what is the elf on the shelf tradition

The Elf on the Shelf tradition is a popular holiday tradition that originated in Germany and was brought to America by a toy maker named Santa's Scout. It involves placing an elf doll in a child's home during the Christmas season, and the doll is said to have the power to report back to Santa about the child's behavior. Each day, the elf moves to a different location in the home and the child must search for the elf to find where he or she is hiding.