Parents are ditching Elf on the Shelf — and their reasons are hilariously valid

For some parents, the Elf on the Shelf has become less of a fun tradition and more of a stressful chore—or worse, a creepy surveillance system in a red felt suit. While millions of households still embrace the nightly elf antics, a growing number of parents are saying, “Nah, we’re good,” and they’re sharing some hilarious reasons why.

In a viral Reddit thread titled "Parents who aren’t doing Elf on the Shelf...talk to me," parents share why they opt out. The reasons are as funny as they are relatable.

One user put it plainly: "We have never done elf on the shelf. Nothing to tell. Our kids have asked about it occasionally and we just say 'oh that's not one of our family's traditions.' Has never been a big deal. Kids 9 and 4."

Other parents are leaning into humor to explain their lack of elf enthusiasm. Another user shared a brilliant way to get their kids on board:

This Redditor gets right to the point:

Some parents have replaced the tattle-telling Elf with someone much more chill: "I don't want my kid feeling that Big Brother watching is normal. When my daughter was 11, we got a Snoop on the Stoop. Snoop ain't no snitch."

Snoop on the Stoop: The coolest elf replacement ever

Snoop on the Stoop is exactlpreciselyit sounds like: a laid-back, miniature Snoop Dogg figurine that lounges wherever he pleases—often with a tiny joint in hand. The trend has caught on with parents who want to keep the fun of a holiday visitor without the “festive surveillance.”

TikTokers love Snoop. Users proudly showcase their Snoop on the Stoop setup, complete with a tiny boombox and laid-back vibes. Multiple users articulated the appeal of Snoop with the caption: “No snitching here, just chillin’.”

@lauren_remillard on TikTok explains why she's replacing the elf with Snoop:

Even those who stumbled upon Snoop on the Stoop for the first time were instantly converted. A Reddit user exclaimed: "Snoop on the stoop! 😂😂 This is a real thing? That's amazing."

Retailers like Spencer’s have even started selling official Snoop on the Stoop dolls and accessories—because nothing says holiday spirit like a relaxed Snoop keeping watch over your living room.

A little history of the elf

Elf on the Shelf originated from a 2005 children’s book by Carol Aebersold and her daughter Chanda Bell. The idea was simple: Santa’s little scout elves watch children and report back to the North Pole each night. Since then, it’s become a beloved (and sometimes begrudged) holiday tradition in millions of homes.

For those who love it, the elf brings a bit of daily magic, excitement and creativity to the season. As one Reddit user shared:

"My 8 year old is ridiculously excited for our elves to show up again. The kids wake up excited every morning to find the elves. We have 2. It’s fun. It has nothing to do with social media."

Other fun elf alternatives

Parents are getting creative with their elf replacements, ditching the traditional elf for options that better match their personalities. Here are a few that have made the rounds:

• Snitch in a Fish Tank: A Redditor joked about creating an elf with "cement slippers" to drop into the fish tank.

  "We named our elf Fredo after the snitch in The Godfather. Our kids all call him Fredo but they don't know why. 😅"

• Martha on the Mantle: For those who prefer sophistication over snitching, Martha on the Mantle (inspired by Martha Stewart) offers a classy, culinary twist to holiday decor.
• Santa’s Lazy Gnome: A low-maintenance gnome who just vibes—no spying, no mischief, just pure chill.
• Reindeer in Here: A friendly reindeer who promotes kindness and individuality, unlike its more judgmental elf cousin.

Festive fun without the stress

While Elf on the Shelf isn’t going anywhere anytime soon, it’s clear that many families are ready to embrace new traditions that bring joy without the surveillance or the pressure. Whether it’s a laid-back Snoop on the Stoop or a mischievous gnome, the goal is the same: making the holidays magical in a way that feels right for your family.

Of course, plenty of families do love the elf and the daily dose of creativity and excitement it brings. As with all holiday traditions, it’s about what brings joy to your home. As a Redditor wisely said, "We don't do it, but whatever brings joy to your family. Live and let live!"

Ultimately, whether your holiday visitor is an elf, a reindeer, or a Snoop Dogg figurine, the only rule that matters is: make it fun, make it yours, and don’t let the elf get you down.