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For those of you who have never heard of the Elf on the Shelf, it’s a Christmas tradition where a special scout is sent by Santa to watch over children. The Christmas elf observes the kids by day and each night returns to the North Pole to report whether they were naughty or nice.

While this custom is really exciting for the children, their parents have it a bit more complicated. Thinking of creative ideas and remembering to change the position of the doll 25 nights in a row can be harder than you might think.

Whether it's forgetting the elf in the fireplace or setting up the dolls so they look like something from a horror movie, often things don’t go as planned. Here are some of the most hilarious Elf on the Shelf fails that are too funny not to laugh at. So continue scrolling and make sure to upvote your favorite ones!

#1

I Happened To Look In Our Window And Noticed That When She's Backlit, It Didn't Quite Look As Cute As Intended

I Happened To Look In Our Window And Noticed That When She's Backlit, It Didn't Quite Look As Cute As Intended

c_r_ali Report

Otter
Community Member
4 years ago

I wish I could give this one ten upvotes! Hilariously awful!

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    #2

    Tried To Write A Fun Bathtub Message From The Elf, But It Turned Out A Little Cryptic

    Tried To Write A Fun Bathtub Message From The Elf, But It Turned Out A Little Cryptic

    elfgilbert Report

    Mad Dragon
    Community Member
    4 years ago

    Did Chuckie write this?

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    #3

    Daughter Ran Into My Room Screaming “What Is The Elf Doing To My Doll?” Well I Thought They Were Dancing

    Daughter Ran Into My Room Screaming “What Is The Elf Doing To My Doll?” Well I Thought They Were Dancing

    randomkcv Report

    Paul C.
    Community Member
    4 years ago

    Dancing....yeah we'll call it dancing.

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    #4

    Things Got More Toasty Than Planned

    Things Got More Toasty Than Planned

    Chelsea Hightower Report

    Mad Dragon
    Community Member
    4 years ago

    Coven in the Oven?

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    #5

    Did A Cute Angel Thing For The Elf. The Cat Thought It Was Litter And Did A Giant S**t On My Kitchen Side. My Poor Kids. We Go To Find The Elf And He’s Had A Giant S**t?

    Did A Cute Angel Thing For The Elf. The Cat Thought It Was Litter And Did A Giant S**t On My Kitchen Side. My Poor Kids. We Go To Find The Elf And He’s Had A Giant S**t?

    Katie Wright Report

    Paul C.
    Community Member
    4 years ago

    Poor Elf got caught in a S**t Storm

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    #6

    Balding Barry... Our Elf’s Hat Came Off So We Decided To Super Glue It To No Avail. Hey, Let’s Use Nail Polish Remover To Get The Glue Off....laughing Hysterically Ever Since!!!

    Balding Barry... Our Elf’s Hat Came Off So We Decided To Super Glue It To No Avail. Hey, Let’s Use Nail Polish Remover To Get The Glue Off....laughing Hysterically Ever Since!!!

    RoscoeDC Report

    Roxy Eastland
    Community Member
    4 years ago

    Looks like he's taken holy orders

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    #7

    Snow Angels In Sugar Turned Out Looking More Like A Crime Scene

    Snow Angels In Sugar Turned Out Looking More Like A Crime Scene

    pixiee83 Report

    glowworm2
    Community Member
    4 years ago

    Maybe don't use red sugar next time.

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    #8

    Intruder Alert!

    Intruder Alert!

    mochi_momo_oc Report

    glowworm2
    Community Member
    4 years ago

    Give him another whack!

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    #9

    Elf On The Shelf Display Goes Horribly Wrong And Stains The Kitchen Floor

    Elf On The Shelf Display Goes Horribly Wrong And Stains The Kitchen Floor

    Lyndsey Sahota Report

    Droopsnoot
    Community Member
    4 years ago

    Nice way to freak out new home owners

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    #10

    Set The Elf Up Eating Cheetos, And Didn't Notice Where I Sprinkled Them Until My Kids Started Laughing

     Set The Elf Up Eating Cheetos, And Didn't Notice Where I Sprinkled Them Until My Kids Started Laughing

    carriehoppenjans Report

    Kay blue
    Community Member
    4 years ago

    Yeah sure they didn't notice considering there is only one out of the packet.

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    #11

    I Bit The Head Off The Kids Christmas Elf

    I Bit The Head Off The Kids Christmas Elf

    tamcam10 Report

    ℙ𝕦𝕣𝕣_𝕞𝕒𝕚𝕕
    Community Member
    4 years ago

    Good boy.

