Visiting Elves
Frequent Questions & Answers About Elves Who Come to Your Home
Visiting elves are a tradition in many families. Some call them Elf on the Shelf. Experience with these elves has long varied. Many enjoy their presence while others can do without them.
On this page we answer the most common questions about visiting elves to inform you of who they are, what they do, and why you might want them as part of your Christmas.
Recent News of Visiting Elves
The Visiting Elf Program at the North Pole
Frequent Questions
Who are Visiting Elves?
Visting elves are ambassadors of good cheer. They are schooled in being an elf – meaning they are an extension of Santa and his mission of Operation Merry Christmas. They can serve in a variety of way, both for you and for Santa. The live by the Elf Code and have taken the Elf Oath.
What is Elf on the Shelf?
The Elf on the Shelf is a toy. It is sold in stores. There are books, movies and websites associated with it.
Can your “Elf on the Shelf” be considered connected to Santa and the North Pole? YES, if your authorized Visiting Elf – and the parents in the home – allow it.
The “Elf on the Shelf” character, story and tradition is not officially supported by Santa and the North Pole but can be used by your Visiting Elf for the enjoyment of your Christmas season.
Why are they in your home?
Your Visiting Elf is there to help you and to inspire Christmas cheer. They can assist you in counting down the days to Christmas. They can suggest activities you might enjoy at Christmastime. They can teach you about Christmas traditions, how to be kind to others, when to give during the season, and ways you can spread more love among your family and friends.
They are not there to watch you or to report on your behavior to anyone. They don’t tell Santa or the North Pole anything. Neither do they tell things to your parents or other adults in the home.
What do they do?
They are elves. Their #1 concern is Operation Merry Christmas.
That means they look for ways to be helpful, to spread the Christmas spirit, and to celebrate the season with you. They might be playful and suggest games. They may engage in puzzles or challenging contests that teach Christmas traditions. They may help you with things. They love suprises, making people laugh, and seeing others enjoy the season together.
How do I know my elf is real?
The Department of Elf Resources wants you to have a good experience with your visiting elf. There is a registry process to help you connect your elf to Santa and the North Pole. We encourage you to use it. Elves who legitimately work for Santa and report to their Elf Supervisor at the North Pole are certified. Certification only comes with successful registry and training in the Elf Code and taking the Elf Oath.
Can I ask my elf to leave?
Yes. Your elf is not there to tell you or your family what to do. If you are unhappy with your elf you only need to let the Department of Elf Resources know and your elf or elves will be recalled.
Can I have more than one elf?
Some do, especially in homes where there are many children. Most only have one elf.
Can my elf come whenever I want?
Visiting elves do not work on demand. Like Santa, they typically come just one time of year to your home. Customarily visiting elves come between November 25th and December 25th, although the dates might fudge a little bit before and after this time frame. Sometimes special requests might cause a visiting elf to come early or stay a little longer.
How can I communicate with my elf?
That’s tricky. There are certain rules all visiting elves, including Santa, have to operate by in their work as elves. There’s a reason why Santa shows up when you are sleeping. You can write notes to your elf and your elf can write you back. The North Pole offers other ways to communicate in safe ways via the North Pole Club.
What You Can Do
For many years the North Pole has been frustrate for families with Visiting Elves. That has been because there has never been an official program at the North Pole to ensure everyone has a good experience — until now. Below are resources that can help you have a better elf experience.
Registering your elf creates an Official North Pole record. This is the first step in gaining control.
If your elf is registered but you have not heard or seen them in a long time, maybe we can find out what happened.
If your elf has just disppeared we can open an investigation.
North Pole Club Visiting Elf Services
Get More from Your Elf
Extended Visiting Elf Services are offered to North Pole Club Members. They include:
- Request an Elf
- See Your Elf’s Profile
- Your Elf will Be Santa Certified
- Your Elf Will Know the Elf Code
- Your Elf Will Take the Elf Oath
- Your Elf Comes with a Certificate of Authorization
- Message Your Elf
- Schedule a Chat with Your Elf
- Report Your Elf
- The Elf Planner
