Tears on Christmas Eve over Elf leaving

[Koalaleia]

Anyone else’s kids spend a good part of Christmas Eve sobbing because the Elf (on the shelf) has to go back to the North Pole?! Even my eldest who knows the truth is crying

Jeez
Why would you do such a tradition if it makes your children cry?

Can’t he stay?

Just let him live with you. Get one of those little beds from IKEA and his own mini cutlery and you’re sorted.

Gosh have they remembered it's actually Christmas tomorrow?

It's meant to be fun, not make them cry?

Aw. I feel sad that he's leaving too, its a weird feeling.
I'm sure if will all be forgotten once they see their presents tomorrow.

The elves can stay, but if they do they have to live for evermore as a toy, and cannot come back next year.

@NynaeveSedai

Jeez Why would you do such a tradition if it makes your children cry?

That was clearly not her intention, hence the post!

Oh yes. One of mine is upset. Personally I can't wait for those little buggers to go. 🤣

Mine are insisting that the rules are that elf stays until the end of Dec - are they having me on?!

Ah we had this from my nine year old DS this morning! Its never been an issue before so it took us by surprise tbh. I think its the build up of a lot of worries at the moment - his grandma is having chemo, I'm unwell, possible further lockdowns etc. I'm sure it'll be forgotten by the morning but he was really upset earlier.

This is why I'm not doing anything with elves. They stay in the North Pole

Bit late now but I started putting the elf in the fridge or freezer in the run up to Christmas eve for DS to find. I explained it was because he was missing the cold north pole weather and also missing him Mummy. So although he'd had a lovely time with us he was looking forward to going home .

@NynaeveSedai

Jeez Why would you do such a tradition if it makes your children cry?

Presumably when she started a month ago she didn't forsee this

Aww poor sausage :(

Can you leave a special toy from the elves? A Teddy or something? And say elf will be back next year to make sure they've looked after Teddy?

@HemanOrSheRa

Bit late now but I started putting the elf in the fridge or freezer in the run up to Christmas eve for DS to find. I explained it was because he was missing the cold north pole weather and also missing him Mummy. So although he'd had a lovely time with us he was looking forward to going home .

Love it

Ours is just here still. I'm not hiding it though now lol but will stay out till they get bored then il put it away

Yep our DD was sobbing her heart out. Very sad she didn't get to say good bye. Didn't get to give him a card and a present.... heartbreaking bless 'em

@SleepingStandingUp

Your winning at life !

Yes mine was upset this evening as he said goodbye. I’m sure all will be forgotten in the morning with the excitement of the presents!

Ours don't go until the tree comes down in the new year.

Thankyou. We’ve had them several years no bother, kids got a little upset when they left last year but have been so excited about them coming back I couldn’t not do it. But this year they are completely distraught. Am planning to do a little photo book of their adventures to remember them by, just a bit gutted that instead of spending Christmas Eve excited we are spending it crying!

@HemanOrSheRa

Bit late now but I started putting the elf in the fridge or freezer in the run up to Christmas eve for DS to find. I explained it was because he was missing the cold north pole weather and also missing him Mummy. So although he'd had a lovely time with us he was looking forward to going home .

Love this I’ll keep that in mind for next year, if I dare bring them out again!

Isn't santa supposed to take the elf back with him on his sleigh? We put him out with the mince pie/carrot/drink so santa could take him home. I left a selection box with a teeny tiny card from the elf as a 'thank you for having me, see you next year'. DS is 16 now so we haven't done the elf for many years!

I think it's a positive and a good lesson. They've obviously loved having the elf which is fantastic, but now they're learning to deal with the emotions of him leaving. I think this is a great way to help them see that friendships and relationships might end but life goes on, there will still be good times to come (hello Christmas day!!).

Allow them to be sad but remind them that he'll be back next year and that that is something to look forward to!

No my dd has a big elf toy that takes the little ones back to the NP and she comes back with a box of Xmas pjs and a book.