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    #12

    Well I Guess I Should Have Checked To Make Sure That There Wasn't A F***ing Elf In The Fireplace Before Turning It On

    Well I Guess I Should Have Checked To Make Sure That There Wasn't A F***ing Elf In The Fireplace Before Turning It On

    whatswrongchamp Report

    Mad Dragon
    Community Member
    4 years ago

    Left to conspire in the fire.

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    #13

    This Idea Looked Okay At That Time. Brandon Woke Up To Find Berry An Well Brandon Said That’s The Creepiest Thing His Elf Has Done And He Doesn’t Like It

    This Idea Looked Okay At That Time. Brandon Woke Up To Find Berry An Well Brandon Said That’s The Creepiest Thing His Elf Has Done And He Doesn’t Like It

    mom_of_3_great_kiddos Report

    glowworm2
    Community Member
    4 years ago

    Those pin art toys are epic though.

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    #14

    Poor Ken! Tried To Spread A Little Christmas Cheer At The Piano And Look What Happened

    Poor Ken! Tried To Spread A Little Christmas Cheer At The Piano And Look What Happened

    janetfreisner Report

    CAMAW
    Community Member
    4 years ago

    Can someone photoshop ken's legs under a 1970's house? Because this reminded me of the wizard of oz

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    #15

    So We Decided For “Buddy” To Have Some Lil Zipline Action, But Used Fish Wire Instead Of A Noticeable String, So Yea! Angelito Said He Seen Buddy Floating. He Is Scared Of Him Now

    So We Decided For “Buddy” To Have Some Lil Zipline Action, But Used Fish Wire Instead Of A Noticeable String, So Yea! Angelito Said He Seen Buddy Floating. He Is Scared Of Him Now

    Karen G. Quiroga Report

    Lissy 🤘
    Community Member
    4 years ago

    I would, to be honest!

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    Never miss a story that brings joy to the world. Add us on Google

    #16

    I Was Bound To Miss One Night

    I Was Bound To Miss One Night

    oliviacsnyder Report

    JuJu
    Community Member
    4 years ago

    Is that a creeper next to it?

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    #17

    Throwback To That Time We Set Our Creepy Elf On Fire Last Year. Ooops. Don’t Let Your Elves Sit On Light Fixtures, Y’all

    Throwback To That Time We Set Our Creepy Elf On Fire Last Year. Ooops. Don’t Let Your Elves Sit On Light Fixtures, Y’all

    lilyslittlecupboard Report

    ℙ𝕦𝕣𝕣_𝕞𝕒𝕚𝕕
    Community Member
    4 years ago

    Oh he's got a nice report for Santa. No presents for you.

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    #18

    Getting Him Into A Balloon Isn’t As Easy As It Looks

    Getting Him Into A Balloon Isn’t As Easy As It Looks

    skyeleaa Report

    daking
    Community Member
    4 years ago

    shhhh elf, your not telling santa about my deeds this year...

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    #19

    Elf On The Shelf Was No Match For Booker The Boston

    Elf On The Shelf Was No Match For Booker The Boston

    the_sloaneharlowburkett Report

    Kona Pake
    Community Member
    4 years ago

    That’s what happens when you leave treats laying around.

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    #20

    Bearded Dragon Don't Like Intruders Even If They're Santas Little Helper

    Bearded Dragon Don't Like Intruders Even If They're Santas Little Helper

    elisejanelle Report

    Oskar vanZandt
    Community Member
    4 years ago

    You go, dragon! Keep those invasive little creepy Elf puppets out of your territory...

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    #21

    Found The Elf Covered In Nail Polish, So I Tried To Remove It And Fix The Elf's Face

    Found The Elf Covered In Nail Polish, So I Tried To Remove It And Fix The Elf's Face

    danielleee_victoria Report

    Paul C.
    Community Member
    4 years ago

    Yeah, you really "fixed" him!

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    #22

    Elf Was Hiding In A Balloon. Which Deflated Over Night And Now Looks Like He Is Waiting To Be Born. The Questions From Mister 8 This Morning Are... Colourful

    Elf Was Hiding In A Balloon. Which Deflated Over Night And Now Looks Like He Is Waiting To Be Born. The Questions From Mister 8 This Morning Are... Colourful

    dzintrasullivan Report

    Zedrapazia
    Community Member
    4 years ago

    I wonder how they even got the elf into the small opening hole of a balloon

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    #23

    When Your Husband Thinks Sitting On A Wall Sconce Was A Good Idea... Rip Chippy

    When Your Husband Thinks Sitting On A Wall Sconce Was A Good Idea... Rip Chippy

    thawthorne11 Report

    ShriSha Kamboj
    Community Member
    4 years ago

    1-legged chippy still going to haunt my dreams with that smile :?

