Why I'm an "Elf on the Shelf" Mom

Two years ago (circa 2012), I got wind of this Elf on the Shelf craze but wasn't quite sure what to think of it. My husband and I thought it would be a good idea and an awesome tradition to start with our boys. Off to the store I went and purchased a boy elf. When St. Nick came that year, he brought with him the Elf on the Shelf and nicely laid the box, with the story and elf, between their stockings in front of the fireplace.

[caption id="attachment_636" align="alignright" width="300"] Buddy hanging with the snowmen (2013)[/caption]

The boys were 6 and 8 at the time and were intrigued by the story. Being huge fans of the movie "Elf", our family addition was quickly named Buddy. The next few weeks, he found different places to hide - on top of the tree, in the cupboards, in bedrooms and bathrooms. Wasn't too obnoxious. Nor was it too creative.

Our second year in, my husband and I decided to have a bit more fun and get into some mischief with Buddy. We had a great time checking Pinterest boards for new ideas. I chronicled his daily antics on my Facebook wall so friends and family could see our fun. My boys had a blast!

The Dark Side

What I didn't realize was the dark side of the Elf on the Shelf ... The backlash I found was astounding. I do have to admit: I was shocked. Everything from "it's too hard to plan everything out' to downright nasty comments such as "I'd like to punch those do-gooder Elf on the Shelf mom's in the throat"! Then came the flippant remarks of "Well, I don't have that kind of time to work on anything like that!" What in the WORLD?!!?!?!? That last one probably pissed me off the most...

The energy put into the anti-Elf movement on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest was just beyond what I could comprehend.

But, guess what? This year, I'm going to push it even FURTHER with even MORE CREATIVITY and EFFORT than last year...

And, is it because of the anti-Elf movement and backlash against parents like me? NO FREAKIN' WAY!

Why Continue?

It's for my kids! It's to help keep the spirit of Christmas alive with my boys who are nearing that age of disbelief.

Before I was 10 years old, I learned everything there was to know about Santa, the Tooth Fairy, the Easter Bunny and sex all in my art class. My best friend, Sally Thompson (no, not her real name!), divulged all these secrets to us at the back table during our art class. She'd tell us how parents hide presents around the house. Of course, I didn't tell my parents that I knew any of this. Nor did I tell my older brother. Well, at least at first.

My brother and I had a good run for a few years where we'd go and find our Christmas presents - even try things on! - before Christmas. Some of that was even before my parents found out I knew their dirty little secret.

Now, while I do have some fun memories of my brother and I trying to rush out of my parents' bedroom just as Mom's walking in from work, or trying to fold the sweater back up exactly how the store had done it ... The fact that I was much younger than 10 years old when this happened really puts this into perspective.

I'll never forget how disappointed I was when I learned it was all a farce. And, as much as I trust my oldest son not to divulge to his younger brother, I know that once the older sibling knows, it's pretty much done. Especially when they're only two years apart.

What I also think the anti-Elfer's don't realize is how effective the Elf on the Shelf can really be if used properly. I've seen ideas on the Elf encouraging giving and charity; something which I hope to do this year. Buddy in particular has been an incredible motivation around our house.

So, yes, I'm an Elf on the Shelf mom. And, I'm going to chronicle Buddy's antics this year right here on my pages.

To those of you who are anti-Elf:

Please don't disappear. It's only going to be three weeks. I'm still working on my transformation and learning more to share with you all about essential oils and will continue to write on these topics.

I've been able to find ways to carve out the time to make this happen and still not lose out on anything else. I'm not lying either...  It is important enough for me to make the time because this tradition has manifested itself into my family and we are creating some amazing memories together.

And, for all you Elf-er's...

If you're looking for some great ideas, check out my personal Pinterest board! And, stay tuned for some real fun!!