4 Things Elf on the Shelf Skeptics Need to Consider ASAP
Like any trend, despite the frenzy of Elf on the Shelf-loving families, there are some who just aren't fans of the magical elves: to them, they are naughty, creepy, and a lot of unnecessary work. However, the Elf on the Shelf's creator, Chanda Bell, has something she wants these haters to know.
"It's one thing to say this elf is watching you and have it mold [your child's] behavior, but that is not at all the intent or how the stories are written," Chanda told POPSUGAR. "It's really about inviting your own friend from the North Pole to join your family and speaking to this bigger message about how when you are kind and when you do these good deeds, the elves need to report that too. That's really important for Santa because he needs to know that all these good things are happening."
If you're still not seeing the appeal of these tiny elves spending 30 days in your home, check out these four things that every skeptic needs to know before hating on this beloved tradition.
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It's Only as Creepy as You Make It
Some parents are on the fence with this trend because they don't like the idea of telling their kids that someone is always watching them. According to Chanda, the negative factor depends on how parents frame it — it's important for Santa to know that good deeds are happening but it's up to the parents in how they explain that to their children. "I really encourage people in their approach to embrace it as a fun member of the family and as a tradition and not so much as an elf that is watching you," Chanda explained. "That part is in representation."
If You're Not Trying to See the Magic Through the Eyes of a Child, You're Going to Miss It
Some parents put this aside as an unnecessary thing to do during a busy holiday season, but they underestimate the magic it can bring to children unless they really take a step back for a minute. "There is no idea to explain it unless you've lived it, but I think it's why we have so many people who are protective and outspoken about our brand. Once you have lived it and you see the look on these faces, you experience the joy of Christmas for 30 days through their eyes because the elf is there," Chanda said. "It changes the whole perception of it being creepy or any number of things people might say because it's living it and understanding the joy and magic."
Parents Are the Ones Who Make It Stressful
Your elf and the traditions around it can be whatever you want it to be for your family and not nearly as complex as your social media friends make it out to be. No matter how you partake, you are helping your children to create valuable holiday memories. "However your children make those special memories with their elf and this tradition is good for your kids, right?" Chanda pointed out. "Our elf simply flies back and forth to the North Pole and lands in a different spot. He might write a letter back and forth, and my daughter is making just as many special memories as these wild and crazy and creative elves. Even though she would probably prefer her elf to be highly more creative, she shows our elf all sorts of ideas to inspire it."
Your Status as a Cynical Adult Could Be What's Ruining It
Not everything is out to get your kids or is bound to scar them later in life. This "fear factor" mindset could be preventing you from seeing the potential fun for your family. "Sometimes as parents, we forget we were kids once, and we look through the cynical view as we try to make everything hard hitting news," Chanda said. "Why can't it just be fun, kids using their imagination, love, joy, and good things?"