I admit it, I came late to this current holiday tradition so it took me a while to figure out why I was seeing pics plastered all over my Facebook and Twitter feed of little toy Elves dressed in red doing strange things. Some where hiding in the Christmas tree, others were peeking out from around books, and then there were the ones hanging on to beer bottles.

All with that creepy, molded plastic grin and unblinking painted eyes. Is it just me, or is the Elf a little creepy?

Elf on the Shelf is based on a book and cartoon. It's designed to answer the age-old question: how does Santa really know if a child is being naughty or nice? Apparently by having plastic elf spies strategically placed around the home that are always watching.

Seriously, doesn't that sound like the plot for a Stephen King movie?

Elf on the Shelf seems like good, honest holiday fun that you can enjoy with your entire family. And it's still not too late to adopt an Elf for your family this Christmas. They're available on Amazon.com for $29.95 and at the official Elf on the Shelf site.

I still think they're a little creepy. Merry Christmas!

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