I think it is funny. If any adult (other than a parent) did this to a kid in their custody, people would be screaming mental abuse.
But a no-touchy-tattle-tale-elf is just good fun for parents. Oh… for the joys of procreation… and getting to torture your own off-spring.
Wait— this people are telling their children that a small living doll spies on them and then leaves at night to rat all their little secrets?
Yep. Next generation of psychiatrists are all settled.
It’s torture in the same way that teaching kids about an all-seeing, all-knowing, all-judging God is torture.
In other words, it’s a game that is entirely consistent with the craziness of our society. If kids aren’t pissing themselves in fear of God’s wrath, then chances are a little elf is just going to amuse them.
(Except that people don’t put God totem’s all over the house like they are little nanny cams. So in this sense, the elves are scarier.)
This thread started stupid, but has taken a particularly idiotic turn.
Yes.
friedo likes this.
Yeah, sure. In my grandparents house, where my mom and I lived until I was thirteen, there was a big ol’ picture of Jesus hanging in the living room, right above the tv. When I was little, I thought the thing was watching me all the time.:eek:
I think the Elf on a Shelf idea is creepy as all hell. Plus, what happens when you take it down? Does that mean they’ve got free license to misbehave?
One way or the other, it seems like the wrong message. “You won’t get toys if you misbehave.” Um, that should be true regardless of an elf on a shelf, and you’re making those toys awfully important when all their behavior is working toward toys. They need to behave well because that’s just what you do, not because Santa will blacklist you.
And I’m all for belief in Santa (my six year old still believes, but I expect that won’t last beyond next year); however, you’re adding yet another layer of magical thinking that doesn’t need to be there. Hell, kids have issues enough with ghosts and monsters and nightmares - you’re going to add something else to freak them out? Unfair.
Lighten the fuck up. I have a friend that does this, and I think it’s great. Hell, I look forward to seeing what Elfie has gotten himself into each day. For his kids, it’s a harmless, fun diversion that adds a bit of joy and mystery to their lives. The world we live in is often a cold, harsh place. His kids don’t know that yet. That’s a good thing.
Um yeeeah, try to stay focused on topic here.
Don’t worry, this is the sort of Christmas fad that will die a very quick death when someone hides Elfie too well, and their enterprising elf-seeking kids end up finding the Christmas present stash in the top of the cupboard. Yeah, teach your kids to hunt round every nook and cranny of the house in December - no way that’s going to go wrong!
:rolleyes:
This “fad” has been growing in popularity for about a decade. Just about every family with young children participates these days.
Also, you don’t really hide the elf so that it’s difficult to find. Most people just move him around the house so that the kids spend a total of one minute searching. “Oh look, now he’s on the Christmas tree.”
On the other hand, if their kids ever end up being spied on by elven ninja, they’ll be adequately prepared.
You know, you’re right. I’m as guilty as anyone of knee-jerk cynicism about these things, but your post gave me a new perspective. It really is about the kids.
I’ve even decided to participate myself. Merry Christmas, everyone!
Hi folks!
Send me lots of money.
It’s a Christmas tradition!
I’m so glad my family and friends haven’t bought into that fad.
You and me both.
The only friend who does this puts Elfie in various adult and/or pornographic poses. I am assured that the kids don’t actually see it.
Indeed! This flexible Elf reminds me of our old office christmas tree where one man always moved the Santa ornament to be straddling one of the blinking red lights.
For the cynics, there are some inspirational Elfie pictures here.
