According to the latest statistics from the North American market research firm Ipsos, approximately 20% of families with children ages six and under own an “Elf on the Shelf” toy. Even though this amounts to a relatively small percentage of families worldwide, the Elf on the Shelf has quickly become a cultural icon in the United States and Canada for holiday season festivities.
The elf is based on the book of the same name, published in 2005, and quickly became a best-selling Christmas product. The toy has been featured on various television shows and serves to highlight the idea of a “spy elf” that reports back to Santa every night.
Despite the popularity of the toy, other research shows that it can create a sense of anxiety in children due to the idea of having an all-seeing spy in their home.
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How many people do Elf on a Shelf?
The exact number of people involved with Elf on the Shelf is unknown; however, the product is designed and developed by a small group of people in the United States. The books are written by author Carol Aebersold, and her daughter Chanda Bell serves as the company’s chief operating officer and chief elf officer.
The books have also been translated into other languages, requiring an additional team of people.
In addition to these core team members, there are many other people involved in the success of Elf on a Shelf. They include photographers, retail staff, store managers, marketing personnel, event planners and more.
The product is distributed through major retailers, so there is also a large network of warehouse personnel, suppliers, truckers, and other professionals working to ensure the products are safely and efficiently shipped.
Finally, the millions of families who purchase Elf on a Shelf each year play an important role in contributing to the success of the product. Purchasing the toy each year creates a network of “elves in the home,” rallying around the cause of making the holiday season even more special.
How many elf on a shelf are there?
At the time of writing, there is only one official Elf on the Shelf doll available for purchase. This includes one 18-inch scout elf doll with the book, The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition. However, there are also several supplemental accessories and clothing options available to purchase separately, such as Elf Pets and Elf outfits.
Additionally, many parents create their own additional elf dolls to add to their holiday fun. The possibilities are endless when it comes to imaginative play, and there’s no limit to how many Elf on the Shelf dolls can exist in one’s home.
Is it one Elf on the Shelf per family?
No, there is no limit to the amount of Elf on the Shelf that a family can have. A family could have one Elf, two Elves, or even multiple Elves depending on their family’s traditions and preferences. Since it is a tradition that families can keep up from year to year, some families may choose to build up their Elf on the Shelf “collection” over the years.
It is also possible for families to give Elves to friends or family members as a present. Aside from buying them at physical stores, many families also create home-made Elves as part of the holiday spirit.
Ultimately, the amount of Elf on the Shelf is up to the family and can depend on how large the family is, how many children are in the household, and even how much space there is for the Elves to hide in.
Does everyone do Elf on the Shelf?
No, not everyone does Elf on the Shelf. Elf on the Shelf has become a relatively new tradition, pioneered and popularized in the mid-2000s. According to the official website, it is “a special scout elf sent from the North Pole to help Santa Claus manage his naughty and nice lists.
” The elf arrives in early December and remains until Christmas Eve, moving around the house each night and providing opportunities for family bonding, educational activities, and fun. While it has become a popular Christmas ritual for many families, some choose not to do Elf on the Shelf because of the extra work it requires and the uncertain message it may send to children regarding Santa’s surveillance.
There are also those who believe it takes away from the true spirit of Christmas – the emphasis on giving and spending time with family – that should take center stage. Whether or not people do Elf on the Shelf is ultimately up to each individual family and what they feel comfortable with.
Do parents move the Elf on the Shelf yes or no?
Yes, parents do generally move the Elf on the Shelf. The Elf on the Shelf is a storybook and stuffed elf that is meant to help create a Christmas tradition where young children can enjoy the spirit of Christmas through the playful antics of their special elf.
According to the storybook, the elf is sent from the North Pole to observe children and report back to Santa regarding their behavior. Throughout the nights leading up to Christmas, the elf moves to different areas of the home as a nod to how Santa knows when children are sleeping, as he watches over his kids.
The tradition of moving the elf during the holiday season helps to foster a sense of excitement and wonder in children as they wait for Santa’s arrival. Parents or caregivers who want to participate in this holiday tradition should keep in mind that the elf is meant to remain a mystery, so it’s best to move it outside of the view of children.
What to do if your child finds an Elf on the Shelf?
If your child finds an Elf on the Shelf, the first thing to do is to explain to them the idea behind the Elf on the Shelf. Explain to them that he’s been sent from the North Pole to watch over them and report back to Santa so that Santa can determine if the child was naughty or nice.
Assure them that their elf won’t be able to talk or move so there’s no need to be scared and it’s ok to have him around.
Once you’ve explained to your child about the Elf on the Shelf, have some fun with it! Have your child give their Elf a name, decide on a spot for the Elf to rest each night and come up with creative ideas for the Elf to do each day.
You can move the Elf each day and have the Elf get into some fun and lighthearted mischievousness.
Encourage your child to talk to their Elf – they don’t have to do it out loud, but they can tell their Elf what they did that day, how they’re feeling, etc. This is a great way to open up the dialogue with your child and to foster a sense of trust between your child and their Elf.
Finally, take lots of pictures of the Elf in different places! This is a great way to capture some fun memories of your child with their Elf on the Shelf.
What age do kids stop believing in elf on Shelf?
As it is ultimately up to the individual and their parents. For some kids, the fascination with the elf and its tradition will last until they reach adulthood. For others, their interest may wane as they get into their tween or teen years.
