what is the tradition of elf on the shelf

Elf on the Shelf is a popular holiday tradition that involves placing a stuffed elf toy in a different place every day during the Christmas season. The elf is said to be a spy who reports back to Santa if the children have been behaving well or not. It's a fun way to encourage children to be good and create a sense of excitement and wonder around the holiday season. Elf on the Shelf originated as a book written by Carol Aebersold and her daughter Chanda Bell in 2005.