The Christmas elf tradition: a magical Advent calendar alternative for the whole family ❄️

The elf tradition: a magical Advent calendar alternative for the whole family

For many children, the Advent calendar is an integral part of the Christmas season. But what if the daily surprise didn't come in the form of little doors and chocolate, but from a lively christmas elf? The Scandinavian Advent tradition, in which a little elf moves into every household throughout the Advent season and plays daily tricks, is a great substitute for an Advent calendar. Instead of small gifts or sweets, the little ones can experience the adventures and pranks of the Christmas elf, who gives them an unforgettable Advent season with his surprises.

3 reasons for a elf as an alternative to an advent calendar

1. Creative variety: different elf surprises for the Advent season

The christmas elf surprises children with a new activity every day during Advent. Unlike the typical Advent calendar, which focuses on sweets or small gifts, elf is all about experiencing and exploring - each day is organised differently:

Cheeky pranks: The elf plays little tricks at night, which the kids discover the next morning. Tiny footprints made of chocolate cream or a mysterious ladder with which the elf has explored the flat - the little elf is pretty cheeky.
Small tasks: elf also likes to give the kids tasks or ideas for things to do. He asks the little ones to draw a Christmas picture or bake biscuits for him.
Magical messages: elf communicates via letters. In these he shares riddles or Christmas stories. He might also give some good advice if something went wrong the day before or the kids are in a bad mood.

Do you need more ideas for pranks from elf? We have collected 10 simple ideas for elf pranks for you.

10 magical elf pranks

2. More anticipation, less stress: preparation made easy

The elf tradition does not require expensive gifts. However, a elf can admittedly be a lot of work. However, with the right preparation, you can make the elf season very simple and flexible. You can find numerous ideas for elf activities, pranks, letters and templates in various blogs or our elf books. You can make it really easy for yourself with the 24-day plan that you can find in our elf books. Of course, you can also organise the elf season flexibly according to your needs. The elf can respond to current issues in the family in letters or with activities or even go away for a day if you have a lot going on. You can find the accessories for the pranks and everything else you need for the elf season in our elf sets. These include, for example, enchanting miniatures such as the elf door and small furniture.

3. Shared memories instead of sweets and presents

In contrast to conventional Advent calendars, the elf creates an interactive experience: the children can get creative by solving the gnome's puzzles, writing him letters or making or baking Christmas presents together with you. They can learn a lot from the gnome's wise words and try out new things. The anticipation of Christmas will grow even more and the Advent season will become a magical experience for the whole family. Of course, elf still likes to leave small gifts or sweets for the little ones.

We give you an overview and answer all your questions about the elf door tradition so that you can make the Advent season an experience for the whole family.

Overview of the elf tradition

Still no elf this year? Then make your own Advent calendar!

If you prefer to stick to the classic Advent calendar this year, why not try making one yourself? Then you'll be completely flexible when it comes to filling the calendar and can customise it to suit your home. We have summarised a few clever craft ideas for this.

Make your own advent calendar

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