AusChristmasLighting uses forum posts to determine your elf level.
Lurking elf - 0 posts
New elf - 1 post
Apprentice elf - 50 posts
Full time elf - 100 posts
Senior elf - 500 posts
Dedicated elf - 1000 posts
Obsessed elf - 5000 posts
There are also a few special elf levels, given for other reasons:
Generous elf - anybody who has chosen to contribute financially towards the site running costs in the last 12 months. You can do this through the Financial contributions area.
Silent elf - given by request to anybody who has sadly passed away.