Elf on the Shelf is a tradition that parents either love or hate. It can be an incredibly magical time for children, who love to wake up every morning to see what they have been up to.
For parents, it means trying to think of a new position to move the elf every day – or even just remembering to do it in the first place.
It can take over your life throughout the busy period of December, but one couple got more than they bargained for with their annual elf tradition.
Many families let their children name their Elf on the Shelf – but one couple are now worried they will have to use their second-favourite baby name after the Elf 'stole' their first choice.
The couple, who are expecting a baby, made the mistake of discussing potential baby names in front of their four-year-old son.
They were down to two names which they loved – but one of them had a bit of an edge over the other.
One of the parents took to Reddit's r/toddlers forum to vent frustration about the elf.
The unnamed parent said: "We were down to two names and he chose my favourite one to name the elf. It's in the Elf book in ink.
"I guess by elimination we now have a baby name too."
People took to the comment section to share her frustration about the havoc caused by the elf.
The most popular comment said: "Don't let the Elf take it from you."
Others suggested how she could use the Elf on the Shelf tradition to take back the name.
One person said: "Or just have the mischievous Elf change its own name?"
Another helpfully suggested: "The Elf can leave a note saying 'name' is a baby name, you can call me 'better choice'".
Others were very clear on what the parent should do, as one simply wrote: "Ditch. The. Elf."
Another person added: "Yeah I'd get rid of the Elf while you still can. Even if it hadn't taken the baby name."
Some commenters thought they should keep the name, and just see it as a funny little story to tell the child when they are older.
One person said: "Honestly, this is a cute story and will be cute to laugh about when your kids are older. I wouldn't worry."
The parent replied: "I think that's what we're going to do. Fun family story about how little brother did or didn't get named.
"With the potty word stage we're going through I'll consider it a small miracle the Elf didn't get named poop or penis."
Would you still keep the baby name if your Elf on the Shelf was called the same? Let us know in the comments below.
