It is out of pure laziness that I do not want to introduce elf on the shelf! I don’t want to have to deal with that shit! Also there are so many rules. I nearly ruined Christmas for a group of kids when I picked up the elf. Apparently that’s a big no no!
@ekendall09 That sounds like a good arrangement! So you can alternate years doing Christmas morning or Christmas evening, right? Because we have far-away family that we like to visit at Christmas, one of us has the whole week of Christmas and the other has the whole week after. Right now we postpone Christmas Eve/Day on years DS isn't with us for Christmas, but when this LO is 2 or 3 I can't imagine asking her to wait a whole week to have Christmas until he's with us.
@kaymaroo yea thats how ours works. I think we can request to travel if we really wanted to but the other could technically say no. We try and stay flexible and she loves that she gets to enjoy the day with both sides at this point so it works.
I agree that one week late would be tough and likely not fair to the new LO. Coming up with an aspect that you can do all together would be nice but i'm sure it'll take time to figure out a new norm!
@allowachick from what I've heard, if you touch the elf, it "loses all its magic." So it can't do anything anymore
You know, I was a really "outside the box" thinker as a kid. If my parents had set up the elf to monitor me, but it "loses its magic" if I touch it, I would have totally picked it up in secret to disable it's surveillance abilities.
But we are talking about a kid who also tried to kill a rainbow with Raid when I was 3, in order to make it hold still so I could pirate the gold at the end.....
Up until this year, I was anti-Elf on the Shelf. DD has been having a REALLY hard time st school. She’s in kindergarten and over the past month or 5 weeks she’s developed a sort of anxiety, including refusing to eat a single thing all day. Her teacher and school counselor are working with her, we work with her at home. She tries not to cry and be upset but it gets the best of her and it’s heartbreaking to watch. DH and I decided to try the Elf. When we introduced it, she came with a letter from Santa that said he knows she’s trying and he thought he would send a little friend to encourage her and that she could talk to if she needed. DD named her Rose. She doesn’t do anything naughty, she just hides various places and leaves DD notes when she’s had a great day to tell her she’s proud, or in her lunchbox to hopefully encourage her to eat something. It seems to be helping. She’s excited to see where the elf is everyday and she loves getting notes from her. I think in our case, it’s like a little friend that encourages her a little. Hearing the same things from us over and over again probably becomes background noise so it was a way to mix it up.
I have seen ideas on Pinterest that help you explain the elf to your kids in a way that doesn’t include watching them or that emphasizes the religious aspect of Christmas rather than just getting presents. So if you have an elf, there are other ways to use it if you feel so inclined
Me (33). DH (37). DD (2.2012). MCs x4. After 4 years & 7 months, due 4.2018!
I don’t know if this is an UO, but I say this is the one month you probably get a pass for “inappropriate weight gain” - surely everyone expects it over the holidays, right? - so i’ve been having an extra treat when the mood strikes me. And the mood has been striking me frequently.
@Mattel, I am so sorry your DD (and you) are going through that - watching your little one struggle that way sounds miserable. I’m glad the elf is giving her some encouragement, and I hope things improve for her permanently soon.
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I was team White Lights and color coordinating tree (matching ornaments/ribbon/skirt/etc) until my husband and I moved in together. He's not a fan of the 'clean' look. Our christmas tree has transitioned through the years and its become more and more the vagabond looking tree... This year probably marks the first of many years where the vagabond-ness will be most apparent... Thanks to DS's less-than-precise decorating skills. For the first year ever ornaments aren't evenly distributed around the tree. 'Homey' ornaments are clumped together and the glass bulbs are clumped together. Colors aren't evenly distributed and the back of the tree is nearly completely bare. /sigh. DH is in heaven and DS had a wonderful time. My OCD does mean that I occasionally rearrange the ornaments but I'm just too tired to care much this year
DS: EDD, December 19th, 2014. Born, December 19th, 2014! DD: EDD, July 18th, 2016. Born, July 19th, 2016!
@lindsye bahaha! I was sick over Thanksgiving so my grand plans of gorging on my favorite foods didn't pan out... And I've had an awful cold for about a week now and can't eat consistent meals. I can't wait until I feel better! I'm hoping I'm not sick at all over Christmas so I can eat whatever I want for the first time in a month lololol.
