For many families, the tradition of Elf ... Shelf Names Gather up your holiday reads, and maybe grab a couple of new ones. Elf likes reading too! Have Elf sitting by marshmallows that spell out ...

Christy Heins, of North Aurora, Illinois, shared her exit strategy for getting out of the Elf on the Shelf routine in a hilarious Facebook post on Dec. 3 Dave Quinn is a Senior Editor for PEOPLE.

Below, find out how Elf on the Shelf works and explore the possible ... Kids often love discovering their elf caught in the act of holiday hijinks, such as hiding in the snack drawer.

Nov. 19 at 8 p.m. ET/PT Elf on the Shelf brings out the creativity in everyone — bakers included. Duff Goldman, Kardea Brown and Ashley Holt star on Food Network's new series The Elf on the ...