It's Time to Put Your Elf on the Shelf

In homes across the country, Thanksgiving isn't just a time for turkey and family gatherings.

It's time to break out the Elf on the Shelf. 

Since 2005, the scout elves sent from the North Pole have been helping Santa manage his naughty and nice lists. Parents who establish this tradition are obliged to move the elf around the house every night, and according to elfontheshelf.com, there are only two rules: Kids can't touch the elf, and the elf can't speak or move when anyone in the house is awake. 

It's all about the Christmas magic. 

Elves are typically on duty between Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve, to remind children that Santa is always watching. 

This year, the Elf on the Shelf product catalog has expanded to include a package that shares North Pole birthday traditions (elf not included) and a line of "Claus Couture".

You can adopt an Elf on the Shelf online, but since time is short, you may want to pick one up at an Elf Adoption Center. There are three in Farmington Hills: BuyBuy Baby at 14 Mile and Orchard Lake Roads and Target on Grand River. 

And yes, there's an app for that. More than one, in fact. 

Has your family adopted an Elf on the Shelf? Or is this a little too creepy for you? Tell us by posting a comment.