Elf on the Shelf. For some, it is a beloved family tradition. For others, it is an annoying marketing ploy that manipulates children’s behavior.
Started with a Book
The Elf on the Shelf tradition got its start with a 2005 book by Carol V. Aebersold and Chanda A. Bell, a mother-daughter duo who self-published the book to explain “scout elves”, who, according to the authors, keep an eye on kids to give a report to Santa. No one wants a bad report, obviously, so kids are on their best behavior under the elf’s watchful eyes.
Cherished Tradition
Blue Water Area mom of three, Emily Herbert, explained how her family brings the Elf on the Shelf into their family’s Christmas traditions. She said that she prepares an elaborate “North Pole Breakfast” on the day after Thanksgiving, at which time her kids get special Christmas pajamas that they wear throughout the season. The Elf on the Shelf starts making his appearances that day and the kids look for him every morning.
The Elf can’t be touched or his magic will go away and he can’t fly back to the North Pole to give his report every night. Emily said that the tradition is something her kids look forward to and that it is a fun way to build excitement for Christmas.
Not everyone has a mischievous elf, but some do, and find him in all kinds of crazy places, causing all kinds of trouble. Pinterest has a wealth of examples of ways that the Elf has been found in homes across the country.
So Many Elves!
It is estimated that over 19 million Elf on the Shelf dolls have been “adopted” since 2005. The Elf on the Shelf has annual sales reported at $10 million annually and has deals with Netflix along with a multitude of product endorsements from breakfast cereal to car insurance.
Santa’s Watching
Some teachers have bought into the behavior modification technique and have classroom elves, bringing the age-old “Santa’s watching” ultimatum to school, hoping for better behavior as Christmas approaches.
Not everyone is a fan, with some saying it is just one more thing to deal with in the already overwhelming holiday season. Others say that good behavior shouldn’t be rooted in fear or greed, and there are debates over imagination vs. gullibility among child psychologists.
Either way, the Elf seems to be here to stay and brings a lot of fun and joy to many families.
What do you think?
Originally published December 2022.
For BlueWaterParent.com – Jennie McClelland
