The Elf on the Shelf Tradition:
Have you ever wondered how Santa knows who is naughty and who is nice? The Elf on the Shelf – A Christmas Tradition is the very special tool that helps Santa know who to put on the Naughty and Nice list. Excellent listeners and even better observers, these scout elves are the eyes and ears of Santa Claus. Although they cannot be touched, or else they may lose their magic, the elf will always listen and relay messages back to Santa. Taking in all the day-to-day activities around the house, no good deed goes unnoticed. Each night, after the family goes to bed, the scout elf uses his magical Christmas powers to fly back to the North Pole. Once there, the elf will make his or her daily report to Santa. Before the family awakes each morning, their special scout elf will fly back to their home from the North Pole. However, since these elves like to play games, don’t expect to find them in the same spot! While some like to hide in the freezer and others prefer hang from the chandelier, these elves love to play hide-and-seek with their families. On Christmas Eve, the scout elf will listen for Santa’s bell and then fly back to the North Pole until the next season, wishing every girl and each boy a Christmas of peace and a year full of joy.
You're supposed to name him first. I wanted a cool name--like Harry, Malcolm, Truman or even Lola. This elf is going to be with us for years, and his name goes down in family history. But when I asked Evelyn what his name should be she said "Keff." I questioned the suggestion at first, unsure if she said Calf or Kev. But she repeated it several times quite clearly..."Keff." I smiled, validated her suggestion and began to cleverly steer her toward other names. Ari was secretly listening in on our conversation and he interjected, "Becca, don't you dare!" I knew he was right. So Keff it is.
Below are some of Keff's adventures at the Olson household.
