Children go crazy over Elf on the Shelf and many parents across the world love it and have fun creating magical moments with their children. I am very excited to join in the Elf on the Shelf craze with our 2-year-old this year. There are so many fun ideas to get the family into the holiday spirit.
What is Elf on the Shelf?
For those that haven’t heard of it yet, it is an exciting way to bring the holidays alive. You can purchase one of Santa’s scout elves at most retailers across America and online. These elves are magical helpers that enable Santa to manage his naughty and nice list. They watch children throughout the day and then report to Santa about their behavior nightly. Once a family gives the elf a name it becomes magical and can fly back to the North Pole each night. When it returns to the family’s home, it chooses a new place each day to watch the children.
The personality of your elf reflects the family. Your Elf on the Shelf may be crafty, mischievous, silly or simply fun. Children will have fun each morning hunting for the elf. Is it in the living room, the bathroom or kitchen? What has he been up to all night since flying back to the family?
Here are 5 military-themed Elf on the Shelf ideas to bring the fun to your home.
Military Elf on the Shelf
Military Elf on the Shelf idea by Veterans United Network.
Dress your magical Elf on the Shelf in his very own ACUs/BDUs and make dog tags out of aluminum foil to start the season off in real military style. You don’t need to break out the sewing machine for this cute outfit. You can find camouflage tape at craft stores.
Salute the Flag
I love this idea by Picklehead Soup blog. Set up your Elf on the Shelf under the tree so the light is shinning bright on your elf. Position him so that he is saluting the American flag. If you have a GI Joe or other uniformed toy have it hold the flag. Don’t have an action figure like this? Use the camouflage tape you dressed the elf in previously. Using this position on December 7 can give you the opportunity to talk to your children about Pearl Harbor.
Elf on the Shelf saluting the American flag by Picklehead Soup.
American Hero Elf on the Shelf Support
Is your service member deployed? This is a great way to have your Elf on the Shelf include them in the family holiday fun. You can purchase a small picture frame at the Exchange or make one yourself. Position the Elf on the Shelf tucked in bed holding a picture of the deployed parent. This will show that your elf is also thinking of mom or dad and make the children feel like this is a personal experience.
Phot by Rachel Affield via Pinterest.
Patriotic Elf
Is your military spouse about to deploy? Did you recently move? There’s likely to be a collection of military gear around the house. Gather a group of items and have your elf sit with it. This shows that your elf knows what’s going on and is there with the family.
Jennie Furlow’s Elf on the Shelf supporting Daddy via Blue Star Families.
The Crafty Elf on the Shelf
If you have an extra set of ACUs/BDUs have your elf get a little crafty. If you don’t have any extras, you’ll likely find some at thrift stores. Cut up a portion of them and position him with a pair of scissors sitting next to it as though he did it. This could be a good way to introduce your children into the fun craft of making military-themed ornaments.
KB Crafting Solutions has an inspired Elf on the Shelf.
There are so many patriotic ways to bring military life into your home this holiday season. Have fun and be creative.
