Memes are a tricky thing to understand. What could end up being a normal photo can eventually become a meme later in life and nothing is safe! Not even an Elf on a Shelf!
While you may have a fear of the elf just because it scarred you as a kid, the internet is here to save the day with alternative "elves on shelves" that you could use for the upcoming holidays like:
Eeevee on a TV
Shrek on a Deck
Furry on a Jury
Morty on a Forty
Michael Scott on a Tater Tot
Peach on a Beach