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Original poster

Too old for Elf... how to say goodbye?

27 replies

Be1atrix · 14/11/2019 21:58

We’ve had our elf for 6 looooong years and I can’t face another year! Our almost ten year old is on the cusp of not believing in Santa and I really don’t want to do it anymore.

How can I explain this? Should I send a letter from the elf saying he’s gone to a new family (or will that cause rejection issues). I feel I probably should do it for another year because he still half believes but URGH.

How does it come to an end?! What should I do?

Thanks for any ideas!

OP posts:
titchy · 14/11/2019 22:04

It doesn't end! Just becomes a 'traditional thing you do at Christmas' like putting a tree up.

I never told my dcs FC wasn't real. And he still brings them a stocking even though they're adults!

StCharlotte · 14/11/2019 22:05

Just lock him in the attic and never mention him again. The Elf that is.

If your DS asks just raise a weary eyebrow and don't engage.

Or make your DS "do" the Effing Elf?

70isaLimitNotaTarget · 14/11/2019 22:05

Yes, pack his Little Elf Suitcase and send the Creepy Wee Fecker (TM - MN nickname , honest, for him) on his way .

Like Nanny McPhee . He has to leave to terrorise help a new family .

Then sigh with relief that you'll never have to abseil him into the trifle ever again. Xmas Grin

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hidinginthenightgarden · 14/11/2019 22:05

I think you should do it this year and on Xmas eve do a note saying she won’t be returning.

VanyaHargreeves · 14/11/2019 22:21

If he's on the cusp of not believing have The Talk and then just have the elf as general decoration.

Sittinonthefloor · 14/11/2019 22:24

Are you sure your nearly ten year old really believes that toys come alive in the night?

TheCunkOfPhilomena · 14/11/2019 22:30

Ds's elf wrote him a card last Christmas Eve (DS was 7) and said that now he'd grown up it was time for him to move onto another child (the elf that is, not DS). DS was a bit sad but he soon got over it. I, however, am over the jeffing moon that I don't have to google EOTS ideas at 11:30pm because I've forgotten, every night.

It was good whilst it lasted...

Witchend · 14/11/2019 22:35

Bury him under the Christmas tree and jump hard to make sure he stays there.

WhentheRabbitsWentWild · 14/11/2019 23:07

Haha .. What @Witchend says . Or do a Elf funeral

Glad my youngest is too old and the Elf on the Shelf thing came about when mine were all too old for it.

itswinetime · 14/11/2019 23:14

Bring the elf out but with a doctors note saying he is getting on in elf years now (similar to dog years for those not in the know). So he won't be able to get up to much. Put him in place and only move him if you can be bothered! The surprise when/if he moves will be fun for your ds and it can prepare him for next year gradually. Also a broken leg works the same for those that don't like the idea of elf retirement!

Or be honest and say the elf is a creepy fucker who won't be back this year your shout Wink

shinynewapple · 14/11/2019 23:19

When DS started to question Santa around this age I said that Santa only came to primary aged children and that when he went to secondary school Santa would stop and he would just get presents from relatives. If we'd had an elf I would have said the same about the elf.

GrumpyHoonMain · 14/11/2019 23:21

Give him a burial in the garden and then come inside and have a mince pie?

LoonyLunaLoo · 14/11/2019 23:22

DS is 10 and still loved his elf last year but it’s naturally drawn to a close as he’s said he doesn’t want him to come this year.

LemonPrism · 14/11/2019 23:24

Tel him that there are so many more children that Santa has recalled some elves to the North Pole to help with the extra work. Only the kindest, most charitable elves go and your elf knows how kind your son is so felt that he should go

LemonPrism · 14/11/2019 23:26

That might be a bit wet though

InsertFunnyUsername · 14/11/2019 23:31

On the first day the elf visits have a note written by him

"As you're getting older and wiser, this will be my last year surprising ya!"

Something like that anyway if you dont want to outright chuck him in to the local charity shop Grin

Bearfrills · 14/11/2019 23:34

Toss him into the recycling bin with a song in your heart and sigh a sigh of relief as the lid closes on his smig little bastarding face.

I hate the elf.

TSSDNCOP · 14/11/2019 23:38

Try this:

“Fuck off elf, you beady eyed plastic dictator and drainer of genuine fun”

PomBearWithAnOFRS · 15/11/2019 00:03

Knit a teeny pair of socks and "give him clothes" so he is a Free Elf. He has been a faithful companion all these years and now he gets to go and meet a beautiful lady elf and live in the sun and have children etc...

StCharlotte · 15/11/2019 08:03

My adult niece and a former colleague are very imaginative with their Elves. Needless to say they now get snoozed on Facebook from December 1st.

Whattodoabout · 15/11/2019 09:43

My DS is almost ten and he definitely still believes, I’ll be sad when he doesn’t. I’d keep the elf until he tells you he doesn’t believe and it’s uncool or whatever then maybe have it as a decoration or give it away if needs be.

Eminybob · 15/11/2019 09:58

Not helpful at all but this is why there never has been and never will be a bloody elf in this house.

adaline · 15/11/2019 10:02

This is the problem with starting traditions like this - you can't just stop!

Sorry that's not very helpful Blush

DisplayPurposesOnly · 15/11/2019 11:01

I'm thinking a guillotine and elf's head in a basket. Barbie could sit with her knitting nearby. Too much?

curiouscatgotkilled · 15/11/2019 11:13

Just do the Elf but dont do much with him.

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