{"id":1937,"date":"2022-12-02T06:06:00","date_gmt":"2022-12-02T06:06:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.duluthpack.com\/blogs\/?p=1937"},"modified":"2022-12-01T18:18:59","modified_gmt":"2022-12-01T18:18:59","slug":"the-history-of-the-elf-on-the-shelf","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.duluthpack.com\/blogs\/the-history-of-the-elf-on-the-shelf\/","title":{"rendered":"The History of The Elf on the Shelf"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

While Duluth Pack has been around for over 140 years, The Elf on the Shelf is a newer tradition. Carol Aebersold and her two daughters brought this tradition to the public when they released their self-published book and elf kit, Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition<\/em>. Since they shared this family tradition with the world, this little elf has joined many households. Elf on the Shelf has parents up into the night’s wee hours, staging mischievous scenes and posing this little Elf for their children to find in the morning! Suppose this is your first time hearing about Elf on the Shelf, and you want to add some holiday spirit to your traditions. In that case, Duluth Pack has some answers for commonly asked Elf on the Shelf questions!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Did The Elf On The Shelf Begin? <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Carol Aebersold grew up with her family having an Elf on the Shelf named Frisbee. Carol shared her family tradition of the Elf on the Shelf with the world in 2005. According to the Taste of Home, her book and elf kit, Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition<\/em>, became a media sensation in 2007. This was when actress Jennifer Garner was seen with the self-published book and kit. Now Elf on the Shelf continues to grow and has become a Christmas tradition in many households.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What Is The Elf On The Shelf?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Elf on the Shelf is a small doll character wearing red clothing trimmed in white, and they also wear white mittens. This scout elf works on the premise that when they arrive, they are scouting the children\u2019s behavior and flying back to the North Pole with a report for Santa. The elf then tells Santa if the kids have been good or not and deserving of gifts. This helps encourage children to stay good for the whole month of December.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

What Are The Rules Of The Elf On The Shelf? <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Elf on the Shelf is a relatively easy activity when it comes to the rules of the elf. There are only three simple rules you need to know to keep the magic of Elf on the Shelf going.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. The elf CANNOT be touched. If the elf is touched, they will lose their magic.<\/li>
  2. Scout elves cannot talk, but they are great listeners. Children can share secrets and their holiday wishes with the elves anytime.<\/li>
  3. Scout elves must return to the North Pole on Christmas Eve to help Santa prepare for the next Christmas.<\/li><\/ol>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

    What Age Is Appropriate For Elf on the Shelf?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    You can start Elf on the Shelf for kids at any age, but many people begin at ages 2-3. Starting at this age allows the tradition to solidify for young kids. As kids get older and age out of Elf on the Shelf, you can change their role. Older kids can help think of and set up the Elf on the Shelf! By allowing them to participate in the fun, they can help keep the magic alive for their siblings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    What Can You Do With The Elf On The Shelf? <\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    The Elf on the Shelf is known for getting into things and making small messes for the children to find the next day. For great ideas on what to do with the Elf on the Shelf, you can read Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition<\/em>, or we have also listed some other options!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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