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    #24

    Set The Elf Up Near The Toilet, And He Promptly Fell In

    Set The Elf Up Near The Toilet, And He Promptly Fell In

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    Lissy 🤘
    Community Member
    4 years ago

    Why is the water dark?...

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    #25

    I Didn't Prepare For The Off Chance The Tape Didn't Hold. So My Children Woke Up To An Elf That Drowned In Last Nights Spaghetti Pot

    I Didn't Prepare For The Off Chance The Tape Didn't Hold. So My Children Woke Up To An Elf That Drowned In Last Nights Spaghetti Pot

    brandi_cerone Report

    Brodie Plants
    Community Member
    4 years ago

    did he say hail hydra as he did?

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    #26

    Baby Boy Wakes Up And Searches For His Elf. He Finds Her And Says She Drew On The Bananas. I Asked What She Drew And He Says "Nothing, She Just Scribbled On Them"

    Baby Boy Wakes Up And Searches For His Elf. He Finds Her And Says She Drew On The Bananas. I Asked What She Drew And He Says "Nothing, She Just Scribbled On Them"

    mruniquegomez Report

    rumade
    Community Member
    4 years ago

    You needed less ripe bananas

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    #27

    New Puppy Got Ahold Of The Elf, And The Rest Is, Well

    New Puppy Got Ahold Of The Elf, And The Rest Is, Well

    msummers23 Report

    Jackson Exer
    Community Member
    4 years ago

    why does he look like he's doing gymnastics tho

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    #28

    I Seriously Forgot I Put The Freaking Elf In The Freaking Oven

    I Seriously Forgot I Put The Freaking Elf In The Freaking Oven

    Brittany Mease Report

    Shelby P
    Community Member
    4 years ago

    why do so many people put these things in the oven???

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    #29

    When Daddy Puts Maxi (Rowen Named Him) Too Close To The Light Bulb You Tell The Kids He Got Frost Bite On His Way Back From The North Pole

    When Daddy Puts Maxi (Rowen Named Him) Too Close To The Light Bulb You Tell The Kids He Got Frost Bite On His Way Back From The North Pole

    kellyjyust Report

    Mahayana
    Community Member
    4 years ago

    No, he’s got a cancerous mole

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    #30

    Well....i Thought It Would Be Funny. My Kids... Not So Much 😂😂. Both Had Tears And Told The Elf They Didn’t Like Her Anymore

    Well....i Thought It Would Be Funny. My Kids... Not So Much 😂😂. Both Had Tears And Told The Elf They Didn’t Like Her Anymore

    sgomuwka Report

    Tamra Stiffler
    Community Member
    4 years ago

    Wait...you drew on your kids' faces while they slept?

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    #31

    This Is Doing The Rounds On Fb And Insta.. Poor Elf

    This Is Doing The Rounds On Fb And Insta.. Poor Elf

    a.mums.world Report

    Jackson Exer
    Community Member
    4 years ago

    it looks like chocolate...

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    #32

    Finn Attacked Rudolf, Our Elf! He Was Laying On The Counter Making Snow Angels And Now He’s Head First On The Floor! Rudolf Now Has Flour Stuck To Him From Being Licked To Death By Finn

    Finn Attacked Rudolf, Our Elf! He Was Laying On The Counter Making Snow Angels And Now He’s Head First On The Floor! Rudolf Now Has Flour Stuck To Him From Being Licked To Death By Finn

    bloughnane Report

    GoodWolf
    Community Member
    4 years ago

    I really hope Finn is a dog 😂

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    #33

    Thomas Our Elf, Thought It Was A Bright Idea To Hide In The Light Fixture. Thomas Is Now Wearing A Scarf For The Remainder Of His Stay

    Thomas Our Elf, Thought It Was A Bright Idea To Hide In The Light Fixture. Thomas Is Now Wearing A Scarf For The Remainder Of His Stay

    melbrookins14 Report

    Mina Minx
    Community Member
    4 years ago

    Why sre these things so flammable?

