I can't say for sure, but I do know that Santa loves children and wants to see them happy. Perhaps he thought that the Elf on the Shelf would be a fun way for children to have a little more magic and adventure in their lives. It's possible that he wanted to create a new tradition that would bring families together and create special memories for children. Whatever the reason, the Elf on the Shelf has become a beloved part of the holiday season for many families.