Dec 3, 2013

Elf on the What?

The_Elf_on_the_Shelf_(book)Unless you don't have young kids at home or simply aren't interested in all things Christmas, you've undoubtedly heard of the "Elf on the Shelf." While my own kids now aged 14 and 12 missed the whole thing, the phenomenon has exploded the last few years. What is it? According to the website, "The Elf on the Shelf®: A Christmas Tradition is the very special tool that helps Santa know who to put on the Naughty and Nice list."

elf-shelf-2012In other words, it's a socially acceptable way to threaten and control your child's behavior in the days leading up to Christmas. Well, that's the cynical view. For many it's a fun, interactive way to build excitement in the days leading up to Christmas. The Elf moves to a different spot in the house every night -- creativity is encouraged -- and the kids jump out of bed to find him the next morning.
Of course some parents have taken this to the extreme as the website Elf on the Shelf Ideas clearly demonstrates.

There's also a site dedicated to inappropriate Elf on the Shelf poses that I cannot officially endorse called Oh You Naughty Elf. Click at your own risk.

Perhaps because I never experienced the Elf on the Shelf firsthand, I thought I'd put my lifesavings into a holier variation on the theme. Here's what I came up with:
Lord on the Ford

The Messiah on the Stolichnaya

Jesus on the Cheeses

The Anointed One on the Hot Dog Bun

Christ on the Ice

The Lamb of God on the Firing Squad

The Good Shepherd on the Leopard

Redeemer on the Beamer

LOTFWhile most of these likely won't fly, despite my meticulously written business plan and eager investors, I've decided to put my efforts into Lord on the Ford. What's a Christmas tradition that doesn't include a little corporate sponsorship anyway? I'm convinced that Lord on the Ford, or LOTF, for you texters out there, will be the viral gift of the season.

I personally don't want anything out of this venture beyond the satisfaction of bringing Jesus more fully into the December mix. Well, that and I'm hoping a 2014 (Christmas) red Ford Mustang will mysteriously appear in the rectory driveway (are you listening NSA and Ford Motor Corporation?!).

Regardless of your approach to Christmas, make sure not to put Jesus on the shelf this Advent. If you have young children at home, enjoy the magic and mystery -- it's gone all too quickly. Or put in a more positive light, it is transformed in new and life-giving ways.

1 comment:

Lory Garrett said...

Thank you for the best laugh I've had all week. And I really needed one. (Personally, I like Jesus on the cheeses the best.)