Elf door For Christmas: Everything you need to know about the magical elf world
The ultimate guide to your Christmas season with the elf
Was does the elf? Ideas for pranks
The elf door and accessoriesEven
Who is the elf? - How the Scandinavian tradition works.
elf is a very special Advent tradition from Scandinavia. Here's how it works: on the first of December, a little christmas elf moves in for the entire Advent season. He is a little helper of Santa Claus or the Christ Child who lives behind a small elf door and plays funny pranks throughout the Advent season. He can refer to current topics in the family, write letters, leave gifts or simply play cheeky pranks. The mysterious thing is that the children never get to see the elf, as he (or she – there are also female elves) is up to mischief at night. Nevertheless, he makes his presence known every day by communicating in the form of elf letters.
With his creative ideas and miniature worlds, the elf enchants the children and spreads tons of Christmas cheer. Once he has visited you one year, he will return to your family again and again (if you wish). In the elf world, there is also no right or wrong: each family designs their elf season individually.
Still undecided? Here are 5 magical reasons to let a elf move in with you this year.
Elf pranks for an unforgettable elf season
The elf season is just around the corner - and with it, lots of fun pranks and magical surprises! When the little elf becomes secretly active night after night during Advent, there's always something new for the kids to discover. We have put together 10 clever gnome activities for you, with which the elf spreads Christmas cheer.
Elf door - The gateway to elf world
The little elf door is essential for the elf. Because behind it lies his home for the Advent season. You can build a door yourself or buy one. Very important: The elf door should never be able to be opened. We don't want your children to suddenly come across a white wall where the magical world of the elf is actually hidden.
elf Accessories – everything your christmas elf needs
To make your elf season particularly beautiful, you can create an entire elf world with elf accessories. We'll tell you what you need for a successful elf season and how to really bring your elf world to life.
Ideas, templates and accessories: The Secret Santa books
Admittedly, a Secret Santa can be a lot of work if it has to happen every day. You can find lots of ideas for pranks on various blogs. The Limmaland Secret Santa handbooks also provide you with a 24-day plan. This gives you an idea for a prank, a magic trick or an activity for every day in December. The matching craft templates, as well as more elf accessories such as stickers and envelopes, can be found directly in the appendix of the books. You will also receive a prescribed Secret Santa letter for each day that matches the respective idea. Thanks to alternative Secret Santa letters and other ideas, you can still remain flexible.
The Secret Santa for nurseries and primary schools
The Christmas magic of Secret Santa is not just for your home, it can also be wonderfully incorporated into everyday life in nurseries and primary schools. The elf not only brings Christmas cheer, but can also address current educational topics in a playful way within the group and strengthen team spirit. We'll show you why this works so well and how the elf can also be introduced into your group or class.
FAQs – Frequently asked questions about elf
What age group is the elf suitable for?
Does elf replace an Advent calendar?
elf is present every day during Advent until Christmas Eve. As with an Advent calendar, little ones can look forward to a message, a prank or another elf activity every day. We think: The elf brings a special magic to the pre-Christmas period and gets us even more in the Christmas spirit than an advent calendar. Here are a few reasons why the elf can work as an alternative to an advent calendar.
The elf as an advent calendar alternative
What is the
name
of the elf?
Erst? The name gives your elf real character. There are no limits when it comes to choosing a name. Whether traditional Scandinavian or cheeky and unusual: you can decide on the name yourself or together with your children.
When does the elf move in and out?
Usually, the elf moves in on the first of December and moves out again at Christmas when his work is done. Especially when elf moves in with you for the first time, the little ones will need to get used to their new house guest. And saying goodbye to a beloved friend is often difficult, but he will definitely be back next year. We'll give you a few tips on how to make the elf's arrival and departure clever and loving.
5 ideas for the elf's arrival 5 ideas for the elf's departure
Where and how should the " elf door" be placed?
You should attach the " elf door" in a place where it is clearly visible and accessible. The best place is a corner in the living room, kitchen or hallway where there is some space for the accessories and the " elf pranks" and where there is no constant "through traffic". The children's room is not suitable, as a lot happens in front of the little door at night, which the little ones should only discover the next morning. The best way to attach the elf door to the wall is with self-adhesive poster strips. These hold firmly and can still be removed without leaving any residue.
What is the difference between elf and The Elf on the Shelf ®?
Both the elf and The Elf on the Shelf ® are part of the pre-Christmas season – but the traditions and their meanings differ. While the elf originates from Scandinavia, the elf has its roots in the USA. In contrast to the elf, the elf has an important educational role. On behalf of Father Christmas, it observes the behaviour of children during the Christmas season. We explain all the differences between the two traditions so that you can find the right one for you and your family.
