Have we discussed this before? Those of you with older kids, do you do Elf on the Shelf? First timers, do you plan to do it next year or in the future? Why or why not?
I have a friend who is SO against this thing, like she gets all riled up about it. She hates it. So I'm just curious. I didn't realize it gives people such feels (good and bad).
It's creepy - big brother is watching. I wouldn't do it according to the story, but I think it's cute to have kids find him in a different place everyday. I don't plan to do it but if someone gave us one I'd hid him but just do it as a game not as a 'he's watching and reporting on you'
It's creepy - big brother is watching. I wouldn't do it according to the story, but I think it's cute to have kids find him in a different place everyday. I don't plan to do it but if someone gave us one I'd hid him but just do it as a game not as a 'he's watching and reporting on you'
I have not read the book so I'm not fully aware of the whole thing. I do think the elf itself and having your child find it each day when they wake up is cute and fun, so I was confused when I saw some hate on it!
So is the whole thing that the elf is watching you and reporting to Santa? And you aren't allowed to touch the elf...or what? And is the elf supposed to be doing naughty things?
Post by kellybenelly83 on Dec 11, 2016 16:03:36 GMT -5
I have a friend who makes him so cute little things for her daughter. Past 7pm it goes x-rated and she posts them on fb. It's hilarious. I actually look forward to her posts on it.
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SO wants to, because he's a big kid and wishes he had it when he was little. I told him if he wants to, he's in charge. But I'm not sure we will. I also haven't read the book. Is it creepy?
No. will not do the elf. Too much work, and plus santa is already watching so he doesn't need a little nark in my living room. I also don't like seeing the braggy posts on fb.
So is the whole thing that the elf is watching you and reporting to Santa? And you aren't allowed to touch the elf...or what? And is the elf supposed to be doing naughty things?
from what I understand yes, although the elf is g rated, the naughty stuff tends to be do amuse parents I think.
No. will not do the elf. Too much work, and plus santa is already watching so he doesn't need a little nark in my living room. I also don't like seeing the braggy posts on fb.
A lot of this although some of the Pinterest poses have made me laugh
No. will not do the elf. Too much work, and plus santa is already watching so he doesn't need a little nark in my living room. I also don't like seeing the braggy posts on fb.
A lot of this although some of the Pinterest poses have made me laugh
If it was something I seek out to look at, fine. But I have one fb friend that posts a pic every day of whatever she does with her elf. No thanks.
Post by lilrubberduckie on Dec 11, 2016 20:28:46 GMT -5
my sister has done it for her kids the last few years. but she mainly does it as a facilitor for xmas activities vs. this elf will tell on you. The elf doesn't do anything too crazy either (if it isn't something the kids would be allowed to do the elf doesn't get to do it; i know some elfs are "Naughty" and break things, etc)
she will have the elf "bring" ingredients each day and then on saturday morning with be a recipe for cookies or pancakes or something. or the elf will give some craft supplies and then they will make a craft. stuff like that.
I don't see us doing it, I think we will have enough traditions plus we tend to be "home" for half the month anyways so would the elf travel with us, i don't know, too confusing.
Post by rivers and roads on Dec 11, 2016 20:37:50 GMT -5
We have one because it was given to us. I think it's fun if it's just a visiting elf, but I don't know if we will ever do it.
I don't understand getting really bent out of shape about others doing it, though. Ive seen a lot of elf hate on FB. As long as they aren't making the elf break into my house at night, I don't much care what traditions others have with it.
Post by eyelashedviper on Dec 11, 2016 20:49:55 GMT -5
When I first heard about it my first thought was it was a little creepy but I haven't actually read the book so I'm not sure how accurate those feelings are. That being said, I have no desire to do it either.
Post by followthesun on Dec 11, 2016 21:41:26 GMT -5
Hard no over here. Do not want to have another thing to spend time and precious energy on during the holidays. Will keep my traditions to those that help us spend time together: holiday movies, light tours around the neighborhood, etc. I think people are very creative and seem to enjoy it, but to me it's just another item on a to-do list that is already overloaded. Nope nope nope.
All valid points. I'm torn. I know DS would probably enjoy finding him and seeing him doing something silly (like sleeping in the tissue box) or if it brought activities/ingredients mentioned above. I don't think I'd go off the book and make it a watching you thing. But also, the work and creativity. I think if I did it I'd really have to customize it. I have seen where the elf has left notes about doing acts of kindness or things like that.
Post by piperhalliwell on Dec 11, 2016 23:02:44 GMT -5
Ugh. We have one. It is the bane of mine and my husband's existence come December first.
SS came home in kindergarten all excited because his classroom had an elf. He wrote a letter to Santa asking him to send one to the house. DH and I thought that was just too precious, so we went out and bought one right away. The first year it was great. Seeing the joy in his face each morning gave me life. And I won't lie, being able to use it as a reminder that Santa was watching came in handy.
Since then it has been nothing but a dreaded chore. And somehow we've gotten ourselves into this routine of, not only does the elf move each night, but every time we all leave the house. It's the worst.
SS still loves it like the first year, so it is worth it in some aspects. We still get to experience his joy and see his face light up when he finds him places. He talks to him and treats him as if he were actually real, so that can be cute. But because he believes so intently, it makes it even harder on us to ensure we're keeping up the "magic."
At this point, I just can't wait for SS to be old enough to take over elf duties for L to have the same experience without my pain and suffering, lol.
piperhalliwell that is very sweet. I know it's a chore and can easily be forgotten about for parents, but seeing the fun and their reaction is what it's all about. I think sometimes there's things in life that get taken too seriously, so hearing your experience makes me see the other side of how the whole thing is harmless and just fun.
We were actually given one last year, but it is decidedly still in its box in a closet.
I just can't with the extra effort. Even more so this year. And I do find the idea a little creepy.
I've no doubt that DS would get a huge kick out of finding it every day, but I just don't need more daily commitments.
DS is excited enough about his Lego City Advent Calendar. That's our daily fun in the lead-up to Christmas!
Ran off to google...so what is this? You put one little thing together each day?
Yup! It's winter themed stuff loosely. So far we've had a couple hockey players and their goal, a snowmobile, some rocking out firefighters (with a mic and guitar and stuff), a tree decorated with lights and some other random little things. Super cute and DS is totally excited about it. It's been really excellent for working on number recognition too!
Definitely doing it again next year, and they even make duplo ones as well so DD will be able to get in on the action too.
Post by flockofmoosen on Dec 12, 2016 22:37:48 GMT -5
no plans for it here.
we have a friend whose son is scared of it, wondering why no one else thinks it's creepy that the elf doll moves around the house when they're sleeping. smart kid. (his siblings love it tho)
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