Elf on the Shelf Family Christmas Tradition

It was a few years ago at the Hallmark store that I was introduced to the Elf on the Shelf tradition.  I, being the Pinterest inspired craft loving human that I am, loved this fun tradition.  My husband, on the other hand, thought it was creepy and unnecessary.  We are a house divided.  I’m sure when we have little ones, I will win this battle, and we will get pretty creative with this tradition.

I know many families, who like us, are divided on the Elf.  Some love it and get really into it.  They have their Elf’s  shenanigans planned out meticulously and invest in outfits and pets for their Elf.  Then there’s other parents who’s loathe the idea of a magical Elf watching their kids and reporting back to Santa about their good, bad, and sometimes ugly behavior.

Well, regardless of which side of the fence you’re on…the mommy who’s got the Elf’s tricks planned out for months in advance….or the mommy who wakes up in a panic at 4 a.m. cause you forgot to move the “stupid Elf”….this post is for you.

50+ nifty and creative ideas to surprise your kids and be the coolest Elf house on the block.  From beginner to advanced, there’s a ton of ideas here for all you families who are in the magical “Elf Years”.  Hope this catalog of ideas will inspire you! Good luck & enjoy!

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{Adopt an Elf}

First things first, you have to “adopt” (aka buy ?) your very own Elf from Santa.  And, as we all know, Santa works closely with Amazon, so here’s the link to adopt your very own Elf!

{Santa Kisses from Your Elf with Free Printable from I Heart Naptime}

{North Pole Breakfast}

A lot of parents to do a special breakfast when the Elf returns, but who says you have to do it then?  Check out these North Pole Breakfast ideas here, here, and here!  I bet your kids would like it anytime in December.

{Elf Sneaking Some Chocolate}

{Playing Minecraft}

{Miniature Elf Door}

{Cutting Paper Snowflakes}

{Elf Doctor Note}

{Elf Hot Cocoa Party– with Free Printables}

{K-Cup Refueling Station}

{Elf & Friends Pizza Party}

{Frozen by Elsa….Brrrr!  Photo by Stacy McNeil}

{Super Elf}

Check out these free superhero printables

{Marshmellow Bath}

{Gone Fishing}

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{Magic Seeds from the North Pole}

…my personal favorite from East Coast Mommy

{TP’s Christmas Tree}

{Ziplining…How Cool Is This?!}

{Roasting Marshmallows Around a Campfire}

{Playing a Game of Twister}

{Operation Elf on the Shelf}

{Circus Elf}

{Elf Kissing Booth– with Free Printable}

{Elf Sack Race}

{Message in Toothpaste with New Toothbrushes from the North Pole}

{Hidden Candy Canes Scavenger Hunt}

{Sledding}

{Taking Shower}

{Mini Donuts}

{Snowball Fight}

{Snow Angel in Flour}

{Elf is Trapped}

{Swinging}

{Reading the Christmas Story}

{Sunbathing}

{Elf Spaghetti for Movie Night}

{Emailing Santa}

{Milk & Cookies}

{Toy Donation Letter}

{Watching a Movie}

{Rudolph Noses on Mirror}

{Sitting in the Nativity}

{Jesus/Santa Letter}

{A Treehouse}

{Glowstick Dance Party}

{Dinosaur Rides}

{Elf Stew}

{Photobooth Printable}

{Coloring Sheets}

{Niceness Alerts}

{Spidey the Elf}

{Baking Cookies}

{Mickey Ears}

{Rocketship}

Whew!  There you have it!  50+ creative ideas for you family Elf!  I hope you enjoy this Christmas season, and savor the giggles from your littles when they discover what your Elf’s been up to!  Merry Christmas!