In 2005, a little picture book called Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition was published, starting a fun game for families to participate in each holiday season.
The story goes like this: Santa uses elves to help him know who has been naughty and nice throughout the holiday season. His elves hide in people’s homes, then fly back to the North Pole at night to give Santa a full report of whose been naughty and nice. Before the family wakes up each morning, the elf flies back to the home and hides.
By hiding in a new spot each morning, the elf and the family play an ongoing game of hide and seek.
All you need to start this tradition of your own is an elf on the shelf kit and a little imagination. What makes this activity fun is hiding your elf in funny and surprising situations each day, so get creative!
If you need a little inspiration, or if you already have one and need some new elf on the shelf ideas, here are 10 fun ideas to try this season:
1. Nothing like a long, luxurious bubble bath
Your family will get a kick out of this creative elf on the shelf. Fill a crockpot or bathroom with cotton balls, then position your elf so it looks like he’s taking a bubble bath. Add fun accessories like a little towel or rubber ducky.
2. What? An elf's gotta eat
One simple idea is to make your elf look like he’s been caught sneaking a snack in the cupboard. Mini foods like powdered donuts or chocolate chips work well for this. You can make it look even more creative by putting a little of the food on his face.