what does elf on shelf do

The Elf on the Shelf is a toy that is also a Christmas tradition. The idea is that a special elf is sent from the North Pole to live in a child's home and report to Santa Claus on the child's behavior. Each night, the elf flies back to the North Pole and returns in the morning. This tradition is meant to encourage children to be good, so that the elf will report good behavior back to Santa Claus.