Elf on a Shelf

[sundaylaughs]

Maybe it's just me but I think elf on a shelf is rather strange.

So the parents set up a plastic figurine to make it look like it moved around me the house and gets up to all sorts.

It would have scared me as a kid , especially after watching the poltergeist episode on the Waltons.

I think it’s odd too, but that’s probably because I didn’t grow up having it normalised. Santa Claus/Father Christmas would probably seem strange to anyone who didn’t grow up in a culture with that tradition.

Completely the opposite to the real Christmas message.

I’m doing this for the first time this year. Youngest DC is 12... obviously doesn’t believe the elf moves independently, or watches them, or anything of the sort.

Sometimes the elf has done nothing. Other days he has some vaguely amusing escapade. It’s not always me who sets up a “scene” - DD has sneaked him off to set something up too. Honestly, it’s been an excuse for some mild fun (and the elf is a n old stuffed toy with a paper hat on, so not bought for the purpose).
It just all felt a bit gloomy and miserable this year, so I figured we could all do with something to make us smile. I agree the “Santa spy” element feel creepy, but mine are well beyond that age now.
Id not want to do it for younger ones as it’d be tricky to think of something & not get caught every day.