Last year our family began participating in this "Elf on the Shelf" craze. The elf was delivered to our home and our children decided to name her Elle. Although the elf came to keep an eye on the children it turned out to be a fun activity for my wife and I as well. Every night (and sometimes throughout the day) the elf moves around the house and the kids find her in crazy places participating in crazy activities. Once the elf built a zip-line across our living room, another time she decided to watch a movie, and the morning the kids found her in a pile of M&M's making "snow angels". We are having fun with our family's elf and the kids are enjoying the time she spends at our house.
However, it has come to my attention that some families have elves that get into mischief and are causing strive, arguments, and heartache. Now, to each his own so perhaps I should stay out of their family business. Yet it occurs to me that when an inanimate object is causing messes in your home, when a toy is ruining good food and clothing, when a doll is causing you to repaint portions of your home, perhaps it is too much. When arguments are starting over your breakfast table and carrying on for days because your elf on the shelf can't behave and when the children - who are suppose to enjoy having the elf around - watch as their parents fight about the elf, it has gone too far.
I write all this (based on information obtained through my facebook friends and their family members) to simply say, maybe your family traditions are getting carried away and perhaps these traditions are getting in the way of your celebration. This does not just pertain to elves. Think through some of your Christmas traditions - even the practice of buying and giving of gifts. Is anything keeping you from truly celebrating what matters most this Christmas? Even if it is a tradition that has been a part of your family for generations - if it is keeping you from fully celebrating - get rid of it!
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