My Elvish Opinion

Image Via becausemollysaidso.com

Let me preface this post with the obvious realization that probably over 50% of the people who read this post . . . won't agree.  Let's agree to disagree, shall we?  I'm really not expecting everyone to agree just to consider.

Moving on . . .

I hate Elf on a Shelf.

I know, I know, every kid over the age of four has received, purchased, or in some other way attained this elvish creature that sits on shelves and mantels alike.  Harmless, right?

Not in my opinion.  (Remember, this is opinion, you may not share it . . . breathhhhee)

Besides the fact that I personally find him FREAKY.  I think he's a distraction.  An apparently little distraction, but in Christmas terms . . . he's a HUGE distraction.

Kids wake up in the morning eager to see what else this mischievous . . . or generous . . . elf has done during the night.  They are either given things each morning, see the newest prank, or hilarious activity of this miniature figure and the time, money, and/ or energy of the parent is spent on dreaming up new gifts, ideas, and adventures for this Elf.  Why add another distraction this holiday season?

I believe that Christmas about celebrating the birth of Jesus the Son of God.  I believe that Christmas is about remembering that God gave everything to mankind in the form of a baby that was miraculously formed in the womb of a virgin, Mary.  I believe that Christmas is about reveling the knowledge that a God so big stripped himself of all the power, majesty, and his existence in heaven to come to our messed up, hurting earth to bring us new life.  I believe that Christmas is celebrating the fact that God didn't announce Jesus' birth to the wealthy, to the important, and to the rulers of nations, but instead made Himself known to dirty and undesirable shepherds (I count myself in that lot).  I believe that Christmas is about seeking truth like the wise men who sought out Jesus.

In my house, accepting the Elf on the Shelf as a Christmas tradition would be downplaying the excitement I want my son to feel over the birth of our Savior, Jesus.

I'm not all for killing fun or being too serious.  I understand that the Elf on the Shelf is a fun game.  He seems harmless enough, but I'm not going to sacrifice what is best for what is good.  This is my opinion and I'm making it known for all to see.  If you do not agree, cool.  I'm not expecting that everyone is going to send their Elf packing.  BUT if you haven't yet sought out an Elf for your shelf . . . maybe this will help you to think it through more.  Maybe you will find that the Elf might be too much of a distraction for your home.  I don't know, but I do know how I feel.

Elf  . . . you are kicked off the shelf!