Oh, wait, according to Amy at "Funny is Family", 99% of Americans are pro-Elf! Alas, she and I find ourselves among the minority regarding the newest holiday tradition to sweep the nation. I'm emboldened by her recent post, I Hate Elf on the Shelf, to add my dissent...
Elf on the Shelf is nothing more than a snitch. He's a brown-noser looking to curry favor with Santa by sharing your deepest, darkest secrets. Just when he's lulled you into complacency by looking a little too cute, he stabs you in the back without blinking an eye. I want to wipe that disingenuous smile right off his phony face.
At any other time during the year, I wouldn't invite a spy into my house. The holiday season is no different. Isn't it enough that Santa's watching like Homeland Security?
Look, I realize I'm new to the Christmas with kids game -- and motherhood, for that matter. My daughter is a mere 18-months-old. She doesn't get that Santa or the North Pole even exist yet. Right now, we don't require the perceived threat of a pint-sized weasel to keep our child in line.
I'm humble enough to know that I have yet to encounter what I will resort to, in order to keep my child merry and bright during the holiday season. I'm open to changing my mind about the value that an extra set of tiny eyes can add to maintaining Peace on Earth.
But, until a clear and present danger is unequivocally established, Elf on the Shelf will remain a tattletale who is not welcome in my home.
Have a confession: Link up with Secret Mommy-hood Confession Saturday.
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Connect with: FB, Twitter, G+, Pinterest
Where did this Elf on the Shelf guy come from? I've never even seen him before? And he's creeeeeepy looking.
ReplyDeleteHe hasn't been around that long. That's why you've never heard of him. He comes with a book that explains that he is watching your kids and will share their misdeeds with Santa.
DeleteHa! I just linked up about Elf on Shelf too. He doesn't work anyway!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.thenaptimereview.com/2012/12/help-me-rhonda.html
Your daughter is smart!
DeleteYou KNOW I love this.
ReplyDelete:)
DeleteI'm in total agreement with you. However, I want you to print this and frame it because you are right, in a few years you'll most likely be eating your words.
ReplyDeletePoint well taken, my dear!!
DeleteHa its the 3rd of December here and I have not even finished decorating the tree or unpacked the elf I brought!!
ReplyDeleteThere's still time...
DeleteLove seeing the other perspective of Elf on the Shelf. Admittedly we incorporated it this year. Reagan is just over two but she is definitely being kept in check!
ReplyDeleteThank you for linking with Raising Imperfection. Please come back Friday to see if you were featured!
Hope you entered to be our co-host! You get an entry just for linking up!
Lanaya
www.raising-reagan.com
Seriously, I'm glad it's working for you!
DeleteHahahaha, I love that you call him a brown noser!
ReplyDeleteThanks for linking to Raising Imperfection each week!
Leslie
www.violetimperfection.com
Well...if the shoe fits!
Deletelol, I love this!
ReplyDeletewww.southernramblings.com
Thanks, Jessica!
DeleteI'm right there with you! Saw this on Pinterest and it completely captured how I feel! I think that the Elf is just a creepy as the Stephen King Clown!
ReplyDeletehttp://pinterest.com/pin/215821007114554706/
Ha/ha! Stephen King is sooo scary!
DeleteNever heard of elf on the shelf until recently with elf shaming, which I find hilarious (it's for adults only, mom humor rated R, check out elfshaming.com if you dare). And I'm not big on promoting fantasy characters, there are enough of them on TV!
ReplyDeleteSanta's enough for me!
DeleteElf on the shelf is just another marketing ploy to make parents buy more ridiculous "things" for their kids. Although, some of the antics I've seen on others blogs are kinda cute...Damn...no, I will not succumb to the allure of the crazed, brown nosing (love that too!) vertically challenged elf!
ReplyDeleteHa! Love the perspective you have added!
DeleteJust came across your blog, from the Nugget On A Budget Blog and, and its title intrigued me. And your opinion about Mr. Elf had me giggling out loud....I'm now seeing that little guy in a new and more cynical light ;-). You write very well, and I look forward to checking out more of your blog soon!
ReplyDeleteI have a much less cynical attitude about Santa Clause!!
DeleteThe Elf on the Shelf is a total creeper, and I think the idea in general is terrible.
ReplyDelete"Creeper"...ha/ha!
DeleteAgreed Rachel. Way creepy. Reminds me of spying on my cheating girlfriend in
ReplyDeletehigh school. I had same facial expression when I looked in her window, and
he even looks like he's in my baseball uniform! She knew I was watching and let
me tell you, it didn't deter my girlfriend from anything. Made it worse, actually.
I think the red baseball uniform probably sent her into the arms of another man!
