It’s that time of the year again, where people decide to get the ‘Elves on the Shelf’ out, and partake in some festive fun. So it’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but do you know
It’s that time of the year again, where people decide to get the ‘Elves on the Shelf’ out, and partake in some festive fun. So it’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but do you know what? That is their choice to do something fun for the kids. If they want to spend hours putting something fun together for their kids to wake up and smile to, that’s awesome. I am not saying its for me however, we have two elves for the first time this year and they are yet to move, more just sat there to watch the youngest two kids and encourage them to be that little bit better this festive period. Bribery? A little maybe…
A prime example of Elf on the Shelf fun….
Yesterday someone I know had shared a picture of her latest Elf on the Shelf task which involved making a shoe train, and it looked great. People had started asking how she had time to do such things, moaning how the Elves looked freaky and she summed it up perfectly when she said the words ‘I don’t shit on their Christmas traditions, they shouldn’t shit on mine’. She explained that it was her choice, her husband is away with the Navy and it’s to cheer her kids up (and her too, by seeing their faces in the morning each day). This is the thing, we never know what are going on behind closed doors and people shouldn’t have to justify themselves.
No one should ever be made to feel bad, if that’s because they have gone to loads of effort, or if it’s because they haven’t done anything. Don’t ever feel bad that you haven’t done enough, being a parent is a tough gig. Getting through the day is sometimes the biggest battle, if you don’t have time for what other people are doing, then don’t do it. It is your choice, be confident and comfortable in your choices.
Then there is the debate of how materialistic Christmas has become. People saying how other parents go over the top with their gift giving, well maybe they do, but that is their children and their choice. If they want to get into debt for their kids presents, that is their choice. If a parent wants to scrimp and save all year long so they can buy little Timmy that much anticipated gift, then so be it, fair play to them. If another parent doesn’t give their child anything, then again, that is their choice and they shouldn’t be mocked or made to feel bad for it. It’s their child, their life. Some people chose to go on holiday to Barbados, but if you couldn’t afford to, you wouldn’t comment on their pictures slagging it off, so don’t do the same if people have spent lots of their income on their Christmas presents.
It really annoys me when others go to the effort of trying to shame other peoples traditions. Don’t write crappy cryptic statuses on social media moaning that parents are making effort or even worse, comment on someones hard work with your nasty opinions, because ultimately all us parents want is the best for our children, and to make them happy. If that means spending hours on a Christmas Eve box, then crack on and do it I say. If they want to spend hours of their own precious time and their money creating a Christmas theme then that is there choice. If you want to camp outside the toy shop to get that toy that your child has requested, then do it. Don’t listen to other peoples opinions on how they don’t believe Christmas should be materialistic. Live and let live. Stop moaning about the mums who dedicate their time to moving Elves around, and creating elaborate tasks. Stop moaning about the parents who have excitedly shared photos of their Christmas tree surrounded by presents on Christmas Eve, It’s their life and their choice. I wish everyone would just concentrate on their own family, their own traditions and stop moaning about what other people are doing. Do what makes YOU happy and let other people do the same.
If you are looking for some inspiration for Elf on the Shelf activities, there is tons on Instagram, or have a look at themumdiaries.co.uk who has set up a Linky for parents joining in the fun.
Those pesky Elves….