We all know the golden rule of having a Scout Elf in the house: you mustn’t touch them, or they might lose their Christmas magic. But sometimes, even the best-behaved elves find themselves in a bit of trouble, maybe they’ve fallen off their shelf, landed in a drawer of odds and ends, or gotten a little too close to the maple syrup!
It’s a question that comes up often in Canadian households during December, especially when little ones or family pets get curious. So, can grown-ups touch The Elf on the Shelf®? Let’s look at what Santa has to say.
The General Rule
Santa advises that no member of the family, adults included, should ever touch a Scout Elf. Their Christmas magic is delicate, and they need every bit of it to fly back to the North Pole each night and report on all the good deeds they’ve seen.
That said, sometimes your elf might need a little helping hand and in rare cases, grown-ups can step in to keep them safe. But any help must be done with great care and only using special, Santa-approved tools to avoid direct contact.
When Can Adults Lend a Helping Hand?
Here are a few rare (and magical!) moments when parents may help their Scout Elf using tongs, oven mitts, or wooden spoons, anything that allows you to move your elf gently without touching them directly.
1. Your Elf Took a Tumble
After a long, snowy flight from the North Pole, even the most graceful Scout Elf can lose their balance. If your elf has taken a spill and landed on the floor, or somewhere unsafe, an adult may use kitchen tongs or oven mitts to carefully return them to a cosy perch.
2. A Pet Spotted the Elf
Scout Elves are clever at hiding, but every now and then, they land in the dog’s favourite nap spot or within a cat’s playful reach. If your elf is in danger of being nudged, sniffed or chased, it’s fine for an adult to move them to higher ground so both elf and pet stay safe (and the tinsel remains untangled!).
3. The Elf Lost Their Balance
Some hiding places are just too wobbly, even for Santa’s nimblest helpers. If your Scout Elf has toppled off a shelf, curtain rod or windowsill, a parent can use tongs or a wooden spoon to help them back into place so the magic can continue.
4. The Elf Made a Bit of a Mess
Some elves get very creative, a bit too creative, sometimes! If your elf’s latest idea has left flour everywhere, or turned your kitchen into a toilet paper snowstorm, it’s okay for parents to tidy up the scene while keeping the elf safe and undisturbed.
5. The Elf Landed on Something You Need
If your Scout Elf has chosen to nap on top of the winter boots, in a school backpack, or beside the morning coffee maker, it’s alright for an adult to gently move them to a nearby ledge or chair. That way, your family can get on with your morning routine while your elf stays close to the action.
6. The Elf Ended Up Somewhere Damp or Delicate
Even elves misjudge their landings sometimes, especially around hot chocolate mugs or pancake syrup! If your Scout Elf has landed in something damp, sticky or sugary, an adult can carefully move them to a dry spot using Santa-approved tools. Just make sure to dry them off gently, no hair dryers or heaters, please!
Still Worried About Lost Magic?
Even the most magical elves sometimes need a bit of help from trusted grown-ups. These special situations remind us that Christmas magic isn’t fragile, it just needs a little belief, care, and imagination (and sometimes, a pair of oven mitts).
If your family is constantly on the go there’s good news from the North Pole! Santa has given The Elf on the Shelf Scout Elf special permission to travel with The Elf on the Shelf® Scout Elf Carrier, so you never have to miss another moment together. When you’re ready to head out, check out these take-along extras, and get ready to make your best memories yet.
If your little one is worried their elf might have lost some magic, even if an adult used tongs, don’t fret. Here are three ways your family can renew your Scout Elf’s magic in a dash!