Elf on the Shelf AckThbbbt Style

I'm gonna let you in on a secret.

But to understand why this is a Thing, you first need to know the back story.

For Halloween, The Husband joined his coworkers for a group costume of The Addams Family. The Husband, with his height and low voice, went as Lurch. He also went the extra mile and created a dismembered hand out of a rubber glove, wire hangar, and cotton balls, called it Thing, and placed it on his shoulder. He was a big hit.

When he came home from work that day, he casually tossed the fake hand onto his nightstand with his keys and wallet.

The next morning, The Husband walked into the kitchen to find Thing on the counter holding his favorite coffee mug.

And the game was on.

Every day since, we've taken turns arranging Thing in interesting places doing interesting things. I've found it in my pencil cup and resting in the cat food cupboard. He's discovered it most often messing with his coffee or stuff in his work bag.

We haven't talked about it at all. The hand just moves without anyone commenting on it. The only way I've known he's found it is when it disappears from the last place I've put it.

Most recently, I found Thing on my nightstand gripping a tube of pepper spray, and I thought it was so clever and funny that I left it there for most of a week.

But a couple of days ago I moved it. And I'm waiting for The Husband to notice where I put it.

Can you spot it?

How about now?

Frankly I'm surprised Elder Son hasn't said anything about it. But maybe he's afraid to ask.

We'll see who calls it out first. I'd be delighted if it happens on Christmas Eve when Younger Son and his girlfriend are here, and we're all home together.

Stay tuned.