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Inverness parents share if Elf on the Shelf brings more stress or cheer





Picture: Lisa McCall.
Picture: Lisa McCall.

Elf on the Shelf has become a phenomenon in recent years.

24 or 25 days of cheekiness, cheerfulness and mischief reign in people’s homes.

But is it fun or more stressful to have these creatures in your homes at one of the most chaotic times of the year?

Launched in the states in 2005, Elf on the Shelf is based on the book written by Carol Aebersold and her daughter Chanda Bell.

Picture: Jimmy Greig.
Picture: Jimmy Greig.

As the story goes, cute 10-inch tall elves, called Scout Elves, arrive in children's homes during the holiday season.

Every night, the elves fly back to the North Pole to let Santa know about the children's activities and behavior throughout the day. When the elves return to their homes in the morning, they land in a different spot than the night before.

Picture: Von Bruce.
Picture: Von Bruce.

Like the old saying goes, when America sneezes, Britain catches the cold, so it wasn’t long until elves were soon appearing across UK households.

Now there are countless Facebook groups and Whatsapp chains of parents grappling for ideas for what the elves next adventure is going to be.

Some choose to welcome these guests in, whilst others have point blank refused to allow them into their homes.

Picture: Emma Ross.
Picture: Emma Ross.

Inverness Courier reader, Lisa McCall said: “We've had two for the past five or six years. It’s getting harder and harder to think up things for them to do but the kids are loving it and their reactions each morning are priceless!”

However, other readers have said it’s not something they wish to do.

Claire Lamb said: “We avoided it. One of our dogs would have eaten it. It's too much for parents.

“We just used a Santa camera. It’s a fake roof camera that flashes as if it's on.”

Picture: Kirsti Foster.
Picture: Kirsti Foster.

Another Inverness parent said: “We do it, but sometimes at the end of the night you are exhausted and forget to do it!

“It’s coming up with an excuse the next morning of why they are in the same place!”

Other Inverness-based parents have been sending in their pictures of elves up to mischief, which will give you some fresh ideas if you are need of activies.

What are your thoughts on Elf on the Shelf? Let us know at newsdesk@hnmedia.co.uk

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