Quick, why doesn't every family do elf on a shelf?

[phdprocrastinator]

In my house, we (the parents) asked Santa for the elves. (DD is almost 4, she bought it).

[phdprocrastinator]

Also: Santa only visits those who believe in Santa.

DD solemnly declared she believed in Santa upon hearing this.

[pantsparty]

BECAUSE POLICE STATE.

[Deleted]

Some parents just have kids who can't behave unless a creepy little elf watches them.

KIDDING! (we have one, but that is really the reason, LOL)

[franklin]

Ditto RexManningDay - the elf that leaves a treat/surprise in the advent calendar is invisible.

[sushi]

Because it was only created a few years ago as a money making scheme? Because parents hate it? Because not everyone celebrates Christmas?

Good thing I don't have kids

[scottyderp]

Definitely don't tell them this, but it looks a little creepy.  I'd do it if my kids wanted it, but I wouldn't do it UNLESS they asked.  I feel about Elf on the Shelf the same way that I do about football.  People do it, but I don't understand why, other than they feel that is fun.

[arch01]

Because Santa doesn't need to send an elf here since I have Santa's phone number.

I cut out the middle man in my house.

[arch01]

Dec 7, 2015 15:43:06 GMT -5 scottyderp said:

Definitely don't tell them this, but it looks a little creepy.  I'd do it if my kids wanted it, but I wouldn't do it UNLESS they asked.  I feel about Elf on the Shelf the same way that I do about football.  People do it, but I don't understand why, other than they feel that is fun.

I think it's creepy as well, it won't be in my house. Regardless of how many times DS asks.

[karinothing]

DS1 thinks I text santa every day. No need for an elf here.

[Deleted]

Because I can't stand that stupid look on his face.

[cookies]

Because our cats eat elves. Sorry, kids.

[VeryViolet]

Ask your dad.

[panbitch]

Mommy won't let Stasi elves in the house.

[adhdfashion]

Mommy sent him back the north pole. Because I got this. I am watching you.

[penguingrrl]

My girls are suddenly begging this year (why they suddenly caught on at 8 and 6 is beyond me) and I told them that since the elves lose their magic if a human touches them and their brother manages to get everything it would be too unsafe to the elf to come here.

[FastHands]

Are we giving you reasons it's at your house but not kid's friends' houses? Or why friends have one but you don't?

[textbookcase]

Dec 7, 2015 15:45:52 GMT -5 karinothing said:

DS1 thinks I text santa every day. No need for an elf here.

LOL, I text Santa on the reg all year long.

[Deleted]

I told her it was just a toy.

[Deleted]

Dec 7, 2015 15:45:47 GMT -5 arch01 said:

Dec 7, 2015 15:43:06 GMT -5 scottyderp said:

Definitely don't tell them this, but it looks a little creepy.  I'd do it if my kids wanted it, but I wouldn't do it UNLESS they asked.  I feel about Elf on the Shelf the same way that I do about football.  People do it, but I don't understand why, other than they feel that is fun.

I think it's creepy as well, it won't be in my house. Regardless of how many times DS asks.

I refused as well. Then my kids bought the elf themselves. It felt extra mean not do it after that...

[laurental]

My 5.5 year old asked and I told him that not everyone has an elf and then just stopped talking. He brought it up again another time and I said the same answer. No additional questions have been asked.

[papie]

We have enough troublemakers in this house, we really don't need an extra one.  

[papie]

Dec 7, 2015 15:54:30 GMT -5 @jezebel said:

I told her it was just a toy.

YOU MONSTER


lol

[mmmomof2]

My 6 yr old was begging too - I guess the kids all talk about it school. I told her that I did some research and you had to put out bags of old toys to give away for the elf to come. She was all about it and bagged up two garbage bags worth of toys, books, puzzles she didn't play with anymore. The elf came this morning - whomp whomp.

I found the plush version at Costco for $10 so thought it would be fun this year. I figure she'll only believe for so long.

[NothingWrongwithOhio]

Dec 7, 2015 15:54:30 GMT -5 @jezebel said:

I told her it was just a toy.

Me, too. Our kids are going to ruin Christmas for everyone, aren't they?

[papie]

Dec 7, 2015 15:59:35 GMT -5 toledo said:

I don't know why stores put these right out the open to buy, nor do I understand why kids fall for it.

My friend was like "Why is she so dumb? She was with me when I bought the stupid elf at the drugstore!!!".  lol

[Deleted]

Dec 7, 2015 16:01:41 GMT -5 papie said:

Dec 7, 2015 15:59:35 GMT -5 toledo said:

I don't know why stores put these right out the open to buy, nor do I understand why kids fall for it.

My friend was like "Why is she so dumb? She was with me when I bought the stupid elf at the drugstore!!!".  lol

You send an email to Santa who makes it magical. Duh.

[arch01]

Dec 7, 2015 15:55:53 GMT -5 @gingerbb said:

Dec 7, 2015 15:45:47 GMT -5 arch01 said:

I think it's creepy as well, it won't be in my house. Regardless of how many times DS asks.

I refused as well. Then my kids bought the elf themselves. It felt extra mean not do it after that...

If that ends up happening I'm going to steal the idea posted in my FB feed today-the elf has a broken leg and can't move for 2 weeks. 

[scottyderp]

Dec 7, 2015 15:45:47 GMT -5 arch01 said:

Dec 7, 2015 15:43:06 GMT -5 scottyderp said:

Definitely don't tell them this, but it looks a little creepy.  I'd do it if my kids wanted it, but I wouldn't do it UNLESS they asked.  I feel about Elf on the Shelf the same way that I do about football.  People do it, but I don't understand why, other than they feel that is fun.

I think it's creepy as well, it won't be in my house. Regardless of how many times DS asks.

lol.  I hear you.  To be fair to those reading who do it, I see some pretty spectacular antics that these elves get into. 

[mrssandro]

Because Elf on the Shelf is just a commercial and just a toy like all the other toys out there.