Every Aussie household with a Scout Elf knows the golden rule: you must never touch your Elf, or they could lose their Christmas magic! But what happens if your Scout Elf takes a tumble off the shelf, ends up in a sticky spot, or lands in the middle of your Labrador’s nap zone?
It’s a common question across Australia each December, especially in homes where curious kids or cheeky pets can’t resist getting close. So, can grown-ups touch The Elf on the Shelf® if there’s an elf emergency? Let’s see what Santa and his team at the North Pole have to say.
The General Rule
According to Santa, no one in the family, not even the grown-ups, should touch a Scout Elf. Their magic allows them to fly back to the North Pole each night and report on your family’s Christmas cheer. If they’re touched by human hands, that magic can weaken.
However, Santa understands that accidents sometimes happen. If your Scout Elf finds themselves in trouble, adults may step in carefully using Santa-approved tools to help them return safely to their spot.
When Can Adults Lend a Helping Hand?
Here are the rare but completely magical moments when adults can assist, using tongs, oven mitts, or a soft towel, without breaking the Christmas rules.
1. Your Elf Took a Tumble
Even the most graceful Scout Elves sometimes lose their balance after a long flight from the North Pole. If yours has landed on the floor or somewhere unsafe, an adult can gently lift them with tongs or gloves and place them back on their perch. Try choosing a new, sturdy spot, maybe a bookshelf or somewhere high enough to avoid tiny hands and wagging tails!
2. A Pet Spotted the Elf
Aussie pets are full of curiosity! If your cat or pup has spotted your Scout Elf mid-mission, it’s okay for an adult to move the elf to safety using tools. Santa always encourages protecting both pets and elves from surprises or tinsel tangles.
3. The Elf Lost Their Balance
Some shelves are trickier than others, especially in homes with ceiling fans or summer breezes coming through open windows. If your elf’s latest landing didn’t go as planned, a gentle reset with tongs is perfectly fine.
4. The Elf Made a Bit of a Mess
Some Scout Elves love to get creative and things can get a little out of hand, flour snowstorms, toilet-paper trails, or sprinkles everywhere! Parents can tidy up the chaos while keeping the elf safe and in place. Afterwards, your little one will wake up to a “clean slate” for more North Pole magic.
5. The Elf Landed on Something You Need
Has your Scout Elf decided that the bathroom sink or school bag makes a perfect resting spot? If so, an adult can carefully relocate them so the morning routine can continue, just use a towel, tissue, or Santa-approved gloves to keep the magic protected.
6. The Elf Ended Up Somewhere Damp or Delicate
Sometimes Scout Elves misjudge a landing and find themselves in a puddle, a cup of tea, or even the dog’s water bowl. If that happens, use tongs or a clean cloth to move them to a dry, cosy space so they can recover. Santa’s top tip: leave a pinch of cinnamon nearby overnight to help their magic recharge.
Still Worried About Lost Magic?
Even with the best planning, Scout Elves sometimes need a bit of help from trusted grown-ups. These special cases remind us that magic is everywhere, it just needs a little belief, some quick thinking, and perhaps a pair of oven mitts!
If your family is constantly on the go there’s good news from the North Pole! Santa has given The Elf on the Shelf Scout Elf special permission to travel with The Elf on the Shelf® Scout Elf Carrier, so you never have to miss another moment together. When you’re ready to head out, check out these take-along extras, and get ready to make your best memories yet.
If your little one is worried their elf might have lost some magic, even if an adult used tongs, don’t fret. Here are three ways your family can renew your Scout Elf’s magic in a dash!