The concept of the Elf on a Shelf is a little creepy all on its own, but Pinterest users have taken the idea to a whole new level. The Elf on a Shelf is supposed to be a scout from the North Pole helping Santa Claus with his naughty or nice list. He watches a family all day and reports to Santa at night about what’s happened. The elf is also supposed to move around to watch kids from different vantage points—because it isn’t enough to have Santa himself watching when you’re sleeping or awake apparently. Add to that the fact that kids aren’t allowed to touch the elf or it ruins the “Christmas magic” and that the elf only moves around when you’re asleep so you never know where it’ll be watching you from the next day.
There are plenty of ideas on Pinterest for where you can cleverly place this elf helper, but some users have decided to explore the slightly darker side of what the elf might be up to when you’re not watching.
Here are some of the strangest things Pinterest users have decided the Elf on a Shelf gets up to while you’re sleeping.
Elf on a Shelf encounters the family’s dogs, who take matters into their own paws
Photo via JP R/Pinterest
Elf decides he deserves a little payment for his services
Photo via Adrianne Fillinger/Pinterest
Time for a night out with Batman
Photo via Christie Boma/Pinterest
Drinking with the Barbies
Photo via Bill Johnson/Pinterest
Elf on a Shelf’s seen too much Dexter
Photo via Deborah Lachler/Pinterest
Caught in an awkward position
Photo via Britt Curran/Pinterest
Classic Abominable Snowman decides to have some elf BBQ
Photo via Carrie Wells/Pinterest
Fitting in some nighttime yoga
Photo via Nancy Giles/Pinterest
Elf on a Shelf escapes with Barbie
Photo via Andrea Hoover/Pinterest