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    #34

    Thought It Would Be Cute To Set Up A Candle Marshmallow-Roasting Scene... Until The Marshmallows Caught On Fire And Almost Burned The House Down

    Thought It Would Be Cute To Set Up A Candle Marshmallow-Roasting Scene... Until The Marshmallows Caught On Fire And Almost Burned The House Down

    Teresa Tangen Report

    Mimi La Souris
    Community Member
    4 years ago

    first the photo, priority :D

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    #35

    So Clearly The Dog Feels The Same Way About Elf On The Shelf As I Do! He Went To Town With Poor Mr Elf And Then Left It Behind James' Curtains And I Have Spent All Afternoon Trying To Find The Damn Thing

    So Clearly The Dog Feels The Same Way About Elf On The Shelf As I Do! He Went To Town With Poor Mr Elf And Then Left It Behind James' Curtains And I Have Spent All Afternoon Trying To Find The Damn Thing

    annikaskye89 Report

    ShriSha Kamboj
    Community Member
    4 years ago

    i find elves already creepy....this is just another cherry on the top

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    #36

    What We Executed And How We Found Elfie This Morning!

     What We Executed And How We Found Elfie This Morning!

    nicole.d.powell Report

    Raven DeathShade
    Community Member
    4 years ago

    Well...Netflix and chill, amirite?

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    #37

    Lil Ginge vs. Elf On The Shelf (Or Should That Be Floor? Haha). The Little Humans Freaked Out But The Elf Didn't Complain

    Lil Ginge vs. Elf On The Shelf (Or Should That Be Floor? Haha). The Little Humans Freaked Out But The Elf Didn't Complain

    sugar_and_ginge Report

    ShriSha Kamboj
    Community Member
    4 years ago

    the cat got human teeth??????????

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    #38

    I Don’t Think Wally Is That Interested In Sharing

    I Don’t Think Wally Is That Interested In Sharing

    tillyandfozzy_spoodles Report

    ShriSha Kamboj
    Community Member
    4 years ago

    not the elf having the time its of life

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    #39

    When You Come Home From Work To See What Your Dogs Did All Day.. My Poor Kids Are So Upset. Thankfully Santa Saw The Dogs Being Naughty And Turned Our Elf Into A Chew Toy! Our Real Elf Flew Back To The North Pole And Will Be Back Tomorrow!

    When You Come Home From Work To See What Your Dogs Did All Day.. My Poor Kids Are So Upset. Thankfully Santa Saw The Dogs Being Naughty And Turned Our Elf Into A Chew Toy! Our Real Elf Flew Back To The North Pole And Will Be Back Tomorrow!

    movewithmeganrealestateteam Report

    xXxliezxXx
    Community Member
    4 years ago

    That is a great solution story!

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    #40

    It Wasn’t Me, Elf Did Not Loose His Head, I Repeat, The Elf Did Not Loose His Head

    It Wasn’t Me, Elf Did Not Loose His Head, I Repeat, The Elf Did Not Loose His Head

    chitasticdolly_rex Report

    Droopsnoot
    Community Member
    4 years ago

    I did nat bit her, I did nat

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    #41

    Did Anyone Else Know That Cotton Candy Evaporates Over Night?

    Did Anyone Else Know That Cotton Candy Evaporates Over Night?

    swinter2780 Report

    Vibe Check
    Community Member
    4 years ago

    Haha I love the reference

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    #42

    Me To Daddy, Because I Didn’t Have Time “Can You Do Something With The Elf?” Apparently He Didn’t Either. Not Sure What Is Going On Here?

    Me To Daddy, Because I Didn’t Have Time “Can You Do Something With The Elf?” Apparently He Didn’t Either. Not Sure What Is Going On Here?

    aajjmm1982 Report

    ShriSha Kamboj
    Community Member
    4 years ago

    their creepy smiles say they aint even wanna explain themselves

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    #43

    Ffs Ruby!

    Ffs Ruby!

    vicky_scott01 Report

    R Carson
    Community Member
    4 years ago

    Empty heads-the bane of our culture.

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    #44

    We Had A Tragic Circumstance With Our Elf On The Shelf, Elfer, Lastnight. Full Thickness Burn To The Head With Charring. The Kids Are Devastated

    We Had A Tragic Circumstance With Our Elf On The Shelf, Elfer, Lastnight. Full Thickness Burn To The Head With Charring. The Kids Are Devastated

    nostalchick_rn Report

    Ryan Deschanel
    Community Member
    4 years ago

    Devastated because this monstrosity survived?

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    #45

    Elf-Barbie Fishing Scene Was Super Cute... Until Barbie's Dress Slipped And Made The Elf Look Like A Creep

    Elf-Barbie Fishing Scene Was Super Cute... Until Barbie's Dress Slipped And Made The Elf Look Like A Creep

    Justin Carver Report

    ℙ𝕦𝕣𝕣_𝕞𝕒𝕚𝕕
    Community Member
    4 years ago

    But he IS a creep.

