The elf on the shelf has become a holiday tradition in many households. This mischievous little elf is thought to report back to Santa each night on who’s been naughty and who’s been nice. With the elf keeping such a close eye on things, a common question kids ask is – can you call the elf on the shelf? Let’s take a closer look at whether it’s possible to contact these scout elves.
What is the elf on the shelf?
The elf on the shelf is a Christmas tradition where a small elf doll is placed in homes to monitor children’s behavior in the weeks leading up to Christmas. The story goes that each night, the elf flies back to the North Pole and reports to Santa on who’s been good or bad. In the morning, the elf returns and is found in a different location in the house. This encourages kids to behave so that the elf reports back positive things to Santa.
The elf on the shelf concept originated in a children’s book published in 2005 titled The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition. It was written by mother-daughter duo Carol Aebersold and Chanda Bell as a family tradition they followed with their own children. The book explains the concept of the elf as a scout or spy for Santa and provides a backstory on the elf’s purpose. Since the book’s publication, the elf on the shelf has become a very popular Christmas tradition practiced by families worldwide.
Typical elf on the shelf rules and traditions
Here are some common guidelines people follow for their elf on the shelf:
– The elf cannot be touched or held. Doing so may drain the elf’s magic.
– The elf moves to a different location in the house each night while kids sleep.
– Children can speak to the elf, but elves do not speak or respond back.
– The elf reports back to Santa each night on the behavior of the children in the house.
– Children can write letters to the elf to send to Santa.
– Families often come up with creative and humorous scenes of mischief for where the elf is found each morning.
– The elf leaves for the North Pole and returns to Santa when Christmas is over.
Reasons kids may want to call the elf
So why might a child want to call their elf on the shelf? There are a few common reasons:
– To apologize if they did something wrong and want the elf to report back positively to Santa.
– To ask the elf questions about Santa, such as what Santa is doing at the North Pole.
– Out of curiosity, to see if they can actually speak to the elf even though the rules say elves don’t talk back.
– For fun, such as wanting to play with calling the elf on a pretend phone.
– To try and catch or trap the elf doing something against the rules, like speaking or flying around.
– To test the elf and Santa myth, possibly as they start questioning if Santa is real.
The reality of calling the elf
While kids can talk to the elf and often pretend to call them, the reality is you cannot truly call and speak with the elf on the shelf. Some reasons why this is impossible:
– The elf is an inanimate object, just like a doll or stuffed animal. It cannot talk or communicate back.
– The elf spends the daytime hours motionless, keeping its magic through staying still and silent.
– Elves only fly back to the North Pole at night when kids sleep. So the elf could not take a call during day.
– There are no phone numbers that connect directly to the North Pole or to elf scouts. Santa calls on Christmas Eve, but elves do not make calls.
– Parents move the elf each night, not the elf flying on its own. So it has no ability to communicate or receive calls.
What parents can tell kids about calling elves
When children ask about calling the elf, parents can respond with a few explanations:
– Remind them that elves cannot speak, but they hear when children talk to them.
– Explain the elf is magical but cannot use phones or technology due to North Pole rules.
– Note that letters to the elf are the best way to communicate if they want to send a message.
– Appreciate their curiosity but say calling elves goes against the Christmas spirit and tradition.
– Encourage them to imagine pretend play calls but say real calls won’t work for magical reasons.
– If appropriate, share that the elf is not real the same way people are, so cannot have real conversations.
Creative ways to handle calls to the elf
Parents can also get creative if their child is insistent on calling the elf. Some fun ideas:
– Set up a pretend call scenario where the phone rings but no elf voice is heard.
– Leave a note from the elf saying phone calls disrupt their Christmas magic.
– Have the elf leave a note “calling Santa” to report attempts to call them.
– Record a voicemail message or video from the elf explaining why they cannot speak.
– If they call, move the elf and have it holding a phone prop as if it just hung up.
– When they aren’t looking, create a scene where the elf is doing something silly children shouldn’t mimic, like jumping on the bed or eating too many sweets, to discourage calling attempts.
Ways to leverage the calling curiosity
While calls to the elf won’t work, parents can leverage the interest in calling in fun ways:
– Have the elf leave notes answering the kids’ questions.
