It’s that delightful time of year again when inventive parents are breaking out their Elf on the Shelf ideas, creating whimsical scenes for their children and sharing them on social media. I get it; it’s a sweet tradition, and the kids adore those mischievous little elves. Just this year, my 8-year-old asked me point-blank why we don’t have one at our house. I can’t recall my exact answer, but the truth is that our lack of an Elf on the Shelf isn’t due to me being a holiday Grinch or my love for my child being insufficient. The real reason? I’m simply too lazy.
To all the fellow non-elfing parents out there, hear me out: once you dive into the Elf on the Shelf tradition, you’re committed for years. You’ll need to dream up fresh and exciting scenarios every morning for an entire month leading up to Christmas, and that is just not feasible for me. I mean, I can barely manage one late-night gift-wrapping session, trying to stay under the radar while sneaking a cookie or two. Do you really expect me to concoct elaborate setups, like having the elf fishing in the toilet with Goldfish crackers? And then do it again the next night and the next? No thanks!
But I can’t ignore the Elf on the Shelf phenomenon. I see you, friends! I admire your creativity and the joy you’re bringing to your kids. You all seem to be having such a blast, and I genuinely love that for you. However, I’m just not on board with it, and that’s perfectly fine.
Here’s another perspective: while it might seem easy to borrow ideas from Pinterest, the overwhelming number of options just leaves me feeling like a fraud. I’d feel guilty every time I posed that elf in a scene I found online. Sure, my child might laugh, but I’d know I just took someone else’s idea and made it mine. Merry Christmas!
Every year, the pressure to join the Elf on the Shelf trend intensifies. More friends are starting this tradition, and I’m left feeling like the odd one out for not wanting to maintain something that I have no intention of keeping up. Maybe I’m boring, but think about it: what happens when a new quirky tradition emerges? Imagine if a “Thanksgiving Turkey on the Shelf” becomes a thing, and we’re expected to stage our poultry’s escape from the kitchen. Not happening. I’ll happily take my child to a holiday musical or even a Santa train, but this is where I draw the line.
To my fellow non-Elf parents, let’s stand together in our shared laziness! We can admire the creative elves in our feeds without feeling pressured to join in. Let’s support our elfing friends while we enjoy the convenience of online shopping! We’ve got each other’s backs, and that’s what counts.
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In summary, while the Elf on the Shelf trend may be charming for many, it’s not for everyone. We can celebrate the holiday season in our own way without the elf drama, focusing on what truly matters—spending time with loved ones and enjoying the festivities.