An Elf on the Shelf is a tradition where an elf doll is placed in your home, and every night, the elf moves to a new location. It's said that the elf watches your behavior during the day and reports back to Santa Claus at night. To get your own Elf on the Shelf, you can purchase one from a department store or online retailer. Once you have your elf, you can name it, and place it in your home. Be sure to tell your elf's name to your children, so they can communicate with it.