In general, most kids start to outgrow the Elf on the Shelf in elementary school, once they are more capable of grasping the idea that the elf does not actually move around on its own. Additionally, the stories and games associated with Elf on the Shelf become less magical and whimsical as children get a bit older and become more interested in other activities.
Is 10 too old to believe in Santa?
No, 10 is not too old to believe in Santa! Everyone is allowed to believe in whatever they want, and there is no age limit when it comes to believing in Santa. In fact, there are plenty of adults who still enjoy the fun and magic of the holiday season and believe in Santa.
After all, Santa is not just a fictional character – he has come to symbolize the spirit of giving that’s so important during the holidays. Despite being older, a child at 10 years old is still young and should be encouraged to cling to the innocence and joy of childhood, including the wonder of Santa Claus.
Can 10 year olds Touch Elf on the Shelf?
No, 10 year olds should not touch Elf on the Shelf. According to the official Elf on the Shelf website, the elf is meant to be a special magical friend and not a toy, so kids should not be playing with it or touching it.
The tradition of the elf is that it is only touched by Santa and his elves in the North Pole. If your 10 year old touches Elf on the Shelf, it will break the special bond between them and the words may not work anymore.
Therefore, the best way to keep the elf special is to refrain from touching it. However, if the child is overly curious, you can explain the importance of keeping their special elf safe and follow the traditions of the Elf on the Shelf!.
What age do you tell your child Santa isn’t real?
The age at which you tell your child Santa isn’t real is ultimately up to you and your individual family’s beliefs. Depending on when and how they ask, it’s best to be honest, yet also sensitive and kind.
You may want to start off by saying something along the lines of, “Santa is an idea of giving that comes from our hearts. He is a symbol of love and kindness, grown-ups give gifts to remind us of how special we are.
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Another approach is allowing your child to learn the truth of Santa when they’re ready, without the pressure to either believe or not. Encourage your child to ask questions and explain that some people believe and some don’t.
This way, your child can come to develop their own understanding of Santa unhindered by the influence of your opinion.
When your child asks at what age they should stop believing in Santa, it would be important to explain to them that it’s different for everyone. You can explain that it’s a personal decision and that they’ll be ready when they feel they’re ready.
Needless to say, their understanding and beliefs will evolve with their age, maturity and experience.
What age is elf appropriate for?
Elf is appropriate for viewers of all ages, although it is rated PG. The movie is lighthearted, humorous, and does not contain any inappropriate content. Parents may wish to determine if the movie is suitable for younger children, as there are some intense scenes (such as a car crash and Buddy’s journey to and from the North Pole) that could be too much for very young viewers.
Generally, Elf is a fantastic family movie, appropriate for anyone who enjoys holiday-themed content and a good laugh!.
Should I tell my kid about Elf on the Shelf?
Whether or not you decide to tell your child about Elf on the Shelf is ultimately a decision that you will have to make. Most parents think of Elf on the Shelf as a fun way to bring a bit of Christmas magic into the holidays, as well as a way to encourage children to be on their best behavior.
For some, having an elf visible in the home allows for conversations about why it matters to be kind and follow rules.
While there is no right or wrong answer when it comes to this, it is worth considering how your child may react to introducing Elf on the Shelf into their home. Some children may find the elf endearing and enjoy having a helpful holiday companion around.
Other children may be uncomfortable with having an “intruder” in the home or may not understand why they need to obey the elf’s rules. It may also be helpful to keep in mind that some children might find it hard to cope with the elf disappearing after Christmas, potentially leaving behind a feeling of sadness or anxiety.
Ultimately, it is up to you to decide if the concept of Elf on the Shelf is something you wish to introduce into your home.
Is Elf on the Shelf good for kids?
Elf on the Shelf is becoming increasingly popular among parents looking for creative and fun ways to involve their children in the holiday spirit during the Christmas season. While the Elf on the Shelf is a fun and creative way to engage children in the Christmas spirit, it is important to understand what it teaches children as well.
The Elf on the Shelf teaches children that steps must be taken to be “good” and receive “rewards” by adhering to rules and regulations. In the story, the elf is the “watchful eye” of Santa Claus, and children internalize this message by assuming Santa is watching.
There is potential for young children to focus too much on behavior modification in order to get rewards, which can cause them to focus more on extrinsic rewards as opposed to developing intrinsic values.
Additionally, some argue that it can be used as a tool for instilling fear in children, as the story implies that the elf knows whether someone is being “good” or “bad. ” And because the elf interacts with play things and moves around the house, it has the potential to scare, confuse, or otherwise be too much for toddlers or younger children.
Despite the potential concerns, many families find holiday magic and fun with Elf on the Shelf, as long as parents avoid using it to scare or manipulate children. With this said, it is important for parents to recognize Elf on the Shelf as another tool in their toolbox to help guide their children’s behavior and nurture a positive environment.
Obesity and inactivity are important health concerns, so any activities that encourage children to be creative and interact with their family makes a positive contribution. All things considered, it is ultimately up to parents to decide if Elf on the Shelf is a good fit for their family.
Is elf the movie good for a 5 year old?
It depends on a few factors. Elf is a fairly lighthearted and family friendly movie, and kids around 5 years old may enjoy its humor and characters. It carries a PG rating, which more accurately reflects its more moderate level of content.
Still, there are occasional references to sex, some mild language, and a few mildly frightening scenes, so parents should consider their 5 year old’s disposition carefully before allowing them to watch.
For the most part, however, it’s a lighthearted, fun movie that younger kids would likely enjoy.
