‘Elf on the Shelf': Creepy or Fun?

I'm sure you've heard by now about the hit children's book "The Elf on the Shelf". It'll set you back about $25 but it comes with a real elf. Well, it's as real as you want to make it.

We received our first 'Elf on the Shelf' about a week before Christmas. Adding to the magic, he arrived on our doorstep immediately following the televised story about this famous little elf. We opened the box and sat down and read the book.

The first thing you must do is name your elf. My kids went with "Chippey", just like the elf in the animated version. Secondly, do not touch your elf! He will lose his magic and the ability to fly.

Here's what creeping some kids out about this elf. He sits in a high place in your home and watches and listens to everything going on throughout the day. At night, when the kids are fast asleep, he flies to the North pole to report all he has seen and heard to Santa. He reappears before the kids wake up in a new location in your home.

I can see where it might freak you out a little. After all, he does watch everything you do and moves around at night, and has these beady little eyes that seem to follow you. However, on the other hand, if the kids are misbehaving, all I have to say is, "Chippey is watching!"

My wife and I have been having a great time working with Chippey. He's a great elf and is the first thing the kids look for when they wake in the morning.

Here is where I found Chippey this morning:

Have fun and Merry Christmas!