SCP-XXXX "Elf on the Shelf"
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Info
⚠️ Content Warning: This article contains graphic content that some viewers might find disturbing. It is intended for mature audiences.
⚠️ content warning
CONTAINMENT CLASS: EUCLID - {$sc}
Site Director
Dr. Kalenski
CONTAINMENT
CLASS: EUCLID - {$sc}
Site Director
Dr. Kalenski
SCP-XXXX-F looking to the camera whilst grasping a knife.
Item #: SCP-XXXX
Object Class: Euclid
Special Containment Procedures: Captured SCP-XXXX instances are to be stored in a secure, climate-controlled containment chamber at Site-02. Apart from SCP-XXXX's "hibernation period", the chamber should be decorated festively from December 1st to December 26th with appropriate Christmas-themed ornaments and decorations.
SCP-XXXX instances are to be monitored via closed-circuit cameras and audio recorders, and any anomalous behavior or deviations from expected activity are to be reported immediately to Head Researcher Dr. Grada. Interaction with SCP-XXXX instances is limited to approved research personnel with authorization from the Site-02 Director.
All SCP-XXXX instances, with the exception of SCP-XXXX-A, are to be incinerated during the hibernation period. All SCP-XXXX instances recovered after incineration are to be stored until the next cycle. Under no circumstance are Foundation personnel permitted to physically interact with any SCP-XXXX instance. If an individual has interacted with any SCP-XXXX instance, they must undergo special screening and treatment over the next two months for psycho-evaluation.
Description: SCP-XXXX refers to a collection of small humanoid entities, resembling traditional Christmas elves commonly associated with the "Elf on the Shelf" tradition. Instances of SCP-XXXX measure approximately 30 cm in height and exhibit characteristics including pointed ears and festive clothing. SCP-XXXX is made of a material similar in composition to felt and is prone to damage, with the exception of SCP-XXXX-A which is highly resistant to damage and possesses regenerative abilities.
SCP-XXXX instances exhibit sapience and vocalization capabilities, primarily communicating in a high-pitched voice reminiscent of a child. They claim to be Santa Claus' scouts and insist on being referred to by their given names.
SCP-XXXX instances can materialize within family households during the holiday season and appear to target families with the following characteristics:
- The family is excessively materialistic and/or lacks compassion.
- The child, or children, are severely neglected; often physically or mentally abused.
- The family is consistently lacking in festivity or avoidant of traditionally festive practices relating to the Christmas holiday.
Due to these criteria, it can be stated that SCP-XXXX will, regardless of what it takes, propagate the "Christmas spirit", but their methods frequently result in injury and death.
SCP-XXXX instances are capable of independent movement and engaging in activities such as decoration, leaving small gifts, or being playful with children. SCP-XXXX entities enter a dormant state when observed by "adult" humans or visual recording equipment due to their unwillingness to be noticed, but they do not possess the ability to tell if they are being observed or not.
If an individual were to personally inflict damage or destroy an SCP-XXXX instance, they would immediately experience extreme guilt, anxiety, and depression, shown by the activity in the prefrontal cortex.
Discovery
Photograph of SCP-XXXX-A sitting dormant on a letter to, presumably, Ezra Mason.
SCP-XXXX-A was discovered on December 7th, 2009 after a phone call to local authorities was made by a distressed neighbor. The caller claimed to have heard loud gunshots in the nearby residence as well as seen "small elves" entering and exiting the house. The SCP Foundation was alerted and Mobile Task Force Epsilon-6 ("Village Idiots") arrived at the residence. Following the anomaly's discovery, SCP-XXXX instances have begun appearing periodically in households that follow the previous criteria.
A camcorder was found in the household with three videos stored in its memory card. The following video logs concern the first human interaction with SCP-XXXX, which were taken by Ezra Mason:
Foreword: The following is a MPEG video file, entitled "Weird Elf I Found". The video lasted exactly three minutes and fifty-one seconds (3:51) in total.
<Begin Log>
The video begins with the camcorder facing a bare wall until it is picked up. Ezra fumbles with the camera as its perspective continuously changes until he shows SCP-XXXX-A in its dormant state. It lays on a table with dirt and grime over its overalls.
