what does elf on the shelf do

The Elf on the Shelf is a mischievous scout sent from the North Pole by Santa Claus to oversee the good and bad deeds of children. Each morning, the elf watches the child and reports back to Santa at night. The child mustn't touch the elf or it will lose its magic, and the elf will not move or speak until the child falls asleep. The elf brings joy, magic, and an extra dose of Christmas spirit to the home throughout the holiday season.