If you’re a parent that has mistakenly gone down the Elf On The Shelf path, I’m sure you’ve been in the situation where youve had a glass of six of wine and gone to bed forgetting to move the little bastard. Then to be woken up to the disappointment of your little crotch goblins wondering why the elf didn’t move. I’ve come up with a solution that hasn’t failed me yet.
Now, I know this exact solution won’t apply to everyone, but it should at least get your years grinding on how you can use your smart home to remind you to move it.
I have an Inovelli wall switch that the LED light on it can be used as a notification in my bedroom. In my case, at 9pm every night, it goes to full brightness and flashes red…it’s pretty bright, I can’t miss it. This is my reminder to move the elf. Once I do, I clear the notification and it goes back to normal.
Ugh. Shit. I forgot that guy existed… Thanks for the reminder. Also thanks for whoever bought it for us… :/
Even “smarter” idea is to put an IMU or other motion sensor inside the elf. If it hasn’t detected movement by a certain time, you get a specific notification telling you so.
All my dimmers also have RGB LEDs built in. They are great for notifications.
Option B:
A farewell letter from the elf. Based on his reports to the big guy, it has been determined that the children are at low risk of being on the naughty list, and further observation is not warranted. He has been reassigned to another post and has enjoyed his time with them.
Then burn it, bury the ashes, and piss on the spot.
I don’t like the Big Brother is watching vibe. Bad enough you have this Old Guy in the clouds watching our every move and then this guy in the North Pole with his magic snowball and his elf spies.
How about about just being good for goodness sake and giving Mom a break?
My 3yo got smart n started moving it himself 😂
“Sorry kids, the elf had to leave. Their home planet needed them.”
Interesting; I didn’t know you could set it to flash? I have tons of those switches.
Best option is to throw it in the trash and never bring it out again.
I don’t hate my kids. I’m willing to put in a little effort to make them happy.
Huh. Interesting.
I guess what I learned is that calling your kids “crotch goblins” just makes me ignore everything you have to say.
TIL.
You’re getting downvoted from (presumably) a lot of millennials in which child resentment resonates, but I agree with you. If you resent your kids, get help so you don’t breed in them the same resentment your parents instilled into you.
I always found elf on a shelf idea freaks me out. I grew up watching movies like
Cat’s Eye (1985)
The Gate (1987)
Dolls (1987)
Childs Play (1988)
Good idea - I’ve definitely forgotten!!
We had Yule Nissen when my son was little. It was a tiny pinecone elf. The tradition, which started in Scandinavia I believe, was to hide the elf somewhere in the house with a tiny toy or treat. For 7 mornings before Christmas my son would have to search for Yule Nissen. He loved it. We loved it because the elf could be taken secretly at any time and hidden for the next morning’s search.
We threw away the elf after the first year like 8 years ago.
Man that elf company pulled off an incredible marketing coup.