7 Reasons Why "Elf on the Shelf" does NOT Belong in the Classroom

Now before you call me a Scrooge and say I have no Christmas spirit, let me first say that I DO indeed love Christmas and all the traditions that go along with it. 

It’s just that I’ve been seeing way too many “Elf on the Shelf” dolls being used in the classroom setting! When I first heard this I thought, “Is she nuts? You can’t do that in the classroom!” But more and more I’m seeing this happen, and I just can’t keep my mouth shut anymore. So, here are my reasons why the Elf on the Shelf does NOT belong in the classroom…

Reason 1: The Elf is a FAMILY tradition

Christmas time is filled with many traditions that are unique to each family and allow them to create lifelong memories. I still remember baking cookies every year as we decorated the tree, and although we’re both in our twenties, my sister and I still wear matching pajamas on Christmas Eve. And even when we were far too big, my mom would still make the entire family pile into the car to drive around and look at Christmas lights. The car would be filled with complaints… “She’s sitting on me!” “Get your elbow out of my side!” “Are we there yet?” “I can’t see!” “Stop breathing on me!” …But when we got to the display of lights, everyone would shut up, the car would slow down, and we would just be together as a family looking at displays of jumping reindeer and little elves working on toys. 

If a family chooses to invite the Elf into their home as one of their traditions, then that’s where it should remain- at HOME. This is intended to be something that creates lasting memories within a family, so step back and let that happen.  

Reason 2: The Elf is not Effective Classroom Management

If you need the Elf to make your students behave, then you do NOT have effective classroom management strategies in place. If you DO already have effective (and appropriate) management strategies in place, then you are undermining those routines that you have worked so hard all year long to establish.

The Elf is there to report to Santa if the child is behaving themselves enough to deserve presents. So, if the child is exhibiting good behavior, it is because they either are working towards getting presents, or they are in fear of not getting presents. Is this how we want our children raised? How about instilling a little intrinsic value behind kindness? In the real world, you are kind to people because it makes the other person feel all warm and fuzzy inside, and it makes you feel warm and fuzzy too… not because you’re going to get something in return. I want my children working towards those warm fuzzies, not more STUFF.

Reason 3: It's Just Kinda... Creepy!

I mean think about it… “You better behave because the Elf is watching!” The idea that someone is watching you all the time IS KINDA CREEPY!

Not to mention that this brings back the point of WHY is the child being nice? Remember the old saying that you should “do the right thing even when no one is looking”? Let’s give our kids a chance to practice that without a doll watching their every move.

Reason 4: Parents May Not be Okay With It

I know many parents that choose NOT to use the Elf on the Shelf. They may have a million different reasons why they make that choice, but the point is that they’ve made a decision for their family.

The Elf is a Christmas tradition- there are many people who don’t want that celebrated in school. The majority of parents are okay with teaching about Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa in the classroom, and many appreciate the little crafts and activities that we do. However, I feel the Elf is toeing the line just a little too much. It’s a weird world that we live in today where teachers are always having to cover themselves and be P.C., so why invite trouble (literally) into your classroom?

Reason 5: Christmas is Not a Magical Time for Everyone

I’ve heard people say, “Oh, the Elf just adds to the magic of Christmas! Christmas is such a magical time for children!” My response to that: “WAKE UP!”

How about a little reality check? In the US there are over 1.1 million homeless K-12 students. Let me repeat that for you: Over 1 MILLION kids don’t have a HOME! Do you think they’re getting much for Christmas this year? Or what about the students that do have a home, but only because someone is working very hard to make ends meet? Over 20 per cent (that’s 1 in 5) of children under the age of 18 are living at or below the poverty level. Don't believe me? Read this. And this.How many presents do you think will be under their tree? (Or will they even have a tree?)

This is NOT a magical time for everyone. For some, it’s a reminder of the tough circumstances they face every day. So suppose little Susie behaves herself in front of the Elf, and on Christmas morning she wakes up and finds little to no gifts? Is Susie to believe that she just wasn’t good enough to be put on the nice list? 

Reason 6: Not Everyone "Does Santa"

There are many reasons that a family might choose not to do the whole “Santa thing.” Maybe they focus more on the religious aspect of Christmas. Perhaps they are of a different religion or culture than you. Or maybe, just maybe they *gasp* don’t like the idea of Santa.

But WHY wouldn’t someone like Santa? He’s a jolly old fellow and the Elf is just his scout!

Well, look at it like this: the Elf watches your behavior and reports back to Santa to determine if you should be on the “Naughty” or “Nice” list. If you are nice, you will get presents! If you are naughty, you get nothing! So if little Susie doesn’t get much for Christmas, does that mean she’s naughty? And when little Tommy gets more gifts than he can count, does that mean he’s been nice? No and no. Maybe Susie’s mom is working two jobs to pay the electric bill and doesn’t have an extra hundred bucks for that Furby that she so desperately wants. And maybe Tommy is a little spoiled brat. The idea behind Santa is very black and white as children see it, and we live in a world with a lot of gray area.

Reason 7: That's Not the True Meaning of Christmas

So suppose that you teach in a lovely little school in Dreamville where all the families are happy, stable, and well-financed. Everyone celebrates Christmas, and Santa comes to everyone’s house on Christmas Eve. Parents have no problem with Elf on the Shelf in the classroom at all! You still should keep him out, and here’s why:

America is getting further and further from the true meaning of Christmas and we’re being sucked deeper and deeper into the pit that is commercialism. We are putting way too much focus on gifts, and the Elf is just contributing to this. (Now hold on… I’m not saying the Elf is at fault here. I’m just saying that he’s a byproduct of commercialism and NOT what Christmas is all about.)

How about we teach our kids the TRUE meaning of Christmas? Now for Christians, this is a time of celebration because Jesus was born to be our Savior. For many, Christmas is a time for family and being with the ones you love. It’s a time of giving and gathering. Let’s focus on that.