what is the elf on a shelf story

The Elf on the Shelf is a beloved Christmas tradition that originated in Germany and later spread around the world. According to the story, the elf is a magical being who watches over children and reports back to Santa about their behavior. Every night, the elf leaves the North Pole and travels to a different family's home, where he hides in a new location every day. The elf is there to encourage good behavior and help Santa decide who has been naughty and who has been nice. In the morning, the children try to find the elf and see where he has hidden.