Elf Evaluation...

ONE PARENT'S CRITIQUE OF THE ELF ON THE SHELF...

There are many things that my wife Becca and I have done with our daughter since she has been born. One thing that I believe she will always remember, and hopefully carry on even after she has children is the classic, ELF ON THE SHELF.

It is the purpose of this page to give a quick overview and evaluation of what the Elf on the Shelf is, as well as what its purpose is. Elf on the Shelf is a vintage looking Pixie doll that is designed to sit on a shelf. He (or she) is actually a Christmas ornament, and is guaranteed to be a household favorite (or at least in our home) for years to come. The legend of the Elf says that he (or she) arrives at the holiday season, typically around Thanksgiving, and leaves on the night which Santa is said to make his annual flight around the world. 

The reason the elf comes and stays at our home is because she is on a mission; TO BE SANTA's EYES and EARS IN OUR HOME. Her mission is to silently observe everything about Sarah, and make sure that she is being exceptionally good during the Christmas season. Each night, when Sarah is tucked in bed, snug as a bug in a rug, the Elf makes a mad dash to the North Pole to report to Santa all that she has observed, and then she returns back to our home, always in a different location than when she left, and in a different pose as well. Also, Sarah is not allowed to touch her Elf (this is most important), as she will lose her magic, and not be able to return to the North Pole to report what she has observed to Santa, thus making it impossible for Santa to come see Sarah. 

Since Sarah knows why her pixie friend is here, she has straightened up tremendously. Her pre-k teacher has even noted improvements in her behavior and interactions with the other children at school, so the Elf is not only a Christmas ornament, but a tool of positive reinforcement as well. When Sarah is getting a little out of line, all we have to say is "Sparkles is watching", and she straightens right up, and when she is good, Sparkles does nice things. However, if she is naughty, Sparkles has a tendency to play with her dolls, and even put their clothes on.

I must say that the Elf on the Shelf isn't just something that entertains our daughter, but it brings our little family closer. It also causes me to be more creative and imaginative, and encourages discussion between my wife and I. Overall, I look forward to the years to come, even when Sarah is a teenager, because this little ornament has quickly become more than just an ornament, she is now a family member that comes to visit us toward the end of the year, and there is no telling where she is going to end up or what she is going to do.