Please tell me about Elf on the Shelf

[WhereIdeasBloom]

My DD keeps seeing these and I feel a bit guilty that we don't have one. I just don't know how it works. Where do you put it? Is there any guidance? Would really appreciate some insight.

Thanks.

Don’t do it!

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/am_i_being_unreasonable/4953451-elf-rules

@FrenchandSaunders LOL, why?

I don't do it because the actual elf looks creepy. Because it looks like a monumental amount of faff and because according to that thread from today I just linked it comes with all kinds of complicated rules. Sounds like a pain in the arse to me.

I never did it. My reasons were Christmas is becoming diluted by all the extra bullshit 'people' encourage you to do.

Also the original message of the Elf when it first became a thing was sinister.

So I'd say don't bother. I put my effort elsewhere.

I am sure when the elf first became a "thing" the idea was to be in a different place every morning (so it looks like he has moved overnight) rather than the "setting up scenes where he has done naughty things".

You only really need to do elf on a shelf if your children have terrible behaviour so you can bribe them into being nice. Plus it’s soooo much work, why do it to yourself?!

I'd avoid doing it if you can. However, if you do choose to do it then definitely go for a low maintenance approach.

Our elves don't do anything spectacular, they basically move around the house.

We don't link it to behaviour or anything it's more of a case of where did the elves move to last night.

You can buy packs which have 24 days worth of activities and come with instructions and a shopping list. I bought one and made it last three years! I just used the activities on nights when I had the time or inclination.

It's a massive faff though.

Main thing to know about Elf on the Shelf is that its optional 😄

Luckily DS has always been scared of them so we never did it.

No need to do it. It's a modern thing to do. I have enough to worry about and do without moving that thing every day.

I do it. My son is ten pretty sure he knows its me but the elf gets into some funny situations!
Yeah I don't have to do it etc etc but you only get a handful of Christmas's when they are young!

I regret starting it and would strongly recommend saving yourself the hassle. I dread the elf coming lol