5 Reasons Why Your Elf on the Shelf Didn’t Move In 2020

Everything looks different in 2020.  

That includes your holiday traditions. Like the annual visit from everyone’s favorite house guest, the Elf on the Shelf.  

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has kept us at home for the past nine months. And now, North Pole doctors have warned us that the virus is probably going to keep your Elf from moving around much this holiday season, too 

(Kids don’t believe you? Not to worry. We’ve got you covered with our downloadable For-Elves-Only Doctor’s Notes.) 

Here are the top five reasons your Elf stayed in the same place for at least a few nights this year:   

1. He was following social distancing guidelines. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone (including Elves!) stay at least six feet away from others who aren’t in your household. Remind your kids that by not moving, your Elf is doing their part to prevent the spread of germs.

2. She was binge watching Netflix and forgot to move. We’ve all been guilty of this while staying at home. Especially now, with all of the holiday movies that are available to stream. Before you know it, hours (even days) have gone by. We spoke with our mental health experts, who tell us this is a form of “elf-care” and to let your Elf veg out for the time beingIf several days go by, you may need to give her a friendly nudge off the couch.

3. He ate way too many holiday cookies. If you’ve been spending a lot of time baking with your little ones, you can’t blame your Elf for wanting to indulge, too. Our dietitians suggest plopping him in the fruit bowl for a full day. That’s a healthier way to satisfy his sweet tooth.

4. She sprained her ankle after too much rockin’ around the Christmas treeMaybe she was trying to entertain herself with an at-home dance party. Still much safer than a crowded gathering, but not without risks! Our orthopedic specialists who have treated other Elves say the only real cure is to hang out in a stocking for about 48 hours.

5. He fell and hit his head while hanging Christmas lights. Ouch! If your Elf was trying to make your home look especially festive this year and took a tumble, he needs to rest. Stick him under the tree where he can sit safely until his head feels better.

Don’t forget, your kids (and Santa) are going to want to see an official doctor’s note as proof of any of these situations!  

Download your printable doctor’s note and share them with us by tagging Luminis Health on FacebookTwitter and Instagram 

From our Luminis Health family to yours, we wish you a happy and healthy holiday!

Originally published Dec. 7, 2016. Last updated Nov. 30, 2020.

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