Okay, so here is the scoop in a nutshell: A couple of years ago a marketing genius came up with the idea of packaging this creepy old school looking elf with a book and calling it a Christmas Tradition. People everywhere had never heard of this shelf Elf and ran out and bought them droves under the guise of “making their children behave.” Oh yes, didn’t I mention that the elf’s job is to report to Santa whether or not you’ve been naughty or nice. I guess Santa’s magic snowball doesn’t work anymore. So gulliable children everywhere have this felt bodied, plastic-headed creature’s eyes following them where ever they go. Watching them, waiting for them to make a mistake! Some parents try to make it fun and have their elves create all sorts of trouble. Then they document it for all to see on Facebook. Some of their friends pat them on the back for being awesome parents others are completely creeped out by this little guy whose eyes follow you like a painting from a Scooby-Doo show. I have been anti-elf right from the start. If I needed this little guy to police my kids then I had more problems than I thought. I mean, if my kids will behave for plastic head, but not me I must have issues. Then it happened, my son asked for one! Crap! What do I do? Well, I post it on Facebook and see what everybody says of course. It was such a mixed bag of reactions.
So here is what I decided to do: It’s my elf and my shelf! I can do whatever I want and make my own tradition. My friend owns a shop in town and she carries items made by local artists. She mentioned that she had non-creepy elves at her store. So, made my way to her shop in search of our elf. When I viewed the selection of elves I thought they were beautiful, but I didn’t know if my boys would go for it. They were so different than plastic head. Would I be able to pull this off? I was there. I didn’t know what to do. I paced around a bit and decided to go for it. I picked up this cutie female elf. Now, I needed a story to go with her. So, she must have hopped in my bag at the store because she wanted to come home to meet my boys. Then my boys came home. I told them we have our own shelf elf and they ran around to find her. Once I pointed her out they just stopped and stared. I knew the questions where coming.
If you have any snake oil you need sold, just give me a call. Of course I got the question, ” Why doesn’t she look like the other elves?” My answer, ” Because she was sent here special for you two, not all elves look the same. I think you got the real deal.” My little guy wowed and my big guy that didn’t want plastic head said he loved her. Then my son proclaimed, ” I’ll name her Rochelle.” Rochelle moves everyday, but she hasn’t caused any trouble yet. We look for her every morning. She’s not a watch dog. She just checks out the scene and is scoping out the house for Santa’s visit. She’s also helped me realize that although I still hate plastic head I can see why kids love him. It’s a little bit of magic in the house and not all parents threaten their child with being on the naughty list. Now, who couldn’t use some magic?
Ruth says
Ooooooh – did you get her from the Treehouse? So cool! Love that you are doing it YOUR way!
I am still resisting.. but… sigh… I may need to give in!
beyourbestmom says
Yes, I got her at the Treehouse. The boys love her and I love not having to worry about plastic head slashing my ankles with a knife at night!
Ethel says
She doesn’t have a face!!! She is cute though!