7 Simple 'Elf on the Shelf' Ideas to Get You Through the Week

— -- The Christmas season has only just begun, and you're already starting to resent his smiling little face, aren't you?

Elf on the Shelf, the wildly popular, mischievous little toy that has your child jumping out of bed each morning, has become the bane of your existence. After a few nights of him hanging from the lamp and sitting on a shelf, what's left to do?

Sure, some parents will spend an hour each night setting up Broadway-style sets for their family elf. But for those parents with lots of love but limited creativity, here are seven super-simple ideas for the Elf on the Shelf that will at least get you through the next week.