Elf‑mergency
Care Center

Recovery Scene Setup Guide

1. Create the cast: Wrap a bendy straw or small strip of paper towel around your elf's arm. Secure gently with tape or a twist tie.
2. Set up the recovery spot: Position your elf in a comfy sitting or lying position. A small box lined with cotton balls makes an excellent elf-sized hospital bed. Add a washcloth as a blanket.
3. Add medical details: Place the printable X-ray nearby showing the fracture. Attach a bread twist tie to the elf's wrist as a hospital bracelet. Prop a candy cane beside them as a crutch for when they're ready to hobble around.
4. Display the doctor's note: Print and position the official doctor's note where kids will see it. This explains the 2-3 day recovery period and "light sitting only" orders.
5. Encourage participation: Leave out paper and crayons so children can write get-well cards. Suggest they read stories aloud to help their elf feel better during recovery.

When your elf can't seem to move (and needs a medical excuse)

Has your elf been suspiciously still? They may have come down with Glitter Lung: a common condition caused by inhaling enchanted snowflakes. Symptoms include a sparkling cough, chest tingling, and a chime-like voice. Doctor's orders: complete rest for 2-3 days.

Recovery Scene Setup Guide

1. Create a sick bay: Set up your elf in a resting position using a small box or basket as a bed. Line it with tissues or cotton balls for softness, and drape a washcloth or napkin over them as a cozy blanket.
2. Add sick-day props: Place crumpled tissues around your elf (they've been coughing up glitter, after all). If you have a small thermometer, tuck it under their arm.
3. Post the diagnosis: Print the Glitter Lung doctor's note and place it prominently. This gives you 2-3 full days of no moving, no candy, and no mischief.
4. Show the doctor's prescription: Print the prescription from the doctor to show a written note on your elf's condition.
5. Break the news gently: When kids find the scene, explain that their elf caught something going around the North Pole and needs to rest. They can check on their elf and talk to them, but the elf won't be doing any activities until they're better.

When your elf has made accidental human contact

We've all been there! Human contact temporarily disrupts an elf's holiday magic, but don't worry. A 24-48 hour quarantine surrounded by magical restoration materials will have them back to full power in no time.

Magic Restoration Protocol

1. Set up the quarantine container: Place your elf inside a clear mason jar, glass, or plastic container. The transparency is important- kids need to see their elf is okay while understanding they absolutely cannot open it.
2. Add magical restoration materials: Surround your elf with colorful items to help recharge their magic. Great options include: glitter, shredded colorful paper, Fruit Loops or other colorful cereal, small candies, or craft beads. The more festive and sparkly, the better.
3. Post the quarantine sign: Print the Do Not Touch – Under Quarantine sign and tape it to or near the container. This reinforces the 24-48 hour no-contact rule.
4. Display the doctor's note: Place the human contact doctor's note nearby explaining the situation and recovery protocol.
5. Enable contact-free communication: Let kids know they can talk to their elf through the container and leave cheerful notes nearby. The encouragement helps restore magic faster!

When your elf needs a break

The holidays are exhausting, even for magical beings. If your elf is showing signs of Holiday Burnout (or if you need a few nights off), it's time for a "Treat Yo' Elf" spa retreat. Doctor's orders: 2-3 days of mandatory rest and relaxation. No watching, no reporting, no moving to new spots.

Self-Care Scene Setup Guide

1. Create the spa chair: Fold a washcloth into a lounge chair shape, or prop one against a small box to create a reclined position. Your elf should look utterly relaxed.
2. Set up the foot soak: Fill a small container with mini marshmallows for a luxurious "marshmallow foot bath." Position your elf's feet at the edge of the container.
3. Add the props and cucumber treatment: Print and place the props for your elf's restful day, and place the cucumber cutouts over your elf's eyes. This is the universal sign of spa relaxation. 
4. Set the ambiance: For extra credit, dim the lights in that area or add a battery-operated tea light nearby. Leave a tiny "Do Not Disturb" sign if you're feeling fancy.
5. Display the prescription: Print the mental health day doctor's note and place it where kids will find it. Explain that even elves need self-care days, and their scout will be back to their mischievous self once they've recharged.