Elf on the Shelf: How to explain to kids why there is no elf this year Rex Features|Getty Images

Are yous giving Elf a rest this yr? (Picture: Getty/Yulia Reznikov)

Elf on the Shelf is back once again for another year.

But while the arrival of the festive toy is heady for children, it can be a fleck of a nightmare for some adults.

In fact, many parents have been revealing their frustrations over the tradition this twelvemonth.

December tin exist an extremely decorated fourth dimension for anyone with kids in their lives, what with school holidays, presents and events to prepare for – so finding the fourth dimension to come with unlike Elf on the Shelf ideas can exist pretty exhausting.

So it's only natural for parents to want to give it a break this year, or for some to finish halfway through the month.

But how do you lot explain to kids why there is no more Elf this year? Here are some things to proceed in listen…

Come up with a funny reason why Elf isn't hither

If your children are still young and have wild imaginations, there's no reason why you tin't come up with a fun reason why Elf isn't about this year.

Also if you don't desire to ruin the magic that you are moving the Elf around each dark, so this is a peachy option.

Some suggestions from parents include:

  • Say Elf is isolating due to Covid
  • Tell a child they don't need an Elf as they are already on the nice listing
  • Say Elf had an allergic reaction and had to head to the North Pole
  • Explain that Santa is running low on Elves this year
  • Say Elf is in the hospital at the Northward pole, so Santa can prepare him

Get creative and write a postcard

'A wonderful idea is to write a alphabetic character or a postcard from the Elf explaining that he has left to go on an risk – but it's up to the family to find out merely what the adventure entails,' says education expert and former headteacher Leon Hady, who is the founder of Guide Plus.

'This is perfect for capturing the imagination of your children and encouraging them to think together nigh where he could exist going, who he might meet and see and how he will keep to spread the magic.'

Be honest

Depending on whether your children are onetime enough to know that Elf is moved about by parents, yous could explain that y'all but don't have fourth dimension this year.

Alternatively, if y'all don't want to reveal too much, you could say that y'all're too decorated to host Elf in your home this year.

Indicate out other things y'all're doing instead

Lots of families are jumping on Elf on the Shelf this year, but many don't exercise it at all.

So while a child might enquire why lots of their friends are doing Elf on the Shelf, you could explain that your family unit have other traditions instead – whether it's Christmas movie nights, winter walks or trips to special places.

Past pointing out other positive things you practise – that other families might not –  information technology won't brand the lack of Elf seem like a disappointment or a loss.

And, if y'all don't have one, suggest making a tradition.

'This might exist playing a Christmas family unit board game, making some decorations or planning out acts of kindness over the festive period such as sorting out toys for children more in need,' adds Leon.

Encourage kids to make their ain

Every bit a parent it's likely y'all already accept lot of things on your plate during December, merely there's no reason why kids notwithstanding can't go involved in the fun.

You could encourage your children to brand their ain Elf and make them get upward to different things each day – that manner the pressure level is taken off the adults.

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