The familiar sight of a Scout Elf perched on a new shelf each morning is a hallmark of the holiday season for many families. This playful game of hide-and-seek brings daily excitement, but what if you could add even more magic to the tradition? Meet the Elf on the Shelf Pets, the cuddly companions sent from the North Pole to help spread Christmas cheer in their own special ways.
These adorable animals are more than just cute sidekicks. Each Elf Pet has a unique story and purpose, designed to teach children about the importance of faith, hope, and love. They offer a new, interactive way for your family to experience the wonder of the season. Let’s explore these lovable friends and discover how they can make your holidays even brighter.
What Are Elf on the Shelf Pets?
Elf on the Shelf Pets, also known as Elf Pets®, are magical animals sent by Santa Claus from the North Pole. Unlike Scout Elves, who are on a mission to watch and report back to Santa, Elf Pets have a different job. Their main role is to help Santa’s sleigh fly on Christmas Eve by collecting Christmas spirit.
The key difference is their interactivity. While Scout Elves lose their magic if touched, Elf Pets are meant to be hugged, snuggled, and played with. This hands-on element allows children to form a tangible connection to the magic of the North Pole. Cuddling an Elf Pet generates the very spirit—faith, hope, and love—that helps power Santa’s journey around the world. Each pet comes with its own storybook, explaining its special mission and how children can help.
Meet the Magical Companions
Santa has sent a few special friends to help him on his important mission. Each one brings a unique form of magic to your home and has a distinct personality and story.
The Reindeer Tradition
The very first Elf Pet, the Reindeer, embodies the spirit of faith. The accompanying storybook, Elf Pets: A Reindeer Tradition, tells how these special creatures help Santa’s sleigh soar on Christmas Eve. As Christmas approaches, Santa needs more and more Christmas spirit to make his epic journey possible.
The Reindeer relies on the hope and love of children to get the job done. Each Reindeer wears a heart-shaped charm around its neck. When children cuddle and care for their Reindeer, the charm fills with Christmas spirit. This stored energy is released on Christmas Eve, giving Santa’s sleigh the extra power it needs to fly.
The Saint Bernard Tradition
Next in the lineup is the lovable Saint Bernard, a symbol of hope. The storybook, Elf Pets: A Saint Bernard Tradition, explains that Santa was worried there wasn’t enough Christmas cheer to go around. He enlisted the help of the Saint Bernard pups to collect it.
These pups wear a small barrel around their necks. When children perform acts of kindness, the barrel fills with cheer. The more kindness shown, the more cheer the Saint Bernards can gather and bring back to the North Pole. This pet beautifully teaches children that their good deeds have a magical impact.
The Arctic Fox Tradition
The Arctic Fox brings the magic of hope to the forefront. As told in Elf Pets: An Arctic Fox Tradition, Santa’s sleigh is guided by the glow of the Northern Lights, which are powered by hope. To make sure the lights shine brightly enough for him to see his way, he sends the Arctic Fox cubs.
These foxes have a magical snow globe with a glowing tail. Children can shake the globe each day and whisper their hopes for Christmas inside. This action helps illuminate the Northern Lights, ensuring Santa has a clear path. The Arctic Fox encourages children to believe in the power of their own hopes and dreams.
Weaving Elf Pets into Your Holiday Traditions
Incorporating an Elf Pet into your family’s holiday routine is simple and adds a new layer of fun. Because these pets are meant to be touched, they offer countless opportunities for creative activities.
1. The Grand Arrival
Just like your Scout Elf, your Elf Pet can have a special arrival. You might find your new friend waiting by the fireplace with its storybook and a note from Santa. Read the story together as a family to understand your pet’s special mission. This sets the stage for the magical weeks to come.
2. Daily Acts of Kindness
If you have the Saint Bernard, create a “Kindness Jar.” Every time your child does something kind—like sharing a toy, helping with a chore, or giving a compliment—write it down on a slip of paper and put it in the jar. At the end of the day, read the slips together and give your Saint Bernard a big hug to “fill” its barrel with cheer.
3. A Cuddle Buddy for Holiday Movies
Make your Elf Pet part of your cozy holiday movie nights. Let your child snuggle with their Reindeer, Saint Bernard, or Arctic Fox while watching classic Christmas films. This reinforces the idea that cuddling their pet generates valuable Christmas spirit.
4. Writing Hopes and Dreams
For families with an Arctic Fox, set aside a quiet moment each evening. Have your child shake the snow globe and whisper a hope for a friend or family member into it. This can be a beautiful, reflective practice that teaches empathy and positive thinking.
5. Adventures with Your Scout Elf
Your Scout Elf and Elf Pet can become the best of friends. Set up scenes where they are interacting. Perhaps your Scout Elf is reading the Elf Pet its storybook, or they’re sharing a plate of miniature cookies. These scenes create a delightful narrative that your children will love waking up to. Maybe the Reindeer is giving the Scout Elf a ride across the living room, or the Arctic Fox is nestled under the Elf’s arm for a nap.
A Perfect Complement to Your Elf
Elf Pets don’t replace the Scout Elf; they enhance the entire experience. While the Scout Elf brings an element of “look, don’t touch” mystery, the Elf Pet offers a comforting, tangible connection to the North Pole.
This dynamic duo works perfectly together. The Scout Elf represents the rules and magic of Santa’s workshop, while the Elf Pet represents the heart and soul of Christmas spirit. Together, they create a well-rounded holiday narrative that is engaging, educational, and full of opportunities for family bonding.
Ready to Welcome a New Friend?
Adding an Elf Pet to your holiday traditions is a wonderful way to teach your children about the values that make the season so special. Whether you choose the faithful Reindeer, the kind Saint Bernard, or the hopeful Arctic Fox, you are inviting more love, interaction, and magic into your home. This year, consider letting one of Santa’s cuddly helpers join your family and watch the Christmas spirit soar.