The Elf on the Shelf is a delightful Christmas tradition that dates back to 2005. It is both a magical and mischievous scout elf sent from the North Pole to help Santa Claus manage his naughty and nice lists.
The elf is adopted by families and gains his Christmas magic when families give him a name and he is told of his mission. At night, he returns to the North Pole and reports back to Santa about the day’s activities and whether children have been naughty or nice.
During the day, he hides around the home and watches all day long.
The Origin Story of the Elf on the Shelf is based on a children’s book written by author Carol Aebersold and her daughter, Chanda Bell. The book describes their beloved family scout elf, “Tiny” or “Sugarplum” as the Aebersold family called him.
They used to hide him in different places around the house for the children to find him. It wasn’t until many years later that they developed the now iconic Elf on the Shelf doll and the imaginative Christmas game of hide and seek with the elf.
The Elf on the Shelf has become an incredibly popular Christmas tradition with more than 11 million elves sold around the world. Families have embraced the game of hide and seek with the scout elf while children have enjoyed delighting in the surprise of finding their elf in a new spot each morning.
What are the rules of elf on a shelf?
The Elf on the Shelf® is a beloved Christmas tradition that encourages little ones to be on their best behavior leading up to the big holiday. The basic idea behind the tradition is that each family has their own Scout Elf sent from the North Pole.
This scout elf serves as Santa’s eyes and ears in the home, returning to the North Pole each night to report back to Santa.
Before you can start the tradition in your own home, you must first provide your little helper with a very special mission:
1. Name your Elf: Before your elf can take up residence in your home, it needs a name. Let the kids get creative and have a family contest to think of a fun name for your elf.
2. Place your Elf: it’s time to pick the perfect spot for your elf to perch in your home. Have fun with it and make sure the kids get involved in helping to decide on the most creative hiding spots to move your elf to each night.
3. The Elf cannot touch or be touched: Remember, elves are magical and can only move or speak when people aren’t around, so your elf can’t be touched or moved. Doing so may mean your elf loses their magic.
4. Speak to your Elf: If your children have been really good, they can whisper their wishes to the elf before it flies back to the North Pole.
5. Time for departure: Before going to bed, make sure to move your elf to a new spot in the house to keep the magic alive and the children guessing.
6. Keep the magic alive: Even if you forget to move your elf for a few nights, remember the magic of your Elf never fades—your Scout Elf won’t forget to come to visit.
Do parents move the Elf on the Shelf yes or no?
Yes, parents move the Elf on the Shelf every night when their child is asleep. Although it may seem like the Elf magically moves around the house, it’s actually just a fun tradition. Parents will typically move their Elf to a different spot in the house each night and their child can then search each morning to see where the Elf has moved.
This is a fun game to help get children excited about the holiday season and into the Christmas spirit. There are also a lot of creative ways to move the Elf, like a small chair, placing an Elf on a door knob, or having the Elf pose in a festive, holiday-themed display.
How do you activate an Elf on the Shelf?
Activating an Elf on the Shelf is an important step for families when beginning the beloved Christmas tradition. In order for the Elf on the Shelf to begin its magical journey, it must be officially named and activated.
To do this, tell your family stories about the North Pole and explain that your Elf has been sent from the North Pole to watch over your family during the holiday season. Then, have everyone in the family gather around and say a special verse together.
Afterward, place your Elf in its chosen spot, give it a few taps, and the Elf will then be officially activated!.
Once activated, the Elf will bring the family Christmas cheer and can help encourage good behavior until the big day arrives. A great way to ensure your Elf remains special is to create a new name for it that the family can give it.
To make the Elf even more special, create a personalized adoption certificate that welcomes the Elf into the family. This certificate can be hung on the wall or refrigerator as a reminder of the Elf’s big arrival.
The Elf can also receive a stocking and a special place to sleep at night.
One of the most important steps in activating an Elf on the Shelf is to create a family tradition that will be done each night. Depending on your family’s traditions, the Elf can do things like recite stories, do Christmas crafts, or even help decorate the tree.
Whatever the tradition is, it’s important to come to a consensus as a family.
By naming and activating your Elf on the Shelf, it will begin its magical journey bringing your family new possibilities each day. With the perfect name, festive activities, and a touch of Christmas magic, your Elf on the Shelf will bring your family extra cheer throughout the holidays.
Can you touch Elf on the Shelf on Christmas Eve?
No, you cannot touch Elf on the Shelf on Christmas Eve. According to the Elf on the Shelf book, it states that “Christmas magic is very fragile, and if Elf is moved or touched he may lose his magic & have to start all over again.
” This means that the magic of the Elf will be lost if it is touched, so it’s best to leave Elf alone and in his spot until after Christmas day. Additionally, it would be best to remind any other family members or children who may not be aware of this rule, so that the magic of the Elf on the Shelf can be fully experienced.
Is the Elf story on Netflix?
