Who DOESN'T do elf on the shelf and what are your reasons?

[salamander91]

I think I'd get bored after a few days and I'd hate to start a tradition I wouldn't want to continue.

 

[x_WelshGirl_x]

I think I'd get bored after a few days and I'd hate to start a tradition I wouldn't want to continue.

This is why I wasn't going to do it and I'm not very imaginative, but Alex is responding to using the potty very well when we told him my mums angel on the tree was watching and will tell Santa how well he is doing etc, I decided to get the elf I bought so he will be sitting on the mantle piece. He may bring a Christmassy DVD every now and again but that will be it.

 

[Rhi_Rhi1]

Never done it before. I did buy an Elf a few months back in Clintons so I am going to get it out. However I'm not really on board with all the rules. As for the people who think it is commercialized... Well that just baffles me. Might as well send all the cards back and stick the gifts back in the boot of the car eh. The whole of Christmas is an over commercialized nightmare. But a pretty one That I enjoy. I'm not sure how the elf is the step too far.

However I'm just going to give it them as a gift on the 6th when St Nicholas comes. Mostly because I'm far too lazy to invent crazy schemes for it to do! haha

 

[sophxx]

We don't my lo hates the idea of it. He saw some videos on youtube and was so shocked and couldn't belive they were so naughty in people's houses. He saw the Christmas tree wrapped in toilet paper, the milk changed green ect.

 

[BethK]

I don't bother with it, purely because i can't be bothered to do something different with it every day leading up to Christmas!

It's a busy time of year for us and for my DD anyway, what with school stuff, PTA, work, shopping etc, also have a lot of animals to feed/clean so i'd never have time.

I bought one last year and DD just used it as another toy, I don't like the idea of the kids not allowed to play with it and i agree that the more stuff you make up around Christmas, the more likely they are to twig.

 

[Lilicat]

I mainly don't do it because my children wouldn't understand, William is autistic and Thomas is possibly autistic (we are starting that process now). Neither really do imaginative stuff, I could say it did all sorts of things but they really wouldn't get it.

Even if that wasn't the case I don't think I would do it, I have never seen an elf that really appeals to me (I love the dog picture, the original one is creepy) and I think it would get too much.

We already have a lot going on in the run up to Christmas I wouldn't want to add something.

I do like seeing the pictures of what other people do though, some people have some really funny ideas.

 

[jenny_wren]

i'm another lazy sod

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[Baby Bell]

I like the idea of them coming delivering advent calenders and getting up to mischievous, I don't think I'd tell DS that he was being watched, that would scare him. I'm just to lazy and unimaginative

 

[tommyg]

Never done it before. I did buy an Elf a few months back in Clintons so I am going to get it out. However I'm not really on board with all the rules. As for the people who think it is commercialized... Well that just baffles me. Might as well send all the cards back and stick the gifts back in the boot of the car eh. The whole of Christmas is an over commercialized nightmare. But a pretty one That I enjoy. I'm not sure how the elf is the step too far.

However I'm just going to give it them as a gift on the 6th when St Nicholas comes. Mostly because I'm far too lazy to invent crazy schemes for it to do! haha

Cards are good wishes and a way to keep in touch with people who you maybe don't see that often esp pre- Facebook and email. I note a few friends are turning away from cards because they no longer see the need.
Presents and toys are intended to be enjoyed the whole year. And I aim them to be things that are needed.

My trees yes they are just there because they make the house feel like Christmas. Yes I only need one to put presents under - I can't quite imaging opening presents without one. The other fills a space in my hallway.

Elf on the shelf .... It really is a step too far for me.

 

[dani_tinks]

We don't do it, I don't think it's something Jacob would be that fussed by in all honesty. He thinks very literal and I just don't think he'd believe a toy elf would do those things.

 

[monkee12]

Never done it before. I did buy an Elf a few months back in Clintons so I am going to get it out. However I'm not really on board with all the rules. As for the people who think it is commercialized... Well that just baffles me. Might as well send all the cards back and stick the gifts back in the boot of the car eh. The whole of Christmas is an over commercialized nightmare. But a pretty one That I enjoy. I'm not sure how the elf is the step too far.

However I'm just going to give it them as a gift on the 6th when St Nicholas comes. Mostly because I'm far too lazy to invent crazy schemes for it to do! haha

Cards are good wishes and a way to keep in touch with people who you maybe don't see that often esp pre- Facebook and email. I note a few friends are turning away from cards because they no longer see the need.
Presents and toys are intended to be enjoyed the whole year. And I aim them to be things that are needed.

My trees yes they are just there because they make the house feel like Christmas. Yes I only need one to put presents under - I can't quite imaging opening presents without one. The other fills a space in my hallway.

Elf on the shelf .... It really is a step too far for me.

Totally agree with you hun x

 

[rangersgirl69]

We still have trouble with the idea of Santa coming into our house the idea of something coming alive everynight and running about the house would make him uncomfortable in his own house.

 

[Mummy May]

We don't do it, I would probably forget it anyway. But Santa is always watching anyways so for us, we don't need an elf xx

 

[OmiOmen]

We do have a elf BUT it is not like the tradition set out in the books. I understand people saying it is hard work and get it is not for everyone. I also get people saying he looks creepy although I personally thing it is in a funny way. I do not get the argument about commercialism (while I agree it is) because so are gifts, cards, decorations, advent calendars, and a number of other Christmas things.

Our elf does has nothing to do with behaviour and he does not come alive, watch them, or report to Santa. In fact we do not even do the Santa is real thing. My son doesn't need to believe Santa or the Elf is real to have fun with it just like he does not have to believe in vampires or ghosts to have fun at Halloween. Out Elf is just a bit of fun and a bit of a prankster. Thinking of things to do and spending a few minutes on a night setting it up does get a bit annoying for me after a week or two but it is worth it for how much excitement it brings.

I know not everyone sees it as fun or wants to do it which of course is fine. But I also know many people that have a Elf are not actually following the traditions from the book.

 

[Blah11]

I don't. I have 3 kids birthdays to plan for a long with the Christmas stress and working. Don't have the time patience or desire to set up an elf every night lol

 

[jd83]

We don't do it, I refuse to, LOL!

My reasoning is the thing is super creepy, reminds me of either Chucky or Dead Silence movie where the things are possessed. Sorry, not trying to be offensive to those who do it. But that's how it personally comes across to me, it would totally creep me out.

I also don't have the time to figure out new things for it to be doing every day. That's a ridiculous amount of effort for me to come up with.

 

[Blah11]

We still have trouble with the idea of Santa coming into our house the idea of something coming alive everynight and running about the house would make him uncomfortable in his own house.

Really? Kids have innocent minds so its unlikely they'd associate a stranger in the house with anything bad like an adult would.

 

[Indigo77]

I actually think it's a fun idea....I'm just too lazy....

 

[gingajewel]

We still have trouble with the idea of Santa coming into our house the idea of something coming alive everynight and running about the house would make him uncomfortable in his own house.

Really? Kids have innocent minds so its unlikely they'd associate a stranger in the house with anything bad like an adult would.

My daughter is terrified of the thought of Santa coming in to our house . .. We tell her that daddy meets him outside!! Nothing we have ever said or done, just the thought terrifies her.

Another one not doing elf in the shelf because I just cant be bothered lol!

 

[Indigo77]

I don't even have an advent calendar & we don't do Xmas Eve boxes/bags, either.....they just open their stocking gifts, instead.

Lazy Mama!

Going to get the advent calendar today! I will! Yes, I think I will!