Your Elf’s grand return to the house after a year in the loft (cough, cough, I mean at the North Pole) can be really exciting for the kids. If you don’t yet have an Elf on the Shelf, you could still use these ideas to introduce the Elf to your kids on December 1. It’s a really fun tradition that the whole family can enjoy. Having the Elf adds a little sprinkle of magic for the children every day. They love waking up and going to discover what the Elf has got up to overnight.

If you’ve done the Elf on the Shelf in previous years then you’re probably pretty good at coming up with daily ideas for his antics. Simply print it off and roll it up into a scroll and tie with a ribbon or pin it on the wall or fridge somewhere close to the Elf. I especially love the texting idea as a very low maintenance one that will make them laugh, but only takes you 5 minutes to put together! 1. North Pole breakfast

Give the kids an envelop featuring a coded message from Santa, delivered by the Elf, that they need to decode and read. While a letter from the Elf can help explain his arrival, you could also try using some modern technology! If you change your partner’s name on the phone to “Santa” then it will show up on screen as a conversation with Santa. Don’t forget to get some festive napkins and a table cloth to make the breakfast table look bright and fun. 2. Texting Santa

You could also blow up some balloons in festive red and green colours, and add a few streamers to the ceiling and walls.

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Santa: Ho Ho Ho. Wonderful news. Do not forget to spread lots of Christmas joy while you are there! All is good here. The presents are nearly finished and the reindeer are getting ready for their big flight.

Sit your Elf up with your phone in front of him and some text messages on the screen between him and Santa as if he has pinched your phone to let Santa know he’s OK.A North Pole breakfast is a special feast served around Christmas time. Many people choose to do it on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, but you could try throwing one on December 1 to mark the Elf’s return. Essential food to serve at a North Pole breakfast includes waffles or pancakes with maple syrup plus many people serve sweet treats such as marshmallows too. For that reason I love to share Elf inspiration on here – because it gets me ready for the festive season and the daily Elf challenge.

It’s nearly December and that means it’s time for the Elf on the Shelf to make his grand reappearance! There are tons of daily ideas for Elf on the Shelf over on this post to tide you through to Christmas Day. When the kids are asleep, place the Elf among all of the party chaos, with a party popper or whistle in his hand to show him enjoying the fun. 6. Riding on a sleigh

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Whether you want to use the free return letter or not, these ideas can help make the Elf’s return exciting.