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Elf in quarantine: Parents can get creative with plans for Elf on the Shelf

The Christmas creep is starting to show.

We’re not talking about the decorations or the lights.

It’s the Elf on the Shelf that will soon be creeping around families' homes.

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While parents start out with creative setups like Cheerios decorated like doughnuts, or elf-sized snow angels made in powdered sugar, the ideas become more and more scarce as the days stretch into weeks of your adopted elf getting into high jinks.

This year, some creative parents are using the coronavirus pandemic to, let’s say, stall coming up with a month’s worth of ideas.

>> Related: Here comes Santa Claus: COVID-19 won’t stop NORAD from tracking Santa’s sleigh on Christmas Eve

Since the elf “travels” all the way from the North Pole, he or she will have to go into quarantine for at least 14 days.

Some families have taken a basic jar and sealed their elf in it to prevent the spread of any germs.

One of the most viral (in a good way) versions was posted by Hilary Soria a couple of weeks ago, the “Today” show reported.

The elf in quarantine has an elf-sized mask, Purell and Lysol spray.

❤️😂🎄🎅🏼 #readyforchristmas #bringontheholidays

Posted by Hilary Soria on Friday, November 6, 2020

Another design even comes with a countdown so kids can keep track of how long the elf has to stay put.

The company that sells the original Elf on the Shelf has a webpage set up where parents, and kids with parental approval, can get answers to their virus-related elf questions.

Elf on the Shelf says that no Santa’s spies — er helpers — can’t get sick by human illness so they don’t have to quarantine, but there’s a loophole that may help save parents' sanity this holiday season.

>> Related: Top 10 Elf on the Shelf ideas

“It’s important for you to know that they are happy to honor the practices of their adopted, human families and they always set a good example! So, your Scout Elf might choose to quarantine or wear a mask when they first arrive to model safety protocols. After all, they love being a member of your family and want to help you stay safe and healthy!” the company said.

The company provided suggestions for elf quarantine and patterns for parents to make teeny, tiny elf-sized masks.

There are also non-coronavirus pandemic activities to help kids get into the holiday season.

As of last year, more than 13 million Elf on the Shelf products had been sold, Fox News reported.