By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills
I’m an Elf on the Shelf kinda gal. I like the idea of someone hiding Mr. Elf and me looking for him the next morning, as though he took wings during the night. Guess that proves there’s a bit of a kid in me, and I daresay in all of us.
I took a peek at the official ELF On the SHELF website and had myself a merry little time. I found fun stuff for kids and great stuff for parents and grandparents. There’s even a section for teachers, and a few surprises too. I’ll be using some of these ideas for my grandkids.
On the quiz tab are 10 questions about the elf. See if you know the answers before taking a look. Answers are here. Unfortunately my stratus is a newbie, but I’ll get better.
The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition was originally published in 2004 as a picture book for children. It’s written by Carol Aebersold and Chanda Bell (mother and daughter team).
Make believe is not just for kids. The land of story is for all ages. We are entertained, relaxed, inspired, encouraged, laugh, cry, and cheer for the characters. Story comes in all shapes and sizes for all ages. So enjoy all through the year!
Comment on this blog and be entered in a random drawing for a copy of The Elf on the Shelf and your very own scout elf. Deadline to enter is Thursday, December 8th @ 8:00 p.m. Central. Winner will be announced in next week’s blog.
DiAnn’s Library Corner
Pinterest has amazing ideas for librarians at Christmas. So many I couldn’t choose which one to suggest!
Comments 62
I love the concept of Elf on the Shelf I wanna get one for my nephew to have next year . Happy Holidays
Thanks Danielle – you and your nephew will enjoy it!
Mom brought a couple elves home from…Germany, I think it was…about 60 years ago. One is dressed in red with green, the other is dressed in green with red. We put them close to or on the tree. They’re packed away with my Christmas decorations. One of these days I need to get everything out and put up. When is Christmas again?! 😉
Merriest Happy Birthday, Jesus! to you and your family!!
Hi Jann, time to unpack those elves! Christmas will be here before you can blink.
We have two very sneaky elves. We all enjoy their antics from Thanksgiving to Christmas. The grandkids especially enjoy it when they get into the candy dish and have chocolate all over their faces. Thanks for sharing about your elves!
Thanks, Linda, our Elf eats M&Ms. 🙂
I’ve learned more about Elf on the Shelf from your blog! How fun!!! I’ve seen them in the store, but didn’t know anything about them. Now, I wish I’d adopted one. If I don’t win, I probably will. Thanks, Diann! Merry Christmas!!!
Hi Stacey, I had a doctor’s appointment this morning – and there was an Elf on the shelf!
We were at some of my grandkids house the first year “Dottie” appeared. So named because her skirt was polka dot. I would love to have one for my younger grands that live close to us.
Hi Janie, children are so precious to us – and I’m fortunate that my grandkids live close.
I would love to win an elf to give to my grandson. What a fun thing for children!
Hi Lorie, it’s fun for adults too!
My kids are 11 and 13 and they still love to see what antics “Elfie” has been up to each day. There are a ton of cute ideas online. Have fun with it!
Hi Mindy, We will have fun!
Love the idea of Elf on a shelf!
Thanks, Ola, you may be a winner!
I had never heard of Elf on a Shelf until a few years ago. My daughter is 18 now so she is to old for the Elf on the Shelf but there is always a possibility. I enjoy seeing pics of the clever ways that people find to pose there elves. Makes me smile every time. Thank you for the contest. Have a Happy and Blessed Christmas.
Hi Dawn, I think there’s a sweet place to put the Elf in everyone’s home. A top the fridge?
My grandchildren love their elf. She is a troublemaker though, and has my daughter’s sense of humor, which she got from me. Ellie was once found with her bottom frozen in an ice cube tray. I am sure the kids will never forget that one!
Hi Susan, I love it! I wonder whose idea to place it in the fridge?
My niece has a daughter and she does a girl elf Wendy and my great niece is 6 this is the 3rd year Wendy has come I believe but last year and this year she catalogs the elf and her nightly adventures on Facebook so all can join in on what antics the elf had last year with the Super Heroes and Villains each day or night and this year she is also engaging with the Monster High dolls so it was a snowball fight with all the girls having fun, but whatever antics or fun things that happen in the night we all find out and see the pics on Facebook and a certain 6 year old has a blast waking up to a new adventure with Wendy. I love that even though as kids we never had an elf but kids of all ages do be they 2 or 3 to 72 or 83. And since my niece has Wendy the Elf interacting with her daughter’s other toys a lot it is fun. Wendy does things by herself too of course like traveling in daddy’s toiletry bag and stowing away for Thanksgiving weekend when they were at Great Grandma’s for the weekend and surprised everyone when she showed herself the 1st morning this year. Glad you love the elves this much for the blog to star them. Thank you.
Thank you, Elaine, your family has a lot of fun with their elves.
I love elf on the shelf! I have never had my own scout elf but my hubby and I use a makeshift stuffed animal instead. We read it every Christmas with the kids!
Hi Jen, you’ve just entered the giveaway, so maybe you’ll have the real Elf.
ELF on the Shelf is an interesting concept. I haven’t participated in the fun before but maybe I’ll have a chance now!
Thanks, Gail, he or she is a lot of fun.
