Simple Elf on the Shelf ideas for tired parents
Our Elf congratulated big boy on his award for English and asked him how he does it to be so good
Image: Dad
It’s that time of the year again when the Elf on the Shelf quietly returns to homes across the country, perched in unexpected corners and reminding us that Christmas is creeping closer.
Monday morning - 1 December, while myself, my news editor, and our editor were having breakfast, we found ourselves talking about how much Christmas has changed over the years.
“Remember when kids used to write letters to Santa?” my news editor said, “Now parents just WhatsApp him the wishlist.”
We laughed because it was true technology has rewritten even the most magical traditions. Gone are the slow, sweet moments of helping your child fold a letter and address it “To the North Pole.” Today it’s voice notes, emojis, and read receipts.
Our editor shared a story about her son that had us all smiling.
“He asked me why there wasn’t snow around,” she said. She had to explain, once again, that in South Africa, Christmas happens in summer.
Last year we had the same dilemma, my boy casually wanting to know how Santa will be delivering the gifts if we dont have a chimney...Talk about thinking quick on one's feet...I answered, we leave the back door open for Santa to come through.
But with YouTube constantly feeding kids snowy Christmas scenes, reindeer, fireplaces, children in puff jackets it’s no wonder he was confused. The poor boy probably expected to walk outside and find a snowman melting in the driveway.
As we spoke, I couldn’t help thinking about the traditions I’ve adopted at home. One of the new ones is the Elf on the Shelf.
It adds excitement, but let’s be honest remembering to move that elf every night can be a whole job by itself. And not all of us have the time or creativity for cotton-wool snow angels, mini zip lines, or flour-covered “elf footprints.”
So, for the tired mommies (and daddies) who need simple, here are easy, no-money, zero-creativity Elfie ideas for those late nights when you remember the elf at 11:59pm:
Elfie Selfie surprise on the phone
Have your elf write on a tiny piece of paper:
“I left you a surprise on Mommy or Daddy’s phone!”
Then simply take a quick “Elfie selfie” with your child while they sleep or with the elf alone. When your kid checks the phone the next morning—it’s magic. Zero cost. Zero effort. Maximum excitement.
Elfie climbing the christmas tree
Just prop the elf somewhere in the Christmas tree, as if he’s climbing to the top. Add a tiny note saying, “Trying to see if I can spot Santa!”
That’s it. No props. No fuss. Two-minute setup.
Cut it out
Sit your elf next to tiny paper snowflakes and children’s scissors, as if it spent the night making decorations. Quick, cute, and zero effort.
Weekend Argus