in playful antics, like building a marshmallow snowman or zip-lining across the living room.
I chose the mischievous Elf approach, which meant coming up with creative setups every night after the kids went to bed. Some nights, the ideas flowed effortlessly; other times, I’d completely forget. On those mornings, I’d quickly hide the Elf somewhere simple or make up a story about it being too tired to fly back to Santa.
For example, one year, I told the kids that the Elf needed to stay put for a day to report on extra-special behavior from the previous two days. They accepted the explanation without hesitation, proving how deeply they believed in the magic.
The evolution of the tradition
In the early years, the Elf was a great tool for encouraging good behavior. A quick reminder that the Elf was “watching” was enough to stop tears, arguments, or mischief in its tracks. As Elisa and Marco grew older, the focus shifted from behavior management to the sheer joy of the tradition.
Even now, though my children are much older, the Elf still makes its December appearance. The tradition has become less about the magic of Santa and more about the laughter and memories we create together. Elisa and Marco enjoy helping me come up with funny or creative setups, keeping the tradition alive in a new way.
Tips and ideas for Elf mischief
Over the years, I have learned a few tricks to keep the Elf tradition fresh and exciting:
1. Simple setups: not every night needs an elaborate display. A cozy spot on the bookshelf or nestled among Christmas ornaments works just as well.
2. Mischievous antics: let the Elf “mess up” the house playfully – maybe it spills flour on the counter while pretending to bake cookies or unrolls an entire roll of toilet paper.
3. Interactive fun: create small activities for the kids, like a scavenger hunt or a tiny note with a riddle.
4. Themes: tie the Elf’s antics to family traditions. For example, if you are baking cookies, let the Elf get “caught” with flour-covered hands.
5. Quick fixes: forgot to move the Elf? A simple “too tired to fly” excuse works wonders – or just perch it somewhere unexpected and let the kids’ imaginations fill in the blanks.
Why this tradition means so much
The magic of Elf on the Shelf goes beyond its playful mischief. It brings families together, creating shared moments of laughter and wonder. For me, it is become a symbol of how we have embraced new traditions in our journey as expats, blending them with our own family culture.
In Italy, Christmas was always magical but centered around different customs. Adopting this new tradition in England, and continuing it in America, added a layer of joy to our holiday celebrations. Watching my children’s excitement each morning, hearing their giggles, and sharing in their imaginative stories made the effort worthwhile.
Here what I think
While Elf on the Shelf can be a bit pricey initially, it is a one-time investment that lasts for years. You can choose from various designs – boy or girl Elves, different outfits, and even accessories. Ours wears the classic red-and-white outfit, though I have seen plenty of families get creative with additional props.
The rules, such as not touching the Elf, help preserve its magic and teach kids about respecting boundaries. And while the Elf’s farewell on Christmas Eve is bittersweet, it leaves behind a treasure trove of memories to carry into the new year.
For any family considering starting this tradition, my advice is simple: embrace the fun and don’t stress about perfection. The magic lies in the effort, the laughter, and the shared moments that make the holidays unforgettable.
Thanks for hanging out with me today!
See you next time.
Valentina
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