Anyone else absolutely not doing elf on the shelf?

[Paperbear]

I'm not doing Elf on the Shelf, and thankfully my kids haven’t asked about it.

I’ve also seen posts of elves being "naughty" and making messes. The whole idea is that the elf is supposed to watch kids to make sure they’re behaving, but then the elf behaves badly too? That feels a bit contradictory to me.

We do it but we have never mentioned him being some sort of creepy surveillance elf. Nor do we do the usual rules of not being allowed to touch him etc.

Ours is just mildly cheeky, nothing ott. And my partner chips in too so it doesn't just fall to me to come up with ideas.

I completely understand parents not doing it though. It is just another thing to remember

Absolutely not. Don’t get it at all. And my child even checked with me to make sure we’d never get one.

Oh feck, I’ve forgotten to move the little shit. I know not your intention, but thanks for the reminder!!!

And no I am not doing elf on the shelf, my husband started the bloody thing but he’s away in London tonight 🤦‍♀️

We never did this or even santa. My DS was wise to it from the first and told me to get a grip, aged about 14 months. We did the actual bible for a number of years but he's now cancelled Christmas. He says it's all cobblers and he can't stick it.

In fairness he's just bought me a massive holiday from all the workload of normal Christmas and I'm quite enjoying it.

I don't think you should do the elf if it's a nuisance. It sounds bonkers to me.

I'm currently pregnant and have already decided that creepy little fucker isn't stepping foot in this house!!

Also won't be doing Xmas eve boxes or north pole breakfasts, we both somehow managed to survive without!

I always said I would never do this, and didn't do it for DS1(10), who found the idea creepy. I thought friends who did it were crazy.

However, DS2(7) asked about it a few times, so we did it last year, and again this year. Last year was the first year DS1 didn't believe, and I thought it would be nice to give him a "santa" job, so he is in charge of the elf. And I have to admit, it's actually a really nice, fun, low effort thing which provides a lot of joy.

E.g. last night DS1/the elf set up a big dominoes track for DS2 to knock down in the morning. One night he made an elf sized zip line down the stairs with wool. I don't think DS actually believes, but he was whispering to the Elf as he played with him on the zip line, and it's really sweet. And it's nice to see DS1 come up with ideas to make his brother laugh, and to involve him in planning xmas in a small way.

We do do a Christmas Eve box (have for ages before it became the massive thing it is now) as it’s just a way for me to give them their Christmas pjs, some treats and some Christmassy activities to do whilst they’re excited for the next day. DH is usually working on Christmas Eve so it stops me having giddy children by myself all day.

Totally agree. People are such sheep.,what pointless nonsense - as if there isn’t enough to do at Christmas!
does anyone have any advice on what to say when all my DDs friends talk about it every day and she wants to do it?!

No! They did go on about one and I made a playmobil baby do some silly things and now they’ve lost said baby so nothing else is happening! I’m certainly not convincing them baby is real and a Santa spy. ….i might start my own craze. 😂

No. As if I need an additional thankless task to do every day.
DS's teacher (reception) has one in his class. I asked him what it does, and he said, "It watches what we're doing and tells Santa if we're being good or naughty".
I told him Santa doesn't decide what gifts he'll get; I do. And I believe gifts are to be given freely because you love the person you're giving them to - they're not dependent on behaviour. And that he should do the right thing whenever he can just because it's the right thing to do, even if nobody is watching.
The whole concept is so problematic and teaches kids some really unhelpful lessons IMO.

We haven't done it either. Our kids are 14 and 17 so I really didn't think they'd care but the 17 year old has complained about us not doing all the things we did when they were little!

Absolutely not.

Between work, school and life I’ve got enough work to last two Decembers. No fucking chance I’m spending 15 minutes every morning clearing up a mess I spent 5 minutes making the night before.

I think it's fucking stupid and proper creepy, reminds me of something off a horror film where when the protagonists back is turned the elf turns its head to stare after him with that horrible creepy grin. Dp thinks I'm a Grinch 😂i think the Grinch is creepy and all. Thank God mine are still a bit young for it all. Santa is as far as I can go, just about. Hope once oldest is in school I don't get roped into all this extra crap. And oh yes, first post nailed it as always!

I have a 6 year old and never done it

Dd has 3 of primary age and she’s never done it. I’ve never heard that the kids have asked for it, either.

I say all the stuff you’re supposed to say about different families and how when they’re grown ups they can do what they want.

But if they ask about where the elves come from or why they’re all different I’m completely honest - they aren’t real. It’s a game their parents are playing.

They know not to spoil it for their friends, my kids aren’t dicks. I’m not playing along with a game I choose not to engage with and actually really disagree with.

Me. Never have and never will. Hate it... bah humbug lol