what's the story of the elf on the shelf

The story of the Elf on the Shelf is a beloved Christmas tradition. It's a tale about a special elf sent from the North Pole to watch over children and report back to Santa. The elf has magical powers that allow it to fly, but it also has a unique job to do while it's in the house. Every night, while the children are sleeping, the elf reports back to Santa about their behavior and whether they've been naughty or nice.