Well, an Elf on a Shelf is a popular Christmas tradition where a special elf doll is placed in the home as a way to encourage children to behave nicely. Children are told that the elf is watching them, and that he reports back to Santa Claus if they've been good or bad. The elf can be placed in different spots around the house, and children love to search for him each day. So, to draw an Elf on a Shelf, you'll need to start with the basic outline of the elf's body and face.