What Is Elf on a Shelf?

it's this creepy elf that people put around to try to make their children be good for the holidays, because it's always watching. It supposedly reports back to Santa at night when the kids are sleeping, and then is in a new place in the morning when they wake up. If you (the child) touches the elf he loses his magic.

It's a new and exciting way to make us moms feel like, yet again, we aren't making enough magic for our children during the holidays...

Ok, before this becomes a gripe session..

Here is a funny Blog about moms that feel like they are somehow obligated to do Elf on the Shelf.. O actually know about 3 dads that sre the ones in charge of the family Elf.

http://www.peopleiwanttopunchinthethroat.com/2011/12/over...

There is a book and an elf that you can purchase at nice gift shops or book stores.. Or order it on line. The Elf come for a visit from the North Pole to make sure the children behave.. He sends back reports.. But each morning, some elves.. Seem to get into mischief himself.. There are some parents that go all out with the elf and his shenanigans . You can go online
and get ideas..

Pretty cute...

I never knew what it was either! Which is weird because I remember my family having one of those elves when I was a kid in the 70's, but it was just an elf, not 'elf on a shelf' and my mom never moved it. It does sound like something my son would get a kick out of (he's 4 1/2) and HE would be the one to move it all over! So maybe I should get one....

I never did the Elf on the Shelf with my kids.
Although, ironically, I do have a little elf that sits on a shelf that my mom gave me from my childhood. He's pretty cute. For as ancient as he is.

Usually, asking my kids if they wanted to end up on the "naughty" list was enough to get them to simmer down. Kids can get so revved up this time of year. I have a friend who has implemented the same thing with her very young children and NO....they don't want to be on the naughty list.

I never heard of Elf on a Shelf except for on this forum.
Not saying it's good or bad, fun or not, but I'm older and generations of kids that I know wouldn't know what it is either.

Just my opinion.

"He sees you when you're sleeping".
Elf on a Shelf is Santa's spy network.
The elfin tattletales let Santa know if you've been bad or good.
The theory is - if kids think they are being watched - they'll be on their best behavior.
The elf turns up all over the place - on shelves, in the fridge, in the doll house - any clever place where they can watch and be found watching.

Back in the 70s you might have seen Hooray. For Elfie. Our cousin wrote and published it in 1975. The exact story of Elf on Shelf only Elfie came along first!!

Creepy even though i'm the one who is moving it around from here t there.I don't have an "ELF ON THE SHELF"but do have an Elf that is a stuffed toy that on of my kids received a while ago thought about bringing it out

I'm glad I didn't know about elf on the shelf until this year. I probably would have gotten one if the kids were smaller. I can hardly remember the occasional tooth fairy duties, can't imagine if I had to do something creative with this darn elf each night! So glad I don't have one. I'm sure my kids would love it, but Santa is plenty for us. :)