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#

31 Days of Cheer (Now 24 left)

Sometimes during the holidays (or any other time of year) … there seems to be “photo” challenges. Some I like, some I don’t. I do the #TBT (Throwback Thursday) ones, and sometimes #WBW (Way Back Wednesday) or #FBF (Flashback Friday).

However on the last day of the month I usually do the “gas prices”.

This year, the city I live in decided to do #31DaysofVegasCheer. I of course, living in a suburb, and wanting to spread the cheer all over, decided to shorten it to #31DaysofCheer.

Here’s the idea – take a picture each day and post it to Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook with the tags #31DaysofCheer and the item or “idea” for the day:

[Photo is property of City of Las Vegas, Nevada]

The last time I did something like this was in 2012, which you can read about it here:

“Christmas Photo Challenge”

http://snapshotsandproject365.blogspot.com/2012/12/christmas-photo-challenge.html

I started on day #2 as on the first day I had another more important picture. However, since then I have been able to keep up with the “challenge”.

This fits quite well into my “Project: 365” daily photo challenge. I’m using Fotor to add borders and filters to the challenge photos to bring a unique quality to them.

They can be items in your home, decorating the tree, things like that. They don’t have to reveal locations or family information.

Here are a few examples from 2012 and this year:

[Photo belongs to me. This was December 4th – #ChristmasDecor #ChristmasPhotoChallenge. This was used with an Instagram filter]

[Photo belongs to me. This is December 7th – #31DaysofCheer #WrappingPaper. Used a Fotor filter]

Since I use a planner, I went and wrote in what I needed so I didn’t have to keep looking at the photo. And, I use the planner to record the photos and sometimes the file number …

So, from today to the 31^st, here are the “ideas”:

December 7th – #31DaysofCheer  #WrappingPaper (completed)

 December 8th – #31DaysofCheer #Green (completed)

 December 9th – #31DaysofCheer #Family (completed)

 December 10th – #31DaysofCheer #Presents (completed)

 December 11th – #31DaysofCheer #Stocking (completed)

 December 12th – #31DaysofCheer #CandyCane (completed)

 December 13th – #31DaysofCheer #Tree (completed)

 December 14th – #31DaysofCheer #Santa (completed)

 December 15th – #31DaysofCheer #BeautifulSight (completed)

 December 16th –#31DaysofCheer #FavoriteHolidaySong (completed)

 December 17th – #31DaysofCheer #Peace (completed)

 December 18th – #31DaysofCheer #MerryandBright (completed)

 December 19th – #31DaysofCheer #Tradition (completed)

 December 20th –#31DaysofCheer #Tree (this is a repeat, so if you want to vary it with say a tree cookie, tree ornament, or a different tree, go ahead) (completed)

 December 21st – #31DaysofCheer #Joy (completed)

 December 22nd – #31DaysofCheer #BrightLights (completed)

 December 23rd – #31DaysofCheer #Candles (completed)

 December 24th – #31DaysofCheer #HolidayGreetings (completed)

 December 25th – #31DaysofCheer #ReasonforSeason (completed)

 December 26th – #31DaysofCheer #Sparkly (completed)

 December 27th – #31DaysofCheer #FavoriteThing (completed)

 December 28th – #31DaysofCheer #BlackandWhite

 December 29th – #31DaysofCheer #HolidaySplurge

 December 30th – #31DaysofCheer #Reflection

 December 31st – #31DaysofCheer #Celebrate

Just putting this out here for a way to spread Christmas joy and cheer. We seem to need a little more this year! 

You can see my photos on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MarieEdwards429

I don’t share very many photos there, but since it is the holiday season ... I think it's a great idea! And, if you have one ... you can try it with your Elf on the Shelf. 

Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Season’s Greetings, and Happy New Year!