In recent years, a nice and peculiar tradition has gained popularity in many homes during the month of December: Santa's Elf. Inspired by the Anglo-Saxon tradition of Elf on the Shelf (Elf on the Shelf), this little visitor has become an indispensable companion for many children in the countdown to Christmas.
What does tradition consist of?
The idea is simple and magical: a Santa Claus elf is “adopted” by the family at the beginning of December and comes to life at night, while everyone sleeps. But far from being a calm observer, this elf is dedicated to making pranks and pranks all over the house. Every morning, children wake up with the excitement of discovering what misdeeds they have done during the night.
From filling the house with toilet paper to organizing battles with other toys or stealing candy from the Christmas tree, the elf becomes the center of daily laughter and surprise.
The origin of the Christmas Elf
The tradition has its origins in the United States, with the launch in 2005 of the children's book The Elf on the Shelfwritten by Carol Aebersold and his daughter Chanda Bell. Since then, the custom has crossed borders and has adapted to the cultures of different countries, including Spain, where it has found a special place in the Christmas celebration.
This custom encourages the imagination and creativity of the “elves”, who every night must devise new “pranks” to surprise the children who have adopted them. In addition, the elf becomes an ally to motivate the little ones to behave well, since, according to the story, he directly reports to Santa Claus about their behavior.
Santa's elf pranks
A Christmas elf next to a portrait of himself that he drew at night / INFORMATION
Here is a list with 24 of the most popular pranks that these funny characters usually star in Spanish houses:
1. Cotton Cloud Bath
The elf fills the sink with cotton balls as if he were taking a relaxing bath.
2. Toilet paper party
The elf unrolls toilet paper all over the living room, bathroom or Christmas tree.
A bathroom with toilet paper is the result of a prank by the elf. / INFORMATION
3. The climbing elf
The elf hangs from the ceiling or a lamp (being careful not to burn himself…) with his velcro hands, or with a thread or rope, simulating that he is climbing.
4. Selfies with your cell phone
Two elves taking a selfie / INFORMATION
The elf leaves mom or dad's cell phone with a gallery full of funny photos.
5. Glutton Elf
The elf wakes up surrounded by candy wrappers or bitten cookies.
6. Drawing Elf
The elf has drawn a self-portrait during the night so that you will remember him all year round.
7. Graffiti elf
The elf draws funny faces or messages on a mirror with erasable whiteboard markers.
8. Sock prank
The elf fills the stockings hanging on the fireplace or tree with unexpected items, such as small toys or candy.
9. Musician elf
The elf wakes up playing a “concert” with spoons and pots in the kitchen.
10. Puzzle expert elf
The elf has spent the night doing a puzzle, although he may need help to complete it…
An elf doing a puzzle / INFORMATION
11. Elf in a hammock
The elf makes a hammock out of wrapping paper and hangs it between two chairs with him resting in it.
12. Sticker Prank
The elf fills the refrigerator or a door with stickers and sticks one on his hand.
13. Fisher Elf
The elf stands with a makeshift rod and paper fish in the sink.
14. Loving elf
The elf went to bed “hugging” the child who adopted him.
15. Shoe prank
The elf leaves the entire family's shoes in disarray and he sticks out from inside one of them.
16. Audio message from the elf
The elf has taken mom or dad's cell phone and recorded an audio message (https://myedit.online/es/audio-editor/voice-changerFor example)
17. Elf trapped in a jar
The elf appears inside a clear jar with a note “Get me out of here!”
18. Reading elf
The elf appears on the living room sofa with an open book between his legs and reading a book to other toys as if they were his audience.
19. Trolled photos
The elf draws mustaches on family photos on the glass of the frame with an erasable marker.
20. Frozen Elf
The elf appears on the refrigerator wearing a coat or scarf.
21. Elf tightrope walker
The elf is crossing a bridge or web that he created with duct tape between furniture.
22. Scout Elf
The elf is in a toy car or plane as if he is exploring the house.
23. Attack of the dinosaurs
The elf is being “attacked” by toy dinosaurs.
24. Writer Elf
The elf appears at a desk with a letter in which he has written to Santa Claus that the child who adopted him has been fantastic and deserves to receive many gifts.
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