DS: EDD, December 19th, 2014. Born, December 19th, 2014! DD: EDD, July 18th, 2016. Born, July 19th, 2016!
@lindsye i'd generally totally agree with that except my last appt let me know I was already well on my way before the holidays. I don't know what happened but it was a giant reality check. Needless to say i'm skipping my work team baked good bake off today and heading home instead. Sigh. Me want coooookie.
@ladythrice I was in the same boat over Thanksgiving and last week (too sick or busy with sick kids to enjoy food), so I feel your pain!
@ekendall09 yeah I haven’t had a single “bad” month so far but let’s just say that i’m also making real strides each month toward a very healthy overall gain. I thought I might get to do a little guilt-free make-up eating after having the stomach virus last week but nope - my body gained it back like a champ in two days.
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@lindsye i'd generally totally agree with that except my last appt let me know I was already well on my way before the holidays. I don't know what happened but it was a giant reality check. Needless to say i'm skipping my work team baked good bake off today and heading home instead. Sigh. Me want coooookie.
My Dr. hasn't said anything to me about my weight gain. I actually don't even know how much weight I have gained at this point. On a slightly related note, my husband told me last night I'm starting to look "pregnant sexy" whatever that means? I'll take it though! lol
@lindsye my whole pregnancy has been inappropriate weight gain! Lol. I've gained 25 lbs so far. The OB office (whoever I see...CRNP or Dr), seems to have zero issues with it. But I'm so heavy on a short (but wide) frame. I hope I can be kinda good this month...but I can't turn down cookies, haha. My feet better not go up another size!
@Mattel that's a very heartbreaking story about your daughter! But a wonderful way to encourage her with the elf! Your post made me cry. I hope things continue to get better for her!!
So I guess I’m actually the Uo on elf on a shelf. I was totally anti elf on a shelf based soley on the reasons you all outlined above. (Surveillance). Then I listened to the real story behind its creators. I think it’s pretty cool how the entrepreneurs took the idea of their childhood tradition and spread it globally. I’m a huge podcast junkie and had just finished financial peace university so when I wasn’t listening to Dave Ramsey podcasts I found other Ramsey solutions podcasts to listen to. https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/christy-wrights-business-boutique/id1138081298?mt=2&i=1000376168402
I started thinking about how my mom used Santa. She did threaten a bit with “he’s always watching” but it wasn’t just at Christmas. It could be middle of June and if my brothers or I were acting up all she had to do was sing “he knows when you are sleeping” and we quickly would shape up. That concept as we grew older became a lesson in accountability and natural consequences because as we learned that “he” wasn’t real your actions always create consequences good or bad. Every choice you make does matter. Those concepts are a bit too broad and abstract for 6; but the idea that everything I did had potential to help or hurt me was a valuable life lesson.
Last year they came out with “elf pets” and we got a Saint Bernard that collects the spirit of Christmas and sends it to the Christmas star to help power Santa on Christmas Eve. The spirit of Christmas comes when kids do nice things for each other, are kind and helpful. It’s a fun reminder year round too, and I like encouraging good behavior. Elf on the Shelf Pets: A St. Bernard Tradition Plush https://www.amazon.com/dp/0997092025/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_AnLkAbEQ0APFM
Now all of that said dd is asking for an elf and I may get one for next year but it sounds like it’s only the “popular “ girls in her class that have then and I’m a bit afraid of that aspect.
@mikkimikey Same here! The only one of those I have actually seen (and liked) is Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom. I just can't stand action movies or things like Harry Potter, LOTR, etc...yuckkk.
@lindsye i'd generally totally agree with that except my last appt let me know I was already well on my way before the holidays. I don't know what happened but it was a giant reality check. Needless to say i'm skipping my work team baked good bake off today and heading home instead. Sigh. Me want coooookie.
My Dr. hasn't said anything to me about my weight gain. I actually don't even know how much weight I have gained at this point. On a slightly related note, my husband told me last night I'm starting to look "pregnant sexy" whatever that means? I'll take it though! lol
My husband seems to think this is a thing too. Lord love the man... cuz I sure don't feel sexy!
DS: EDD, December 19th, 2014. Born, December 19th, 2014! DD: EDD, July 18th, 2016. Born, July 19th, 2016!
@mikkimikey Same here! The only one of those I have actually seen (and liked) is Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom. I just can't stand action movies or things like Harry Potter, LOTR, etc...yuckkk.
