There's nothing like the sheer panic of getting into bed after a long day, and just when you're about to drift off to sleep you realise you've forgotten to move the Elf on the Shelf.
In this case, at least you can get yourself out of bed, and use our ultimate cheat sheet to pick a new, creative way to pose your elves.
But there's one scenario that's even worse: you fall asleep and wake up the next morning, wondering why your child is running round the house impatiently waiting for a new Elf on the Shelf challenge.
In this case, you're going to have to suck it up and tell your child why the elves haven't moved this morning. Luckily, we've got your back plenty of excuses to tell your kids if all else fails.
Here are some things you can tell your child to explain why that pesky Elf hasn't moved in the last 24 hours.
1. The Elf is stuck
This one is going to need a bit of preparation. Get the sticky tape out and make sure the Elf can't move.
Your child will understand - everyone gets into a sticky situation now and again. Ask your little one to help you "unstick" him using a spoon or something similar.
2. The Elf is sick
It's winter after all, and viruses are running rampant. The Elf has caught a cold and couldn't move.
Together you could try to make the Elf feel better. Check its temperature, give it a blanket and let it rest.
3. The Elf forgot to set his alarm
Oh no! The Elf must have forgotten to set his alarm clock. It happens to the best of us.
The Elf heard people walking about and didn't want to be caught moving, so it makes sense that he just stayed in place.
4. The Elf got spooked
You woke up in the middle of the night, went downstairs to get a drink, and the Elf must have heard you.
So it's your fault. You spooked the Elf and he must have been too scared to move.
5. You woke up too early
This one is great if your little one has a habit of waking up way too early to find out what the Elf has been up to.
Why not say: "This is why I tell you to stay in bed until 7am! He doesn't get back from the North Pole until then."
6. Someone touched the Elf
Everyone knows that if someone touches the Elf, its magic temporarily wears off.
Someone has to take the blame - for example the person who forgot to move them.
7. The weather was too bad
The tale goes that Elf travels back to the North Pole every night, but that is very difficult if the weather has been bad.
If you can't blame your local weather, maybe there was a snowstorm on the way to the North Pole preventing them from landing?
8. The Elf is just just too comfy
Those mischievous Elves always keep us guessing, so sometimes they might just be a bit too comfy to move.
Maybe they are feeling lazy, or maybe they are so tired from all the gift wrapping? Give that little Elf a break!
9. The Elf is tricking us
Maybe the Elf has decided to stay in the same spot two days in a row to trick you.
You wouldn't expect him to be in the same place twice would you? Always keeping us on our toes, that Elf.
10. The Elf is saving his energy
The Elf must be resting because he is saving himself for something very big the next day.
Lastly, try not to but too much pressure on yourself. It's a lovely, magical thing you're doing for your child and if you forget once in a while it's not the end of the world.
And the above excuses can help the magic stay alive.
Are you doing Elf on the Shelf this year? Let us know in the comments below.
