The website states nothing about this creepy little Elf doing tricks, messing up the house, and all other types of crazy shenanigans that I see (mostly posted on Facebook). That is one part I am not a fan of. I have seen pictures of the Elf making "flour angels" in the kitchen, unrolling toilet paper rolls, and even playing with tampons!
Photo taken from a blog (ideas if you want them!)
Why, oh, why is the Elf doing these things? I get the humor of it. Ha, ha. Very funny, Elf. But now I have to clean up after you. A mess I made. And now I have to make another mess. I can barely keep my house clean as it is, let alone want to clean up after this guy's tomfoolery.
Another reason this guy isn't allowed in my house is I don't like that idea of him "watching" you at night. Another creep point for you, Elf. I would have nightmares; I don't know how kids are still sleeping with him in their house. I swear, there is going to be a movie about this one day.
Need another reason? So, this Elf is supposed to be a behavior management mechanism. You tell your kids, "You better not to (fill in the blank)...Mr. Elf is watching you! He's going to report back to Santa. You'll be on the naughty list. You won't get presents, etc, etc, etc. Isn't this false threats? You know damn well they are still getting presents. It may be a temporary fix to solve behavior issues, yes. But what when Elf leaves, Christmas is over, and they got all the things on their list? Who do you threaten them with now, the Easter Bunny?
Look, I'm not saying Elf is a totally horrible idea and that all parents doing this tradition are bad. Trust me, I am NOT. Get that through your head before you go cussing me out or trying to defend your Elf. To each their own. I don't like people giving parenting advice to me, so I am most certainly not doing it to you. These are just my opinions and why I don't want to participate.
With that said, I do, however, like this alternative. I stumbled upon this website and thought it was so cute! How thoughtful and adorable is this...
Picture taken from website.
Take a look at her other ideas, too. Super creative and fun.
I like this different take on Elf on the Shelf because it teaches thoughtfulness. It creates activities to do with your kids. It is not just them finding an Elf; it is doing something once the Elf/Elves are found. There may be some messes when you bake cookies for a friend, but that is a mess I am willing to clean. It teaches value, kindness, gratefulness, and most important...love. And that's why I am not a fan of Elf on the Shelf, but am totally on board with "Kindness Elves".
