I ordered the infamous Elf on a Shelf, mostly just to try to get some order in this house. And this was the perfect scare tactic in my book of parenting.
An elf that watches your behavior. Some very smart mom thought of this one. Some very smart mom that was very desperate for some holiday peace and quiet.
Anyway, I explained it last week to Mr. Bram. Told him that on December 1 a silly little elf, one of Sant's helpers, is going to start watching his behavior to report to Santa. That the elf would be "hiding" all over the house so Bram (and Tess) would never know where and when they were being watched.
I could see his wheels spinning.
So for the past several days, he has been wanting me to talk to him about this elf. A lot. How many more days until December 1? Is today the day the elf comes? Can I see the elf before he starts hiding? Those types of questions.
Then today, I realized why the poor guy was so oddly fascinated with the elf, with one sad little conversation:
Bram: "Is today December 1?"
Me: "No buddy, I promise you I will let you know as soon as it is. It is going to be so much fun when the elf shows up, reading the elf story and then seeing where he hides. You sure seem to be excited!"
Bram: nervous laugh. "Yeah, it is going to be cool. Is the elf really big or really little?"
Me: "He is small like a doll. He will sit on the mantle, in the kitchen, or in your room. The little guy will find a new spot to hide every night."
Bram: another really nervous laugh. "Well, when he gets here can I see him first."
Me: "Sure buddy. We will read the special book with him."
Bram: "I don't know about this. I really don't want him jumping out yelling "BOO!" at me."
Me: blank stare and full of the guilties.
All this time, my poor Brammy was thinking that some creepy little elf was going to hide in our house and jump out yelling "BOO!" at him. How terrible. I am sure he thought I had completely lost my marbles.
I knew something was a little troubled with his fascination with the Elf on the Shelf. His laughter and smile a little uncomfortable. Knocks on our front door seemed to put him into a tiny little panic.
Luckily, I explained it a little better and he seems more relaxed about our future visitor.
Because I promise you I am not giving up this Elf on the Shelf discipline goodness. No way.
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8 comments:
I don't know if Redbook still does that thing at the end of the magazine where the mom sends in a story about her child... and if it's funny enough/cute enough it gets picked for publication... but if it does you should totally submit that. It's precious.
Oh, wow. I'm thinking I need me an Elf on the Shelf-even if he does jump out and yells BOO!
Someone's making a fortune off of that idea. I have never heard of it before and I love it. Hope it works.
Everyone with small children should have an Elf on the Shelf. We got ours last year and it's pure genius. My 8 year old cannot wait to see him and still believes he's real. 1 and 2 year old will be a bit concerned, but with the years coming, even more.
I love, too, that it's a mega hit this year - can't go in a toy store, Nordstrom, etc without seeing it - and they didn't raise their price. I respect that!
Your post was too funny. I saw the Elf of the Shelf today at our local Hallmark, and I was thinking of purchasing him. I'm really looking forward to reading your "Elf of the Shelf" stories that are to come.......
Oh, I think this will be fun once he relaxes to the idea. I can't wait to hear more!
Jo
Oh my gosh, your little guy is just too cute. And smart too!!!!!
I've never heard of the elf on a shelf. What a great idea. I'll have to get it when Luke is older.
Poor Bram! I bet he was so scared.
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