I want to talk about something super controversial today: the Elf! It cracks me up how this has become quite the debate. I understand not wanting to do it, it’s a lot of work, but I also understand those who do it and why. What I DON’T understand is why people care one way or the other.
You don’t need to post on social media that you “don’t care” what someone’s elf did last night. At the same time, you definitely have to make sure your kids know that not everyone does the Elf and there’s nothing wrong with that. Seriously, we have enough to stress about.
This is why I’ve decided to give away 24 days of elf activities as printables, and here’s what’s inside the freebie…
First of all, I want to be clear that these are printables, nothing is shipped. Inside the freebie is also directions as well as a calendar both filled out and empty in case you want to add your own activities to certain dates. Download the freebie here or with the button above!
Day 1: Elf Arrives
I like to keep this simple.
Day 2: Christmas Wish List
On day 2, have the kids write their Christmas wish list to Santa. Talk about what’s on it and set some expectations.
Day 3: First Report Card
This is a great way to let your kids know the elf is watching and their behavior matters.
Day 4: Hide and Seek
This is a fun one! Use red and white pipe cleaners to make candy canes and hide them around the house. Then take the pipe cleaners and wrap one around the Elf to make it extra fun!
Day 5: Do You Wanna Build a Snowman?
On Day 5, the Elf leaves a fun craft for the kids. The snowman template is in the freebie with the note. Cut it out for the little ones or set the page out for the older kids to do it all themselves.
Day 6: Countdown to Christmas
For this, I like to add self-seal laminating sheets to the printable to make it dry erase. You can find it here and simply attach it to the printable.
Day 7: Color a Picture for Santa
Print out the coloring sheet and add crayons, markers, or colored pencils to the set up. Note is also included.
Day 8: Leave a Simple Note (several options included)
I include several simple notes in the printable for when you don’t have the energy to do much else! Just print and set with your elf.
Day 9: Kissing Booth
This is my new favorite! Print and cut out the circle then add some Hershey kisses!
Day 10: Make Sure Your Room is Tidy
The best ones are the ones that tell the kids to do something! I love this because it something they can easily do.
Day 11: Elf Gets “Wrapped Up”
You can find the tiny bows at a craft store of your choice. Make the Elf look like he got attacked by the wrapping supplies and set the note beside it.
Day 12: Elf Tells a Joke
For this one, I used pipe cleaners to make the antlers and the red dot was cut out of card stock.
Day 13: Forgot to Move!
Look, some days you just forget. I planned for that. There’s several options for the forgot to move situation. Print these out ahead of time and plan for it or just use them as needed.
Day 14: Elf Ball Toss
This next one is super fun! Cut out the Christmas tree, punch some holes and add something that can be tossed! For the photo, I used little craft balls but small marshmallows or cotton balls are the best because they are white and snowballs.
Day 15: Report Card Check in
Mid way through the month, add a little report card check in, just print and put with your Elf.
Day 16: Let’s Bake Some Cookies
Do you have a day when you need to do some Christmas baking? Then get the kids involved! Have your Elf tell them about the cookies you’re going to make. Print and cut out the little elf cookies for an extra treat.
Day 17: Elf Leaves a Treat
If your kids are being good, let the elf reward them with a treat. I used candy canes for the example but you can use anything! Just print the note and add a treat.
Day 18: Leave a Simple Note (several options)
I include several notes in the printable so you can print these out and use them when you don’t have time. The example one (and is included in the printable) tells your kids to gather toys they don’t play with anymore to donate.
Day 19: Message from Santa
This is simple but fun! Kids love getting special messages from Santa!
Day 20: Craft Day
It’s always fun to have a craft day! This gingerbread house is in the printable. Print, cut, and fold to make it into a fun little house. Kids love it.
Day 21: Forgot to Move!
Uh Oh! Forgot to move again! Don’t worry, plenty of options in the printable.
Day 22: Final Elf Report Card
One more report card check in from Santa.
Day 23: Read a Christmas Story
For the night before Christmas Eve, have the elf tell the kids to read a Christmas story. Choose a book and set it with your Elf. A cute note is included in the printable.
Day 24: Elf Says Goodbye with a Special Gift
This last one is my favorite. I found these ornaments at Hobby Lobby and I paired it with a cute note telling the kids to color it for their tree. Make it better by printing a photo of your elf first and adding it to the ornament the night before.
Yes, it’s free but maybe you don’t want to DIY it, and that’s okay! Shop elf kits and get it shipped to your door instead. All the items are included that aren’t food related.
