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The Elf on the Shelf is Back (Epic Eye Roll)
by Jamie Collins
November 30, 2023
Can you believe that the infamous elf first appeared on the scene back in 2005? That’s right—it’s been a part of our holiday traditions for 18 years now, evoking a mix of affection and annoyance. We decided to get one of those little troublemakers when our eldest was 4. After reading the backstory, we named him “Tinsel,” thanks to my son’s imagination. Honestly, I wouldn’t have chosen that name myself, but kids have a way of making such decisions.
I’ll speak for many parents when I say we brought that Elf into our home as a sort of behavior management tool. Sure, it’s a charming tale about an elf keeping tabs on kids and reporting back to Santa, but let’s be real—the real motivation was so my partner and I could point at that elf whenever our son acted up and say ominously, “Santa is watching.” It was all fun and games until I realized how much it resembled a surveillance state. Sorry, kiddo.
Over the years, the Elf on the Shelf phenomenon has spiraled into something much more elaborate, thanks in part to Pinterest. It’s not just about moving the elf from one spot to another anymore; that’s so last decade. Now, there’s an entire checklist of pros and cons to consider.
I can’t be the only parent who has forgotten to relocate that little guy. On one occasion, I made up a story about how the elf was waiting for my son to clean up his room before he could report back to Santa. The look of dread on my son’s face was a bit of a win for me, as he rushed to tidy up. But in hindsight, I realized I had lied to my child. For what? To protect an elf? To uphold the Santa myth? It felt like a low point in my parenting journey.
As time passed, some parents took things further, creating elaborate scenes each night featuring their mischievous elf and posting pictures online. Suddenly, we were all left wondering if we should be doing something similar. Were we failing if our elf didn’t get into the toothpaste or make out with a Disney princess? Most definitely not.
It’s baffling how this elf became a source of parental guilt, yet here we were, sprinkling flour on countertops for our elf to make snow angels, only to add another mess to our already full plates.
Yet, I must acknowledge that despite the hassle, that silly elf does add a little magic to our holiday season. Our elf makes his grand appearance the morning after we set up our tree, perched high and watching over the living room with his unsettlingly judgmental gaze.
Now, it’s not just my eldest son; it’s also his two younger sisters who eagerly anticipate the elf’s arrival each year, just like they do with Santa. Each December morning, they leap out of bed to search for Tinsel, talk to him, and even dare one another to touch him to see if he’ll move. They’re more thoughtful about their actions around the house, believing the elf might be reporting back to Santa.
Kids have full conversations with the elf, sharing their Christmas wish lists and asking questions about the North Pole.
Despite the annoyance, the whole experience is undeniably cute. I can’t imagine a Christmas without the elf being part of it. As much as I’d love to toss the elf out, or as tired as I am of sneaking out of bed to reposition him, it’s hard to deny that he brings a certain enchantment to the season.
My eldest is now 10, almost 11. A couple of years ago, I was asked to play Santa at a community holiday event. As he sat on my lap, looking deep into my eyes, the magic shattered for him. That Christmas Eve, he stayed up late with my partner and me to help set out the presents. When we placed them under the tree, he glanced up at Tinsel, who was observing from the coat rack.
“Do you want to hold him?” I asked. He looked confused but nodded.
As he cradled the elf, I could see a sense of loss wash over him. “It’s just a doll,” he said, and I realized how much our elf had contributed to his belief in the magic of Christmas.
He handed Tinsel back to me and returned to his task of arranging presents. Now, he helps me move the elf each evening, becoming Santa’s Little Helper. It’s amazing to think how far we’ve come with this little tradition. I suspect many of you have experienced something similar.
So yes, that elf may be creepy and a tad irritating, but the joy it brings to my children is worth the effort. I’ll keep the tradition alive for as long as I can, and I bet you will too.
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In summary, the Elf on the Shelf may initially seem more trouble than it’s worth, but it ultimately adds a layer of magic and anticipation to the holiday season your children will cherish.