DeleteI never even knew what it was and started seeing it lately. It actually, to me, looks pretty retarded. I don't understand the concept nor any reason for it.
ReplyDeleteIt's a new phenomenon.
DeletePahahaha, I spent all of Thursday getting told what, exactly, elf on the shelf is. I'm not sure how I feel about it, since I don't have kids yet, but I'm sure I'll join the cult if, one day, it's the only thing that keeps the little rugrats in line!
ReplyDeleteYes, to each his own, when it comes to parenting!
DeleteLove this. Have a fabulous week!
ReplyDeleteLiz (yacb)
Liz (mlc)
Thanks, Liz. You too!
DeleteThis is definitely a new one for me...and it comes with the elf, too. That is pretty cool. Loved the post. genie
ReplyDeleteIt's a pretty new phenomenon!
DeleteI'm new to the Elf the Shelf thing too -- just really heard about it this year and my kids are still too young for it, but it does seem like he's always up to no good. Nicely written post. :) Very fun.
ReplyDeleteLindsey @ GrowingKidsMinistry.com
Who knows if I'll cave a few years from now!
Deletethis was great, but I have to admit... I just bought Elf on the Shelf for my daughter (for my grandchildren).
ReplyDeleteWe'll see how it goes.
Whatever works, is my motto!
DeleteBecause of all the elf talk among Bloggers lately, I just ordered one of the stupid things just to see what all the talk was about. NOW I'm hearing what a mean little dude he is. I'm thinking I will have to embarrass him on Facebook a few times to teach him a lesson!
ReplyDeleteI've read about the shenanigans that happen at your home! If I were you, I would be worried about having a spy around :)
DeleteLovely elf!
ReplyDeleteHopping by from MYM.
Here's my Mellow Yellow entry.
You are entitled to your opinion :)
DeleteI keep seeing this little guy popping up in instagram pics! I hope he helps keeps the household in line. :)
ReplyDeleteYup! I am in the minority of dissenters.
Deletenever heard of the elf until i saw the 'i hate elf on the shelf' post earlier..
ReplyDeleteam now following you on GFC - from monday mingle..
Now, you will see him everywhere!
DeleteJust another dust collector really. I'm not rushing to get one, my kids would still give me the shits lol.
ReplyDeleteLove it, Alicia!
DeleteHi, I found your blog on the GFC Blog Hop.
ReplyDeleteWhile I don't have any children yet, I do agree I do not like Elf on a Shelf. Honestly, I'm slightly creeped out by it. My husband thinks I'll change my mind once we have kids, and they are old enough to know what's going on, but I doubt it. Maybe the whole craze will be over by then, I can only hope.
http://ineversaiditwouldbeeasy.blogspot.com
Yes, I may one day find he's my best ally! Until then...
DeleteNew follower from the GFC blog hop! You had me at "I hate elf on a shelf."
ReplyDeleteJen @ Craftymisadventures.com
I get right to the point!
DeleteHi! Visiting from TALU. I just posted about this yesterday. Too funny! http://www.findingninee.com/elf-on-a-shelf-is-creepy/
ReplyDeleteDefinitely NOT and I love how you called him a "pint sized weasel" - awesome! :)
DeleteThat is the craziest, creepiest thing ever! I'm with you on this one. lol
ReplyDeleteThanks, Renee! NIce to be in good company!
DeleteFound you through Tell Me Tuesday.
ReplyDeleteI hate Elf on the Shelf too. Creepy little thing. And I see all these pictures on Instagram and Facebook with other moms 'bragging' about the creative predicaments Buddy has got himself into tonight. And it makes me wish there was a dislike button more than ever.
http://mrsdchastain.blogspot.com
The dislike button would have a different finger pointed up!
DeleteI completely agree! Odd, though: we received pencils in our stockings with an elf that looked just like that clinging desperately onto the eraser...about 45 years ago. Doesn't the little bastard ever age?
ReplyDeleteHa/ha! I remember those pencils! Yes, he's way older than any of us. Maybe he's a vampire!
DeleteTHIS is awesome and i completely agreed. well said!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Helene! I'm in good company!
DeleteI've just seen and heard of the Elf this year. My son is going on 8, but I couldn't/wouldn't get passed the Elf's look (I might be a little freaked out by ventriloquist dolls without the hand) so - that settles that. ~TALU
ReplyDeleteSo funny! He does look like a ventriloquist's doll! Never thought of it.
DeleteThis is the first year I even heard of him (my daughter is almost 2). I thought it was all about the hunt to find him each day... which is a concept I like, because I'm a big fan of 'hide and seek' type games. I DON'T like that he's become such a big thing - it just isn't cool anymore if EVERYONE on the block is doing it...