No, the Elf story is not currently on Netflix. It is based on the 2003 Christmas comedy film of the same name that starred Will Ferrell, Zooey Deschanel, and James Caan. The Elf story follows the adventures of Buddy, a human raised as an elf in the North Pole, as he travels to New York City to track down his true identity.
Although the story is not available for streaming on Netflix, it can be purchased or rented on Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, iTunes, and Vudu. If you’re looking for some holiday-inspired content, Netflix does offer a variety of Christmas-themed films and TV shows, from Christmas classics like It’s a Wonderful Life to new animated favorites like Klaus.
What channel is an Elf’s story on?
Elf’s Story is an animated Christmas special available on Amazon Prime Video. The 25-minute movie follows a young, curious elf named Buddy who embarks on a journey to discover his true identity after being accidentally transported to the North Pole as a baby.
Along the way, he learns about the true meaning of being an elf, friendship and family. Additionally, Elf’s Story can be found for free streaming on Tubi, Pluto TV and Activate.
Is the elf on the shelf movie on Disney plus?
No, the Elf on the shelf movie is not on Disney Plus. The movie, Elf on the Shelf: An Elf’s Story, was released in 2011 and is available to purchase on Amazon, iTunes, and other digital platforms. However, it has not been added to Disney Plus.
If you are looking for holiday movies, Disney Plus does offer several family-friendly titles including Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas, The Santa Clause, and many more.
Is Elf on Netflix or Amazon Prime?
Unfortunately, Elf is not available to stream on either Netflix or Amazon Prime. However, it can be purchased on several other streaming platforms such as iTunes, Google Play, YouTube, and Microsoft Store.
Alternatively, if you have access to cable television, Elf is usually aired on one of the free HBO channels during the holiday season.
Where can I see Elf for free?
Unfortunately, there is no way to watch the movie Elf for free without breaking copyright laws.
However, you can rent Elf on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, Google Play, Vudu, Apple TV, and Microsoft Store. Prices usually range from $2.99 to $3.99. It may also be available on cable platforms.
You can also purchase Elf online to own a digital copy and you can stream the movie with a few different streaming services. In addition, you can buy a physical copy of Elf on DVD, Blu-ray, and 4K Ultra HD.
If you’d like to watch Elf for free with commercials, you can check to see if it is available on network television. Sometimes you can find channels such as TBS or AMC airing it for free.
Your local library might also own Elf and you could borrow it from them or borrow it from someone you know.
Finally, if you’re a Netflix subscriber, you can check their catalogue to see if Elf is available for streaming. Although, this may depend on the region you’re located in.
Does Disney have the movie Elf?
Yes, Disney does own the rights to the hit 2003 Christmas movie, Elf. It stars Will Ferrell as Buddy, an orphan who was adopted by Santa and is taken to the North Pole, only to find out that he is actually a human—not an elf.
Elf was released by New Line Cinema, which is now owned by Warner Bros, who gave the distribution rights to Disney. It’s available to stream through Disney+ and is a must-watch for any holiday season.
Is Elf a Disney film?
No, Elf is not a Disney film. Elf is a 2003 American Christmas comedy film directed by Jon Favreau and written by David Berenbaum. The film stars Will Ferrell, James Caan, Zooey Deschanel, Mary Steenburgen, Daniel Tay, Bob Newhart, and Ed Asner.
It tells the story of Buddy, a human adopted and raised by Santa Claus’ elves at the North Pole. He then embarks on a journey to America in order to meet his biological father and learn about his human identity.
The film was produced by New Line Cinema and distributed by New Line and Warner Bros. Pictures.
Where can I watch Elf and the Grinch?
Elf and The Grinch are both available to watch on multiple streaming services. You can watch Elf on Hulu, Amazon Prime, YouTube, Starz and Google Play. The Grinch is available to watch on Comcast Xfinity, Paramount Plus, Apple TV, AMC+, Google Play, YouTube, and Redbox.
You can also purchase both titles on iTunes, Amazon, and other video on demand services.
Why did Netflix remove Elf?
Netflix removed the 2003 movie, Elf, due to the expiration of the film’s current streaming license. Every month, Netflix evaluates if they want to renew the rights to stream a certain title, and unfortunately, they decided to not renew Elf’s streaming license.
This means that while Netflix may renew their license to the movie at a later date, it is currently not available to stream on the platform. It looks like those who wanted to watch Elf this holiday season will have to find another way to watch the classic Will Ferrell movie.
Does Hulu have Elf?
Yes, Hulu has Elf. It is available to stream in their library of titles. You can watch Elf anytime, anywhere with a Hulu subscription. With a Hulu subscription, you can watch the 2003 Christmas classic Elf and all of the other great movies and TV shows in their library.
You can also add Live TV and premium networks like HBO and Showtime. The movie Elf starring Will Ferrell, James Caan, Bob Newhart, and Zooey Deschanel is a beloved holiday classic. The movie follows Buddy the Elf as he travels from the North Pole to New York City to find his dad, who doesn user.
After his misadventures, Buddy steps up to save Santa’s sleigh and Christmas itself.