The Elf on the Shelf is a beloved Christmas tradition. It began with the idea of Santa's elves magically traveling around the world to watch over children and report their behavior back to Santa on Christmas Eve. This tradition has become a cherished part of Christmas for many families. Each year, the Elf is placed in a new location each night, and children wake up in the morning to discover where the Elf has been hiding. It's a fun way to celebrate the magic of Christmas and to remind children that Santa is watching and cares about their behavior.