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    #46

    Ddo Not Place Your Elf On A Chandelier, Even If It’s One That Rarely Gets Used

    Ddo Not Place Your Elf On A Chandelier, Even If It’s One That Rarely Gets Used

    laceybrook Report

    ShriSha Kamboj
    Community Member
    4 years ago

    something that is rarely used is something that is used at the wrong time

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    #47

    Thought It Would Be Fun To Put The Elf On Top Of The Guinea Pig’s Igloo In Their Cage

    Thought It Would Be Fun To Put The Elf On Top Of The Guinea Pig’s Igloo In Their Cage

    lively.shell Report

    ShriSha Kamboj
    Community Member
    4 years ago

    please dont keep plastic near ur pets......just don't...please!!!!

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    #48

    Elfette Took A Chocolate Chip Dump But Fell In (Not Intentional!!!)

    Elfette Took A Chocolate Chip Dump But Fell In (Not Intentional!!!)

    brittanysfontenot Report

    Hugh Walter
    Community Member
    4 years ago

    Oh God! There are pink ones?

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    #49

    They Were Supposed To Be At The Beach, Until Louie The Bernedoodle Made It Onto The Countertop

    They Were Supposed To Be At The Beach, Until Louie The Bernedoodle Made It Onto The Countertop

    marypatt.thomas Report

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    #50

    I Killed Our Elf. Psa: Elves Don't Like Light Fixtures

    I Killed Our Elf. Psa: Elves Don't Like Light Fixtures

    christinebunn Report

    Sleazy Weaver
    Community Member
    4 years ago (edited)

    When you're doing your eyeliner & keep thickening each side to try to even them out.

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    #51

    When You Try And Bring That Dreaded Elf Back And Someone Showers And Melts Your "Be Good" Message!

    When You Try And Bring That Dreaded Elf Back And Someone Showers And Melts Your "Be Good" Message!

    erinhawe Report

    Droopsnoot
    Community Member
    4 years ago

    "I'll be god."

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    #52

    Yep So This Is How Poor Auld Sebastian Was Greeted This Morning With A Definitive No And Thrown In The Sink

    Yep So This Is How Poor Auld Sebastian Was Greeted This Morning With A Definitive No And Thrown In The Sink

    prettyplannercreations Report

    Tambot
    Community Member
    4 years ago

    But he can't touch him?!

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    #53

    Dog Got To The Elf Before I Could Save It

    Dog Got To The Elf Before I Could Save It

    meredith_colberg Report

    Droopsnoot
    Community Member
    4 years ago

    Looks like they launched the emergency escape pod

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    #54

    The Elf In The Burn Unit "Dad... Frank's Leg Fell Off!"

    The Elf In The Burn Unit "Dad... Frank's Leg Fell Off!"

    the_tao_of_jh Report

    Hugh Walter
    Community Member
    4 years ago

    Do these people burn themselves every-time they try to change a light-bulb? Staggering ignorance, the Fire Brigade must hate the little sh1ts.

    #55

    Elf On A Shelf Fail!! They Were Supposed To Be Sitting Around Nibbling On The Gingerbread House!! Warning: After A Couple Days Those Houses Aren't That Sturdy!! Think We Have An Elf Down, Somebody Call The Paramedics!!

    Elf On A Shelf Fail!! They Were Supposed To Be Sitting Around Nibbling On The Gingerbread House!! Warning: After A Couple Days Those Houses Aren't That Sturdy!! Think We Have An Elf Down, Somebody Call The Paramedics!!

    insta_armydelk Report

    R Carson
    Community Member
    4 years ago

    Looks yummy to me.

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    #56

    I Didn’t Have Flour For The “Snow” So I Used Sugar... Well

    I Didn’t Have Flour For The “Snow” So I Used Sugar... Well

    Jaycee Ingalls Mansfield Report

    ZooMom
    Community Member
    4 years ago

    Gluten and dairy make him misbehave? 😒

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    #57

    Note To Self. Next Year Wait Till Morning To Write Poohs Note On Mirror

    Note To Self. Next Year Wait Till Morning To Write Poohs Note On Mirror

    lschultzy23 Report

    Sleazy Weaver
    Community Member
    4 years ago

    Common sense isn't so common, is it?

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    #58

    The Things I Do For My Kid... Bubble Popped... Looks Like Diarrhea... Elf Freaking Fail... Whatever

    The Things I Do For My Kid... Bubble Popped... Looks Like Diarrhea... Elf Freaking Fail... Whatever

    AmCo711 Report

    Celesta
    Community Member
    4 years ago

    What exactly were they even going for here?

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