Forgot to move the elf?
If the kids are still asleep, turn the elf round or give it one prop: thirty seconds and nobody knows. If they've already seen it, it stayed put on purpose, and the note below gives it a reason.
What to do
- Kids still asleep? Turn the elf round or give it one prop. Thirty seconds.
- Already seen it? It stayed put on purpose. Pick one reason and stick to it.
- It got too cosy where it was, or the warm room made its magic sleepy.
- It froze when someone got up for a drink, or stayed to guard the presents.
- It's practising standing still for a competition. Then set a reminder in Settings.
A note you can copy
Morning. Yes, I'm in the same spot. I was playing the world's longest game of statues, and I think I won. Big plans for tonight, though.
Write it out in wobbly capitals and leave it with the elf. Add your child's name at the top if you like.
Other tricky nights
- Someone picked up the elf: what now?
- When your child asks "Is the elf real?"
- Taking the elf away for the weekend
- When the elf lives in two homes
Need an idea for tonight? Quick elf ideas or last-minute elf ideas.