What's the Elf on the Shelf Story? We've Got All The Details about This Fun Holiday Tradition (2024)

The holiday season is officially here, and that means one of our favorite Christmas traditions has returned: The Elf on the Shelf. Dressed in red from head to toe, Santa's helpers head to homes around the globe to spread Christmas cheer and make sure the children end up on Santa's nice list. Some Scout Elves even go all out with creative Elf on the Shelf ideas. If you're new to The Elf on the Shelf or are curious about the tradition's origins, here's what you need to know.

Back in 2005, mother/daughter duo Carol Aebersold and Chanda Bell released The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition, an illustrated children's book that comes packaged with a Scout Elf (now, the company sells girl and boy Elves and lighter and darker skin tones). Millions of kits have been sold since then, and the line has expanded to include clothing, accessories, animals, and more.

The idea is simple: A family adopts a Scout Elf, who has the important job of being Santa's eyes and ears during the busy Christmas season. The Elf heads back to the North Pole each night to report on the children's behavior, then returns in the morning where he will perch in a new spot in the home. When the kids wake up, they'll enjoy seeing where the Elf landed. Some elves simply relocate, while others create mischief overnight.

It's a fun holiday activity for families, and it serves as a reminder for kids to stay on Santa's nice list! Like an Advent calendar, The Elf on the Shelf serves as a type of holiday countdown. The children know to look for the Elf during Scout Elf Return Week (November 22–December 1), and the fun will continue through Christmas Eve.

The rules are simple! Once you adopt a Scout Elf, you must give it a name. (Need inspiration? Check out our list of Elf on the Shelf names.) Then, make sure everyone knows the most important rule: Don't touch the Scout Elf. If you do, he will lose his magic! Next, know that Scout Elves can't talk, but they are great listeners (Psst: That means they hear everything.) Finally, know that your Scout Elf is with you for a short time. Come December 24, he'll head back to the North Pole until next year.

If you know the famous Christmas song, "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town," then you're familiar with the lyric, "He sees you when you're sleeping, he knows when you're awake." Santa can't be at everyone's house all the time, so that's where the Elf comes in! He sits in his spot all day (you won't see him move) and observes the behavior of the children in the house.

It really depends on your family, but a child is ready for The Elf on the Shelf as soon as he or she understands Christmas traditions. Typically, 3 years old is a good time to start. If there are older siblings in the house, the Elf will already be visiting, and the older kids can help explain the rules to the younger ones.