what is with elf on the shelf

Elf on the Shelf is a popular toy doll that has become a Christmas tradition. The doll is placed on a shelf to watch children throughout the holiday season, and if they behave well, it reports back to Santa, but if they misbehave, it will report that as well. The Elf on the Shelf is often seen as a way to encourage good behavior in children during the holidays, and it has become a popular part of many families' Christmas traditions.