Ok, there’s a divide on the Internet at the moment. Those who ‘Elf’ and those who don’t.
I’m not about to put my case forward on why we are an EOTS family (3 years and counting), and I’m also not going to diss those who don’t invite these odd little creatures into their home at advent (yes, ok, it is a bit creepy) But, what some people may not know, is that elfing itself is heavily divided.
When these crazy creatures fill your newsfeed it’s easy to group us all together and I do feel a bit defensive when people talk about elf messes and passive aggressively state that they don’t have ‘time to elf’ (as though I’m some lady of leisure with nothing better to do than think in elf 24/7) but I do see how misconceptions can form.
Every family is different and I don’t want to persuade you that EOTS is a must for Xmas (it’s really not) but rather educate non elfers on those who give us a bad name as well as alternative traditions should you choose.
If you thought breast vs bottle was the biggest mum divide then you never read an elfmum post on social media… They’re a killer, so grab some popcorn and enjoy this (slightly tongue in cheek) run-down on the different sub groups…..
The Perfectly crafted elf
These are the Pinterest perfect mums who have a beautiful home made set up for elfie every night. The ones who seem to get the negative press for having too much time on their hands. Slightly intimidating to other elfers they are the queen bees of advent.
Most likely antic: Winter wonderland (we’re talking the whole living room transformed)
Negatives: Time consuming
Positives: You’re bound to rack up some Pinterest pomits
The Gift elf:
It’s traditional for elves to bring an Xmas eve box of goodies on their final visit but gift elf mums take this further, every day the elf in question brings the children of the house a new toy or gift Ugrah
Most likely antic: Here’s a treat
Negatives: Overall cost and spoilt children
Positives: Keeps em quiet for a bit
The Disciplin elf
Possibly the most contentious of the 6, the discipline elf mum takes the ‘Watching for Santa’ to the extreme, rather than setting healthy boundaries with the kids the elf is the ultimate form of passive aggressive parenting.
Most likely antic: On strike, not returning until your behaviour improves
Negative: Kids form a rather shaky attachment to their elf, these are the ones who find it hard to say goodbye
Positive: You don’t have to think of something every night
The Kindness elf
With little tasks each day designed to make the world a better place. Kindness elves are a sub group in their own right, designed to build self esteem and encourage selfless acts, they leave notes and suggestions for helping others.
Most likely antic: Why not donate some toys to the children’s hospice
Negatives: Only negative when posted over social media (giving isn’t giving if it’s for self gratification on how lovely a person you are)
Positives: Children learn the importance of thinking of others at Christmas
The Naughty elf:
Because children really need encouraging further, this elf makes a mess, leave rude notes and an awful lot of destruction in its wake
Most likely antic: Shaving daddy’s head
Negatives: Oh the contradiction
Positives: Quick and easy the night before
The Imagination elf
Who needs props and treats when you have a toy chest of ideas. From playing football with the teddies and reading bedtime stories…..to cleaning their teeth and doing baking, imagination elf mums create mini set ups from existing household items.
Most likely antic: The shoe train
Negatives: You’ve got to have a whole lot of imagination
Positives: Less focus on behaviour
The Reluctant elf
Three years ago you began elf on the shelf, It was such fun thinking of new ideas, now you’ve run out of steam…but you know you’ve gotta keep up the magic…..year on bloomin year.
Most likely antic: Forgot to move the sodding thing so he’s quickly shoved in a glass jar while the kids are searching for him
Negatives: You’re too ashamed to share your haphazard attempt on social media
Positives: The kids don’t bloody care, whatever elfie does is magical
We’re not an elf family. I’ve seen the adult versions (not for kids eyes) which I thought were hilarious but it’s their faces that do it for me. There will be a horror film at some point where the elves torture and dismember a misfortunate family at Christmas time, leaving them all in elf like scenes with spilt cheerio’s and bloody footprints……ok mind going in to overdrive now lol
Aha ha ha, I think you’re right. I have seen some lovely alternative, and far less creepy elves…. it’s the eyes isn’t it?
I’m the imagination elf but sometimes forget to move him ?
Im hoping to be a bit of a mixture !!! Its our first year having our elf and im super excited!!