what is the elf on the shelf

The Elf on the Shelf is a Christmas tradition where a magical elf named Santa's Scout flies to children's homes to keep an eye on them during the holiday season. The Scout reports back to Santa with a daily report, letting him know whether the child has been good or bad. In the morning, the Scout returns to his hiding spot in the child's home, making the elf's whereabouts a mystery and adding to the excitement of Christmas!