Do you Elf? Laura Onstot does… and boy does she regret it: “My decision to participate in Elf on the Shelf was one I made lightly, like so many parenting decisions. The doll looked cute, and many of my friends had opted into the tradition, so I was sold. Also, I like buying things off Amazon. I selected the female version and clicked ‘buy,’ cementing the most regrettable choice of my life.” It’s a warning if you haven’t committed to the idea…and a really relatable rant if you have.

Personally, I have a firm rule against inviting mischievous magical creatures into my home. Leprechaun traps are also a big no. Feel free to steal this reasoning for your own home! But for some reason, I’ve allowed the weirdest one of all — the pixie who collects human teeth in exchange for money. Whose idea was the tooth fairy, anyway? Yikes!

Kelly Faircloth, Executive Editor

It’s barely December, and I know perfectly well you’ve earned yourself a little holiday treat. (Or a big one, for that matter.) What about an advent calendar? “Advent calendars used to be a simple affair: a cardboard box full of tiny, cheap chocolates or a wooden box with 25 doors and 25 small trinkets. They've taken on a life of their own now, and, honestly, it's kind of exciting. Finding the perfect advent calendar for your kid who likes Barbie, LEGO, or Hot Wheels is fun. But have you ever looked into adult advent calendars for yourself?” Check these out — they’re a delight.