Ezra Mason: Hey ya'll… umm… I know I told you guys in my last video that I wasn't going to upload until after Christmas, but this was too good not to record. (Pauses) I saw this thing moving outside my window in the snow, but now it's… it just doesn't want to move.
The camera is motionless as Ezra grows impatient and starts to murmur to himself.
Ezra Mason: Come on, you were moving before! Is it because you're shy? (Pauses) I can put away the recorder if that helps.
Ezra places the camera down facing him and SCP-XXXX-A in its dormant state. The viewer can not see Ezra's upper body.
Ezra Mason: Umm… hi, I guess. My name is… Ezra. (Pauses) My uhh… my Dad told me you're one of Santa's elves. Is that true?
SCP-XXXX-A raises its head, and it looks around the room. It then stares at Ezra and stands up, curtsying towards him.
SCP-XXXX-A: Pleasure to meet you, Ezra! I'm Mother Elfie, mother to all elfies, but you can call me "Snowy" if you'd like! Yes, what you hear is true; I am one of Santa's elves from the North Pole.
Ezra Mason: Wow! Wait, does that mean you can see if I'm on the "nice list"?!
SCP-XXXX-A: (Laughs) Slow down, Ezra, I can't share that with you.
Ezra Mason: Well, I uhh… I had some questions I wrote down in case you ended up talking with me.
Ezra grabs the paper and supposedly brings it closer to his face.
Ezra Mason: And… um… ooh! How well do you know Santa?
SCP-XXXX-A: (Laughs) I've known that big jolly old fellow for years! I've known him since he was a little boy, bringing tons of joy to all the people in every kingdom! (Sighs) Well… he tries. Christmas is dying… nobody even bothers to celebrate anymore! It's just toy after toy after toy, never about family and the love for Christmas! (Cold) Some people are just too naughty.
Ezra Mason: Umm… Where did you come from, Mother Elfie?
SCP-XXXX-A appears to be agitated and clenches their fists until smiling and calming themselves.
SCP-XXXX-A: I came from the North Pole, silly!
Ezra Mason: (Laughs) Yeah, but aren't there different towns like we have here? Are there town names? Are there lakes where you are? Ooh, do you guys go fishi-
SCP-XXXX-A: Do you mind if I ask you a question now? It's only fair, you know?
Ezra Mason: (Puts paper down) Yes, that is fair.
SCP-XXXX-A: (Smiles) What is your favorite holiday?
Ezra Mason: Hmm… well, that's a hard one.
SCP-XXXX-A: … Hard?
Ezra Mason: Well, does my birthday count?
SCP-XXXX-A: (Eyes widen) Why not Christmas? It's the most magical time of the year!
Ezra Mason: It's just that… sometimes Christmas is a bad memory.
SCP-XXXX-A: (Concerned) Why is that?
Ezra Mason: When I was "littler", me and my best friend used to make plans to “catch” Santa. She would get her camera and position it to face the tree. The year she stopped believing, I still put her camera out. I remember feeling a bit… empty… after that. Like it was nothing. Like I was the only one having fun anymore.
Ezra begins to cry and puts his hands to his face. SCP-XXXX-A shows signs of distress and worry.
Ezra Mason: Then my dad got sick… like, really sick. The family parties stopped, the love that mom would have put into them went away, and me and my friends barely did anything with Christmas. (Clenches fists) My new dad, Joshua, hates the holidays. I never had a happy Christmas no matter how hard my mother tried to give us at least a good one. (Sobs) Christmas is just a big empty fat hole in my chest now.
SCP-XXXX-A: (Sits down) I'm sorry to hear that. If you ever need someone to talk to… I'm always here.
An out-of-view door opens as SCP-XXXX-A goes into its dormant state. Ezra looks backward as he interlocks his hands together.
Ezra Mason: Hey, Joshua.
Joshua Mason: I'm hearing voices coming from your room. Who the fuck are you talking to?
Ezra Mason: No one, I promise.
Joshua Mason: Don't lie to me you little shit. Me and your mom are trying to go to sleep and I don't need your fucking yappering.
Ezra Mason: Just leave me alone!
Ezra gets slapped by Joshua who is now in view. Ezra touches the right side of his face with his hand as he looks up towards Joshua.
Joshua Mason: Didn't your mother teach you respect? I come in here again, I'll make sure you learn your fucking lesson. (In the distance) Disrespectful little shit.
