What happens if your Elf on the Shelf doesnt move?

You’ve woken to find your elf in the same place and you’re wondering what’s happened. Don’t worry, there are lots of reasons why your elf didn’t move. Read on to find out more…

We know that elves normally like to mix it up so that they can watch you from a whole host of places. But occasionally they do stay put.

We’ve done some digging on the matter and discovered the nine most common explanations.

It’s almost a guarantee that one of the reasons below will explain why your elf didn’t move last night. Perhaps you’ll immediately know which it was. But, if you’re not sure, you could always leave them a note and see if they reply.

And, if somehow your elf has lost a little of their magic, there’s no cause for concern. We are super excited to be allowed to share advice, direct from the North Pole, on .

Nine Things That Can Cause Elves To Stay Still

Most Common Reasons Your Elf Didn’t Move

1. Your Elf Forgot!

Just like us, sometimes elves do forget where they were the day before. It is normally because they are too busy thinking up all sorts of mischief for the following night so watch out tomorrow!

2. How’s The Weather Up At The North Pole?

If there’s a particularly bad blizzard coming in, Santa will send word to his elves to take the night off. He doesn’t want to risk one of his team getting hurt. They will just need to report two days’ worth of information tomorrow.

3. It’s a Trick!

Elves love getting up to mischief. Did you know that one of their favourite tricks is to come back to the same spot and see if you find them there (it’s the last place you thought to look, right?!).

4. Someone Touched Your Elf

We all know that an elf’s magic can go if they are touched. Don’t worry though. Santa has sent us on how to restore an elf’s magic sufficiently that they can get back to the Elf Medical Centre at the Pole.

5. The House Was Too Busy

Elves need to wait until everyone is asleep before they can move around.

If there was too much activity around the house last night, perhaps your elf only had time to get to the North Pole and back, but not enough time to find a new position.

Make sure you get to bed early tonight to help them out!

Enjoy A North Pole Breakfast With Your Elf

Go all out for your December visitor with a fabulous Elf Breakfast, full of fun, games, decorations and sugar!!

6. Are You Sure Your Elf Hasn’t Moved?

Sometimes Santa asks his elves to test your observation skills so he knows you’ll be able to spot opportunities to help others. Elves often do this by moving only very slightly to see if you’ve noticed.

7. This Is Their Favourite Spot

Just as we have our favourite comfy chair, elves have their preferred watching-spots. Perhaps your elf is finding it hard to move now they have found theirs.

Why not set up a cosy corner elsewhere for tonight to see if it entices them to move! You could use some cotton wool for a soft chair and perhaps put out a tiny snack too.

8. They’re Not Done From This Angle

Try looking at the room from your elf’s perspective. What can they see? What were you doing yesterday in this room?

Maybe your elf needs a little more time to investigate so they’ve returned for a second look.

Or perhaps they just love watching you enjoy your favourite activities.

9. Your Elf Over-Heated

As we all know elves live most of the year in the North Pole so they like chilly conditions.

Did you know that if an elf gets too warm it can weaken their magic?

Perhaps your elf didn’t realise this position would be too hot for them. Or maybe they got so excited coming up with mischievous ideas that they overheated!

Don’t worry though, will restore their magic sufficiently to get back to Santa tonight.

It’s As Easy As 1-2-3

Restoring Elvish Magic

Here are the three main ways to quickly restore elvish magic. These should each be sufficient to enable your elf to get back to the North Pole for a check-up.

1. Sing

As we all know, ‘The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear’.

Singing a Christmas song with your family will top up your elf’s magic. The more songs, the better!

2. Write

If someone accidentally touched the elf, then a quick note to apologise will have them back in action in no time.

A heartfelt sorry is full of magic.

3. Chill

Elves like it cold.

If you suspect your elf has overheated, use an oven glove or pair of tongs to carefully move them to the fridge where they will be able to rebalance their body temperature and restore their magic.

15 Easy Family Christmas Game Ideas

Looking for easy Christmas family game ideas? Check out this list of 15 super simple twists on classic games to try with your family.

Share Your Elf Adventure!

Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram @jollyfestive.

And be sure to tag #jollyfestive in your photos. We love to see which Christmas activities you’ve been enjoying!

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Windsor Great Park is awash with festive colour once again as Windsor Illuminated Christmas lights trail returns to the park for 2022!

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Grab these FREE Elf on the Shelf printables; easy to use and the perfect addition to your North Pole Breakfast celebrations!

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What do you do if your elf is not moving?

Elves need to wait until everyone is asleep before they can move around. If there was too much activity around the house last night, perhaps your elf only had time to get to the North Pole and back, but not enough time to find a new position. Make sure you get to bed early tonight to help them out!

Do parents move the elf on the shelf yes or no?

Santa advises that no family member touch their Elf on the Shelf, but he does describe a few rare instances when an adult may use tongs or potholders to help an elf in an urgent situation. Parents: read on to learn about special, few and far between cases where emergency help will be required.

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Does the elf on the shelf have to move every night?

As the days inch nearer to Christmas, families across the country are taking part in "Elf on the Shelf" festivities, where a small elf figurine is placed around the home every day to watch if children have been naughty or nice. According to elf legend, the elf moves each night.