11 Elf on the Shelf Rules Every Parent Should Know
Parents reading the rules of Elf on the Shelf
It’s…… time! Time to decorate your Christmas tree, bake some gingerbread cookies, and of course, welcome a special Elf on the Shelf into your home. Whether you’re adding another Scout Elf to your family this winter, or you’re completely new to the Elf game, it’s important to know the dos and don’ts that come along with having one of Santa’s adorable helpers under your roof.
That’s why we compiled a list of the most important Elf on the Shelf rules so you won’t have any trouble adjusting to your holiday houseguest. From details surrounding the date your Elf will arrive, to hiding spots you may find them in, to info on what your Elf’s job is while he or she is there, and what rule you must NEVER break—there are so many things you need to be aware of.
So, make sure you check the list twice and don’t skip over anything. If you do, it could result in your Elf losing their powers, and you definitely don’t want that to happen.
Related: 50 Best Elf on the Shelf Memes to Crack You Up This Holiday Season
11 Elf on the Shelf Rules Every Parent Should Know
Keep reading to see the 11 rules every parent should know about Elf on the Shelf and get red-y to join in on the fun! Trust us, having an Elf running around your place this year may take a little bit of adjusting, but it will make your Christmas more magical and memorable than it’s ever been.
1. There’s No Set Date for Your Elf to Appear
Just because your child’s friend has an Elf who made their way down from the North Pole on a certain day, doesn’t mean yours will show up on that same day, too. In fact, an Elf can make their first appearance whenever they want to. (Well, within a certain period that is.)
According to the Official Elf on the Shelf website, "Elf Return Week" is between November 22 to December 1, so your kiddos should expect them to arrive around then.
However, sometimes, Elves will come before or after those dates as well. So, if yours is "fashionably late," don't worry—it’s completely normal.
Just remember that no matter when they decide to drop in—it’ll usually be done in a big and extravagant way to ensure everyone is aware that they are there.
Related: Incoming! 'Elf on the Shelf' Is Coming Back, and Here Are the 25 Best Arrival Ideas
2. He/She Needs a Name
Once your Scout Elf arrives, he or she needs a name, otherwise, they won’t be granted their magic. When choosing a name, don’t just pick anything. Make sure it’s as cute, mischievous and fun as they are. You can draw inspiration from holiday treats, a Christmas movie or come up with a moniker that has a winter and whimsical vibe. Something like Twinkle, Sugarplum, Buddy or Snowy are a few of our favorites. However, there are endless possibilities! So gather your family and cast your votes so your Elf gets a name you all love.
Related: We've Made Our List and Checked It Twice—100 of the Best Elf on the Shelf Names
3. Elves Must Constantly Move Around Your Home
When your Scout Elf comes down from the North Pole, don’t be alarmed if you have to hunt around for them. They have playful personalities (and sometimes can even be a little naughty), so they like to wander around your home and pop up in different rooms each day.
And since there are no rules on where they can or can’t appear, it means there is no nook or cranny that is off-limits. Your kiddos may find them building an igloo in the freezer, swinging from your dining room’s chandelier, stringing ribbons from wall to wall in a hallway, making a snow angel in flour on your kitchen table, hiding out in a Christmas stocking, or even taking Barbie’s pink convertible for a ride. The possibilities are endless!
4. Elves Can’t Move During the Day
It’s important to know that Elves don’t move from place to place in your house throughout the day. There’s only one time when they’re allowed to move: at night. So if the sun is still shining and your kids are still awake, your Elf will patiently wait until your littles go to bed to switch up their location. Why? Elves never want to move if there’s a possibility a little kid can catch them doing so. During the day, they stay still and carefully watch how every kid in your house behaves.
5. Each Night Elves Report Back to Santa
Every night, when your kids are fast asleep, your family’s Elf reports back to Santa. That’s why your kids will want to make sure they are being extra good during the day, so they stay on the nice list.
6. Elves Can Only Move at Night
When your Elf returns at night after reporting to Santa, they don’t like being in the spot they previously were. Instead, they like finding entirely new hiding places.
7. Elves Always Have a Good Reason if They Don’t Move
If your child wakes up and notices that your family Elf seems to be in the same spot they were in the day before, let them know that there are several reasons why that might be.
It could be because your Elf ate way too many cookies when they went back to the North Pole and when they flew back, they instantly fell asleep in the same spot. Another reason may be that your Elf wanted to play a trick on everyone. They knew you would look for them everywhere else in your house first, so they thought it’d be funny if they just stayed put to see how long it’d take you to find them. Or, it could be because when your Elf was reporting to Santa, they might have also had to complete some special tasks there that took longer than they expected, which meant they didn’t have enough time when they returned to surprise everyone with their new hiding location.
Related: 50 Elf Jokes for Kids To Make You Laugh and Appreciate Santa's Little Helpers This Christmas
8. Elves Cannot Be Touched
Among all the Elf rules, this one is considered to be the most important one. Why? Elves are very fragile and sensitive to touch. Therefore, if someone touches them, it causes them to lose their magical powers, which means they can no longer communicate with Santa.
There’s only one exception to the rule. Parents can touch them when they help their Elf move to a new hiding location. Otherwise, it’s a big no-no. So, even if there’s an Elf emergency and you or your child feels the urge to grab your Elf, don’t do it. Instead, if something happens, like your Elf falls onto the ground or your pet gets hold of them, resist grabbing your Elf with your bare hands. In those cases, you need to get creative and use something like a potholder or tongs to rescue your Elf with.
9. An Elf’s Magical Powers Can Be Restored
Try not to panic if someone in your family accidentally touches your Elf. The good news is, their powers won’t be gone forever if you do one of these three things:
1. Contact Santa
Getting in touch with Santa is the first way an Elf’s magic can be restored. And while that may sound difficult, it’s actually not as hard as you might think. Just grab a pen and paper and write him an apology note saying sorry for accidentally touching your Elf. Then by the next day, your Elf will have regained their Christmas magic.
2. Use Cinnamon
This way may be messy, but it’ll work! If you have cinnamon in your cabinet, sprinkle some next to your Elf. The spice acts like a vitamin for Elves and will give him or her the strength to make it back to the North Pole, so Elf doctors can tend to them. The next day, your Elf will return to your home completely healthy and full of magic.
3. Sing
The last way you can get your Elf’s magic back is by singing them a Christmas carol. By the time you hit your last note, you and your family will have created enough Christmas cheer for your Elf to recover its magic.
10. Elves Cannot Talk to Humans
While Elves love visiting your home each year, one rule they must follow is to never speak to humans. So tell your children not to take it personally if your family’s Elf is extra quiet when they ask them a question or tell them what you want for Christmas. Just know that Elves enjoy listening to you, even though they don’t ever reply, and that they make sure to pass along any gift ideas to Santa that someone tells them.
11. Elves Must Leave on Christmas Eve
On December 24, before the clock strikes midnight, your Elf has to return to the North Pole. By that time, they have already let Santa know which kids belong on the nice list and which ones belong on the naughty list, as well as what presents everyone in your house has asked for, so their job is basically done. That’s why all Elves are required to fly back to the North Pole on that date each year.
Next: Grab Your Scout Elf and Get Inspired With These 85 Creative Ideas for Elf on the Shelf!