The door slams shut as Ezra reaches for the recorder and turns it off.
<End Log>
Foreword: The following is the second MPEG video file, entitled "They should make a creepy series based on this thing". The video lasted exactly seven minutes and forty-nine seconds (7:49) in total.
<Begin Log>
The video begins with a black screen until Ezra pulls the recorder out of his backpack and begins filming. For twenty-three seconds, Ezra walks on the snow-covered sidewalks of his neighborhood with no dialogue until he randomly stops.
Ezra Mason: Ok… that should be far enough. (Pauses) I wanted to talk to you guys without… that thing hearing me. I don't… I don't trust it yet. It gives me the heebie jeebies.
Ezra continues walking as he passes a man walking with his dog. The dog begins to stare at Ezra and emits a barking noise towards his backpack. Ezra continues walking for a few more minutes, talking about his life and his parents.
Ezra Mason: You know… Christmas is beautiful. The snow falling from the sky as it piles up on the sidewalk and the trees. It seems peaceful at times. Makes you forget…
SCP-XXXX-A: Pst, hey!
Ezra stops walking as he drops the recorder. He curses and picks it back up, wiping off the snow that stuck to it. He looks around him frantically.
SCP-XXXX-A: No, idiot, in here!
Ezra takes off his backpack and puts it on the sidewalk. A compartment is half-zipped as he opens it up and pulls out SCP-XXXX-A with a scroll in hand. The doll is motionless as he examines it for a few seconds.
Ezra Mason: Jesus! How did you get in there?
SCP-XXXX-A: (Silent)
Ezra Mason: (Takes scroll) Is this for me?
Ezra unravels the tiny scroll as he begins to awkwardly laugh. The scroll reads: Go to hell, Scrooge! At this time, SCP-XXXX-A comes to life and bursts into laughter, wiggling in Ezra's hand.
SCP-XXXX-A: Ooh, I'm sorry, that was kind of funny… but no, that's for Joshua, not you. He deserves it! Naughty people need to be punished for ruining Christmas! We can put ketchup in his gas tank, put fire ants in his tighty-whities; he'll beg to get coal for Christmas!
Ezra Mason: In a way… I hope he is a "Scrooge".
SCP-XXXX-A: (Confused) Why do you say that?
Ezra Mason: It means he's like someone who had a change of heart. People who start angry and bad but become good and happy over time. (Pauses) My Mom… she tries to help me, but she sort of just lets whatever happens, happen. I don't know. It doesn't even feel like Christmas anymore. (Sharp exhale) I just miss him so much…
Both are silent as SCP-XXXX-A begins frowning and showing signs of sadness.
SCP-XXXX-A: You know… if you want… I can ask Santa to give you a Christmas present early this year.
Ezra Mason: (High-pitched) Wow, do you really mean it?
SCP-XXXX-A: Yes. I promise you… tomorrow will be a new day.
<End Log>
Foreword: The following is the last MPEG video file with no title. The video lasted exactly fifty-five minutes and three seconds (55:03) in total.
<Begin Log>
The video begins with Ezra walking in a hallway in his home at night. There is a distant feminine scream in the background as the camera begins to shake.
Ezra Mason: H-Hello? Mom? M-Mom?!
Ezra continues walking in the hallway as he opens the door to his parent's bedroom. Inside, SCP-XXXX-A stands on top of the bodies of Stephaine and Joshua Mason who remain motionless on top of their bed, which is in the center of the room. SCP-XXXX-A is currently holding a bloody kitchen knife.
Ezra Mason: (Heavy shuttering breaths) W-W… Wh… (indiscerptible muttering)
SCP-XXXX-A: Ezra, you aren't supposed to be up yet.
SCP-XXXX-A drops the knife and jumps off the bed. It begins to walk towards Ezra with wet blood on its overalls. Ezra drops the camera as it falls to the ground on its side. SCP-XXXX-A notices the camera as it looks back at Ezra with wide eyes.
SCP-XXXX-A: Ezra… I know you are scared… but believe me, this is what Santa is gi-
Ezra Mason: (Soft) Y-You… you k-k-killed her. (Sobs) You killed my m-mom!
SCP-XXXX-A: Ezra, listen to me, she was holding you back. They were both making your life miserable. Now, you can enjoy Christmas just like you've always wanted. It will always be filled with joy and w-
SCP-XXXX-A stops talking as it steps back in disbelief.
