As we approach Christmas, it is time for the arrival of the old Elf on the Shelf. The elf usually turns up sometime after Thanksgiving. Its return reminds kids to be on their best behavior, because the little “scout elf “ reports to Santa Claus every night telling him about the events of the day. Each morning when the children wake up, they search the house to find what their elf was up to all night. Here are some fun ideas for your Elf on the Shelf this holiday season:

1. The elf is found making a snow angel. You can use flour, rice, or sprinkles as makeshift snow, but don’t forget to create the angel shape around him/her.
2. The elf is spotted with chocolate on his/her face and a couple of hershey’s kisses scattered around him/her.
3. Tape your Elf on the Shelf to the wall and watch the amusing reactions of your family as they try to figure out how he or she got up there.
4. Hide the elf in a pair of shoes, but make sure it is a pair that one of the kids is going to see. That way the elf won’t go unnoticed.
5. The elf has made a bed for itself in the tissue box.
6. The elf has used ribbons to block the doorway to the kid’s rooms. On a surface nearby, he/she is found sitting with a roll of ribbons, tape, and scissors.
7. The elf has been messing with the Legos. He/She is trapped in a lego house with his/her arms and legs sticking out. You can add little Lego men to make it extra silly.
8. Elf is found near the fruit holding a sharpie. He has drawn minions from Despicable Me on a pair of bananas.
9. Have the elf show up with a note from Santa. This note can be written, typed, or even crafted out of candy. You can create an elaborate note telling the kids to behave or you can just say that Santa says hi.
10. Create a candy cane zip line for your elf. Use a string for the line and a miniature candy cane for the elf to hold on to.
11. The elf has defaced one of your family photos with expo marker.
12. Your elf is working out. He/she is found lifting weights made out of marshmallows and a toothpick.
13. Create a ball pit for the elf. Use a small container and stuff it with colorful pom poms.
14. The elf is found fishing in the sink. Fill the sink with water; you can use little sea creature figures to represent fish in a pond.
15. The elf is climbing up the Christmas tree. Make sure that you put him/her in a place that is easy to see.

Elf on the Shelf is a great way to get into the holiday spirit, and have fun with the whole family. Take advantage of these ideas to make the most out of your Elf on the Shelf.