Furious parents hit out after woman ‘takes Elf on the Shelf prank too far’

For those of us who indulge in a bit of Elf on the Shelf mischief at Christmas time, we're likely to know it as a fun, yet harmless, game.

And for those who have no idea what I'm talking about, allow me to explain.

Elf on the Shelf is a festive tradition during which parents buy a toy elf that has been 'sent' to the house in order to watch over the family and report back to Santa on who has been naughty or nice.

Parents often hide the elf in different parts of the home, and they've more often than not got themselves into a bit of mischief.

Kids delight in finding the elf in various hiding spots, with some classic Elf on the Shelf ideas include hanging out in the Christmas tree, or having snuck into a jar of cookies.

The pesky elves get up to mischief (Anna Barclay/Getty Images)

However, it turns out it might be possible to take the innocent game a bit too far.

Parents over on Facebook are fuming after somebody shared an Elf on the Shelf image with the caption: "The kids will never forgive me," with a crying laughing emoji.

The offending picture shows chicken bones arranged to look like the bones of the Elf, complete with blood (well, ketchup.)

A sticky note beneath the plate reads: "The elf was delicious! Had the cookies for dessert. Thanks, Santa."

One person commented: "The kids will need therapy lol," as another said: "My kids would be completely devastated and traumatised for life. Therapy isn't cheap."

While a third chimed: "That's not funny at all children believe in the elf's they make Christmas time so much better and exciting."

But it seems that some did see the funny side.

Oh dear... (Facebook/Reeka Garth)

"Maybe this would end the commitment to hide him day in and day out. Such a chore. Lol! My kids are grown", one person wrote.

Another said: "This is the best one by far. Brilliant."

But the elf is far from the only thing that's had people up in arms already this Christmas.

Advent calendar enjoyers were left fuming after their Celebrations calendar had a Bounty chocolate between the first, second and third doors.

At the time, somebody reacted: "Anyone else got the Celebrations advert calendar? The first 3 days of mine have been bounty which I don’t mind a bounty but this is ridiculous."

Luckily, the fourth day granted the chocoholics a Galaxy - and all was right with the world once again.