A Cuban woman became the center of a viral sensation when she shared a playful incident involving her "Elf on the Shelf," a cherished Christmas tradition, on social media. The video, which has garnered nearly 5 million views, shows the Cuban mother meticulously setting up a scene with the elf in the bathroom. What was intended as a harmless, fun activity unexpectedly sparked a wave of criticism.
Comments like "This is the stupidest thing I've ever seen" and "I won't join this trend; I prefer to create beautiful memories for my kids in other ways" flooded the comment section of the video posted by user @yeli_95_ on Facebook. Some questioned the example being set for children, arguing that such pranks could encourage inappropriate behavior.
However, not all feedback was negative. Many defended the Cuban mother, emphasizing the sentimental value of this tradition. A grandmother noted, "My grandchildren wake up every day looking to see what their elf has done, and it's such a joy for me to watch them enjoy that magic." Another user expressed disbelief at the level of criticism: "I'm amazed by all the negative comments, all because we're keeping a child's wonder alive. My goodness, where has humanity gone?"
In response to the backlash, the Cuban mother stood her ground with positivity and determination. In one of her replies, she stated, "Yes, it's very sad, honestly. That's why I'm only responding to the positive comments because no one will ruin the magic for my child, just as I once enjoyed it. Thank you for your comment!"
She also expressed her frustration with some of the detractors' attitudes: "If you make controversial videos, it's bad, and if you make nice videos, it's also bad. That's why things are the way they are." Undeterred, she released a second video showcasing another elf prank, reaffirming her enthusiasm for the tradition: "It's incredible that a video with nearly 5 million views has such nasty comments, and many of these people don't even know about the elf prank tradition."
Despite the criticism, her commitment to preserving the Christmas magic for her family remains unshaken, showing that, for her, the joy on her child's face outweighs any negative remarks.
Understanding the Controversy Over Elf on the Shelf
What is the Elf on the Shelf tradition?
The Elf on the Shelf is a Christmas tradition where a toy elf is placed around the home during the holiday season, "observing" children's behavior and reporting back to Santa Claus. It often involves staging playful scenes with the elf.
Why did the video receive criticism?
Some viewers criticized the video for promoting what they perceived as inappropriate behavior and questioned the example it sets for children, while others simply found the trend unappealing.
How did the Cuban mother respond to the backlash?
She responded with positive affirmations, choosing to focus on supportive comments and expressing her intent to continue the tradition for her child, despite the criticism.