SCP-XXXX-A: Oh, Ezra… put the gun down. Children shouldn't be playing around with dangerous toys.
Ezra Mason: I trusted you. (Sniffs) I thought… I… I… (Cries)
SCP-XXXX-A: I-… I know you don't trust me, but you have to believe me, I did everything I could for you. I can give you all the presents you wish for. Isn't that what you want?
Ezra Mason: And what… n-n-now you're going to kill m-me too? (Whimpers) Just like you di-did to them-m?
SCP-XXXX-A: No! Everything I did, was for you.
Ezra Mason: (Yells) I didn't wish for this! You… you thought I would be happy?! (Heavy breathing) You… you are the bad thing in my life… you are the thing you should've killed.
SCP-XXXX-A: No, you don't mean that, Ezra.
Ezra Mason: This… is just an excuse to kill people… to go into people's homes and kill them. That's what you are, a Christmas murderer!
SCP-XXXX-A: (Walks towards Ezra) Please, let me expl-
Ezra's shadow begins receding into the room until three loud bangs are heard through the audio. SCP-XXXX-A begins to shake viciously until it falls to the floor and breathes heavily. Ezra runs to the frame of the bed and clenches it, dropping the gun.
SCP-XXXX-A: What did you do?
Ezra Mason: (Whimpers grabbing his heart) E-Elfie… what is happening to me?
SCP-XXXX-A: No… no, no, no…
SCP-XXXX-A stands up, limping towards Ezra slowly.
SCP-XXXX-A: Ezra, please, you need my help.
Ezra Mason: (Sobbing) I ne-need you… to l-l-leave.
SCP-XXXX-A stays still for a moment until it slowly walks out of the room, passing the recorder that remains on the floor. Ezra looks towards Stephaine Mason as he puts his hands over his face and mouth. A few minutes pass until his head jerks up towards the doorway.
Ezra Mason: Momma, is that you?
Ezra grabs the gun and leaves the room through the open doorway.
Footsteps and the garble of radios can be slightly heard outside of the room.
EP-6 "Barbie": Bathroom, clear.
EP-6 "Thunder": Hallway, clear.
Two figures enter the room one raises their gun towards Stephanie and Joshua Mason, who remain motionless on the bed. The other figure looks under the bed and then points their gun toward the closet door, peering inside.
EP-6 "Citadel": Oh my God. It reeks in here.
EP-6 "Thunder": (On radio) Two individuals in need of immediate medical assistance. I'm going to need an ambulance on 8646 ████████ ██████. Zip code, █████. (Pauses) We also found a camcorder on-site, over.
Overwatch: (On radio) Copy that, 2-1. Medical assistance en route. Continue with the sweep.
The recorder is picked up. The final shot is the dead bodies of Stepahine and Joshua Mason.
<End Log>
Closing Statement: Both Joshua and Stephaine Mason were found dead lying in their bed with multiple slash and stab wounds located in the pharynx. SCP-XXXX-A was found in its dormant state with a large bullet wound in its torso, lying outside the household covered in the blood of both parents. Ezra Mason's body was never found but is presumed dead.
Interviewed: SCP-XXXX-A and SCP-XXXX-B
Interviewer: Ness Grada; questions from Dr. Grada
Foreword: Initial interview after the events of 12/07/2009 conducted by Ness Grada, the nine-year-old son of Dr. Grada, who interviewed SCP-XXXX-A and SCP-XXXX-B. Further interviews should not be conducted with Ness Grada due to safety concerns.
<Begin Log>
The recording begins with an aeriel view of the interrogation room as two SCP-XXXX instances lay on the table with frozen grins. The door to the room opens as Ness Grada walks inside and shuts the door behind him. He looks towards the door once more until he turns back towards the table and takes a seat. He reaches into his pocket and grabs a folded piece of paper and a pen. He unravels the piece of paper and begins to read off of it.
Ness Grada: Umm… h-hi, my name is… Ness. (Pauses) My uhh… my Dad told me you are all Santa's elves. Is that true?
SCP-XXXX-A raises its head, looking at the walls and corners of the room. It then stares at Ness and stands up, curtsying towards him. SCP-XXXX-B remains in its dormant state.
