Q

Elf on the Shelf: sweet tradition or surveillance lite?

Shad hosts a timely debate over Elf on the Shelf with freelance writers, Heather Balog and Kate Tuttle.

Just in time for the holidays, Shad hosts a debate over the relatively new but wildly popular Elf on the Shelf tradition. Freelance writers Heather Balog and Kate Tuttle face off over the blue-eyed doll, which parents are meant to hide in a new spot each night while children sleep. 

The packaging also bills the elf as a Santa informant, watching children closely to make sure they belong on the nice list. 

So — is the doll a sweet little delight, or a semi-creepy spy? Does the extra creativity he requires make for more family fun, or just more work in an already busy season?