ReplyDeleteI'm getting up speed on the many uses of Elf. It appears he's versatile.
DeleteWe do the Elf but it's different in our house. Our elf comes with a letter from Santa (forgo the book). The letter talks about Jesus and the reason for Christmas. You are welcome to check it out
ReplyDeletehttp://thesweetpeapod.blogspot.com/2012/11/letter-from-santa-to-go-with-eli-elf.html
Without the book is better, in my mind. It's a good idea to make these things your own.
DeleteI'm not a fan of the Elf either. The eyes creep me out. I've also blogged about it before and some people were like, "No, it's adorable!" In what sense?!!!
ReplyDeleteGlad I'm not alone! Happy to be in good company. He's NOT adorable!
DeleteHaha, great post relevant to the times ;-)
ReplyDeleteI wasn't going to do Elf on the Shelf b/c it seemed punitive; the Elf can be a narc!
But, then I came across all the super fun Pinterest ideas (a peppermint "seed" that grows into candy canes...that it awesome!) & I was sold. My 2 1/2 year old doesn't really get it, and we definitely don't follow all the "rules," but we're both having fun with it :-)
Stopping by via Jelli's MMM...
Elf seems versatile. I'll give him that!
Deleteugh, I'm not a fan of Elf on a Shelf either. I figure I can get through this Christmas and next before having to address that issue. TALU
ReplyDeleteYes, a wait and see attitude...
DeleteLOL friends of mine did a similar thing so I liked some of the idea (never seen the actual elf on the shelf or read it shame on me!). We have elves who visit BUT they visit as they are mischievious and they have been annoying father christmas so they come to see how nice children behave and learn, My children LOVE our elves visiting, they have just got ready for the morning today they are bringing the children some festive pictures to colour in, the other day they got hold of some festive stickers much to the childrens amusement. I will also say mine are MUCH friendlier elves!!!
ReplyDeleteIt's always better to make these things your own. Makes for a more personal tradition.
DeleteI have no idea who that elf is. LOL By the way, I am having my 2 year blog anniversary giveaway. I am giving away a Deborah Lippmann nail polish and a golden star necklace. Come check it out!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on blogging for two years!
DeleteDid you do the elf-shaming, like the mom-shaming? I wanted to, but those stupid elves cost like $30 and I'm not gonna pay to get one just for a joke. TALU
ReplyDeleteRachel, I'm not even sure how to respond to your email via GFC. How's that for tech-smart. I'm at http://www.canigetanotherbottleofwhine.com
DeleteHa! I didn't even check out the elf's cost. I am way too cheap to get involved in elf-shaming!
DeleteThank you so much for posting about this. I, too, was confused at all the malarky about it...even though I thoroughly enjoyed my friend's FB pic of her TP'd Christmas tree. I thought he was a prankster; at least he is in her house. Found you through the GFC blog hop. New follower!
ReplyDeleteLisette
http://northernbellediaries.blogspot.com
I'm learning that Elf is versatile. Prankster is better than narc, in my mind!
DeleteOMG I totally agree. It's so freaking creepy.
ReplyDeleteYou summed it up, Melissa!
DeleteHa ha! Yeah I'm not really a fan either!
ReplyDeleteJust so you know, IBOT is for new links. I encourage people to write specifically for tuesday so that more comment love is shared. :)
I'm in good company then. Sorry. I'll get IBOT right next time! Thanks for the link-up.
DeleteThis is the first year that I have ever seen/heard of Elf on a shelf, and to be honest I don't really understand what the go is....Do I want to ?
ReplyDeleteOh well each to their own I guess.
Have a great Christmas xx
Yes, I agree. To each his own. Merry Christmas to you and yours too, Beck!!
DeleteI am so with you...and let's not forget that fact that he scares the living hoo-ha out of some kids. Yes, speaking from a most unfortunate personal experience. :(
ReplyDeleteStay strong!
Oooo, that sounds traumatic! Thanks for the support!
DeleteI hadn't heard about the elf on a shelf until last year and it seems all our friends with kids do it... I think it's so dumb! We also don't play up santa in our house (they love the story of St. Nick, but we don't pretend santa actually comes through our chimney and leaves gifts) Our kids ADORE Christmas for what it really is!
ReplyDeleteYes, it's a phenomenon that seems to have taken the country by storm!
DeleteYou know it's funny, I never thought much about elves one way or another. The only elf I think that's cute is Herbie on Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer. But, that being said then I would have to say Elves are not my favorite of Christmas symbols and would certainly be my last choice for decorating my home during the holiday season. Great fun post! Thanks for linking up at Cathy Kennedy's Blog!
ReplyDeleteOh, Herbie is really cute! He's an exception in my book too!