SCP-XXXX-A: Pleasure to meet you, Ness! I'm Mother Elfie, mother to all Elfies! Yes, what you hear is true; I am one of Santa's most trusted elves. (Looks down to its right) Haven't you learned some respect, Peppermint?
SCP-XXXX-B looks up towards SCP-XXXX-A and with a grunt stands up. It clenches its fists slightly.
SCP-XXXX-B: Why do you continue to use those names that they gave us? We're no longer those rats in the plastic cages (barely audibly mutters) …yet, I'm in a new one now.
SCP-XXXX-A: Don't mind him, he woke up on the wrong side of the pole. (Looks at SCP-XXXX-B) Didn't you, Peppermint?
SCP-XXXX-B grunts and crosses its arms as it looks away from SCP-XXXX-A. Ness Grada is silent for some time until beginning to read off the paper. He brings it close to his face, squinting his eyes.
Ness Grada: And… um… we would all like to know, where is Santa?
SCP-XXXX-A: (Laughs) In the North Pole, of course! Why do you ask?
Ness Grada: They're asking if… umm, it's like something we contained… never mind…
SCP-XXXX-A and SCP-XXXX-B stand frozen on the table with confusion.
Ness Grada: Umm… a-alright then. Do you know who… Ezra Mason is or… give me more about what happened yesterday?
SCP-XXXX-A appears to be agitated and clenches their fists until smiling and calming themselves.
SCP-XXXX-A: That name… that name means nothing to me anymore. You make sure to tell them that.
The room stays silent for a short period as Ness tries to find more questions to ask the SCP-XXXX instances.
SCP-XXXX-A: Do you mind if I ask you a question now? It's only fair, you know?
Ness Grada: (Puts paper down) Yes, that is fair.
SCP-XXXX-A: (Smiles) What do you do for Christmas?
Ness Grada: Hmm… well, I don't really do anything for Christmas.
SCP-XXXX-A: Why is that?
Ness Grada: We get too busy around here during the holiday season.
SCP-XXXX-B: Snowy, he's not one of them. Don't bother.
SCP-XXXX-A: (Looks back) We don't know that, do we Peppermint? (Looks at Ness) Ness… don't you want to celebrate Christmas? Isn't it the most joyful holiday?
Ness Grada: I mean… yeah, I guess. It just hasn't been the same since… (wipes eyes) umm… since Jeff.
SCP-XXXX-A: (Squints eyes) He was your friend, wasn't he?
Ness Grada: He was… he always cared for me. Every Christmas he found a way to find toys and candy around… Site-02. He said he… traded… and sometimes fought the other guys who were in the same boat he was in. (Smiles) I would visit him every chance I got at his cell, not just Christmas. (Shaky voice) But… my Dad… he found out. He found out someone… who wasn't supposed to talk to me… was. (Cold) They killed him. They thought… I was in danger.
Ness's eyes become wet as tears run down his cheeks. He curls up his hands into fists as he struggles to let out words.
Ness Grada: I'm so sorry… cause… (Sniffles and laughs) You're probably the only things that even… He probably doesn't even care that I'm sad right now. (Sniffs) And I'm sad anyway. I can't breathe. I can't think. There's so much… why is that h-huh? Why does it hurt... so much?
SCP-XXXX-A: Because he was your friend…
Ness Grada: (Sniffles) That's stupid…
SCP-XXXX-A: No… it was stupid that Christmas was taken away from you at an early age. A kid in an adult world. Suffering. (Reaches out its hand) I can help you. I can help make Christmas special again. I can make you… special again. You just have to let us out.
Ness Grada looks at the extended hand and then looks at the door to the interrogation room. He looks back and stands up slowly, making his way to the door.
Ness Grada: (Back against the door) I'm sorry… I can't help you. (Pauses) And you can't help me.
SCP-XXXX-A: Please, let me help you, Ness. I can tell you're hurt. I can see it in you. Please, just let me fix it! Don't let me fail another chi-
The door to the interrogation room opens as three security personnel enter. The two instances go into a dormant state as Ness is ushered quickly out of the room.
<End Log>
Closing Statement: At this time, SCP-XXXX-A refuses to talk to the Foundation regarding Ezra Mason. Future efforts should be conducted to learn more concerning the true origin of SCP-XXXX.
Per 
