what is the meaning of elf on the shelf

Elf on the shelf is a popular children's Christmas tradition where a small elf figurine is placed in a child's home for the holiday season. The elf's purpose is to watch over the child and report back to Santa Claus about the child's behavior. It is said that the elf is a magical creature who can move around the house at night while the child sleeps, and will return to the same place every day. The tradition is meant to encourage good behavior and inspire a sense of wonder in the child.