Help With My Elf

Visiting elf idea

Paper Chain Mantel Helper

The elf holds the end of a short paper chain on the mantel as if it spent the night linking loops.

  • Everyday
  • Tree & mantel
  • Nice
  • Low mess
  • Household items
  • 15 minutes
  • Toddler-safe
  • December 17
Paper Chain Mantel Helper. A handmade visiting-elf idea card for Help With My Elf.

What you need

These are household pieces. Borrow from the junk drawer first.

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How to set it up

  1. 1

    Cut a handful of paper strips and put scissors away.

  2. 2

    Tape five to eight loops into a short chain.

  3. 3

    Drape the chain along the mantel.

  4. 4

    Sit the elf holding the last open loop with a sticky-note helper sign.

If this night works, try next

5 minutesNo mess

Christmas Card Mantel Mail Room

The elf sorts a small stack of Christmas cards on the mantel like a tiny overnight post office.

Everyday · Tree & mantel · Nice · Household items · Toddler-safe

5 minutesNo mess

Ornament Count, Twice

The elf shows two columns of tally marks and a note that counting the tree used up the night.

Everyday · Tree & mantel · Slightly naughty · Household items · Toddler-safe

10 minutesNo mess

Ornament Box Archivist

The elf sorts tissue in an empty ornament box on the mantel and posts a tiny archive card.

Everyday · Tree & mantel · Nice · Household items · Toddler-safe

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