10 Elf on the Shelf rules every parent needs to know - Netmums (2024)

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Most Elves leave the North Pole to join their adoptive families during Scout Elf Return Week, according to the official Elf on the Shelf website.

Return week falls between the end of November and beginning of December. This year it's Thursday 24 November to Thursday 1 December 2022.

Most US Elves tend to get to their families after Thanksgiving, while Elves on their way to UK families usually get here around 1 December.

Not all Elves arrive on the same day though. Some have to stay behind to help Santa with urgent tasks at the North Pole for a few days first, so if yours is a bit late, that's probably why.

If you haven't adopted an Elf yet, then they'll arrive once you've completed the adoption process.

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Elves need a fair amount of magic to fly to the North Pole every night. To help activate this magic you need to give them a name.

Lots of people choose festive names for their Elves – such as Tinkerbell or Baubles – but you can name them whatever you want … Gary, Baz.

If you're stuck for inspiration, some of the most popular Elf names include:

- Buddy
- Twinkle
- Jack
- Jingles
- Snowflake

Get even more Elf-naming inspiration in our forum.

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Elves help Father Christmas out by flying back to the North Pole every night and letting him know who's been naughty and nice.

Kids should try and behave well when the Elf's around or apologise if they do something Santa wouldn't approve of. They don't want to find themselves on the naughty list after all!

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Elves come back from the North Pole and land in a different spot every day.

Part of the fun of adopting an Elf is when the kids rush around excitedly looking for them in the morning. They could be hiding in your tree, or tucked up in your cutlery drawer, who knows?!

Sometimes they can be mischievous and get in a bit of trouble, sometimes they're nice and calm, all Elves are different

Occasionally, Elves might look like they're in the same spot as yesterday. But if you look closely they've usually moved slightly and are just testing your observation skills. They can be cunning like that.

Here are some of the funny tricks your Elf on the Shelf could get up to and tight spots they might find themselves in.

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No matter how much kids watch their Elf they won't see them move or hear them speak. Elves save up their magic and move when children are all tucked up in bed.

Sometimes adults might spot movement from the corner of their eye, but it's VERY rare that adults see elves move or hear them speak of their own accord either.

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Tempting as it is, kids should try to avoid touching their Elf on the Shelf at all times! If elves are touched they can lose their magic and won't be able to fly back to the North Pole.

Don't worry if your Elf gets touched by accident though, there are ways to get that magic back. The official Elf on the Shelf website suggests the following:

– writing a note to Santa to explain what happened so he can help restore their magic

– sprinkling cinnamon next to your Elf. Cinnamon is like vitamins and will give them enough energy to fly to the North Pole and see the Elf doctor

– singing a Christmas carol with your family. This will create enough Christmas magic to make your Elf feel better

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Even adults shouldn't touch Elves as it can zap their magic but there are some occasions when it's ok.

Your Elf might have flown back from the North Pole and landed somewhere that could cause them harm if they stay there for a long time. Somewhere like in a pile of mud or food, or in the path of the family dog for example. Or they could have landed on a school bag when it's time for school or the sink when you need to brush your teeth.

In cases like this, the rules state that adults can touch the Elf but wherever possible you should use tongs to prevent damaging their magic!

If their magic does get damaged, no worries, see above for how to get it back.

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Official Elves on the Shelf and many others have the CE mark, which shows they meet all European safety standards – check yours when adopting.

However, they should still try not to land near the fire, candles or any hot electrical items such as lamps as it might not end well. See this Elf's sore bottom for an example, or the Elf that got erm, accidentally cooked. And you don't want kids putting themselves in danger trying to get a closer look either.

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Your family Elf will be nipping back to see Santa every night so your kids can always give them a letter for the big man to take on their way.

Elf on the Shelf does official Elf-size letter kits and replies but we're sure Santa can write normal-sized letters himself, too.

Here's a few more ideas for writing a letter to Santa.

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All good things come to an end and your Elf will have to head back to the North Pole on 24 December to help Santa get ready for next year.

They sometimes leave a note or little gift, such as new pyjamas, for your child to say bye and see you next year.

Sometimes your Elf might get special dispensation from Santa to stay and see in Christmas Day with your family, particularly if your child is too upset for them to go just yet or they have a couple of sherries on Christmas Eve and it's not safe to fly.