At any given time throughout the year when we got together, she would pull out the elf card.
"You better behave! I just saw an elf behind that tree!"
"You better clean up your toys. There's an elf on the sky light watching you!"
She got so into it that it actually scared us kids. This aunt always was a little off and doesn't have her own kids, but who in their right mind thinks it's a good idea to scare the crap out of little kids?!
While we're on the subject of elves, I have contemplated over the past year or so on picking up our own Elf on the Shelf. I'm not sure it it would improve certain behaviors in this house, but I believe that my kids would get a kick out of it. Some of their friends have their own elves on their shelves. My kids love hearing the stories they tell of where the elf was hiding today.
On Christmas Eve, we got together with some family - the side of the family this particular aunt is on. As loopy as she is, it was unfortunate that her and Grandma could not make the trip up from South Carolina. But that didn't stop us "kids" from talking about her scary elves. This conversation leads to elves on the shelves. My cousin thinks those elves are a horrible idea. It was traumatizing enough to know that invisible elves were peeking into our windows on any given day. Now there is an actual elf that you can hide around your house.
This conversation was had within ear shot of my midgets. Now we all know that if we tell our kids directly to do something, selective hearing kicks in and our words are lost in translation. Conversations like this/ Every single syllable is heard by little ears. I already have one who is starting to question the Santa belief system and given the right mood, there's a chance she could destroy all hope in her little brother. This conversation certainly doesn't help. After agreeing that elves peeking in our windows was creepy, proclaiming that an Elf on the Shelf was genius seemed a little silly.
11 comments:
this is the first year I've ever heard of elf on the shelf but it gives me the creepy vibe.
Those elves are a little creepy. We haven't gotten one yet. I thought we would this year, but I was a Christmas slacker.
I tried not to use the Santa and elf card. It's bad enough that we create this enormous elaborate fiction about a fat guy who flies in to give them toys...that aunt of yours does sound a little off. I always find people without kids have a queer sense of how to deal with kids.
My kids love the Elf on the Shelf. I love the "Elf Card" it is needed the most during those years when they do believe in Santa and I plan on using it for all it's worth.
We're Jewish, so we don't have to deal w/ the elf issue, but I do find myself threatening a lot around Hanukkah/birthdays etc...."you might not get your presents if you don't clean up," or "if you keep acting sassy i don't think you'll get your gift tonight," etc....ugh.
I've never heard of these before!!! Bella is scared to death of stuffed animals (long story), so there's no way we could have one of those. We do tell her Santa is watching though and checked The List almost daily to make sure she was still listed as "Nice". Too bad that's only one month out of the year, lol!!!
Elves are everywhere you look - watch out!
Okay, you're right, that's pretty creepy. Though I've always thought the Elf on the Shelf was a bit weird!
I've never understood trying to scare children into behaving... doesn't work and it stays with them, forever... Even if they say they don't believe, anymore, it pops out in other behavior... Found you through Shell... Come visit when you can and check out my other blog, Rockin' Chair Reflections, too!
Hi! Shell sent me over! I know that Elf is creepy looking...but I kind of wish he would stick around all year! My kids were obsessed with finding him each day! It really just became a fun game. Maybe I can dress him in pink to ensure a valentine?? Oh wait, that might be mean!
Love your blog. Can't wait to keep reading.
Katie
http://practicalparenting.blogspot.com
I have one that I got from my grandmother as a Christmas present the year I moved out of my parents house. I was going to be a Christmas slacker this year, but my 7 year old noticed that it wasn't out. I always keep it in the same spot because, hello freaky! :-) I figure the threat of Santa knowing if you are naughty or nice is enough (or should be). lol
We don't have the Elf. It's mostly due to my laziness in procuring one, but after reading this I'll pretend I'm above all of that. Elves are creepy!
Happy New Year!
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