The elf on the shelf's Night before Christmas by Chandra A. Bell

The elf on the shelf; a Christmas tradition was published in 2005 by Carol Aebersold, and her daughter Chanda Bell. The story explains how Father Christmas knows which children are naughty or nice, ready to receive a present on the day. This new story shows how the family has prepared for Christmas, and so reiterates all the customs and traditions common to many western countries that celebrate Christmas. Using the framework of Clement C. Moore’s ’Twas the night before Christmas, Bell’s storyline is of an elf getting the place ready for Father Christmas’ visit. The family has set everything out, there are decorations and a beautiful tree, food for the reindeer and St Nick, stockings ready to be filled and so on. The dog and cat of the house have been left to their own devices and chase each other, pulling down some of the decorations, leaving quite a mess. But Father Christmas does not mind. In a twinkle he eats his food and leaves the house just as it was, all cleaned up ready for Christmas Day. And a click of his fingers takes him back to the roof where the reindeer are waiting.

What could have been an upsetting Christmas was put back in place by the elf and St  Nick, ready for the children in the morning.

Children knowing the Moore poem will have fun with this version, as the elf hurries around the place cleaning up after the mischievous animals. It will remind them of Christmas events and trappings, and how they celebrate Christmas in their own homes.

Themes: Christmas, Elves, Father Christmas, Clement C. Moore.

Fran Knight