In Case of Elftastrophe!
Did someone accidentally touch your Scout Elf?
Don’t panic. This may look like an elf emergency, but luckily, Christmas magic has a few tricks up its tiny red sleeve.
If you’re wondering, “What happens if you touch The Elf on the Shelf?” or “How do you get a Scout Elf’s magic back?” you’re definitely not alone. In fact, those very questions inspired In Case of Elftastrophe!: An Elf Emergency Guide by Chanda A. Bell.
This laugh-out-loud picture book takes one of the biggest “uh-oh!” moments of The Elf on the Shelf tradition and turns it into something much more merry: a chance for families to laugh together, lend Christmas magic a helping hand and discover that even an elf-sized emergency can have a magical solution.

Someone Touched the Elf. Now What?
Our Scout Elf narrator knows exactly why you’ve arrived.
Someone touched the elf.
Not just any elf. The Elf on the Shelf!
Gasp.
When a Scout Elf is accidentally touched by a human, their Christmas magic may need a little help. And that, friends, is what we call an elftastrophe.
It sounds dramatic because, well, it is.
How will a Scout Elf fly back to the North Pole? How will Santa get those important nightly reports? What happens if Christmas Eve arrives and the magic isn’t working?
Fortunately, the Scout Elf in In Case of Elftastrophe! has seen a thing or two.
There have been hugs. Tumbles. Mishaps. Even some rather unfortunate sitting incidents.
And somehow, every elftastrophe has managed to turn out merry in the end.

Three Magical Ways to Help a Scout Elf Get Their Magic Back
Here’s the very good news: an accidental touch doesn’t have to mean the end of the magic.
In In Case of Elftastrophe!, families discover three merry remedies that may give Scout Elf Christmas magic just the boost it needs.

1. Write an Apology Letter to Santa
A heartfelt note can carry plenty of Christmas Spirit.
Kids can write Santa a letter explaining what happened and sharing how much they care about their Scout Elf. The letter can be mailed to Santa or placed beside the elf.
Sincerity plus Santa? That’s a pretty magical combination.
2. Sprinkle Cinnamon Nearby
Cinnamon doesn’t just make Christmas cookies smell amazing. It can also provide a little magical boost when sprinkled near a Scout Elf.
And we do mean near.
Not on the elf!
No one needs an elftastrophe and a cinnamon-tastrophe.


3. Sing a Christmas Song
Christmas Spirit has a funny way of showing up when families make merry together.
Pick a favorite Christmas song and sing it loud enough for the North Pole to hear. Beautiful harmonies are optional. Enthusiasm is highly encouraged.
That burst of Christmas cheer may be just what your Scout Elf’s magic needs.
A Story for Those Little “Oh No!” Moments
Part of the magic of having a Scout Elf is believing that something extraordinary is happening right inside your home.
So when a curious little hand reaches out for a hug or someone accidentally bumps, tumbles into or, yes, sits on a Scout Elf, it can feel like a pretty big deal.
That’s what makes In Case of Elftastrophe! such a fun book to have nearby during Scout Elf season.
Instead of letting an accidental touch become a worried moment, the story turns it into another part of the Christmas adventure. Suddenly, families have something magical to do together. They can write to Santa, sprinkle a little cinnamon or burst into song while their Scout Elf gets some much-needed Christmas cheer.

And while the Scout Elf narrator may be very serious about this one particular rule, the story is also a merry reminder that mistakes happen and Christmas magic has a wonderful way of bouncing back.
Frequently Asked Questions About Touching a Scout Elf
What happens if someone touches The Elf on the Shelf?
According to The Elf on the Shelf tradition, a Scout Elf may temporarily lose some Christmas magic after being touched by a human.
That’s the exact dilemma at the heart of In Case of Elftastrophe! and fortunately, this elf emergency comes with some very merry solutions.
What should I do if my child accidentally touched the elf?
First, don’t panic. Accidental touches happen!
In Case of Elftastrophe! gives families three magical ways to help:
- Write an apology letter to Santa. Tell Santa what happened and how much you care about your Scout Elf.
- Sprinkle cinnamon near the Scout Elf. Remember, near the elf, not on the elf!
- Sing a Christmas song. A little extra Christmas cheer can give Scout Elf magic a merry boost.
Then give that Christmas magic a chance to work.
Did my Scout Elf lose their magic forever?
An accidental touch doesn’t mean the Christmas fun is over. The magical remedies in In Case of Elftastrophe! give families a playful way to help their Scout Elf after a mishap and keep the season merry.
Is In Case of Elftastrophe! good for first-time Elf on the Shelf families?
Absolutely. New families can discover more about Scout Elf Christmas magic, while longtime Scout Elf families may recognize a few familiar “uh-oh!” moments of their own.
With colorful illustrations, over-the-top mishaps and plenty of Scout Elf humor, it’s a fun read-aloud to keep nearby for repeated giggles.
Be Ready for Your Next Elftastrophe
Hopefully, your Scout Elf’s Christmas magic stays merry and bright all season long.
But curious kids, enthusiastic hugs and unexpected accidents have a way of happening.
So if your family ever hears those four alarming words…
“Someone touched the elf!”
…you’ll know exactly where to turn.
Bring home In Case of Elftastrophe!: An Elf Emergency Guide for a hilarious story, three magical remedies and one very important reminder:
Don’t Touch That Elf!

Find out more details about Scout Elves, like how elves get a name, or why your elf’s return may have been delayed!