Jessica Chenoweth 
It’s that dreaded time of year… I mean it’s that JOYFUL time of year when Elf on the Shelf returns to your home!
Let’s be honest, this innocent trend intended to get your kids to get into the holiday spirit has become an overwhelming idea that leaves many parents longing for the day their kids no longer get it. Why it may be fun at first, finding new things for your Elf to do nightly can be quite the task. So to help out parents this year, here are a ton of different ideas that you can use this year to help lighten the load:
The Elf on the Shelf’s Arrival
If your kid is eagerly awaiting your Elf’s arrival, start with a countdown to when he or she gets here. He usually arrives between November 24 through December 1st, also known as Scout Elf Return week. Maybe your Elf can send a postcard announcing their return or maybe that mysterious mess in the house is actually just the Elf getting ready (and it’s a good excuse not to clean up the living room each night). Once he or she gets here, there are a bunch of different ways they can make their entrance including in a box direct from the North Pole or even a balloon arrival:
And if you need another week, there is still airline staff shortages and his flight could be delayed a couple weeks… just saying…
What To Do When Your Elf Gets Here
So your Elf is here, now what? Each morning your child is going to expect to wake up to your Elf getting into some mischief around the house. After about a week you might run out of new ideas and that is okay. Thankfully the internet is here are have a TON of easy ideas that can help you think of something new and exciting:
https://www.womansday.com/life/g29515335/elf-on-the-shelf-ideas/
https://www.countryliving.com/diy-crafts/g22690552/funny-elf-on-the-shelf-ideas/
https://mommypoppins.com/kids/christmashanukkah/30-elf-on-the-shelf-ideas
Make it REALLY Easy On Yourself
Remember, your Elf doesn’t need to get into mischief every night. Sometimes he can just hide in new places and the trick is to get your child to search for him. Here is a great list of super simple things to when it all gets too much:
Walmart and Amazon are Your Friends
When all else fails, thank goodness we have online shopping! I saw these cute sets at Walmart with activities for your Elf to do while monitoring your house:
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Insta-Moment-Pop-Ups/822411033
If you want to make it SUPER easy, here is a set from Amazon that will cover your Elf’s full 24 days in your home:
The Elf on the Elf Says Goodbye
On Christmas Eve your Elf will fly home with Santa when he drops off presents for your family. Usually a letter is left by the Elf for your child to read on Christmas morning. With buying presents, cooking, wrapping, cleaning and all the million other things you have to do at Christmas time, writing a letter might just be the straw on the camels almost broken back. Once again, internet to the rescue! Here are some FREE letters you can simply print out and then you are done:
Good luck parents! We all know you’ll need it….
