There are a few simple rules that come with Elf on the Shelf, but little ones might find them hard to remember at times. That’s why we created this Elf on the Shelf Rules Printable for you!
You can print it out and place it somewhere your kids will always see it, making it easy for the kids to keep track of the Elf on the Shelf rules.
Whether you’re new to having an Elf or just want to switch things up with some fresh rules, the excitement never fades!
Elf On The Shelf Rules Printable
Now that your Elf has joined the family, it’s time to explain how it all works. Don’t worry, I’ve made it simple for you to introduce the Elf on the Shelf rules to them!
When starting this fun holiday tradition, it’s best to go over the rules with your kids as soon as the elf arrives in your home. The elf isn’t just a cute holiday decoration—it’s part of a magical tradition where the elf watches over the family and reports back to Santa each night.
Remember to emphasize that the elf is a “look but don’t touch” friend, as touching the elf can make its magic disappear. Each morning, the elf will move to a new spot, adding excitement as the kids search for it. Sharing these guidelines early on will help set the stage for a fun and memorable Christmas season!
Our elf ‘Bobby’ has been visiting our house for almost 10 years now. I understand just how annoying the elf can be for parents; coming up with new ideas and of course, remembering to move them every night.
But I continue to do it year after year because the way my kids love it is just so sweet. Even the older kids love helping my little guy find Bobby in the mornings to see what trouble he has gotten himself into.
Be sure to check out my Lazy Moms Guide to Elf on the Shelf to see some easy ideas that your kids will love, plus tips on remembering to move your elf.
Elf On The Shelf Rules Every Parent Should Know
So, you’re diving into the holiday tradition of Elf on the Shelf? Let me tell you, it’s magical but, oh boy, do you need to know the ropes to make it really fly.
First off, remember, no touching the elf; they lose their magic, and we can’t have that. Then, giving your elf a name makes them a real part of the family.
And understanding the elf’s role? They’re Santa’s eyes and ears, watching over to report who’s naughty or nice. Stick to these rules, and you’re in for a season filled with giggles, mystery, and a touch of elf magic.
Elf On The Shelf Rules
So, what are the rules for your elf on a shelf? There are only four and they are very simple and straightforward.
- Do not touch the elf. If you touch the elf, they may lose their magic. This means they won’t be able to fly back to the North Pole and report to Santa. This could affect their ability to help Santa know if you’re on the naughty or nice list, so it’s important to keep their magic intact!
- Elves cannot move or speak during the day. This sets the stage for kids to understand that they will not see the elf move or talk. Instead of them constantly questioning you about why their elf won’t talk to them, this sets the expectation from day one that the elf won’t speak to them. Always remind them that although your elf won’t talk back, they are always listening.
- Your elf will report back to Santa every night. Every night, your elf will magically journey back to the North Pole to report back to Santa. That’s why it is important to be kind and have good behavior. When they return in the morning they will have gotten into some sort of mischief and will have moved to a different spot in your home.
- Elves must return to the North Pole on Christmas Eve so they can help Santa prepare for Christmas. Every year, your elf will return back to the North Pole until the next year rolls around and it’s time to do this all over again. This is an easy night where you can print out a goodbye letter from your elf.
You’ll notice on the Elf Rules Printable, that the rules are written a bit differently. I broke them down in a way I feel is easier to explain to kids, and easier for them to understand.
What is The Most Important Rule of Elf On The Shelf?
The most important rule of Elf on the Shelf is not to touch the elf. If the elf is touched, they may lose their magic, which prevents them from returning to the North Pole to report to Santa.
This rule helps keep the magic of the tradition alive and makes the experience more exciting for children.
BUT, inevitably, the elf will get touched at some point. Whether it’s by accident or because a little one decides the elf will make a great friend to play with, it will happen. So what should you do when the elf gets touched?
Don’t make it a big deal. Gently remind the culprit that they can’t touch the elf and now you’ll have to watch carefully to make sure he doesn’t lose his magic. Then move the elf to a safe location that little hands can’t reach.
In my house, my kids know that mom and dad are allowed to touch the elf if we need to. That way if I need to move the elf to a safer location, my kids don’t cry because I’m making him lose his magic.
However, unless it’s an emergency, I never move him in front of my kids. That way my kids stay under the assumption that our elf moved himself while they were in another room.
Importance of Setting Rules for the Elf Experience
Ever wonder why we obsess over elf on a shelf rules during the holiday season? Let me tell you, it’s not just to add more to our already packed to-do lists.
The whole fun of the Elf on the Shelf comes from having rules! Without them, kids would get bored fast. Picture the elf just sitting there every day with no fun tricks or suspense about what it’ll tell Santa!
It’s the elf rules that keep the fun going, turning every morning into a mini adventure. The Elf on the Shelf rules are basically our guide for the season, creating a story full of magic and imagination for the kids.
Free Printable Elf Rules PDF
Ready to get your Free Elf Rules Printable? It’s very simple:
- Click here to access the free PDF.
- Download the file by clicking the download button on the page. The file contains all 9 variations of the rules. You can choose which ones to print. Keep in mind that a few have backgrounds that are more color-heavy than others.
- Save the PDF to your device for easy access.
- The Elf Rules PDF is available for personal and classroom use only. Please do not redistribute or use it for commercial purposes. Thank you!
What is Elf on the Shelf?
So, what’s all the buzz about Elf on the Shelf? If you’re scratching your head, wondering why this little elf has taken holiday traditions by storm, let me lay it out for you. Imagine having a small scout elf visiting from the North Pole, tasked with monitoring the naughty and nice lists.
Your elf is here to add a little magical “watching” power, making the days before Christmas super exciting and a bit suspenseful for the kids.
The whole idea is that the elf keeps an eye on them during the day, then heads back to Santa each night to spill the beans on whether they’ve been naughty or nice.
The Fun and Magic It Adds to the Holiday Season
Ever thought about why Christmas gets so much more fun when you’ve got an Elf on the Shelf around? It’s like a game every morning, finding where the little guy ended up after flying off to Santa.
And it’s not just the kids who love it. We all get in on the action, planning the elf’s next move and sharing in the laughter. Yes, it can be annoying and hard to remember, but it’s all worth it when you see how happy it makes your kids.
Fun Ideas for Elf Activities
Ever found yourself scratching your head, trying to come up with some awesome Elf on the Shelf ideas that’ll wow your kids? I sure have. Let’s face it, we want to keep the magic of Elf Magic alive and kicking with Elf activities that are not just creative but super easy to pull off, even in the busiest of Decembers.
Whether it’s your very first Elf on the Shelf visit or you’re a seasoned pro looking for new inspiration, remember, the goal here is to add sparkle, not stress, to your holiday season. So, how about setting up an elf classroom, complete with mini-books and a chalkboard?
Or maybe your elf could bring back a letter from Santa himself, causing excitement at the breakfast table?
And for those looking for something really simple, why not have your elf deliver a special elf on shelf letter, setting the scene for a month of fun? The possibilities are endless and the memories priceless.
Final Thoughts On The Elf Rules Printable
The printable Elf on the Shelf rules sheet is a tool to easily explain and remind your kids about why we don’t touch the elf and how it magically moves around. It’s visual, it’s straightforward, and it simplifies introducing the very first Elf on the Shelf visit or keeping the tradition going strong.
Have you guys had any hilariously awesome Elf on the Shelf moments? I’m dying to hear about your creative spins on this tradition. Drop your stories below and let’s spread some holiday cheer!
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Merry Christmas!!
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