Oh yes!!! Those are allll on my list.
And my my daughter LOVES reading Harry Potter, so I have to smile and nod along like I know what she’s talking about
@tooraloorah - I agree 100% on matching outfits. We have a niece with 2 yo identical twin girls. They are always in the same outfit! I’m a fan of kids having their own identity/individuality, even when they are a few years apart.
I am going to chime in here a few days late. I showed my 3.5 year old the elf on the shelf yesterday at a store. She completely sheltered up and turned away from it. It scared her lol. I got out of that one!
Re: UO Thursday 12/7
I agree that one week late would be tough and likely not fair to the new LO. Coming up with an aspect that you can do all together would be nice but i'm sure it'll take time to figure out a new norm!
But we are talking about a kid who also tried to kill a rainbow with Raid when I was 3, in order to make it hold still so I could pirate the gold at the end.....
I have seen ideas on Pinterest that help you explain the elf to your kids in a way that doesn’t include watching them or that emphasizes the religious aspect of Christmas rather than just getting presents. So if you have an elf, there are other ways to use it if you feel so inclined
Me (33). DH (37). DD (2.2012). MCs x4. After 4 years & 7 months, due 4.2018!
DS: EDD, December 19th, 2014. Born, December 19th, 2014!
DD: EDD, July 18th, 2016. Born, July 19th, 2016!
Baby #3: EDD, April 16th, 2016
@Mattel, I am so sorry your DD (and you) are going through that - watching your little one struggle that way sounds miserable. I’m glad the elf is giving her some encouragement, and I hope things improve for her permanently soon.
DS: EDD, December 19th, 2014. Born, December 19th, 2014!
DD: EDD, July 18th, 2016. Born, July 19th, 2016!
Baby #3: EDD, April 16th, 2016
DS: EDD, December 19th, 2014. Born, December 19th, 2014!
DD: EDD, July 18th, 2016. Born, July 19th, 2016!
Baby #3: EDD, April 16th, 2016
@ekendall09 yeah I haven’t had a single “bad” month so far but let’s just say that i’m also making real strides each month toward a very healthy overall gain. I thought I might get to do a little guilt-free make-up eating after having the stomach virus last week but nope - my body gained it back like a champ in two days.
so that being said, I’ve never seen any Star Wars movies, no Indiana Jones, no James Bond or the Matrix. The list goes on and on!
I am told I am missing out. I am all
I started thinking about how my mom used Santa. She did threaten a bit with “he’s always watching” but it wasn’t just at Christmas. It could be middle of June and if my brothers or I were acting up all she had to do was sing “he knows when you are sleeping” and we quickly would shape up. That concept as we grew older became a lesson in accountability and natural consequences because as we learned that “he” wasn’t real your actions always create consequences good or bad. Every choice you make does matter. Those concepts are a bit too broad and abstract for 6; but the idea that everything I did had potential to help or hurt me was a valuable life lesson.
Last year they came out with “elf pets” and we got a Saint Bernard that collects the spirit of Christmas and sends it to the Christmas star to help power Santa on Christmas Eve. The spirit of Christmas comes when kids do nice things for each other, are kind and helpful. It’s a fun reminder year round too, and I like encouraging good behavior.
Elf on the Shelf Pets: A St. Bernard Tradition Plush
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0997092025/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_AnLkAbEQ0APFM
Now all of that said dd is asking for an elf and I may get one for next year but it sounds like it’s only the “popular “ girls in her class that have then and I’m a bit afraid of that aspect.
DS: EDD, December 19th, 2014. Born, December 19th, 2014!
DD: EDD, July 18th, 2016. Born, July 19th, 2016!
Baby #3: EDD, April 16th, 2016
And my my daughter LOVES reading Harry Potter, so I have to smile and nod along like I know what she’s talking about
+1 for preferring white lights. Although when we move and have room for two trees, we’ll do both.
@keeksie84 same about the names!
My UO: I am not a fan of dressing same-sex siblings in matching outfits.
Started Dating: 2003 Married: 2013
Started TTC August 2016
BFP: 2/1/17 MC: 2/8/17
BFP: 3/8/17 MMC: 5/1/17
BFP: 7/23/17 EDD: 4/5/18
BFP: 2/27/20