It's that time of the year again where parents send their children off to bed and then have to start stifling their giggles over their elf's latest bit of late night mischief. 

Thousands of homes across the area have been getting involved with the tradition which sees families tell children Santa’s scout elves are sent to be Santa’s eyes and ears and help him manage his naughty or nice list. 

And it seems every year parents are getting more and more creative with the positions children find the Christmas elves in the next morning.

But if you are struggling for ideas as we get closer to Christmas Day, we have put together some of our favourites so far from readers. 

Click the link at the bottom of the story to send in your pictures. 

1. Turn Tic Tacs into candy canes over night

Pic from Amanda Hickman

2. He doesn't always have to be in the living room, what if you found him in the fridge with a straw?

3. Or maybe your elf is feeling a little bit David Attenborough and fancies going on a winter safari

4. If your elf could be tempted by the dark side, this could be the one for you

Pic from Carla Inman

5. Or if they have finally been caught for causing mischief, how about this

6. If you think your elf is good with the ladies you might want to try this

Pic from Leanne Bearpark

7. Or if you think he would prefer a night in with the lads playing some cards, how about this

Pic from Kelly Floyd

8. He might be one of those organised elves who likes to arrange sack races in pick 'n' mix bags with his mates

Pic from Jenni Booth

Or how about a game of Elf Twister?

9. Or maybe he spends his time at night getting creative with toilet paper

10. Or there are other ways to build a snowman like this with cotton wool...

Or this with marshmallows...

11. Speaking of being creative...

12. But one thing is for sure, you should never leave him near flour or icing sugar

Pic from Tammy Blythe

13. Or your shower gel

14. And never, ever leave him near your light-up cinema box