Our first Elf at Grammy and Grampy’s house arrived the Christmas after our first granddaughter arrived from China. When our grandson was born, we let the Elf be shared by the two kids, but then our second granddaughter was adopted from China four years ago and she wanted her own Elf to look for. So, we got a reindeer Elf instead so that they would know which one belonged to whom. But now our grandson would like an Elf of HIS own. So, that may or may not happen this year but I will say that we have great fun making sure the Elf and Reindeer Elf are found in some very amusing places which delights the kids to no end. This year prior to Christmas the children have not been coming to our house every day so finding places for the Elves has been a bit easier; it gets harder and harder to think of something unique each day believe me. Elf fun is great fun though.
If people don’t have an Elf they should get one just to help them feel more upbeat throughout the Holiday season; it works wonders.
Cynthia
Hi Cynthia, I agree with you, the Elf creates a ton of fun.
When the book came out (2004), five of my grandchildren were the appropriate ages but unfortunately when I learned of the book they were well into their teens! But then, won’t the great-grandchildren love the story! Appreciate your Christmas generosity.
Hi Suzanne, you just might get one in the giveaway!
This is a wonderful
project for the family to do together. The Elf on the shelf brings families together.
Marion
Hi Marion, I’m all about family time, and the Elf brings laughter.
The Elf on the shelf is a great tradition for all members of the family to enjoy every Christmas.
Marilyn
Hi Marilyn, and we never outgrow the world of make believe.
The elf on the shelf seems to have a personality that is quite unique.
Joan
Hi Joan
The Elf fits the family’s personality. 🙂
I don’t have kids in the house but one of my grandgirls lives across the street. Two or three years ago I attempted Mittens the Mischievous Kitten (in lieu of Elfie) but too much going on and not enough mischievous ideas. Might give it a go again this year… the ideas are swirling…
Hi Robin, the elf has a personality that’s instilled in us as kids!
I LIKE YOUR COMMENT THAT MAGIC IS NOT JUST FOR KIDS AND THE LAND OF STORY IS FOR ALL AGES. I BECAME AN AVID READER AS A TEENAGER AND MY ONLY PROBLEM IS THAT I WILL NEVER BE ABLE TO READ ALL OF THE BOOKS ON MY LIST.
I WILL BE MOVING SOON AND WHEN I STARTED PACKING UP MY BOOKS, I COULD NOT DECIDE WHICH I COULD PART WITH AND WHICH I SHOULD DEFINITELY KEEP. I KNOW THAT MANY I COULD CHECK OUT OF MY LOCAL LIBRARY, BUT THERE MIGHT ALSO BE SOME THAT ARE NO LONGER AVAILABLE.
SO, FOR NOW, I PACKED THEM ALL AND MAYBE AT A LATER DATE, I WILL GO THROUGH THE BOXES AGAIN AND DECIDE WHICH BOOKS TO DONATE.
ONE THING I THINK IS SAD IS WHEN A BOOK STAYS PACKED IN A BOX OR KEPT ON A SHELF NEVER TO BE READ WHEN THERE ARE SO MANY PEOPLE OUT THERE WHO WOULD ENJOY HAVING THAT BOOK IN THEIR OWN HANDS.
Hi Jean, I don’t think we readers will have enough of life to read all the great books. But we can try!
My younger grandchildren have had fun with the Elf!
Hi Joan,
And now you’re entered to possibly win another Elf!
Sounds like a fun game. I should look into getting an elf.
Katie
You’re entered to possibly winning one – so hold off a few more days!
I know that my boyfriend’s oldest daughter has an elf for her little ones. They were so excited when the elf showed back up last week!
Carla
One year we had the grandkids during Christmas time and were able to move the Elf. It was as much fun for us as the grandkids!
The elf on the shelf tradition is a great concept to carry on through the generations. Thank you for this Christmas giveaway!
Hi Carmee
The Elf is simply fun. Thanks for your comment.
I have heard that the elf even shows up at businesses….just saying he follows you. A fun idea for chldren (even those at heart) to enjoy!
Hi Paula
I hadn’t thought about an Elf showing up at work. Great idea!
I’m not real sure what Elf on a Shelf is but I’ve heard people talking about it.
Hi Robin, better check it out. You might win one!
I’ve heard of Elf on the Shelf. It sounds fun. I didn’t do it when I was a child. I wish I would have done it with my children when they were little. I didn’t watch The Elf on the Shelf special on TBS. I see it comes on this weekend. I took the quiz to see how I would do and my stratus is a whizz. I guess that must be ok for just guessing. Thanks for having a fun contest!
Hi Kathy
The Elf simply adds to Christmas fun. I wonder how many others were brave enough to take the quiz.
Just a cute little game of find the elf to get you in the Christmas spirit!
Hi Paula,
He’s a sweet Elf with a great smile.
Love elf on shelf!
Hope I win!
Hi Virginia
You’re entered! So we’ll see.
I love seeing my friends post of what their elves are doing! love to win one for my house too
Hi Sheila
We shall find out if you win an Elf by the end of the week.
I love the Elf on the Shelf. I have seen the Elf in some strange and also cute places over the years. Have a wonderful holiday season.
Thanks Carolyn,
A blessed Christmas to you too!