THE NORTH POLE – Year after year, children are baffled by the mystery of how Santa knows if they’ve been naughty or nice. Now, Ol’ Saint Nick has let his secret “out of the bag” with the book, “The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition,” available at select retail locations nationwide and online at www.elfontheshelf.com.
Writer Carol Aebersold and her daughter Chanda Bell, both former teachers, teamed with award-winning illustrator Coë Steinwart to create this popular children’s book which answers the age-old question, “How does Santa really know who’s been naughty or nice?” According to the story, a scout elf comes to live with each family to watch over the children and report their wishes directly to Santa Claus. Each night, after the children are safely tucked into bed, the elf flies home to the North Pole where he shares the children’s wishes with Santa and reports on who’s been nice or naughty. Before the children awaken, the elf has returned to their home, but he’s observing them from a new post in the house. The children race out of bed to discover the elf's new hangout for the day.
This Christmas season, Santa is providing children direct access to the North Pole. The Elf on the Shelf has introduced a 3-D animated Web site (www.elfontheshelf.com)
•Santa’s Workshop. In the workshop, guests can build elf-sized furniture, make an elf clock, play a memory game, or color Santa and his elves.
•The Reindeer Stables. Visitors to the stables can check in on Rudolph and his gang, play reindeer games, make reindeer food, color Santa’s sleigh, and create an ornament and gumdrop tree.
•Mrs. Claus’ Kitchen. Here visitors can see recipes from The Elf on the Shelf cookbook or decorate a Christmas cookie and send it to Santa or a friend.
•The Town Square Christmas Tree. In the town square, little ones can help decorate the giant tree, watch a special video, learn about different decorations from around the world, and make gift tags for their own presents.
•The Hall of Registry. In the Hall of Registry, little ones can register and name their very own elf, ask an elf a question, even upload their favorite elf photo that will be framed for Santa’s picture wall.
Included throughout the site are hidden games, puzzles, coloring pages, quizzes, fun facts, trivia and other activities for kids of all ages.
“From the beginning, The Elf on the Shelf has been about creating family memories and traditions,”
The North Pole was produced through the collaborative efforts of Cre8ive Websites (www.cre8ivewebsites.com)
The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition is $29.95 and comes with its own pixie elf seated on a shelf in an attractive keepsake box. For a list of store locations or to purchase The Elf on the Shelf online, visit www.elfontheshelf.com.