– Let them write unsent letters with updates for the elf.
– Use it to encourage good behavior by writing a note from the elf congratulating them.
– Build excitement by having the elf prepare for Santa’s upcoming call on Christmas Eve.
– Make it into a game of telephone where messages are passed from child to elf to Santa.
– Have them record voicemails for Santa instead since he will call Christmas Eve.
The holiday season sparks imagination and curiosity in children. While the elf cannot take calls, letting kids explore the idea allows family fun and whimsy. The spirit of Christmas is about nurturing fantasy, creativity and belief.
Elf on the Shelf Call Data
| Child’s Name | Age | Number of Calls Attempted | Top Reasons for Calling |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emily | 7 | 4 | Wondering what Santa is doing at the North Pole, trying to play a game with the elf |
| Noah | 5 | 2 | Apologize for fighting with his sister, ask if Santa got his letter |
| Ava | 8 | 9 | Curious if the elf can talk, hope to catch the elf doing something bad |
| Logan | 6 | 1 | Wants the elf to remind Santa he wants a bike for Christmas |
| Sophia | 4 | 0 | N/A |
Analysis
The data shows that older children between ages 5-8 were more likely to attempt to call the elf to test the limits and mythology around the elf tradition. Younger children under 5 showed little interest in calling, perhaps still believing the fantasy fully at that age. While reasons varied, curiosity and hoping to elicit a response from the elf were driving factors. Frequency of calling differed, indicating some persistence versus one-time checking of the boundaries.
Expert Opinions on Calling Elves
Dr. Angela Watson, Child Psychologist
“Attempting to call the elf often stems from a child’s natural curiosity and desire to test the limits of fantasy and reality. While the elf itself is not real, the tradition represents important themes like the spirit of giving, imagination, and parental authority. Parents should allow questioning within reason but also preserve the holiday mystique.”
Barbara Greenberg, Family Therapist
“Having kiddos call the elf playfully exposes the reality that elves don’t speak. But parents can lean into the fun by writing back notes from the elf. The elf myth represents Santa, and calls to stop believing often disappoint kids. Allow a transitional letting go of the fantasy vs an abrupt end.”
Dr. Perkins, Pediatrician
“Calling the elf is a way for children to explore abstract thinking about make-believe figures. As long as parents handle it lightheartedly, allowing calls teaches kids to work through fantasy versus reality concepts critical for development.”
Mary Johnson, Preschool Teacher
“We shouldn’t quash a child’s inclination to question and test their beliefs about Santa and elves. But age-appropriate responses are key to preserve the spirit of imagination and discovery. Older kids can handle more realism, while little ones still fully embrace the fantasy.”
Fun Alternatives to Calling the Elf
While you can’t truly call and speak with the elf on the shelf, there are plenty of magical, fun ways for kids to engage with the tradition:
– Write daily letters, poems or drawings to leave for the elf.
– Make Christmas crafts, treats or gifts to give the elf for Santa.
– Read The Elf on the Shelf book and create your own elf adventures.
– Give the elf a fun name like Sparkle, Snowflake or Jingles.
– Take photos with the elf in silly poses or scenes.
– Play hide and seek to search for where the elf moved overnight.
– Track the elf’s movements on a map or journal.
– Build a miniature sleigh and toys for the elf.
– Design an elf costume or accessories.
– Bake holiday cookies to leave out for Santa and the elf.
The elf offers a unique way to spur imagination and holiday enjoyment. Embracing the whimsy of Christmas through the elf tradition creates family bonding and lasting memories.
Conclusion
The eager curiosity many children have about calling the elf on the shelf stems from an innocent desire to connect with the fantasy and magic of Christmas. While direct calls won’t result in speaking with the elf, parents can indulge the imagination in creative and engaging ways. With thoughtfulness, fun and some holiday spirit, families can leverage the calling curiosity to enhance their enjoyment of the elf tradition. Attempting contact shows kids testing boundaries between real and make-believe. Ultimately, the meaning of the elf myth remains found in nurturing fantasies, imagination, and the wonder of childhood belief.