An Elf On The Shelf...

Have you ever wondered how Santa knows who is naughty and who is nice? 'The Elf on the Shelf® – A Christmas Tradition' is the very special tool that helps Santa know who to put on the Naughty and Nice list. http://www.elfontheshelf.com/

This thing is great.

There is a toy pixie that comes with the book, complete with poem and illustrated instructions (for the kids of course).

Here's the deal:

The Elf--we call ours Cassie--comes from the North Pole (which is apparently melting, by-the-way)... He/she breaks and enters into every house occupied by a little boy or girl... Then, without a police mandate, or a court ordered warrant or anything, proceeds to surveil your offspring from the rafters.

Of course, whether your 2 1/2 year old can see them or not, they spend the entire time taking notes about whether or not the poor unwitting subjects have been naughty or nice all day... I mean, no pressure or anything.

For the month of December (or the four months leading up to Xmas if you're Costco), the Elf moves about the house keeping a watchful eye on your kiddies behaviour on behalf of old Saint Nick.

I know what you're thinking: there should be a website that tracks these people to prevent them from coming within 200 yards of a classroom or playground--but as far as behaviour modification goes (without a prescription from a shrink), the whole concept is pure genious.

For the past week, Michelle and I have been running about the house, stashing the gremlin in obscure locations, then guilting the kid into eating her brussels sprouts, and putting away her blocks.

"The Elf is watching you, Tig..." we say.
"Did you remember to say please and thank-you's today? I hope you were nice to those babies!"
"Careful Charlotte, the Elf will dob you iiin."

It's the ultimate yule time hide-and-seek tradition.
Perfect for children and families of all ages.