Are you tired of coming up with insane last-minute Elf on the Shelf ideas to entertain your kids? Check out this easy Elf on the Shelf idea that includes the easiest Elf on the Shelf hack ever. No more searching the internet for Elf on the Shelf ideas. This will be the last elf idea you’ll ever need! Busy parents around the world will rejoice. Whether this is your first year doing the elf, or this is scout elf return week for you, there are so many easy ways to make this time of year a little bit easier on you. 

Why is the Elf of the Shelf so Stressful?

The Elf on the Shelf is so stressful for us moms. I think it is a cute idea and I know it brings so much joy, but I also think it is insane to add another holiday tradition to the already busy time of year. It’s just too much for me to have a funny elf during Christmas season.

Have you tried Googling “Easy Elf Ideas”  or “Quick Elf Ideas” lately? Even the “easy” ideas are overwhelming. No wonder moms bemoan this aspect of the holiday season. That’s why I came up with this great way to incorporate quick ideas for the Elf without going crazy.  Seriously, who has time to wrap the toilet in wrapping paper, make a snow angel, or set up a zip-line for the elf? All  of these are ideas that came from “Quick and Easy Elf on the Shelf Ideas” from a Google search.

The stress to have the funniest elf on social media is so real that many of my mom friends dread the Elf on the Shelf. I even know a few moms who refuse to buy an Elf on the Shelf because they don’t want to be stressed out about it. I get it. The holiday season is filled with so much stress already. Why add to it?

Lucky for us busy moms, I have an Elf on the Shelf hack that is sure to blow your mind. Ready for it?

Elf on the Shelf Hack

Don’t do anything crazy with your elf. Just do this one thing:

Move your elf from one shelf to the next each night after your kids go to sleep.

Easy enough, right?

Here’s the secret to enjoying the Elf on the Shelf: don’t try to keep up with the crazy moms on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest. Just move the damn elf without doing anything crazy to it. Your kids will still love it and you won’t have a mental breakdown this holiday season. This is one of the easiest ideas out there.

I love simply moving our elf to a new spot each night. It is a stress free way for the whole family to enjoy the holidays without adding another stresser. My kids still get excited the next morning to see where their new friend is each day.

Bonus Clever Idea: Get Another Family Member to be in Charge of the Move

This is such a fun way to include older kids in the magic. We all know that mama loves getting extra help around the holidays. So why not employ an older child or spouse for a little help? This simple idea takes some of the pressure off us moms! Plus, kids or spouses who have extra energy during the holiday season might be more inclined to do some of the fun things that the little guy does in other houses.  Seriously, this has been so much fun for my oldest son and it has quickly turned into our favorite Christmas tradition to do together after the littles go to bed.

Why I’m Anti-Mischievous Elf

If you’ve seen the Elf on the Shelf movie or read the book you know that the elves don’t do crazy things. They literally move from one shelf to the next. That’s it.

I’m not sure how the whole mischievous elf stuff got started, but I can tell you that our elf, Eli, plays by Santa’s rules (oddly similar to Mom’s rules). If the elf is around to make sure my kids are being good, then I think Eli needs to set an example and be on his best behavior. That’s why he doesn’t get into trouble in our house.

I know, I know, but doing crazy things with the elf is part of the fun. If you love doing crazy things with your elf then go for it. More power to you! In fact, one of my favorite blogging friends has a fun blog post with some great Elf on the Shelf ideas that will make you giggle.

The truth is that you don’t need Elf of the Shelf accessories to have a fun family elf. All you need is the right place to move your elf each night in order to keep up with the Elf on the Shelf tradition.

I can promise you that my kids love finding our elf in different places every morning.  Just because I don’t go all out every day for our elf doesn’t mean I can’t have some fun. Our elf might do one crazy thing a year. But that’s it! At the end of the day I just want to relax, not put together an elaborate Elf on the Shelf scene.

So mama, cut yourself some slack this holiday season and don’t stress out about the elf. You’ve got enough on your plate.

Just move the damn elf and call it a day. Then pour yourself a glass of wine and relax.

Don’t have an Elf on the Shelf yet? You can click here to buy one on Amazon. I’ve looked every year and have yet to find a better price. They don’t even go on sale after the holidays!

Check out this related post on how to get your Elf on the Shelf to help your kids declutter before Christmas!

Yes, you read that right! I use our Elf on the Shelf to help the kids declutter before Christmas. On the night that our elf arrives, he brings a letter that explains to the kids that they need to get rid of any old or broken toys.

Head to this post to download a free printable version for your own use!

How do you Elf Season? Are you Team Elf? Or do you skip it all together?

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