This Mom's Epic Elf On The Shelf Scenes Come With Lessons About Pop Culture And History

Now watch him whip. Now watch him nae nae.

When it comes to Elf on the Shelf, one mom of three has a rather ... educational approach.

Michele Bell received a lot of attention last year for the culturally relevant scenes she created each day for Alfie, her family's Elf on the Shelf. This year, she continues the tradition with even more references to books, movies, toys, music and pop culture icons throughout history.

Bell, who has a 9-year-old daughter and 7- and 4-year-old sons, told The Huffington Post that her kids loves Alfie's creative setups. "Every morning they still run to find him," she said. "They write him notes and ask him to hide in their rooms. They adore him."

For her part, the mom has tried to incorporate the kids' favorites ("Inside Out," the Peanuts characters and the "Whip/Nae Nae" dance), as well as some less familiar references (Jerry Garcia and Burning Man), into Alfie's shenanigans. Bell also includes lessons about giving back with her Salvation Army scene and impactful figures like Jane Goodall.

In addition to the fun pop culture references, the mom said she also likes to get "a little political" with causes that are important to her. "Seems kind of odd to put it on the elf but I do think the kids really learn something from him in his very unusual environment," she told HuffPost. "I also turn these pictures into annual Alfie coffee table books so the stories and the references go a long way in our home."

Bell plans to keep up the tradition as long as her kids believe in Elf on the Shelf and "the magic of Alfie." Beyond her own family, the mom is glad Alfie has made a splash on the Internet.

"I hope that people are entertained and that it brings cheer to their holiday season," she said. I certainly have fun doing it and it allows me to put my creative juices to work and the payout is that my children love the tradition and my friends get a chuckle over it."

Keep scrolling and visit Alfie on the Shelf's website and Instagram account for more delightful antics.

Alfie Garcia #alfiebell2015 #gratefuldead #gratefuldead50 #elfontheshelf @gratefuldead

A photo posted by Alfie (@alfieontheshelf) on

Watch him whip! #scoutelfreturnweek #elfontheshelf #whipnaenae #silento #alfiebell2015 @silento.__

A photo posted by Alfie (@alfieontheshelf) on

Where the Wild Alfie Is #alfiebell2015 #elfontheshelf #mauricesendak #wherethewildthingsare

A photo posted by Alfie (@alfieontheshelf) on

The Force Awakens Alfie #StarWars #theforceawakens #elfontheshelf #alfiebell2015

A photo posted by Alfie (@alfieontheshelf) on

Elf with a Pearl Earring #elfontheshelf #alfiebell2015 #johannesvermeer #girlwithapearlearring

A photo posted by Alfie (@alfieontheshelf) on

How the Grinch, er, Elf, Stole Christmas #elfontheshelf #alfiebell2015 #howthegrinchstolechristmas #drseuss

A photo posted by Alfie (@alfieontheshelf) on

Je Suis Paris #elfontheshelf #alfiebell2015 #jesuisparis

A photo posted by Alfie (@alfieontheshelf) on

Alfie's Christmas Story #alfiebell2015 #elfontheshelf #achristmasstory

A photo posted by Alfie (@alfieontheshelf) on

Spider-Man and Alfie are surfing their version of the world wide web. #alfiebell2015 #spiderman #elfontheshelf

A photo posted by Alfie (@alfieontheshelf) on

They're off to see the Wizard! #elfontheshelf #alfiebell2015 #thewizardofoz

A photo posted by Alfie (@alfieontheshelf) on

Alfie catching for @ktnolatx at Wrigley for #mlbformom #elfontheshelf #alfiebell2015 @cubs

A photo posted by Alfie (@alfieontheshelf) on

A photo posted by Alfie (@alfieontheshelf) on

Alfie steps in for dad at this #birdseedbandsf gig #elfontheshelf #alfiebell2015

A photo posted by Alfie (@alfieontheshelf) on

Burning Alfie #elfontheshelf #burningman #blackrockcity #alfiebell2015 #scoutelfreturnweek @burningman

A photo posted by Alfie (@alfieontheshelf) on

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