Bloody Elf turns up in a balloon now

[DressingGownofDoom]

I know IABU and a curmudgeon but why does everything have to be such an exhibition at Christmas? Elves can't just appear this year they have to float from Lapland in a balloon with a present I know, I know if you don't like it don't do it. That's fine but I do feel sorry for the kids whose parents don't have £15 to spend on an elf balloon and then a present on top just because it's the first of December. I thought this year might make us all step back and maybe consider a simpler celebration of Christmas but no, the social media onslaught of who can be the most ostentatious Christmas fanatic is worse than ever. I hate it.

[MolyHolyGuacamole]

Bash it all you like, but please don't make it about all the 'poor children'. I could be a millionaire and my children would never get such tack 😂

I'm sorry for the child who's parent does this

[canigooutyet]

If people are daft enough to buy into the elf thing and buy more crap for the elf to deliver, let them crack on with it.

You don't have to do what the Jones do. It's quiet liberating doing your own thing and not care what others think. It's also a lot easier on the pocket.

My own dc's, especially the youngest, questioned the logic of it.

[Gancanny]

Don't forget, this is MN where competitive misery is rife and all DC should be content with half a pokey stick and some satsuma peel in their stocking because anything else is pure, tacky, indulgence that will forever ruin their expectations of how Christmas should be.

[loutypips]

I told my dd that we don't have elf on a shelf because I'm a part-time elf and so have a direct line to the North Pole.

[CatherineSanderson]

It’s just the month-long present-fest I can’t be doing with gancanny. We have an advent candle and it’s all I can do to make sure we light that every day!

[SueEllenMishke]

From my social media it tends to be people renting/lower salaries ironically that have done this.

Why is this ironic? Are only rich people allowed to do this?

[Gancanny]

The only presents ours brings are the advent calendars on the 1st of December, a new book each on the 24th for bedtime stories, and a new fancy bauble for tree somewhere in between at whichever point I remember to buy it . If other people want to do daily gifts then that's their look out, not my DC or my elf so not my problem.

[Busydrinkingcoffee1]

I know 3 people who put these balloons on social media this morning. That elf pisses me right off and the constant posts in December of what the elves are up to! I really don't want to have to do it for my DS but what do you say when all their friends have one and they're wondering why they haven't? Fortunately he hasn't questioned it yet!

[Busydrinkingcoffee1]

@loutypips

I told my dd that we don't have elf on a shelf because I'm a part-time elf and so have a direct line to the North Pole.

This is bloody genius, will save that one for when the question arises!

[BarryFromEastenders]

These elves are so sinister! And now they’re floating in balloons, like death from above?! Blimey!

[Gancanny]

Just an observation - lower socioeconomic demographics tend to go more "OTT" with EOTS amongst other things.

Anecdata is not the same thing as fact.

[MeowMeowLikeACow]

I've got two friends who did this. Our local independent card shop did a click and collect system for people who wanted them. They were quite popular and the shop made money at a difficult time for small retailers.

I wouldn't do it. Our elf is in a pasta jar and is in quarantine for two weeks so I don't have to move it. But I can't get worked up about people who are doing this sort of thing. It's been a shit year, especially for kids. If this spreads a little joy then where is the harm?

[CatherineSanderson]

Is elf in the shelf the new avocado on toast?

I’d have saved up a mortgage deposit by now if it wasn’t for that sodding elf

[Porgy]

Oh if I only i didn't spend £3 on that elf, I would have been able to put a deposit down on a four bedroom detached property.

Not all renters are chavs and there's plenty of chavs with a mortgage too.

[Patooty]

I told my kids we don't have an elf because so far they're on the good list... Elves are spies for kids who are close to being on the naughty list so Santa can keep track of their behaviour without the kids knowing that's what they're there for

I've sworn them to secrecy so not to upset kids who have them, but so far they feel sorry for the kids with elves!

[LobsterRavioli]

@Gancanny "observation"
Jeez

Glad I didn't attribute mosaic codes

[TheKeatingFive]

Gosh yes, imagine the ‘poor people’ doing something nice for their kids. How very dare they.

The elf doesn’t have to be expensive at all. I bought a cheap elf and it’s on its third year now, plenty of life in him yet. One of the best 5 euros I’ve ever spent.

I’m pretty well off, for context. And I don’t put any child related stuff on social media, so no, it’s not all for the likes. My two little boys absolutely love it.

[Patooty]

And that's just because I've enough to do without adding another job, each to their own tho, if you want an Elf go for it!!

[WheresMyMask]

I don't feel sorry for kids who can't afford a ballon riding elf and present.

I feel more sorry for the spoilt children who do.

Who the actual fuck has a full time job and time for elf on the shelf?
I'd sooner stick rusty needles in my eyes than start that crap.

[HerbErtlinger]

I like seeing what others have got up to with their elves, it's a bit of light hearted fun amongst the worry and strain right now.

That said, we stuck ours halfway up the chimney and DC was thrilled with that. I am guilty of being a bit excessive with it in previous years, overcompensating for split Christmas' with my eldest. She's a non believer now and my youngest is only 3 (but firmly remembers the bloody thing) so I've used this as an excuse to pull it right back to basics

[Gancanny]

Who the actual fuck has a full time job and time for elf on the shelf?

It takes less than five minutes to do, really, and its not compulsory so if you don't like it then don't do it.

[HerbErtlinger]

Oh and I rent and work part time. Not sure why that means it's tacky for my children to enjoy Christmas though.