what is the story behind the elf on a shelf

The Elf on a Shelf is a popular Christmas tradition that began in 2005. The story tells of a mischievous elf who comes to visit families during the holidays. Each night, the elf flies back to the North Pole and reports to Santa about the children's behavior. In the morning, the elf returns to the family home and sits in a new spot, waiting to be discovered. The tradition is meant to be a fun way for children to learn about being good and making good choices. The elf is also said to bring good luck and protect the family from harm.