To Elf or Not to Elf: Should You Start Elf on the Shelf?

Christmas with a new baby is full of joy, excitement, and new traditions. One question often stands out for new parents: To Elf or Not to Elf?

All the Mamas have all weighed in on this one. With experience from none at all to over a decade with Santa’s minion in our homes, we have a wide range of opinions!

If you’re considering starting the Elf on the Shelf tradition for your toddler, here are a few things to ponder. Our pro-con list below can help you explore the benefits and challenges of introducing this popular holiday figure, and help you make an informed choice.

Discover how the Elf can spark joy and creativity, while navigating any concerns you may have about this festive tradition.

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Pros: Why We Love Elf On The Shelf

When December hits and Elf On The Shelf comes back from the North Pole the excitement is high, and here’s why:

• The magic of it all! The kids think it’s real and I love the Christmas magic that happens when they believe.
• Let’s be real – it is a parenting tool for the whole month of December. The kids definitely act better when “Jingles The Elf” is watching.
• The running and screaming every morning to see where a cheaply made little doll that has been to the North Pole and back in a few hours is priceless.
• It’s fun to find new places to hide the elf, or things she/he is doing.
• I love the tradition of it. My kids start talking about her coming a week or two before she does. It’s something they look forward to.
• The kids are part of the school gossip about what their elf is doing.

Cons: Why We Hate Elf On The Shelf

Whether we had kids before the elf was a thing (the oldest kids are in their late teens now!) and have never introduced him, or just realize that not everything is sunshine and roses with a red-hatted magical stuffy in our house, here are some of the negatives about Elf on the Shelf:

• I can’t remember to move the stupid thing. Ever. After the kids go to bed “Mom” is off the clock. I don’t want to spend my time thinking of things the Elf will do.
• I’m not that creative. I have seen other Elves on Instagram. They get up to some pretty crazy things while the kids sleep. Our elf is doing good to find a new place to sit.
• I find the idea of a tiny doll that comes alive and tells Santa all the terrible things the kids did that day a little scary.
• All of December is a big commitment to an activity that falls on Mom at an already hectic time of the year!
• We also create Christmas magic other ways. Every year we go out to my parent’s place and get out Christmas tree from “The Christmas Tree Forest” in their field. Our trees may not be Pinterest worthy but we love going out to the forest and hunting down the perfect to us tree.