Gift giving | It's Christmas 365

The holiday season is filled with traditions that bring warmth and magic to our homes. One such whimsical tradition that has captured the hearts of families is the beloved Elf on the Shelf. With its mischievous smile and twinkling eyes, this festive elf has become an integral part of many households during the Christmas season.

The story of Elf on the Shelf began with the 2005 children’s picture book of the same name, written by Carol Aebersold and her daughter Chanda Bell.

The heartwarming tale began as a family tradition that Carol shared with her own children.

The tale revolves around a scout elf sent by Santa Claus to keep an eye on children and report their behavior back to the North Pole. The book’s charming narrative quickly gained popularity, captivating families with the idea of a magical scout elf becoming a temporary member of the household during the holiday season.

The Elf on the Shelf tradition typically starts on Dec. 1 when families welcome their scout elf into their homes. The elf’s primary role is to watch over the children by day, hiding in different spots throughout the house. At night, when everyone is asleep, the elf returns to the North Pole to deliver its daily report to Santa. The next morning, children excitedly search for the elf, discovering its new hiding place.

Part of the joy and enchantment comes from the creative and whimsical positions in which families find their scout elf each morning. From perching on the Christmas tree to sitting among stuffed animals, these cleverly arranged scenes add an element of surprise and delight to the holiday season.

Over the years, Elf on the Shelf has grown into a massive holiday phenomenon, transcending cultural boundaries and becoming a cherished tradition in countless households. The appeal lies not only in the charming storybook but also in the imaginative ways families incorporate the scout elf into their daily routines.

The Elf on the Shelf tradition has expanded beyond the book itself, with families often creating their unique rituals and activities involving the scout elf. Some parents use the elf’s presence as a gentle reminder for children to be on their best behavior during the holiday season, while others focus on the joy of the daily surprises the elf brings.

Elf on the Shelf has achieved remarkable success since its inception, with millions of copies of the book sold. The scout elf itself has become a sought-after holiday staple, and the brand has expanded to include various accessories, clothing, and even an animated television special.

Unwrapping criticisms of Elf on the Shelf

While Elf on the Shelf has become a beloved Christmas tradition for many families, it has not escaped scrutiny and criticism. Some individuals and groups raise concerns about the potential downsides of this festive tradition. Let’s unwrap the criticisms and explore why Elf on the Shelf has faced backlash.

Surveillance Culture
One common criticism revolves around the idea that Elf on the Shelf introduces children to a sense of constant surveillance. The concept of a scout elf monitoring behavior and reporting back to Santa can be seen as promoting a culture of constant scrutiny, potentially instilling anxiety in children about being under constant observation.

Behavior Manipulation
Critics argue that the Elf on the Shelf can be used as a tool for behavior manipulation. The elf’s presence is often linked to the idea that only “good” behavior is rewarded with presents from Santa. Some parents express concerns that this could inadvertently promote a transactional approach to good behavior, rather than encouraging intrinsic values of kindness and responsibility.

Stress on Parents
Elf on the Shelf places an additional responsibility on parents to create imaginative and elaborate scenarios for the elf’s nightly escapades. This can be stressful for parents who may feel pressured to maintain the illusion of a mischievous elf every night, particularly during the busy holiday season. Some critics argue that this added stress detracts from the joy of the tradition.

Distraction from True Meaning
Another criticism revolves around the idea that Elf on the Shelf may distract from the true meaning of Christmas. Critics argue that the emphasis on the elf’s antics and the potential rewards for good behavior may overshadow the values of generosity, love and togetherness that should be at the forefront during the holiday season.

St. Nicholas Day, observed on Dec. 6, is a time-honored tradition that traces its origins to the 4th-century Bishop Nicholas of Myra, a figure renowned for his compassion and generosity. As the patron saint of children, sailors and travelers, St. Nicholas has become a symbol of benevolence and gift-giving during the festive season.

History of St. Nicholas Day
The historical roots of St. Nicholas Day lie in the life of Bishop Nicholas, who, inspired by Christian values, dedicated himself to helping the less fortunate. Legends of his secret gift-giving, including throwing bags of gold through windows to assist struggling families, contributed to the creation of the beloved figure of Santa Claus.

Global Celebrations
St. Nicholas Day is celebrated in various forms around the world, each region adding its unique cultural flair to the festivities.

In the Netherlands, the celebration takes on a grand scale known as Sinterklaas. St. Nicholas arrives on a steamboat from Spain, accompanied by his helpers, the “Zwarte Pieten.” The “Zwarte Pieten” celebration has come under fire for perpetuating racial stereotypes.

Festivities include parades, communal events and the exchange of gifts.

In Germany, St. Nicholas Day, or Nikolaustag, is marked by children leaving out their boots or shoes on the night of Dec. 5. St. Nicholas fills them with small gifts, chocolates, and nuts, rewarding well-behaved children. The next morning, children excitedly discover the treats left by the saint.

In Eastern European countries such as Poland and Hungary, St. Nicholas Day is celebrated with special meals and gatherings. Children often participate in pageants or processions, and St. Nicholas, depicted as a bearded bishop, visits homes and schools, spreading joy.

The Tradition of Placing Shoes
One of the most cherished St. Nicholas Day traditions involves children placing their shoes or stockings outside on the evening of Dec. 5, eagerly anticipating the surprise that awaits them the next morning. This custom symbolizes the saint’s act of secret gift-giving, reflecting his dedication to helping those in need without seeking recognition.

In many households, the evening before St. Nicholas Day is marked by excitement as children carefully arrange their shoes, hoping for a visit from the saint during the night. Parents and caregivers take on the role of St. Nicholas, leaving small presents, candies, or coins in the shoes to delight the children when they wake up.

The act of placing shoes outside is a tangible and endearing way to engage children in the spirit of giving and kindness. It fosters a sense of wonder and gratitude while connecting them to a centuries-old tradition that emphasizes the joy of sharing with others.

Celebrating in the United States
While not as widely observed as in some European countries, St. Nicholas Day is celebrated in the United States, particularly in communities with European cultural influences. Families may continue the tradition of hanging stockings or leaving out shoes, and some churches and schools organize special events to commemorate the saint.

Conclusion
St. Nicholas Day, with its rich history and diverse global celebrations, brings people together in the spirit of generosity and compassion. Whether through parades, communal gatherings, or the simple act of placing shoes by the fireplace, this cherished tradition continues to embody the essence of selfless giving and the joy it brings to both young and old alike.