Dad takes ‘Elf on the Shelf’ to a WHOLE new level

In case you're not familiar, the Elf on the Shelf is a slightly creepy doll who watches over little boys and girls throughout December to make sure they deserve their spot on Santa's Nice list. This year however, one American dad has taken the tradition to extremes, introducing a real live Elf on the Shelf to help keep his four children in check. Megan Wynberg has been posting hilarious snaps of her husband, Joe on Facebook since November 30. Dressed from head to toe in full elf costume, Joe's character is known as 'FLE'.. and in reality his antics are aimed at a more mature audience than the couple's four kids, who are all aged under six. It started with this post: "So we finally caved and decided to do the "Elf on the Shelf" thing. The kids are going to be so surprised! We named our elf FLE and he will be in some pretty precarious spots over the next 24 days! Enjoy." Then this one: "Well, day one, and I am not sure about this "Elf on the Shelf" thing. FLE ate the kids advent calendars, they will be devastated!" Then things took a turn for the worse... "FLE is out of control! I need to find my receipt. Couldn't handle those advent calendars he ate last night." And continued to go downhill... "Because picking up after four kids isn't enough! FLE was pretty exited about the first snowfall of the year and I'm pretty sure he pee'd on the floor. I'm getting rid of this thing!" Soon the family had reached the end of their tether, with Meghan posting: "I am sad to say that I had to return our "Elf on the Shelf" FLE. I am just not cut out for that kind of work. Thank you everyone who liked and shared my posts over the last few days." But it was all a ruse, for later that night... "Awe! For pete's sake! I knew it was too good to be true." "So FLE has been trying to get in the house all day. Then I found him doing this. I may have to bring him back in before the neighbours call the cops." Something had to be done: "I brought in re-enforcement to get FLE the "Elf on the Shelf" under control. But it seems FLE is here to stay until December 25... The couple are thrilled by the reaction and said they are glad they could spread a little joy during the festive season. Megan posted:

"In a world filled with sickness, war and general unhappiness each and everyone of you have shown what life really is about. Happiness, laughter and love,"

Follow FLE's adventures here.