The Elf on the Shelf is a Christmas tradition where a special elf is sent by Santa to watch over children and report back to him on whether they have been naughty or nice. Each family receives an elf that they name and place in their home each day during the Christmas season. The elf is said to come to life at night, flying back to the North Pole to report to Santa, then returning to the family's home by morning. The elf is not to be touched, as it may lose its Christmas magic.