The holiday season is full of magic, and one of the most beloved traditions for kids is the arrival of their very own Elf on the Shelf. Whether your adorable elf has been a part of your family for years or this is your new elf’s first time visiting, having a clear set of Elf on the Shelf rules is a great way to make sure everyone knows how to treat their little scout elf and keep the Christmas magic alive all month long.
In this post, I’m sharing a free printable Elf on the Shelf rules sheet—perfect for kids to follow along with and ensure the elf has a smooth visit from December 1st all the way to Christmas Eve. The rules can be used as they are written or, you use the free rule template to modify the rules to follow the rules of your family.
The rules we’ve set are not only easy to follow but are a fun way to keep the Christmas tradition full of excitement while reinforcing good behavior. Want different rules for your family’s elves? We’ve included a customizable option as well!
Get Your Free Printable Elf on the Shelf Rules
You can download the free printable Elf on the Shelf rules as a PDF file by entering your email address below. These printable rules are a fun way to reinforce the best behavior and keep your kids excited for the elf’s next adventure.
Whether you’ve adopted a new elf or have had the same scout elves for years, these rules are a great idea to keep the tradition fun for your entire family.
Already a Mom Envy Member? Click here and use your members-only password to download the free file.
Why Elf on the Shelf Rules are Important
The most important thing about the Elf on the Shelf tradition is keeping the magic alive for your children. The elf, as we all know, is Santa’s little helper, here to keep an eye on good deeds and report back to Santa Claus at the North Pole each night.
Having simple rules helps kids understand the official rules of how to interact with the elf and avoid anything that might break the magic—like touching the elf or moving it from its special spot.
This free printable elf rules set is a great way to introduce younger children to the fun tradition or refresh older kids on how to make the most of their elf’s visit. Plus, if you’re looking for easy ideas to make the elf’s stay more fun and creative, these rules of elf help keep the excitement going as your kids search for the elf in a new spot each morning.
To Touch the Elf or Not
Whether or not you allow your children to touch their Elf on the Shelf doll is a personal decision. While the book does explain that children are not supposed to touch the elf, some families still make the decision to allow their children to touch the elf.
In our rules, we have followed the official Elf on the Shelf children’s book rules, asking children not to touch the elf. If your family does allow touching of the elf, you may want to use the customizable version of the Elf on the Shelf Rules to say that touching is allowed.
Elf on the Shelf Rules: What’s Rules are Included in the Free Printable
Here’s a sneak peek at the Elf on the Shelf rules you’ll find in this free printable PDF:
1. No touching the elf
Our elf has special magic, but if we touch the elf, it might lose its magic. So remember, no touching!
2. Find the elf each morning
At night, the elf flies to the North Pole to tell Santa how we’re doing. In the morning, the elf will be hiding in a new spot! Can you find it?
3. Be on your best behavior
The elf is watching to see if we’re being kind and
helpful. The elf is watching to report back to Santa.
4. Talk to the elf
You can tell the elf your Christmas wishes,
stories, and more. The elf loves to listen!
5. Write letters to Santa and friends
Give your letter to the elf to take back to the North Pole.
6. Be understanding: the elf might be too tired to move some nights
Be patient and understanding if the elf is too tired to move, the elf will move when it’s ready!
7. No peeking at the elf’s adventures at night
Let the elf move when you’re asleep! He won’t move if you’re awake.
8. Help the elf spread kindness
Spread a little holiday cheer by being kind to others and doing good deeds.
Want to Change Some of the Rules? Here are Some Different Options
The Elf Arrives After Thanksgiving (or whatever date your elf arrives)
Our elf comes to visit after Thanksgiving and stays until Christmas Eve. Let’s be ready for lots of fun!
Give the elf a name
Make the elf part of the family by giving it a special name!
Don’t move the elf
Leave the elf in its chosen spot until it moves on its own even. Please don’t move the elf on your own.
Say goodbye on Christmas Eve
On Christmas Eve, our elf will go back to the North Pole with Santa and won’t be back until next year. We’ll say goodbye until next Christmas!
The elf loves to hear holiday songs.
Sing your favorite Christmas carols for the elf!
Respect the elf’s hiding spots.
Don’t disturb the decorations or objects around where the elf is hiding.
Share your holiday spirit.
Tell the elf about something fun you’re excited for this Christmas.
Keep the elf’s hiding spot a secret!
Don’t tell anyone where the elf is hiding until everyone finds it.
Understand every house has it’s own rules for their elf.
Each family chooses their rules for their elf just like they choose their rules for you to follow. Some families get special permission from Santa for their child to touch the elf for various reasons. Remember that your rules may not be the same rules for other children.
Not all families choose to have an elf on the shelf at home.
Be understanding of your friends who do not have elves at home. Parents have to request an elf from Santa and some families choose not to request an Elf on the Shelf from Santa. That’s okay! Don’t brag or make other children feel bad for not having an elf, Santa doesn’t like it when we brag.
Customize your Elf on the Shelf Rules
Use the free Canva template to customize your Elf on the Shelf rules to meet your family’s rules. You can add in your elf’s name (or names if you have multiple elves), add in your children’s names, and of course, change the specific rules to match your own elf on the shelf rules.
Simply download the PDF with customizing directions (including a hyperlink to the free file template).
How to Use the Elf on the Shelf Rules
This free digital download is a perfect way to introduce your elf to your kids, especially if this is their first time participating in the Elf on the Shelf tradition. Simply print out the free elf rules and go over them with your children as part of the elf’s arrival. You could even pair it with a shelf arrival letter or shelf welcome letter for an extra touch of fun.
If you’ve had your self already for a while, it’s still a great item to introduce to your children if they are struggling with the rules. These can be official rules from the elves.
When to Introduce the Elf on the Shelf Rules
You can add the rules in any time you find it appropriate. This includes with the elf’s return, after your child has not listened to the rules you previously explained verbally. or any time during the elf season.
If you’re sharing the rules due to touching the elf, you could include this free printable warning letter as well.
Add A Customizable Letter to Explain the Rules
Want to explain why the elves brought the rule? Use this free generic printable and customizable elf on the shelf letter that looks like it comes directly from the North Pole.
Simply use the free printable letter write a note to your children from Santa or the elves about how important it is to follow the rules of to make sure their favorite elf is taken care of and has everything it needs to report back to Santa Claus at the North Pole.
Explain how important it is that the children follow the rules for the entire Christmas season. Whether you’re hiding the elf in a creative spot near the Christmas tree or sending the elf on new adventures with printable props, having official rules makes the it easier to keep the magic alive.
MORE Free Elf on the Shelf Printables & Ideas
If you’re looking for more easy Elf on the Shelf ideas, check out my other free printables for your adorable elf, including printable notes, elf reports, and creative ways to keep your scout elf busy through the month of December: Elf on the Shelf Free Printables and Ideas.
Happy Holidays!
Let the Christmas fun begin! Use these Elf on the Shelf rules to create new memories and bring some Christmas magic into your home this year. Happy holidays and Merry Christmas to you and your family!
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