Parents, The Elf On The Shelf Can Take Sick Days

There are some things in parenting we never get tired of, like hugging our little ones or kissing boo-boos. But then there are the things we wish came with an off switch, like the Elf on the Shelf.

Sure, it seemed like a fun idea at first. The little elf moves around every night to a new spot to prove he’s magical and the kids are thrilled every morning to find him. But night after night, after work, dinner, baths and bedtime stories, that elf can be a commitment some of us are ready to break up with.

But before you send your elf packing back to Santa at the North Pole for good, here are some ideas that can give you a break from the routine, just when you need it most.

You can use a “Sick day” note.  You can buy a note explaining that there’s no Elf on the Shelf today because someone accidentally touched him, which puts him in the hospital. It says the elf will be back tomorrow and could be your “get out of jail free” card. And you can probably just create one of these yourself without having to buy it.

When one day off isn’t going to do it, you’ll need a recovery letter, which explains that the elf has a cold and is back at the North Pole getting lots of TLC, candy canes and cocoa from Mrs. Claus. It says the elf will be back as soon as he regains his magic, so it gives you some leeway for his return.

Hang in there parents, only a couple more weeks to go. And when you can’t even with the elf anymore, try one of these to get you off the hook.