The Elf on the Shelf Is a pretty big deal. Slightly adorable, a little creepy, the fun little guy gives parents a great way to get their kids to behave — somewhat — during the most hectic, stressful time of the year. While the elf is definitely fun, it doesn't come without its own drawbacks — specifically, the amount of work that goes into getting the full Elf on the Shelf experience. If you're anything like most of us, finding new activities for the elf to do every night is a constant battle, which is why you desperately need these handy cheat sheets.
You're definitely familiar with that panicked feeling ...
Your kids are tucked safely in bed; you're relaxing with warm drink, foolishly thinking all of your daily deeds are done. Then, in a moment of clarity, you remember that your elf desperately needs to be moved from his perch on the shelf before morning.
Unfortunately, it's almost 11 p.m. and you're too exhausted to come up with an activity that is cute and clever, so you straight-up panic. But fear not: In an effort to keep hopeless parents from leaving their elf parked on a mantel all December, the Elf on the Shelf calendar was born.
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Influencers online are sharing their own pre-made "cheat sheets" containing different activities for the elf.
Each of them have unique entries for every day of the entire month of December.
This essentially means that you don't have to do any of the thinking yourself.
Just sit back and let some truly creative people tell you when to hide the elf in a cereal box or place him somewhere on the Christmas tree.
These cheat sheets are seriously so perfect.
They keep the entire Elf on the Shelf activity fun for the kids and ensure that it doesn't have to be some crazy, stress-inducing mess for parents who want to participate.
One mom has even created a "Slacker Edition" for parents who really want to keep things chill.
There are no paper wings or elaborate costumes in this calendar, which makes it perfect for parents who are busy or just can't be bothered to go all out.
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Whether you choose one of these cheat sheets and stick to it or combine the ideas to make your own, there's no denying that these things are about to make the Elf on the Shelf a lot more popular with parents everywhere.
