Waiting for Christmas Day can take forever in a kid’s eyes! These kid-friendly and fun Christmas Countdown Ideas with The Elf on the Shelf are perfect for helping a child see the days until Christmas – Because December is Hard Enough! New creative, funny, and original The Elf on the Shelf Ideas daily.
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Disclosure: Frugal Coupon Living (the website, blog, and all social media channels) is not associated with CCA and B, LLC d/b/a The Lumistella Company, home of the official The Elf on the Shelf and Scout Elf.
The holiday season is just around the corner, and for many families, that means it’s time to start thinking about how to make the most of the festive season. One popular tradition that has taken the world by storm is The Elf on the Shelf. This mischievous little elf has become a beloved holiday tradition in many households, and for good reason. Not only does he add a touch of magic and excitement to the holiday season, but he also provides a fun way for families to count down the days until Christmas.
Elf Arrivals: Welcoming a North Pole Elf to Your Home
If you’re new to the Scout Elf tradition, you might be wondering where to start. The first step is to welcome your North Pole Visitor into your home. This can be a fun and exciting event for the whole family. Some families like to create a special welcome letter for their visiting friend, while others prefer to set up a special scene to welcome their workshop helper to their new home. No matter how you choose to welcome your Scout Elf, the key is to make it a fun and memorable event that your kids will look forward to each year.
Countdown Calendars: Fun Ways to Count Down the Days Until Christmas
Once your North Pole visitor has arrived, it’s time to start counting down the days until Christmas. There are many fun and creative ways to do this, from advent calendars to daily activities and challenges. Some families like to create a special countdown calendar just for their friend from Santa’s Workshop, while others prefer to incorporate their elves into their existing holiday traditions. No matter how you choose to count down the days, the key is to make it fun and engaging for the whole family.
The Arrival
The Elf on the Shelf is a beloved holiday tradition that brings joy and excitement to children all over the world. One of the most exciting moments of the season is the arrival of The Elf on the Shelf. Here are some creative ideas to make the little guy’s arrival even more magical.
Creative Entrance Ideas
- Zip Line: Have the red man arrive via a zip line from the ceiling. This is sure to impress the kids and get them excited for the holiday season.
- Balloon Ride: It’s a special delivery! Tie a bunch of helium balloons to the North Pole visitor and have him float down to his landing spot. The kids will love seeing the little friend floating through the air in his own DIY hot air balloon.
- Magic Portal: Create a magic portal using a fairy door. The red guy can pop out of the portal and surprise the kids one morning.
These are just a few ideas to get started with The Elf on the Shelf before you jump into a Christmas countdown. Get creative and have fun with it!
Countdown Calendars
Countdown calendars are a great way to build excitement for the holidays and keep track of how many days are left until Christmas. Here are some fun and easy ideas for DIY countdown calendars that you can make at home:
DIY Calendar Ideas
As the festive season approaches, there’s no better way to count down the days to Christmas than with these charming and interactive DIY calendars. From filling Santa’s beard with fluffy cotton balls to crafting colorful paper chains, we’ve curated a collection of fun and festive ideas that will add a touch of magic to your holiday tradition.
Santa Beard Cotton Balls
For this countdown calendar, all you need is a picture of Santa Claus and some cotton balls. Each day, glue a cotton ball onto Santa’s beard until it’s full and fluffy on Christmas Day. It’s a fun and silly way to count down the days. Each day your Elf can deliver a cotton ball with his elf antic.
Toilet Paper Roll
Save up your empty toilet paper rolls and turn them into a festive countdown calendar. Cut them into equal pieces and decorate each one with wrapping paper, stickers, or paint. Then, stack them up and fill them with treats or small gifts for each day. This creates a cute DIY Advent Calendar. The little red friend can deliver the toilet paper roll presents daily. As a fun Scout Elf idea, one extra roll of toilet paper and create a toilet paper roll Elf on the Shelf Countdown where there are a few days left until Christmas. (See more Toilet Paper Ideas with The Elf on the Shelf.)
Cereal
If you have cereal lying around, you can turn it into a fun countdown calendar. Use cereal (fruit loops are great) and write out the number of days until Santa’s arrival with this cereal countdown idea. While you have extra cereal on hand, try this Cereal Magic Trick too.
Paper Chain Craft
For a classic countdown calendar, make a paper chain out of construction paper. Cut strips of paper and glue them together to create a chain. Write a number on each link and hang it up. Each day, tear off one link until you reach Christmas Day. This can be done from the ceiling fan or another area of your home.
Dry Erase Board
Add Christmas countdown decor that can be brought by your elves. This printable Christmas countdown can be placed inside a picture frame and you can write on the countdown chart daily using a dry-erase marker.
Chalkboard Craft
The Dollar Tree has cute props for your North Pole friend. You can grab this free printable decal and add the number of days until Christmas using chalk in this DIY countdown chalkboard for Christmas.
Bible Verses
If you want Christian ideas for an Elf counting down the days until Jesus’s birthday, introduce Christmas Advent Calendar Bible Verses. These easy-to-read scripture cards tell the story of Jesus’s birth.
Store-Bought Alternatives
If you don’t have time to make your own countdown calendar, there are plenty of store-bought options available. Look for Advent Calendars with pockets, doors, or drawers that you can fill with treats or small gifts. You can also find reusable calendars that you can use year after year. If you are using something that is opened daily, consider adding small treats like these Advent Calendar Fillers.
No matter which type of countdown calendar you choose, it’s sure to add some excitement and anticipation to the holiday season.
The Departure
As the holiday season comes to a close, it’s time for The Elf on the Shelf to say goodbye. Here are some fun ideas to make the departure just as exciting as its arrival.
