The Elf on the Shelf: Night Before Christmas
The Elf on the Shelf Series
What’s inside...
The classic and beloved Night Before Christmas holiday story, featuring The Elf on the Shelf! When the Elf on the Shelf attempts to make his way back to the North Pole on Christmas Eve, things don't go exactly as planned. Now, it’s up to the Elf on the Shelf to save Christmas morning for a very special child. This heartwarming retelling is told in beautiful rhyme and comes with three festive holiday incentives, including a letter to Santa, elf-themed wrapping paper, and Elftastic stickers!
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
24 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think makes the Night Before Christmas special for the elf?
How do you think the elf feels about helping Santa Claus?
If you were an elf, what would you do the night before Christmas?
Why do you think it's important for the elf to follow traditions?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in the elf’s shoes, fostering empathy and a deeper connection to the story.
Discuss the feelings and motivations of the characters to help your child understand different perspectives.
Use the book’s themes to talk about family traditions and ask your child about their favorite holiday rituals.
Highlight the importance of helping others, as demonstrated by the elf, to instill values of kindness and teamwork.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of kindness
Explanation: In the story, the Elf helps Santa prepare for Christmas, demonstrating acts of kindness and collaboration.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to help others in their daily lives, whether by assisting in household chores or supporting friends and family.
Example Lesson: Respect for traditions
Explanation: The book highlights various Christmas traditions that the Elf and Santa follow, showcasing respect and appreciation for cultural practices.
Real-World Application: Kids can be encouraged to participate in family or cultural traditions and understand the value of respecting different cultural practices.
Example Lesson: The spirit of giving
Explanation: The Elf’s role in helping Santa deliver presents exemplifies the joy and importance of giving to others without expecting anything in return.
Real-World Application: Children can be inspired to embrace the spirit of giving by sharing toys, making gifts for family members, or participating in community charity events.
Example Lesson: Following instructions
Explanation: The Elf follows Santa's directions carefully to ensure that everything is ready for Christmas, highlighting the importance of following instructions.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be applied at school where following teachers’ instructions can lead to successful outcomes and a smoother learning environment.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: Working alongside Santa and other elves, the Elf showcases how teamwork can make challenging tasks more manageable and enjoyable.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by collaborating with peers on projects and activities, both in educational settings and during play.