Here’s the ultimate truth: your kid is not judging your elf’s choreography. They just want to see a little guy. They want the thrill of finding him. They don’t care if he’s doing a backflip off the chandelier or just stuffing his face with a Tic Tac.
So, let the guilt go. If the elf is just sitting on a lamp holding a potato chip, that’s a great day. You are a good parent. You have provided entertainment and the subtle reminder that Big Brother is watching for Santa. And you didn’t even have to spell “c-a-t” with pancake batter.
Now go pour yourself a glass of wine. The elf will still be there tomorrow. And if he isn’t, just blame the cat. It’s the family tradition that always works.
