27 Surprising Things You Don't Know About the Elf on the Shelf, Straight From the Creator

As an older sibling starts to realize the truth about Santa Claus, the family elf can actually be used to help keep him or her from ruining the magic for their younger sibling. Allow the older child to get in on the fun and help with the nightly placement so they will become just as invested and still feel included in a new aspect of this holiday tradition. "My son is 15 and he has really embraced the more adult role in the family," Chanda said. "I think that has been really fun for him, to play along with the tradition and be a part of it and keep the magic alive."