From Cute to Obnoxious

  It seems to me that this "Elf on the Shelf" thing has gone on just about long enough.  Things have gotten out of hand and the elf in question has gone beyond being helpful (with the aid of parents trying to outdo all others.) Yep, I know that a lot of new parents jump on any method possible to make the holidays a memorable experience for their little ones but from what I have seen, this is more work than necessary.  Some people start searching for ideas of mischief for their elf visitor far in advance of December.  Then, the nightly escapades and slightly naughty misdeeds take up more time and cleaning up the mess later even adds more stress to parents.  It seems to me that instead of allowing the elf to indulge in mischief, it might be far more encouraging and empowering to little ones if that same elf was to promote good deeds.  What started as a cute idea of maybe getting the children to behave has become a show of bratty behavior.  My daughter-in-law recently told me of an idea that was passed along to her of how the elf should be found doing good deeds.  I agree.  Joanna mentioned that it would be nice to have the elf holding a recipe for cookies to bake for the neighbors or sitting in the toy box while asking the children to donate to the needy.  Whoever had this grand idea is pure genius!  Why not instill loving, giving thoughts and practices with a cute whimsical little elf?  It just makes more sense to promote these traits instead of maybe giving ideas of misbehavior.  Don't even get me started on the warped sense of "Christmas Cheer" that some adults have resorted to with the childhood tradition.  

  While I do have several of the original little elves sitting about the house, not once have they gotten into mischief.  Perhaps I just have good elves...who knows.   Then there are the elves that I sew that are just there to add a bit of whimsy to the holidays.  These little guys are just plumb happy and are not a lot of work for parents.  They just don't do anything but sit and look cute.

  While I am all for family traditions whether they be old or new, when it becomes questionable, it is time to stop.   I do agree with the idea that elves should be helpful if there has to be a elfin trend during the holidays.  Get the kiddos involved in helping others..make those cookies for the neighbors, give toys and clothes to the needy, learn carols and sing at a nursing home....anything that is promoting what the season is all about in the first place.  Or...just let that elf sit there and look cute.  Don't cause more work for yourself and definitely keep that elf from causing trouble....it just isn't worth the effort.  It may be time to ditch this holiday chore.