Let me start by saying that these two are in my house. I have given them elaborate backstories connected to their names. My kids believe in Santa (well 2 of 3 still do) and only recently did I confess to my oldest that my friend named Elphaba spends time with Santa and the Tooth Fairy in her down time. I genuinely love all the magic and fairytales of youth and I wish we could give that forever. But these two and their purpose totally freak me out! I bend over backwards to help my children learn that most secrets are not good but surprises are great. I try to teach them to own up to their behaviors over “getting caught.” When my daughter learned on the bus about Santa we made sure to be honest when the words “lie” were used. We invited her to be a part of the magic of the season and all the surprises it holds. And still I struggle with these two EVERY.SINGLE.DAY. from December 1-24. They are just creepy and I seriously (and not so secretly anymore) hope that Sky (our husky) gets ahold of them. I dislike the fact that their purpose here is to tell on my children. Have you seen the meme with the dog and headless elf with the caption “Snitches get Stitches”? The other 11 months of the year I am teaching my children that there are things they need to resolve on their own. Integrity is about actions and words that are not seen for reward or punishment. I feel like a walk contradiction for 24 days! And that doesn’t even scratch the surface of any religious beliefs. Personally I don’t allow Fritz and SugarPlum (the elves) do not partake in mischievous activities. I know many do and I would wholeheartedly agree that the things I see them do are adorable and fairly consistent with misbehaviors of younger children. But again, I get the heebygeebies (is there a correct spelling of that?) when my clever 5 year old sees the pictures or report the mischief of her classroom elf and asks, “If the elf does all these bad things, that I even know are bad, why would Santa even believe him? And why do I have to be good when everyone thinks all his bad stuff is funny?” Well played kid, well played! Everything that happens after these statements, my attempts to embrace a teachable moment and helping her form her own ethics, can only be described with colorful language that my grandmother would not appreciate. I know I am just a regular Mom and NOT a therapist with my kids, but I would like to think there is some crossover of skills. So even with these skills and attempts to plan ahead or redirect….I think my 5 year old want to call out “puppypoop” and I kinda feel like I’m losing my mom-cred for months to come. I don’t have the answer, clearly, but I think it might be important that we all start heading towards one. I’m working on it. Hey! Maybe you have the answer; I would love to hear it! Either way, I hope you find your peace with the elves.