#39: Elf on the Shelf
Okay, we have a serious question. Where did Elf on the Shelf come from? It seemed like we were all just minding our business until one holiday season, this creepy elf showed up. Inexplicably, this so-called Elf on the Shelf touted itself as a “classic” holiday “tradition.” Yet no one could really place it in their memories of family holiday traditions. Red flag.
The Elf on the Shelf marketing campaign must have worked because families across the US have purchased this tiny elf so it can follow their children around the house. Elf on the Shelf is like a more visceral version of Santa Claus (who is real). Elf on the Shelf is always watching you, and it’s okay! Don’t worry about being constantly surveilled, kids! Once you get a smartphone, the monitoring will only continue! Wow, that got dark.