Whether it’s decorating the Christmas tree with family and friends or waking up and opening presents on Christmas Day, traditions are a big reason why so many people are in love with the holidays. Even though most traditions are universal, some families like to get a little more festive than others.
In 2005, a new tradition was created: the Elf on the Shelf. Originating as a book, the Elf on the Shelf has gained a cult-following and people are still buying it.
The story behind this Christmas craze starts back in the North Pole, where Santa has sent one of his elves to watch kids all day and make sure they behave. Then at night, the elf magically comes to life and returns to the north pole to report back to Santa about what he saw. This is why he ends up in a different spot every day. If this isn’t weird enough, sometimes the elf gets “bored” and commits strange acts while everyone is sleeping, like writing all over the bathroom mirrors or tearing up pillow cases.
Although almost every single one of my younger cousins has an Elf on the Shelf of their own, I refuse to partake in this eerie tradition. If you’ve been lucky enough to have an Elf on the Shelf visit your house during the holidays you may be asking yourself why I am not a fan. You truly don’t know fear until you wake up one day and find a wide eyed elf staring you down.
In 2005, a new tradition was created: the Elf on the Shelf. Originating as a book, the Elf on the Shelf has gained a cult-following and people are still buying it.
The story behind this Christmas craze starts back in the North Pole, where Santa has sent one of his elves to watch kids all day and make sure they behave. Then at night, the elf magically comes to life and returns to the north pole to report back to Santa about what he saw. This is why he ends up in a different spot every day. If this isn’t weird enough, sometimes the elf gets “bored” and commits strange acts while everyone is sleeping, like writing all over the bathroom mirrors or tearing up pillow cases.
Although almost every single one of my younger cousins has an Elf on the Shelf of their own, I refuse to partake in this eerie tradition. If you’ve been lucky enough to have an Elf on the Shelf visit your house during the holidays you may be asking yourself why I am not a fan. You truly don’t know fear until you wake up one day and find a wide eyed elf staring you down.
My mom tried to start this tradition when I was 8 years old after my aunt was raving about how much my cousins loved theirs.
On the first day, my mom placed the elf on my desk facing me and when I woke up, I instantly got spooked. I asked her about it and she gave me the whole “Santa’s elf” spiel, which I truly didn’t buy. I didn’t think Santa’s elves would be that creepy.
For the next couple nights the elf was in places like the kitchen and living room, but the fifth night is when I truly got creeped out. I woke up to the elf laying next to me in my bed. I was so petrified, it felt as though my heart stopped.
I picked the thing up, marched into the living room and told my mom “I don’t want that elf to watch me anymore. And if I find it again I will lock it in a box and throw it away.”
My mom seemed a little sad that I didn’t want to partake in this freaky tradition, but I couldn't help it. Instead of feeling like I was being watched by one of Santa’s helpers, I felt like I was being haunted by a demonic elf hunting for human flesh. Ever since, I can’t look at an Elf on the Shelf without cringing.
The Elf on the Shelf is used by most parents to get their kids to act good during the Christmas season which is just messed up. In no way do I view this tradition as anything other than creepy. If I ever have kids, I will make sure they never have to go through what I did.
On the first day, my mom placed the elf on my desk facing me and when I woke up, I instantly got spooked. I asked her about it and she gave me the whole “Santa’s elf” spiel, which I truly didn’t buy. I didn’t think Santa’s elves would be that creepy.
For the next couple nights the elf was in places like the kitchen and living room, but the fifth night is when I truly got creeped out. I woke up to the elf laying next to me in my bed. I was so petrified, it felt as though my heart stopped.
I picked the thing up, marched into the living room and told my mom “I don’t want that elf to watch me anymore. And if I find it again I will lock it in a box and throw it away.”
My mom seemed a little sad that I didn’t want to partake in this freaky tradition, but I couldn't help it. Instead of feeling like I was being watched by one of Santa’s helpers, I felt like I was being haunted by a demonic elf hunting for human flesh. Ever since, I can’t look at an Elf on the Shelf without cringing.
The Elf on the Shelf is used by most parents to get their kids to act good during the Christmas season which is just messed up. In no way do I view this tradition as anything other than creepy. If I ever have kids, I will make sure they never have to go through what I did.