Elf on the shelf?

[QueenCobra]

Last night my little cousin told me she’s going to miss her Elf on the Shelf and wishes she could stay with her forever. (They make girl ones I guess?) And she says the elf was in her sister’s room a few days ago and it was in her room the night before, that she likes that it “watches” them. It’s kind of cute actually.
I was born before Elf on the Shelf was a thing and was wondering if anyone somewhat younger recalls doing that tradition. I didn’t really understand it at first but I think I have an idea of how it works? Idk it’s interesting.

 

[Beanz]

it's just one big way to get kids to behave themselves, my parents never did it but i remember that my 2nd or 3rd grade class did one time. teachers told us the elf would report back to santa, and i think they said if we behaved we would get a reward. the elf would move everyday (it would be sitting on top of the smart board, teacher's desk, and other places) if it ever fell down or got unintentionally knocked over teachers would need to move it with a special mitten because it was "magic." well some kid touched it and screwed everyone else over and we didn't get the reward lol.

 

[Captain Jigglypuff]

 

[Belle T]

This is after my time as well, and only recently have I discovered that there was a tradition that actually goes along with the doll. That is to say, a tradition intended for the family, not just the tradition of having those obnoxious advertisements bombard you every second of December. I suppose I don't necessarily see any harm in it per se, but it's kind of groan-inducing in how unapologetically materialistic it is.

 

[QueenCobra]

This is after my time as well, and only recently have I discovered that there was a tradition that actually goes along with the doll. That is to say, a tradition intended for the family, not just the tradition of having those obnoxious advertisements bombard you every second of December. I suppose I don't necessarily see any harm in it per se, but it's kind of groan-inducing in how unapologetically materialistic it is.

It’s all right I guess. I love the memes that come out of it, like where the elves bend over and they have a Hershey kiss under their butts. But the thing is…as a parent, you have to find a new hiding spot every day for the elf. That could get exhausting.

 

[Ravenkitty22]

People my age have had some in the past, but I’ve never had one. Even among my little brother’s group of friends, not many people do it. It seems like a lot of work moving it every single day.

it's just one big way to get kids to behave themselves, my parents never did it but i remember that my 2nd or 3rd grade class did one time. teachers told us the elf would report back to santa, and i think they said if we behaved we would get a reward. the elf would move everyday (it would be sitting on top of the smart board, teacher's desk, and other places) if it ever fell down or got unintentionally knocked over teachers would need to move it with a special mitten because it was "magic."

This happened one year when I was in elementary school as well. I remember the whole class ganging up on the one kid who screwed us over and they never heard the end of it.

 

[Captain Jigglypuff]

A little PSA for parents:

 

[nightglow]

It was after my time, but oddly enough my mom had an elf that looked super similar to elf on the shelf and it would sit in the tree every year. She liked elves and had a few different ones. I always thought they looked kinda creepy. If it was a thing when I was a kid, it would have freaked me out because I have always been kinda odd about dolls and things with large eyes. ( I also was the kid who would scream over chucky cheese, easter bunny or santa) One year my mom got me a walking Barbie horse and I was terrified of it because it could walk. I was like 3 or 4.

 

[Captain Jigglypuff]

I was an adult when this whole Elf on the Shelf thing got started. It just seemed so odd that stores were putting up displays for this thing that you were to tell kids was watching them all the time. I think they were even selling tiny cars just for the Elf.

Also a BIIIIIIIIIIIG mistake making it because you can have adults with no kids and too much time do this:

And don’t get me started on the more mature pics of the Elf out there on the internet!

 

[Imbri]

I am much too old for the Elf. My mother would say just two words to keep my brothers and me from getting out of hand.

Santa Claus

 

[Captain Jigglypuff]

I sort of want to buy an Elf and join in the not so child friendly photos of the Elf’s antics community. Nothing too mature but still have it doing stuff like in the middle of driving away after hitting a Barbie and she’s lying on the ground in a twisted mess or doing keg stands with a GI Joe.

 

[QueenCobra]

I sort of want to buy an Elf and join in the not so child friendly photos of the Elf’s antics community. Nothing too mature but still have it doing stuff like in the middle of driving away after hitting a Barbie and she’s lying on the ground in a twisted mess or doing keg stands with a GI Joe.

It might be immature, but I also like the one meme where it’s squatting over a Hershey Kiss cookie and it says “so that’s how those cookies are made!”

 

[Kitsuragi]

elves are honestly my least favorite "holiday" icons and im not a fan of elf on the shelf for that reason, hah. theyre just creepy and weird, especially the concept that youre being "watched" by one. i do enjoy the novelty of having it do fun things though, like "oh the elf made you some breakfast for being so good yesterday!"
otherwise it feels like its more for parents than kids. at least with how its portrayed online.

 

[QueenCobra]

elves are honestly my least favorite "holiday" icons and im not a fan of elf on the shelf for that reason, hah. theyre just creepy and weird, especially the concept that youre being "watched" by one. i do enjoy the novelty of having it do fun things though, like "oh the elf made you some breakfast for being so good yesterday!"
otherwise it feels like its more for parents than kids. at least with how its portrayed online.

Personally, it’s kinda creepy…especially since it’s a doll. (I hate dolls lol.) Also, I agree about elves in general. I love them as fantasy creatures but as “Santa’s helpers”…not so much.

 

[LuchaSloth]

I never had this as a kid (I'm 34 years old). Honestly, I understand the fun in the whole concept...but, I also find it kinda creepy at the same time. Just reminds me WAY too much of the clown doll from Poltergeist. Lol.

 

[LadyDestani]

I was already an adult when this came out, but I think it's a cute idea depending on how it's used. As long as the child enjoys it, then I think it could be a fun tradition, but I don't know a lot about it.

I do enjoy the more 'adult' memes with the elf.

 

[Alienfish]

Never even heard of that stuff and honestly I think unless you would really need it I don't see the point.

 

[QueenCobra]

So I want to clarify that I am not a parent nor am I interested in buying one to make memes. I was asking about Elf on the Shelf bc my cousin didn’t want her elf to leave and “live with us forever.” It was so cute. She also said she couldn’t visit Santa bc the mall was too busy, so she told the elf what she wanted. (She made three lists— red, white, and green paper. But she told me she forgot what she put on them lol.) I know she’s five, but I was thinking…that’s obviously a doll! Idk. She was convinced the elf was real.

 

[Disneyfangirl23]

I saw one on a Christmas tree today

 

[Corrie]

I was already an adult when I heard of this so we never did it. It seems cute for kids, though I find that specific elf doll creepy. Eh I dunno, not really my thing as it seems like too much work but if others enjoy it, that's great!