Elf on the Shelf is a relatively new tradition, but families seem to be having great fun with it.
The elf can spring up in any number of scenarios, watching over children to make sure that they are behaving for Santa. Kids can't touch the elves, or their 'magic goes away'.
However, adults have been having fun with the elf, posting inventive solutions to what the elf is up to that day on their social media.
There have been elves poking out from behind toilet rolls and elves roasting marshmallows above a fire.
It's always fun to have your elf sat in a quirky position, so we've got a selection of fun suggestions to help you keep your hiding places and positions inventive throughout the lead-up to Christmas.
Quick and easy Elf on the Shelf ideas for Christmas
Here is a useful list of great ideas for you and your family to use with the elf in the days coming up to Christmas:
- Elf bringing a secret letter
- Chess-playing Elf
- Elf ringing the doorbell
- Camping Elf
- Hitch-hiking Elf
- Elf sleeping in bed
- Elf climbing the Christmas tree
- Elf with a cup of tea
- Elf watching TV
- Washing up Elf
- Drummer Elf on the pots and pans
- Elf studying for a test
- Elf reading a book
- Elf on the phone
- Present wrapping Elf
- Elf at a disco
- Elf on the podium (Olympic medals, Formula 1)
- Elf in a hide-and-seek pose
- Elf in the fridge
- Chef Elf
- Elf driving a toy car
- Snowball fight Elf
- Elf on his travels (he might need a small suitcase)
Don't be afraid to think outside the box. You could have elf playing football, elf doing the cooking, or even elf playing the PlayStation.
You could also mix up some themes as well, perhaps Elf could be in with some of your other decorations? It would be an important job for Elf to check in on the nativity scene, or make sure the tree decorations are just right.
What is Elf on the Shelf?
Elf on the Shelf is a more recent, but fun tradition that originated in the US and has since gained popularity in the UK.
The elf began in 2005 as a character in a children's book.
The book tells the story of how Santa Claus sends a scout elf to check if children are being naughty or nice.
It has since grown into merchandise and became a viral tradition, where Christmas-loving families come up with creative ways to display the elf.
Elf on a Shelf also sparked an internet meme, where people would type the words "you've heard of elf on a shelf, now get ready for...".
Underneath would be a photograph of something photoshopped onto another item, like 'Lil Wayne on a plane', 'Snape on a vape' or even 'Shrek on a deck'.
