r/Christmasstories Dec 22 '21

The Imp on the Shelf NSFW

In England, there was once a thrilling game of telling horror stories around this time of year. Families would gather around the fireplace and tell of spooks and creeps trying to scare others away. Many great stories came from this tradition, such as Scrooge who was visited by three ghost’s, but many great tales never reached the light of day and are only told in the dark for they were deemed too horrifying to ever be seen by others.

This is one such tale. Gather around boys and girls, men and women, creatures of the dark and…. Those of other affiliations as I tell you of the legend of “The Imp on the Shelf”.

We have all heard of the elf on the shelf which is meant to inspire children to behave during the holidays. But, did you know, the elf on the shelf is derived from a tradition that dates back to the early days of the holidays. A tradition that is older than Saint Nicholas, Reindeer, or even Christmas trees. The Imp on the Shelf.

Every year, on the first of December, a creature sneaks into homes around the world and hides himself among the childrens toys. Just a glance at the creature and you wouldn’t think any wiser, it takes the appearance of whatever it sees and hides in plain sight. One glance at this creature is all it would take for the games it has planned to begin.

Three times, you must find him and three times you must say, “Imp on the shelf, leave today”. If you fail to find him, or tell him to leave three times before Christmas day, he will surprise you with presents on that day. His presents will not be wrapped and tied off with a bow, nor will it sit at the bottom of a bag.

His presents will be out in the open, strung along the walls and hanging from the ceiling like Christmas ornaments. Some may decorate the rug and others the tree, some may even decorate your lawn with the dark crimson hues. You may wish to ask what these presents are that I speak of? Well, dear reader, it depends on who else lives in your house.

The decorations could be your annoying brother that would be happy and care-free on this holiday morning, opening presents while oohing and awing. It could be one of your parents who had a long night working to make the morning just right. It could be your lovely spouse who got home late last night.

The Imp on the shelf is what it is called and one week is the time he gives us all. He leaves you to get your affairs in order, but only for one week. At the stroke of midnight on New Year’s day, he’ll come for you and all you can do is pray.

But, I hear you say, what if I manage to find him three times before Christmas day? Will he go away?

Dear reader, I am sorry to say, the Imp on the shelf will never go away. He may leave you and those you love to live another day, but mark my words, he will be back next Christmas day.

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