why didn't my elf on the shelf move

Oh, that's because the elf on the shelf is simply a decoration, not a living being. It's a tradition in many homes during the holiday season to have an elf on the shelf, a small doll that is placed somewhere in the home to watch over children and report their behavior to Santa. The elf's purpose is to serve as a reminder for children to behave well and to instill the spirit of the season. However, the elf itself does not actually move or speak.