What is the story behind the Christmas elf?
Elf on the Shelf is a Christmas tradition where a special scout is sent to your home from the North Pole to encourage kids to behave themselves. The idea is that Santa’s little helper watches the children by day, and each night, it returns to the North Pole to report on whether they were naughty or nice.
When did Christmas elves become a thing?
The Christmas elf character was first introduced in 1856 when writer Louisa May Alcott wrote a book entitled “Christmas Elves”, which never got published. It came later than the character of Santa Claus, which emerged in the early 17th century in American folklore.
Where does the elf tradition come from?
The Elf on the Shelf tradition started back in 2005 when Carol Aebersold and her daughter Chanda Bell, self-published the book “The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition” along with a special box with a small Scout Elf inside.
How did Santa get his elves?
When looking for candidates to work in this capacity, Santa wants hard-working, empathetic elves – who he finds by using psychometric testing. The Christmas Sleigh doesn’t just get used at Christmas – in fact, it’s Santa’s chosen mode of transport in all seasons.
Why was Elf on the Shelf created?
The Elf on the Shelf was written in 2004 by Carol Aebersold and her daughter Chanda Bell. Bell suggested they write a book about an old tradition of an elf sent from Santa who came to watch over children at Christmas time.
Who created elves?
Spenser also presented his own explanation of the origins of the Elfe and Elfin kynd, claiming that they were created by Prometheus. Likewise, William Shakespeare, in a speech in Romeo and Juliet (1592) has an “elf-lock” (tangled hair) being caused by Queen Mab, who is referred to as “the fairies’ midwife”.
How do you get a Elf on the Shelf to come to your house early?
Tips for Getting Your Elf to Come Back Early
- Write a note.
- Host a celebration.
- Make fake snow.
- Create a welcome zone.
- Put candy out.