Elf on the shelf

[Thomo0111]

Hi all, thinking about starting the elf this year for my 3 year old (I have a 1 year old too but obviously she won’t really understand).

For anyone that does this did you let the kids name the elves? Or did you pick names that they arrived with? If so, please can you spam me with name ideas. I’m thinking of doing a boy and girl so as my kids grow up they have one each.

Also, did you have the rule that they cannot be touched?

Lastly, any cool ideas are welcome please. I’d like to try get a rough plan together of each day in advance as I know I’ll come up blank under pressure haha!

Thanks so much from a mummy who is new to all of this 🤣

You are welcome to your opinion but you have chosen to read these posts.

🕯️ 'Tis the season of peace and joy 🕯️

Because they have opinions on it obviously and it's heartening to see that quite a few people are determined to resist this consumerist nonsense, not helped by you doing free advertising for shops on this thread.

It isn't an "I looooove Christmas" board is it?

"I looooove Christmas" is a good thread title though!

Well why dont yous all go and start a 'We hate Elf on a Shelf' thread instead of coming in to crap in one where the OP has asked for ideas not opinions. Some of my children's fondest Christmas memories are related to the daft things the elf has done. Who are you to decide that no-one should have those?

In the book you receive with the elf it tells the family to think of a name and write it in the book.

We made our elf nice, he just sits in a different spot each day and will occasionally bring a treat. it’s easier than thinking up silly situations and when the kids asked why our elf didn’t do anything I said it’s because he’s a good elf looking after two good boys, they seemed happy with that explanation.

I think the funniest one i saw was an elf that had been frozen in an ice cube and placed in front of the child's Elsa doll.

I like the 'arrival' ones! Elf arriving in a Barbie jeep or sitting on top of a train was a really nice one too. They'd scrunched up white tissue paper to make it look like the train was emerging through snow! ❤️

I would advise to not start this.

I didn’t say you have to like the same things as me! But it’s rude to come onto a thread about something you don’t like and consider “crap” and state it. It’s unnecessary!

Yes, you’re entitled to your opinion, but you don’t actually need to state it. The OP didn’t ask for opinions on it

We do an elf and really thought about whether to start.

I really liked the ‘magic’ rather than more stuff! firstly we have set up whereby you don’t get an elf every year, sometimes they go to other houses, they don’t do things every night as they’re often resting, ours are helpful, put toys away, do washing up etc so don’t make a mess, they often just leave notes praising children for being kind or helpful (or reminding them to put their own toys away) overall we’ve enjoyed it but only done 2 years so let’s see

our oldest adores the elves and is delighted no matter what they do and that is worth it for us

I’m sorry for you that you feel so strongly about it. It’s bizarre

Are you ok?
it’s weird that you feel inclined to be rude to people.

you don’t need to feel sorry for me at all, thanks! 😂

what a fucking waste of time

Lol unlike your important and valuable contribution to this thread. In fact, even though I am not a Christian, you have inspired me to attend my local carol service just so I can loudly proclaim "Christingles, what a fucking waste of oranges"

Start it if you think they will like it. But I like the advice of keeping expectations managed. It's easy to do loads on a year where you are full of enthusiasm... Only to then have children who expect that level of effort every year after, even when you aren't quite up to it.

I do find the level of hate for it interesting though.. people dislike a lot of "newer traditions" but nothing gets the blood boiling like the elf.

I understand it because I also have an instictive revulsion to it for some reason. Even though I so think my son would like it if we started. We already have enough traditions and things to do in December though, so I'm happy to miss this one.

Don't start.

They have. Ours resigned, put himself up for adoption and decided to live in the UK. He's here all round and has built quite an empire as a highly astute business elf and entrepreneur. Frankly, working in a toy workshop would be considered way beneath him. He does make the occasional visit to see his family.

We've collected various 'official' (i.e. expensive) and alternative (Poundland) elves over the years and I've even knitted a few to add to the collection. For some reason they all have names that start with E. They only do amusing stuff that I like doing with them - and if I'm honest, I love making miniature things so they have jumpers, scarves, tiny newspapers and comics, a mini Christmas tree and stockings etc. They just randomly migrate around the house in December when I remember. The fun always culminates with them staging a mini nativity play on Christmas eve. Of course my teenage daughter is very much over it now but I have a feeling they may emerge again this year...

That's lovely! ❤️

How do you make the miniature magazines and newspapers?

I might 'steal' your nativity idea. I haven't seen that done before!

I just cut small pieces of newsprint and fold them over with a staple in the middle. I think there are free Elf printables online so you can make periodicals with actual Elf news! Enjoy doing the nativity - it's a good opportunity to get stuffed animals involved as the sheep, camels and the little donkey. Shredded paper in a matchbox stands in for the manger and any little figure can play the Baby Jesus. Then tissues affixed over Elf hats with a handy loom band gives the required headgear. Scatter some LED tealights around and it's a strangely moving and spiritual scene...

An entrepreneur hey? So he’s s-Elf-employed!

Excellent - love it!!