DeleteYuuup! My twins are not even 2 yet, but I am already wondering if they will be social pariahs because their mother refuses to take part in the new elf phenomenon. Not gonna do it!!
ReplyDeleteStephanie @ two-daloo.com
Hi I found you through thirsty thursday. funny post, but my boys love that darn elf so he is welcome in my home.
ReplyDeleteA woman's home is her castle, so have all the Elf magic you want!
DeleteI never thought of it that way, but you have a good point. We had it easy. Be good or Mom & Dad won't get you what you want for Chanukah. ;)
ReplyDeletehttp://joycelansky.blogspot.com
Even when I was good, I rarely got what I wanted!
DeleteFound your blog through the Friendly Friday link-up! SO GLAD I DID! You hare HILARIOUSSS. And the elf is kind of creepy...
ReplyDeleteOh, thanks, Ali!
DeleteLove your confession!
ReplyDeleteI had never heard of this elf on the shelf until this year, and I've seen it EVERYWHERE. And to be honest, I'm kind of beginning to not like it.
I'm a new follower from the friendly friday hop! :)
www.thislifesbeautifulmoments.com
Yes, the fact that he's everywhere was what prompted the post!
DeleteI think he's creepy! Plus some of the mischief he gets into... I really don't want to clean up. Stopping by from friendly friday hop...
ReplyDeleteIf we're talking mischief and mess-makers, then, I already have a couple of elves in my home...all year round!
DeleteHi there! I'm Hanna. I donlt reall ygive a darn one way or another but certainly wouldn;t buy one. I found you through Tuesday's blog hop, I'm just really late:) I love making new friends!!! I am your newest follower via GFC. Happy Holidays! You can find me at www.bouffeebambini.blogspot.com
ReplyDeletexooxo Hanna
Yes, thirty dollars is better spent elsewhere, in my opinion. Happy Holidays, Hanna!
DeleteYes! I hate him so much. He seriously creeps me out -- not kidding. Yikes! I loved this post and the other posts I hung around and checked out. Therefore, I would like to award you a liebster. Check it out here: http://notappropriate4.blogspot.com/2012/10/you-won-what-is-that-thing_17.html If you accept, I would be happy and honored. You can just leave a comment anywhere on my blog to let me know. Then when you do your post, let me know and I'll link you back in. Hooray for shared Elf on the Shelf Hatred. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Angela!
DeleteI linked up at Secret Mommyhood Confessions about the SAME DAMN THING but you wrote it so much better. lol
ReplyDeleteMaybe if he wasn't so CREEPY looking?!?!
PS on the bottom of this post there's an ad for ELF ON THE SHELF!!! LMAO
Ha/ha! The more the merrier!
DeleteI've never really liked him because he's just so darn creepy (and more than a little cheesy) but I never knew until now that he was also a spy to modify your kids behaviour. Yuck! We don't do the whole "you better be good or else Santa won't bring you any presents" thing here. Thanks for linking up to The Sunday Parenting Party.
ReplyDeleteI think people use his powers in different ways. From what I understand, the book has him spying on the kiddies.
DeleteIt is great to stand for the truth you know.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Joy.
DeleteI think it's creepy, too!!
ReplyDeleteAnd, here, I thought I was in the minority!
DeleteBlog hopping & following... Happy Holidays! DreamHeartDesigns.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteI want to know how this all started as well!
ReplyDeleteNewest follower from the GFC Blog Hop. Hope you can check out my latest post! www.nellecreations.com and follow back on GFC and Facebook! Also have a giveaway going on to win Sunglasses!
Save 10% on your first GLOSSYBOX!
I don't know how it started.
DeleteHaha- this is all sorts of awesome!!! We never did Elf on the Shelf- gasp!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Melissa! Love the "gasp"!
Deleteoh my gosh i totally agree. i think Elf on the Shelf is so dumb. not only is it just {another thing to do} along side with cooking cleaning and buying presents. i feel like its also just {another thing} that distracts kids from the true meaning of what christmas is about. haha and he's freaking nightmare{ish} looking? ew. like a skinny version of chucky doll.
ReplyDeleteI have enough to do -- like write a post about my dislike for the guy!
DeleteAMEN. He is the creepiest thing ever created. I just keep thinking of him ending up in my underwear drawer sniffing my panties. Gross.
ReplyDeleteKimberly, you are hilarious! I love, love, love when you leave comments on my blog. They make my day!!
DeleteEven if he weren't creepy (which he is) I'm totally against anything I have to remember to do every day. I can't even manage the tooth fairy thing and she only comes occasionally.
ReplyDeleteNot too fond of this guy either, and thankfully my son is afraid of it. My husband was all for doing it this year.
ReplyDelete