The Elf on the Shelf has become a beloved Christmas tradition in many households. The idea is that Santa sends his scout elves to homes to watch over children’s behavior leading up to Christmas. Every night, after the kids go to bed, the elf flies back to the North Pole to report to Santa. In the morning, the elf has returned and is found in a new spot in the house!
Parents have gotten quite creative with where they position the elf each night. However, there’s one rule that cannot be broken – you cannot touch the elf! Only Santa and his scout elves can touch each other. So how do parents move the elf to a new location without picking it up?
Use a stick or backscratcher
One of the most popular tools for elf manipulation is a stick or backscratcher. These allow you to push, pull, or position the elf from a distance. Look for one with a hook or loop on the end that can be positioned under the elf’s arms. Slowly maneuver the elf to the desired spot. This takes some practice, but once you get the hang of it, a stick or backscratcher provides excellent control.
Use string
Tie a piece of string around the elf’s waist. Make sure it’s tied securely, but not too tight. Then slowly pull the string to move the elf across a surface or lower/raise it from above. The string allows you to get creative with the elf’s positioning. You can hang it from door frames or ceiling fans, suspend it mid-air, or even “fly” it through the air with a swinging motion. Just be gentle so as not to knock the elf over.
Use a balloon
Static electricity can be your friend when moving the elf stealthily. Blow up a balloon and rub it back and forth across your hair to create static. Then slowly lower the balloon near the elf, and the static cling should lift the elf off the surface it’s on. Carefully reposition the balloon to move the elf through the air into place. The balloon method enables aerial repositioning of the elf without ever having to touch it.
Use a homemade slingshot
Construct a simple slingshot using an old sock or pantyhose leg, rubber bands, and a plastic spoon or popsicle stick. Place the elf in the sock/pantyhose cradle and pull back on the spoon/stick. (You may want to practice your aim first with a stuffed animal!) Adjust the angle and release gently to “sling” the elf into a new location. This adds an element of silliness and fun to the annual tradition.
Use paper or cardboard
Slide a sturdy sheet of paper, cardstock or cardboard underneath the elf. Then simply glide the elf on top of the surface into your desired position. Lowering the paper edge closest to you can help “tip” the elf off into a new pose or location. Large pieces of cardboard are great for relocating elves to high shelves or the top of the fridge.
Use a pool skimmer
A pool skimmer with a wide shallow net on the end can scoop up the elf without having to touch it. Carefully position the net under or around the elf’s body, then lift and transfer to a new spot. The elf may slide around a bit, so operate gently. This is perfect for positioning the elf in hard-to-reach places like chandeliers and ceiling fans.
Use a hair dryer
Aim a hair dryer on the cool setting at the elf to blow it across a smooth surface. The gentle air flow will push the lightweight elf forward. Tilt and angle the dryer carefully to steer the elf where you want it to go. Just be sure not to blow the elf off a table or shelf accidentally!
Other creative ideas
In addition to specialized tools, there are other creative ways to relocate your scout elf:
- Use a broom or mop handle to gently push the elf
- Carefully angle a tilted mirror to reflect where you want the elf positioned
- Construct a ramp or slide out of cardboard and let gravity move the elf
- Place the elf in a remote control car and drive it to a new location
- Attach a piece of candy or magnet to a string and try to pick up/move the elf
- Gently blow through a straw to push the elf across a smooth surface
Avoid traps and damage
While coming up with clever ways to relocate your elf, be very careful not to damage it. Avoid traps like mousetraps, crushed wrapping paper, or encasing the elf in slime. And never hang the elf from a ceiling fan blade! The goal is to move the elf whimsically, not subject the poor little scout to harm.
Get the whole family involved
Brainstorm ideas and tools for contactless elf transit as a family. Have each person pick a night to stage the elf scene. The kids will love engineering ways to move the elf without touching it! Just remind them not to wake up early and catch anyone in the act.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can’t you touch an Elf on the Shelf?
According to the Christmas tale, scout elves get their magic from Santa. If anyone other than another Christmas elf touches them, they can lose their magic. Touching the elf also compromises its mission of reporting back to Santa each night on the kids’ behavior.
What if the elf falls or gets touched accidentally?
Don’t worry if your elf topples over or someone touches it by mistake. Simply write a short apology note to Santa explaining what happened. Something like “Dear Santa, I’m sorry I fell off the shelf today. I hope I can still watch the children. Please bring more magic!” Let the kids read the note out loud and magically restore the elf’s powers.
How do you make an elf hang off a shelf or ceiling?
Use dental floss, fishing line, or invisible thread tied around the elf’s waist to create a rappelling or “flying” effect. Tape the other end out of sight. You can also use small command hooks to “hang” the thread so the elf appears suspended in midair.
What if my children try to catch me moving the elf?
Remind them that spying on the elf or trying to catch Santa’s magic at work will put them on the naughty list! Having an adult helper move the elf when the kids aren’t home can also avoid blown cover stories.
What if we forgot to move our Elf on the Shelf one night?
Write a note from your elf explaining that it got back late from the North Pole and didn’t want to wake anyone by moving. Or that it was up late enjoying hot cocoa and cookies and overslept past its moving time. The kids will just be excited it’s back again!
Conclusion
Moving your Elf on the Shelf without directly touching it has become an art form. With some creativity and the right tools, you can stage fun and imaginative elf scenes nightly during the holiday season. Just be cautious not to handle the elf itself or damage it. Part of the magic is finding the scout elf in new and unexpected spots each morning. Get innovative with strings, cardboard, balloons, and static electricity to maneuver your elf in delightfully sneaky ways.