Jane Ruffino: The ‘Elf on the Shelf’ is causing a kerfuffle

It’s the most magical time of the year, isn’t it? All over the internet, and maybe in your house, Elf On The Shelf is appearing. A smug-looking, wide-eyed, weedy type in an elf costume, he’s a representative of Santa and a creepy reminder that someone is always taking notes in your permanent record. There are, of course, numerous thinkpieces about how Elf On The Shelf is preparing your children for the surveillance society. ...