• Video
  • Shop
  • Culture
  • Family
  • Wellness
  • Food
  • Living
  • Style
  • Travel
  • News
  • Book Club
  • GMA3: WYNTK
  • Newsletter
  • Privacy Policy
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • Terms of Use
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Contact Us
  • © 2025 ABC News
  • Living

Judge gives parents a break by banning Elf on the Shelf

0:43
Girl with cochlear implants gets classroom elf just like her
John Bazemore/AP, FILE
ABC News' associate social media producer, Zoe Moore.
ByZoe Moore
November 09, 2021, 9:04 AM

A Georgia judge is hoping to make the holiday season a little easier for some parents by banning Elf on the Shelf.

The Christmas tradition, which originated from a 2005 children's book entitled "The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition," centers around a Scout Elf sent from the North Pole, that when present, encourages kids to be on their best behavior to stay on Santa's Nice List.

The holiday tradition while fun for kids, can be a burden on some parents.

Editor’s Picks

Watch Mariah Carey's 'Fall In Love at Christmas' video, featuring her children

  • Nov 08, 2021

Coat trends 2021: Quilted, neutrals, shearling and more for every body type

  • Dec 22, 2021

Dog rescue organizations in need of foster homes as quarantine adoption rush slows

  • Oct 26, 2021

After seeing a conversation on social media about Elf on the Shelf, Judge Robert D. Leonard II decided to take matters into his own hands.

"My family loves all of our Elves and it is a fun family tradition. However, it is a nightly commitment and if you miss a night, you have some explaining to do," Judge Leonard said.

The chief judge of the Superior Court of Cobb County drafted an order which banishes all Elves on Shelves from Cobb County.

"I decided that for those people that needed to retire their Elf or put it out later in the year, I could take the heat for them with a mock order," Leonard added.

Related Articles

MORE: Disney kicks off holiday season with Ultimate Toy Drive.

According to Leonard, "this tongue-in-cheek Order was intended to be a good laugh for tired parents struggling to keep up with their nightly Elf duties."

The judge did post the order on social media; however, he assures parents and children that they can still carry on with Elf on the Shelf if they so please.

"I drafted and signed the Order. It was not filed in and it is certainly not enforceable," Leonard said.

Related Articles

MORE: How to make chef Carla Hall's famous cornbread this holiday season.

Editor’s Picks

Watch Mariah Carey's 'Fall In Love at Christmas' video, featuring her children

  • Nov 08, 2021

Coat trends 2021: Quilted, neutrals, shearling and more for every body type

  • Dec 22, 2021

Dog rescue organizations in need of foster homes as quarantine adoption rush slows

  • Oct 26, 2021

Up Next in Living—

Summer solstice 2025: What to know as 1st day of summer arrives

June 20, 2025

High school graduate paints portraits of classmates as graduation gift

June 17, 2025

June's full strawberry moon: See photos and what it means for your zodiac

June 11, 2025

High school athlete somersaults to track and field championship win

June 10, 2025

Shop GMA Favorites

ABC will receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

Sponsored Content by Taboola

The latest lifestyle and entertainment news and inspiration for how to live your best life - all from Good Morning America.
  • Contests
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Children’s Online Privacy Policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • About Nielsen Measurement
  • Press
  • Feedback
  • Shop FAQs
  • ABC News
  • ABC
  • All Videos
  • All Topics
  • Sitemap

© 2025 ABC News
  • Privacy Policy— 
  • Your US State Privacy Rights— 
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy— 
  • Interest-Based Ads— 
  • Terms of Use— 
  • Do Not Sell My Info— 
  • Contact Us— 

© 2025 ABC News