This easy Elf on the Shelf ideas is a free printable paper chain that you can make with your kids or display as an Elf on the Shelf prop. Help The Elf on the Shelf count down the days until Christmas with this adorable Advent calendar idea that is a paper chain countdown.

Easy Elf on the Shelf Idea

This year the elf is counting down the days until Christmas and he’s using this printable paper chain calendar to do it!

Related: Elf on the Shelf ideas

How does the countdown chain work? It’s simple…

Download and print The Elf on the Shelf paper chain printable and follow the directions to make a working countdown to Christmas Advent calendar that works well as an Elf on the Shelf prop.

Printable Elf on the Shelf Countdown Paper Chain Craft

The best part about this easy Elf on the Shelf printable idea is that the countdown chain is elf-sized!

Download the Elf on the Shelf Prop Here

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Supplies Needed to Make Paper Chain Craft

• Printed Countdown to Christmas Printable
• Tape or glue
• Scissors
• Your Elf on the Shelf Scout Doll

Directions to Make Elf on the Shelf Paper Chain Craft

Time Needed to Set Up: 10-15 minutes

Step 1

Just print out the Elf-sized Countdown to Christmas PDF below

Step 2

and cut out the pieces.

Step 3

Thread the small strips through the opening on the Countdown to Christmas banner and create one loop for each day until Christmas.

Finished Elf on the Shelf Paper Chain Countdown to Christmas

Your elf can take one loop off each night to help your kids count down to December 25th!

Setting Up Your Elf on the Shelf Prop

Your finished Elf on the Shelf countdown to Christmas paper chain prop has limitless Elf on the Shelf scene scenarios! Here are a few ideas including the one pictured above:

• Position your Elf on the Shelf Scout in an unexpected location like the light fixture over the kitchen table with the Countdown paper chain prop hanging below.
• Use the paper chain to “chain” the Scout doll to a certain location in the home.
• Use the Countdown paper chain as a garland for your fireplace mantle with the Scout doll close by.

WHEN DOES THE ELF ON THE SHELF COME BACK?

“Most Scout Elves return to their families during Scout Elf Return Week^™—a week-long window at the end of November, leading into December. (This year’s Scout Elf Return Week will take place Nov. 24–Dec. 1.)”

–OFFICIAL ELF ON THE SHELF BLOG – WATCH SOCIAL MEDIA FOR THE #SCOUTELFRETURNWEEK HASHTAG!

a Month of Easy Elf on the Shelf Props & Ideas

We’ve created unique set of Elf on the Shelf props for you that you can print off and use every day to make moving Elf quick, easy and easy to remember.

–>Printable Calendar of a Month of Elf on the Shelf Ideas

• Day 1: TODAY
• Day 2: Elf-Sized Coloring Book
• Day 3: Elf Photo Booth Props
• Day 4: Elf on the Shelf Beach Day
• Day 5: Elf on the Shelf Yoga Poses
• Day 6: Elf on the Shelf Hot Chocolate
• Day 7: Elf on the Shelf Superhero Ideas
• Day 8: Elf on the Shelf Mad Scientist
• Day 9: Princess Elf on the Shelf
• Day 10: Elf on the Shelf Golf
• Day 11: Elf on the Shelf Ball Pit
• Day 12: Elf on the Shelf Party
• Day 13: Elf on the Shelf Treasure Hunt
• Day 14: Elf on the Shelf Mustache
• Day 15: Elf on the Shelf Cookies
• Day 16: Elf on the Shelf Paper Bag Race
• Day 17: Elf on the Shelf Ideas for Classroom
• Day 18: Basketball Elf on the Shelf
• Day 19: Elf on the Shelf in the Car Ideas
• Day 20: Elf on the Shelf Exercise
• Day 21: Elf on the Shelf Lemonade for Sale
• Day 22: Elf on the Shelf Candy Cane
• Day 23: Elf on the Shelf Baseball
• Day 24: Elf on the Shelf Tic Tac Toe
• Day 25: Elf on the Shelf Bake Sale
• Day 26: Elf on the Shelf Bingo Cards
• Day 27: Elf on the Shelf Toilet Paper Snowman
• Day 28: Elf on the Shelf Kindness Cards
• Day 29: Elf on the Shelf Zipline
• Day 30: Elf on the Shelf Potty Ideas
• Day 31: Elf Craft for Preschoolers

WHERE DO I BUY ORIGINAL ELF ON THE SHELF?

Here at Kids Activities Blog we absolutely adore the original Elf on the Shelf Christmas tradition and we are so thrilled with The Elf on the Shelf Store on Amazon that can send you the original Elf quickly! Grab the Elf on the Shelf that suits your child best:

• Elf on the Shelf: Brown-eyed girl dark tone Scout Elf with book
• Elf on the Shelf: Brown-eyed boy dark tone Scout Elf with book
• Elf on the Shelf: Blue-eyed boy light tone Scout Elf with book
• Elf on the Shelf: Blue-eyed girl light tone Scout Elf with book

Pssst…check out all the original Elf on the Shelf accessories and other Elfish items!

How Do You Call Your Elf Back Home?

To summon or call your Elf back to your home, you can do a number of things like:

• Write them a letter inviting them.
• Have a party.
• Create a festive Elf area in your home.
• Or leave out something they like… like treats!

Once they’ve returned for the Christmas season you can start our month long ideas of Elf on the Shelf.

What Are The Rules Of Elf On The Shelf?

There are just 3 rules:

• Don’t touch your Elf or they will lose their magic.
• They don’t talk, but listen well and kids tell all their wishes to them.
• Scout Elves have to go back home on Christmas Eve to held Santa prepare for Christmas.

Of course, it’s okay for parents to touch the Elf to set them up, but these are rules for kids and it helps build the magic of Christmas. Though there are rules for parents too that come with the Elf when it comes to “touching” the Elf Scout in front of kids in case the Elf falls.

What Happens If My Elf Falls?

Sometimes the Elf may be more tired. It’s a long way from North Pole to your house. In case the Elf falls or falls asleep, adults can:

• Use pot holders to pick up the Elf to put them back
• Use tongs to save the Elf
• Or in the case the Elf landed on something the children needed or something that isn’t great for the Elf to stay in all day…parents can also move them using the above methods.

How To Bring The Magic Back To Our Elf Scout If Someone Accidently Touches It?

It happens. Sometimes kids get curious or accidents happen. There are 3 things you have to do to bring back your Elf’s magic.

• Write a letter apologizing to Santa for touching your Elf.
• Sprinkle cinnamon next to your Elf as cinnamon is very good for them. (Skip this or use something else if there is an allergy.)
• Sing a Christmas song with your entire family!

Doing these 3 things will bring the magic back to your Elf Scout! You can add on any other fun or silly things to do to bring your Elf’s magic back. These are just the suggested methods.

How are you going to use the printable Elf on the Shelf paper countdown chain prop?