If you're a parent of young children and have never heard of "Elf on the Shelf" then it's quite likely you've been living under a rock. "Elf on the Shelf" has become a bona fide Christmas tradition whereby a little elf is sent to your home from the North Pole to make sure the children are on their best behaviour. The tradition started about 15 years ago when Elf on the Shelf first became available to buy, but in recent years, it has made something of a comeback and it looks like it's here to stay.
So when did this new festive phenomenon really start to blow up? Well, it all started as a 2005 picture book titled Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition. The book centres around a pixie scout elf who happens to be a mischievous confidant of Santa. An actual Elf on the Shelf toy is included with the book too. They can be hidden anywhere in the house as they watch over the little ones before returning to the North Pole with their findings on which of the kids have been naughty and which of them have been nice.
The concept has become so popular that they've even started making miniature clothing for Santa's little helpers. This little game can also be a lot of fun for grown-ups as they come up with various hiding places along with elaborate scenarios for the elf. And some people have truly put a lot of thought into setting the scene for their elf.
So without further ado, here are the best examples of people putting their absolute all into their Elf On The Shelf game and winning.
1. This guy is supposed to be Santa's helper?!
Credit: Imgur
Is this a good example to be setting for kids?
2. This elf likes to leaves some nice brown-coloured treats
Credit: fromashleytoawesome.com
How very giving of him!
3. This elf just so happens to be an arsonist
Credit: Reddit / KombuchaMushroomPeop
When he's not deciding who's naughty or nice, he's setting fire to things...
4. This elf is literally Frozen
Credit: Instagram / amychristinecreations
And we just can't let it go...
5. An elf being held captive
Credit: Facebook / Diane Marie
A stove is a dangerous place for an elf. I've got a bad feeling about this...
6. People would go to war over their Elf on the Shelf
Credit: Reddit / ruserious65433
Will he make it out alive?
7. The "Paint me like one of your French girls" elf
Credit: Facebook
Oh, how romantic!
8. This elf who's basically Jigsaw
Credit: Facebook
Now, is this meant for Christmas or Halloween?
9. How long has he been down there
Credit: Reddit / Mysteryck_386
He's sleeping with the fishes when he should be getting our gifts sorted...
10. I wonder if this elf managed to escape...
Credit: Reddit / KombuchaMushroomPeop
Then again, it could be the making of a brilliant movie.
11. So apparently elves are pretty evil
Credit: Instagram / my_little_tribe_and_me
Evil enough to quite literally tear an innocent carrot to pieces.
12. Even Santa's Little Helper doesn't always have everything under control
Credit: Instagram / traceyatkin
He's literally been caught in a web...
13. This is what elves like to do in their downtime
Credit: Instagram / jensadler1
They're just like us... well, sort of.
14. He came in like a wrecking ball
Credit: Instagram / wiccanwoman3x3
Ahh, it's genius!
15. "I pea'd my elf"
Credit: Instagram / elfontheshelfadventures
I mean, he could have just kept that to himself...
Have you got your hand on your very own Elf on the Shelf? If not, what are you waiting for?