Saying Goodbye
- Thank You Note: Have the North Pole visitor leave a note thanking the family for the fun and memories shared during their stay. The note can also include a small gift, such as a candy cane or a mini toy.
- Photo Album: Create a mini photo album of the Scout Elf’s adventures during its stay. Include pictures of the little guy getting into mischief, hiding in silly places, and having fun with the family.
- Goodbye Party: Host a mini party for the departure of elf. Decorate with balloons and streamers, and serve Elf-themed treats like sugar cookies shaped like an Elf’s hat.
With these fun ideas, saying goodbye to The Elf on the Shelf doesn’t have to be sad. It can be a fun and memorable event that the family will look forward to every year.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some creative The Elf on the Shelf countdown ideas that will make my kids laugh?
The Elf on the Shelf is a fun tradition that kids look forward to every year. To make it even more exciting, try some of these creative ideas that will make your kids laugh:
- Have your visitor bring a small toy or treat each day leading up to Christmas.
- Create a beard with cotton balls and Santa’s face.
- Have the North Pole visitor hang from the ceiling using a paper chain counting down the days until Christmas.
What are some fun ideas for The Elf on the Shelf’s last night before leaving for the North Pole?
On the last night before your Scout Elf heads back to the North Pole, try some of these fun ideas:
- Have your visitor leave a goodbye note and a small gift for your child.
- Set up a mini party with balloons and treats.
- Have your little guy create a scavenger hunt with clues leading to a special surprise.
- Create a mini photo album with pictures of your Scout Elf’s adventures throughout the month.
- Bring a retirement letter for when will not return.
See more Last Night Ideas for The Elf on the Shelf.
Christmas Printables Ideas
Discover the ultimate fun in our digital download wonderland! These Christmas printables can be used alone or you can create really fun ideas for a North Pole Visitor. Check out the Frugal Coupon Living shop for the hottest ideas, featuring holiday activities, games, kid-friendly jokes, letters, notes, and a whole lot more!
Free Christmas Elf Ideas Printables
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The Elf on the Shelf Resources
Here at Frugal Coupon Living, our mission is to make The Elf on the Shelf season a breeze. We’re no newcomers to the Scout Elf game, boasting over a decade of experience. With a dedicated fan club spanning these ten years, we’ve curated a treasure trove of delightful ideas for your holiday season. Our collection of The Elf on the Shelf resources are your one-stop-shop for crafting the most memorable Scout Elf moments for your family as well. Join us in making this Christmas truly magical!
What is The Elf on the Shelf?
Embrace the cherished Christmas tradition of The Elf on the Shelf, which revolves around a captivating storybook and an adorable Scout Elf doll. This enchanting book, filled with poetic rhymes, unveils the purpose behind the Scout Elf’s visits.
Like clockwork, the little red visitor graces our homes each Thanksgiving and embarks on a nightly journey to and from the North Pole. Every morning, the thrill lies in discovering the Scout Elf in a brand-new, imaginative hiding spot within the house. From peeking out of the refrigerator to fishing in the sink, leaving mirror messages, or swinging from the lights, the North Pole Visitor’s antics never cease to amuse. But remember, there’s a cardinal rule to uphold: never touch the Scout Elf, for it’s the key to preserving their Christmas magic! Each family has the privilege of christening their very own Scout Elf with a special name. Finally, as Christmas Eve dawns, these loyal Scout Elves bid us farewell, returning to their North Pole workshop alongside Santa, awaiting their next wondrous adventure
More Helpful The Elf on the Shelf Ideas Links
Frugal Coupon Living has earned its reputation as the ultimate destination for The Elf on the Shelf ideas. We take pride in our ability to consistently bring joy by relocating our beloved North Pole visitor year after year. With an extensive collection of printable concepts, essential resources, delightful Scout Elf shenanigans, and much more, consider us your go-to resource for maintaining your holiday spirit and sanity throughout the entire Christmas season.
Explore the handy The Elf on the Shelf links to unleash your creativity, access free printables, and find answers to your Scout Elf inquiries.
- The Elf on the Shelf Ideas – A comprehensive starter guide encompassing all things Scout Elf, featuring some of our top posts and downloadable content.
- Largest List of The Elf on the Shelf Ideas – Boasting over 1,000 imaginative The Elf on the Shelf concepts, this ever-expanding list receives daily additions throughout November and December.
- The Elf on the Shelf Questions and Answers – Whether you’re a novice with a Scout Elf or need a refresher on The Elf on the Shelf rules, peruse our frequently asked questions to become an instant Scout Elf expert.
- Free Christmas Elf Ideas Printables – Sign up for our emails and seize the opportunity to obtain these complimentary Christmas Elf digital downloads, aiding your ideas for the elf-repositioning season. These include a calendar, notes, coloring pages, inspiring ideas, and more.
- DIY Bendable The Elf on the Shelf – Transform your Scout Elf into a versatile poser with this simple, no-sew tutorial on creating a bendable Scout Elf.
- Christmas Elf Ideas Shop with Digital Downloads – Explore one of the finest shops brimming with printable resources to elevate your holiday season.
- Ideas Emails – Receive daily emails featuring fresh ideas to enhance your Elf Moving Committee ideas and holiday experience.
Join the holiday fun on social media! Dive into The Elf Ideas Pinterest Board for inspiration and share your own festive adventures. Got a fresh Scout Elf idea we haven’t explored yet? Curious about some Scout Elf secrets? Don’t be shy – drop a comment here or on Pinterest! Let’s keep The Elf on the Shelf excitement alive together!
WHAT’S TRENDING? Looking for a few engaging activities? Grab Minute to Win it Games – Traditional, Holiday, Group, and more! Use these fun activities in the office, classroom, or at your next birthday party.
Last Updated on January 4, 2024 by Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living
