what's elf on shelf

The Elf on the Shelf is a popular Christmas tradition where a small elf doll is placed on a shelf or in a special spot in a home or classroom, watching over children's behavior. Every night, the elf reports back to Santa, and each morning, children find the elf has moved to a new location, often playing a trick or leaving a note. The idea is to encourage good behavior and make the holiday season more magical and exciting.