The Elf Online

Families often use the elf to inspire good behavior and create "magical" mornings through various creative setups: Quick elf ideas for last minute - Facebook

Children are never allowed to touch the elf, or they will lose their magic and be unable to fly back to report to Santa.

The elf arrives in a keepsake box with the official book. Once a family names their elf, they receive their "magic" and can fly back to the North Pole each night to report to Santa.

The tradition of " The Elf on the Shelf " is a modern holiday phenomenon based on a 2005 children's book by Carol Aebersold and Chanda Bell. It centers on a "Scout Elf" sent by Santa from the North Pole to act as his eyes and ears in a family's home throughout December.