Love Him or Hate Him, Let’s Talk About the Stories Behind Your Elf on the Shelf
Ah, the Elf on the Shelf. For some, he’s the embodiment of Christmas magic. For others, he’s a nightly chore they regret starting back in 2012. Whether you’re Team Elf Enthusiast or Team Hide-the-Elf-in-the-Freezer-and-Forget-Him, there’s no denying that this little guy has a knack for creating memorable moments—and those moments are worth documenting.
But let’s go beyond the usual shenanigans and the delighted (or dismayed) reactions of your kids. Let’s dig into the stories that make your Elf on the Shelf experience uniquely yours.
The Great Debate: Why Did You Start This Tradition?
Maybe you were swept up in Pinterest perfection, or perhaps your kids begged you after hearing about their friends’ elves. Either way, take a moment to tell the story of how your family’s elf came to be. Bonus points if your reasoning includes, “It seemed like a good idea at the time.”
The Evolution of Elfing
Remember the early years when you had elaborate scenes planned out? Now, your elf’s idea of creativity is hanging from the ceiling fan. Reflect on how your elf’s “career” has progressed—or regressed—over the years.
Elf Politics: Negotiations and Bribes
Be honest: have your kids ever tried to influence the elf’s reports to Santa? Or have you used the elf as leverage in a bedtime battle? These little power plays are storytelling gold.
Parent Fails: The Elf Edition
We’ve all been there: waking up at 3 a.m. in a cold sweat because you forgot to move the elf. Document the best (or worst) moments when your elfing efforts went hilariously wrong. Did you leave him in the same spot three days in a row? Did the dog find him before the kids? Tell all.
The Morning After
The elf doesn’t just impact your kids; he sets the tone for your mornings. Are you greeted with squeals of delight or grumbles about how the elf “only moved an inch”? Capture the ripple effects of his nightly antics.
When the Elf Goes Rogue
Some elves are known for pushing the boundaries of “good behavior.” Has your elf ever done something that made you question your life choices? Write about that time your elf TP-ed the Christmas tree or got into the cookie jar.
What the Elf Has Seen
Your elf sits silently, observing your family’s chaos. Imagine telling a story from his perspective. What would he say about your holiday season?
The Last Goodbye
Whether your family has a heartfelt farewell or your elf “disappears” before Christmas Eve (because you’re over it), that goodbye is part of the story. How does the season feel once the elf has returned to the North Pole?
Whether your elf brings joy or stress, he’s part of your family’s holiday story. The beauty of memory-keeping is finding humor and heart in every moment, even when you’re grumbling about glitter on the couch. So this year, don’t just tell the story of what your elf did—tell the story of what he means to your family (even if that meaning is “an elaborate parenting mistake”).
What’s your elf story? Share it with us in the comments or in the ForeverJoy private Facebook group. I can’t wait to laugh, cry, and commiserate with you!
Here are a few stories of shenanigans crafted by the Creative team with the design!
