Emilie Kiser Shares Why Elf on the Shelf Is ‘Difficult’ Following Her Son’s Death
Emilie Kiser is grappling with her profound grief following the tragic loss of her young son during this holiday season.
“I prepared for changes in my personal life, but I wasn’t ready for the images that would appear each time I checked my phone,” Kiser, 26, shared on her Instagram Story on Monday, December 1, giving insight into her feelings as Christmas approaches. “I recognize I have control over my actions, and I can take steps to safeguard my mental health. I’ve learned to limit my phone usage and avoid scrolling. Yet, seeing all these moms participating in Elf on the Shelf brings back painful memories of cherished traditions.”
Her life took a somber turn in May when her 3-year-old son, Trigg, passed away after being found unconscious in their Arizona home pool. (Emilie and her husband, Brady Kiser, welcomed their second son, Theodore, in March.)
“Teddy is too young for holiday traditions like Elf this year, and honestly, I just can’t muster the energy for it,” Emilie conveyed to her 2 million Instagram followers. “These moments make grief feel incredibly heavy and disorienting.”
As December 2025 begins, Emilie reflects on how significantly her life has transformed in just a year.
“Last December was vastly different, filled with special moments with Trigg,” she remarked. “This year, and every year thereafter, will feel unique in its own way, but will never echo the same joy.”
Though Emilie has resumed her social media presence, she took a break for several months following Trigg’s passing.
During her time away from social media, authorities submitted a criminal charge recommendation concerning Trigg’s father, who was present during the incident.
The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office later released a statement indicating there was “no likelihood of conviction.” (Brady’s attorney expressed appreciation in July for the thorough investigation, asserting that the incident was “a tragic accident.”)
Emilie returned to social platforms in August and paid homage to her “baby and best friend” Trigg.
“Experiencing such immense loss feels beyond words,” she expressed on Instagram. “The light he brought into this world was pure, joyful, and unmistakable. We miss him every second, and moving forward often feels daunting. I never anticipated grieving in this way or the abruptness of losing him.”
Emilie also mentioned that she “should have taken more precautions to keep him safe,” which included installing a permanent pool fence.
As followers glimpse into Emilie’s grieving process, she clarified why she chooses to be transparent online.
“I’m not sharing this for sympathy,” she stated in her latest post. “I merely hope that being open about my journey might resonate with someone else facing similar struggles.”
For more information on pool safety, see Bode Miller’s tips and visit Coverstar’s website during Water Safety Awareness Month.
