The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition is an activity the entire family will enjoy. During the holiday season, the elf watches children by day and reports to Santa each night. When children awake, the elf has returned from the North Pole and can be found hiding in a different location. Based on the tradition Carol Aebersold began with her family in the 1970s, this cleverly rhymed children's book explains that Santa knows who is naughty and/or nice because he sends a scout elf to every home. This activity allows The Elf on the Shelf to become a delightful hide-and-seek game.