Elf on the shelf

Elf on the shelf

I wasn't familiar with the 'elf on a shelf' thing, and I have to say I'm with Ann Marie on this one (If I had kids, which I don't) https://www.whitehouseblackshutters.com/7-reasons-why-we-are-never-ever-ever-doing-elf-on-a-shelf/ Found this when I was trying to find some 'greener' ideas, which of course the elf isn't...I guess I need to read the book to understand it.
Anyone got some good ideas for elf fun for kids to convert me?

Nancy Reading wrote:...I guess I need to read the book to understand it.
Anyone got some good ideas for elf fun for kids to convert me?

Nancy, you said the magic word ... elf fun for kids, and I must say that Pinterest had way too many cute ones:


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This one reminds me of Nicole's game:


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Some more cute Elf on the Shelf ideas:


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We have staunchly refused the elf. My husband says it's getting the kids ready for big brother. They've begged for one, but no. The last thing we need is more responsibility during the holidays. Hard pass.

elle sagenev wrote:We have staunchly refused the elf. My husband says it's getting the kids ready for big brother. They've begged for one, but no. The last thing we need is more responsibility during the holidays. Hard pass.

Emphatically agree with this. We have avoided it. The parents I know who have introduced it mostly regret it. And this is one christmas trend that seems more aimed at getting social media likes that actually about the kids.

There's always the Mensch on the Bench, for those of the Jewish persuasion.

^^ along similar lines, I prefer Bruce Lee on the (Christmas) tree.

(the elf is creepy, and I think maybe for people with way more social media engagement than me)

elle sagenev wrote:We have staunchly refused the elf. My husband says it's getting the kids ready for big brother. They've begged for one, but no. The last thing we need is more responsibility during the holidays. Hard pass.

Hard agree. I was blissfully ignorant of it until I was already parenting and had our set traditions. I've never had it, it was never brought up, my kids never missed it. And I'm glad LOL! I think it's creepy - and I don't think it's a good thing to teach kids that it's "fun" to be watched constantly. Not to mention it's just ONE more thing to do. I stopped by the local elementary school this week and saw they have a big sign with all the different themes kids were supposed to dress up like every day this last week before winter break. As if their parents don't already have enough stuff to do this week 🙄

Bethany Dutch wrote:

elle sagenev wrote:We have staunchly refused the elf. My husband says it's getting the kids ready for big brother. They've begged for one, but no. The last thing we need is more responsibility during the holidays. Hard pass.

Hard agree. I was blissfully ignorant of it until I was already parenting and had our set traditions. I've never had it, it was never brought up, my kids never missed it. And I'm glad LOL! I think it's creepy - and I don't think it's a good thing to teach kids that it's "fun" to be watched constantly. Not to mention it's just ONE more thing to do. I stopped by the local elementary school this week and saw they have a big sign with all the different themes kids were supposed to dress up like every day this last week before winter break. As if their parents don't already have enough stuff to do this week 🙄

Yep! Nope, not in my house either. Not even as a kid, though I do remember some similar decoration,  just never the big focus on always being watched, or the storyline/play rules being it needs to be moved around the house; the point being to try to find where it has moved to today! An extension of the Santa Claus game.

So, I'm going to play devils advocate and add an alternative viewpoint.
There is a powerful sense of "belonging" or maybe just a recognition of self in a "tradition " that is a common practice  on a more global scale. This need to share that we IDENTIFY AS part of the same tribes is not new. It has changed with the advent of social media. We are doing it here, now, by us each spending time prowling, lurking, sharing our stories and ideas, asking community advice...

I thought it was important to see Elf in another light, one not being vilified.  I like games around holidays. Easter is a fun one, and I love Halloween games.

I have resisted adoption of Elf mostly cuz he is a bit creepy.  But I'm a fan of the lights this time of year. Hands down, xmas is my favorite.