Elf on the Shelf 24 days of Mischief
Believe it or not, last year was the first that an Elf came to visit our family. I know, I can’t believe we got away with it for so long! But, I also underestimated all of the work that goes into welcoming one of Santa’s helpers into your home…
Don’t get me wrong, I love Christmas traditions but, I do pick and choose which to implement in our family. This one, well, let’s just say it seemed like too much of a commitment. That is until our oldest was upset that we hadn’t been visited by one of Santa’s little helpers.
So, I did what any mom would do, and kicked it into high gear with the preparations. But, I didn’t get as far along as I’d hoped. So, let’s just say our first year was a flop. Our daughter even gave the elf clothes so she could be free. Writing that now seems so much funnier than when it actually happened.
Let’s just say it’s harder than it looks to come up with a plan after a long day. I for one am not as creative as I could be when I’m tired. If you feel the same way then this post is for you! You need to check out this calendar of Elf Mischief, which is sure to keep the family tradition alive, and the kiddos on their toes.
Feature Image by Lisa Fotios
24 DAYS OF ELF ON THE SHELF MISCHIEF
WEEK ONE
First things first, make sure to check out your free supply list with the instant download above.
Day 1 – Let’s get this party kicked off with a scavenger hunt. While I would love to make up one of my own, I’d rather rely on a tried and true (and festive!) option. And that’s why I decided to print out Kelly’s Christmas scavenger hunt over at PJs and Paint. Kelly also has free printable Elf notecards if you don’t care for my free printable notes. This is up to you, what present is your Elf bringing this year? Remember, your elf is small, this doesn’t need to be a grand gesture. Your Elf wouldn’t be able to carry it all the way from the North Pole anyway.
Day 2 – Okay, time for our first bit of mischief. Have your Elf on the shelf toilet paper the Christmas Tree! But make sure to save that empty roll of TP because you will need it to pull off day three.
Day 3 – Use inexpensive Christmas wrapping paper or red, white, green tissue paper in place of your usual roll of toilet paper. Wrap it around that empty tp roll from day two.
Day 4 – Pick an inconspicuous spot in the kitchen for your Elf to do snow angels in powdered sugar.
Day 5 – Have your elf hang from the candy cane trapeze, in a high traffic doorway. That way he/she can keep an eye on the kiddos all day long.
Day 6** – Elf is missing the cooler temperatures at the North Pole, you will find him in the freezer today requesting a sweet treat!
Day 7** – Hang your elf (on the shelf) from the TV, with a note suggesting the family stream a Christmas movie tonight!
WEEK TWO
Day 8** – To celebrate one week, your Elf will give the kiddos a mini pinata – filled with a mix of christmas candy – mini candy canes, hershey kisses, etc.
Day 9 – copies of your elf on the shelf- if you don’t have a copier at home, you should do this before your elf arrives. The funnier the poses, the better!
Day 10** – Shhhh!!! Being an Elf is hard! All those flights to and from the North Pole can really take a lot out of a little Elf. Today, pour a bag of mini marshmallows in your bathroom sink (don’t forget the note!). Your Elf needs a little R&R with a marshmallow bath. (You will need more mini marshmallows for Day 13, don’t use the whole bag).
Day 11 – Do you kiddos have pet dinosaurs or unicorns? Well, this morning they will catch your Elf going for a fun ride. What? Stuffies just wanna have fun.
Day 12 – Hang your Elf from the advent calendar to keep an eye on the fam today.
Day 13 – I hope you didn’t use the full bag mini marshmallows because today your Elf is having a snowball fight with some of your kiddos favorite toys.
Day 14** – Tuck your Elf in a favorite mug, and have a delicious hot cocoa bomb at the ready. Today your Elf invites your kiddos to enjoy hot cocoa straight from the North Pole!
WEEK THREE
Day 15** – After the snow ball fight, some of the toys had their revenge, and stuffed Elf in an airtight jar. She’s not allowed to come out, unless the kids behave for the entire day.
Day 16 – Your Elf on the shelf is trying to keep some distance from those pesky toys that captured him yesterday. Scotch tape some holiday bows to your Elf’s hands and feet, and use the sticky part of the bows to attach your Elf to a kitchen cabinet, or a wall.
Day 17 – Here’s that third roll of empty toilet paper we need. Just to make sure she’s completely safe, your Elf is hanging from a tp swing today.
Day 18 – Grab your dry erase marker, and leave a jolly message on the bathroom or hallway mirror. Your Elf will be hanging from a nearby doorknob.
Day 19** – Elves can work up an appetite, and one of their favorites? Syrup! Make sure to have 1-3 flexi plastic straws on hand so your Elf can reach to jar of syrup.
Day 20** – Ready to play a game? Use those mini bathroom paper cups, 1 piece of candy of choice (per child; I’m choosing Lindt truffles (yum!)), and have your kiddos flip the cups to find their treat.
Day 21** – Elfie is missing the big guy back in the North Pole. So, he’s printed a coloring page of Santa, and one for each kiddo to join him in coloring when they wake up.
THE FINAL FEW DAYS WITH YOUR ELF ON THE SHELF
Day 22** – Do you want to build a gingerbread house? It’s a fun family activity for the season. Elfie thinks so too!
Day 24 – Your Elf on the shelf will leave a farewell message today because he’s headed back home to the North Pole to help Santa with Christmas. Keep time zones in mind, it may already be Christmas morning in other parts of the world depending on where you live.
Day 25** – The excitement of Christmas morning may have your kids completely forgetting about their Elf scout so he will leave a note in your stocking. Reporting on the success of the season, and how pleased Santa is with their good standing on the nice list!
