Elf on the Shelf

[Boy and Girl "Elf on a Shelf". I do not own the copy right to this image. Using it for reference only.]

I was going to scrap this “blog” until I read something in an ABC7 (Los Angeles) news article about …

“ELF ON THE SHELF”

Since Thanksgiving I’ve seen it in some Facebook or Twitter feeds … and the time of year I see articles about it.

Now first off, I don’t have kids. But, I really want them, and I’m still “planning”. However … what I sometimes read from other parents deeply disturbs me, which I’ll get to.

I remember how I was raised, what my mom did, and what her limitations were. And, I remember the magic of Santa and all that. Trust me, even as an adult I still get an item or two from the big jolly guy.

This “Elf on the Shelf” thing was apparently born in 2005 from a mother and daughter making up a “tradition” (as most start out) and making up a story about it.

Now, I’m not knocking it. Turns out traditional publishers turned them down so they went the self-published route. Good for them for not giving up. Look what it’s turned into! I’ll bet it’s up in the millions. Is it a good or bad thing? I can’t judge that.

I should feel so lucky and blessed when I publish a story. Though I don’t think any of mine will have that kind of “marketing” value. Movies or DVDs maybe; even a soundtrack. Not “dolls” though. Certainly no “hoopla” over it.

If you don’t know what is involved with Elf on the Shelf, I highly suggest looking into Pinterest or even the “Elf on the Shelf” Facebook page.

In short – the “elf” (that people adopt and name) is Santa’s “helper” who stays with the family from about after Thanksgiving until Christmas Eve. It reports back to Santa every evening and finds a new “hiding place” in the morning, sometimes with mischievous or hilarious pranks. Kids can’t touch it or the elf loses its magic. But, some of the stories (antics) are hilarious.

I’ve read good and bad tales about it. I know a few friends who have one. The pictures and antics are cute. But, the divisiveness over it is akin to a particular flag (one that’s on a beautiful, historical TV car).

** “It’s creepy”

** “It forces kids to accept a surveillance state”

** “The Elf drives mothers crazy”

** “Do not use him to bully your child into thinking that good behavior equals gifts”

Okay … I get it. It’s a cute little bullying tool? Behave or no gifts. Right?

Nope.

Much like mistletoe and kissing – it’s a tradition. It’s not “forced” on to someone. Do or do not. But, some parents think it’s hard work. What I’ve read on Facebook has me shaking my head …

** “We haven’t even gotten him out yet. I don’t remember his name.”

** “Don’t I have enough to do than worry about a PITA elf?”

[PITA = Pain in the A$$]

Nope … you don’t have to do it at all. It’s optional.

I just don’t get it. Why all the complaining about moving the elf or even the elf itself? Why all the analyzing?

If someone gave it to you as a gift, and you don’t want the responsibility – politely decline and state why you don’t want to do it; or donate the elf to a family who cannot afford one or wants one

If you don’t want to do it – just don’t buy it

If you don’t believe in the message – don’t “adopt” an elf

How one cannot remember the name of their elf is beyond me. They’re supposed to write it down on the “papers” or on the “packaging”.

As far as what the “experts” state – here’s the deal … there can be a lesson in all of this when used appropriately by the parents. I believed in Santa – but I didn’t think my mother lied to me about it. There are no major trust issues as a result. Many adults still continue the tradition of “Santa”, and some include “Mrs. Claus” as well.

Am I paranoid because of the use of Santa? No. Cautious due to the increased security issues/risks, but, nothing more than what should be there.

Should the “elf” be a substitute for “good” parenting? Nope. However each child is different, each set of parents are different.

The key goals should be:

** Yes, someone is watching to see if you do the right thing (which I will get to)

** Do the right thing all the time, even if no one (you think) is watching

** There are consequences in life for bad acts and choices (i.e.: no gifts, jail, etc – as “age” appropriate)

It’s much like when a kid might think about stealing a pack of gum from the store. There are surveillance cameras there. So, if the kid starts with the “I better not do this because someone is watching me and I might get into trouble”, they won’t do bad. They might then feel how good it is to always be good and do it as second nature. And, they might soon realize that they’re watching themselves and be more considerate of others. Good angel/bad devil?

Are we all being watched? Yes. Sadly we are, and everyday it seems. By police, store security, by our family. Every where we go. We don’t think about it when we go to the store, the airport, traffic cameras, or even at work. We live our lives as we should. Sometimes we are thankful that someone is watching, especially when bad things happen.

We should do what’s right all the time. Not out of fear for not getting something, but for the fact it is the right thing to do. If we need some “incentive” to perhaps keep up from failing, what’s wrong with that?

Some people can’t do things without an incentive. Aren’t our paychecks incentive to go to work? A bonus an incentive to do better?

Just keep that in mind.

Is the “Elf on the Shelf” a good idea? For those who want the challenge, sure. For those who don’t? No. 

Is there really a Santa out there?

That’s not for me to decide.

But, I’m going to be “good for goodness sakes”. Not because of the gifts under the tree – for the joy in my heart and because it is the right thing to do. And, because it really does feel good to do good and be good.

Merry Christmas! 

References: 

Dador, D. (2016, December 14). Is 'Elf on the Shelf' making children paranoid? Retrieved December 18, 2015, from http://abc7.com/health/is-elf-on-the-shelf-making-children-paranoid/1122666/

The Elf on the Shelf. (n.d.). Retrieved December 18, 2015, from http://www.elfontheshelf.com/

The Elf on the Shelf: An Elf's Story - Movie Review. (2011, November 25). Retrieved December 18, 2015, from https://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/the-elf-on-the-shelf-an-elfs-story#