A very creepy tradition perpetrated by adults around children of young ages. The legend goes that the elf on the shelf is hidden and watches the children and then reports back to Santa with his findings. In a nutshell, this is
Santa's NSA, with less phone taps. Although this may seem a
jocular activity to keep your offspring in line, it actually is a pervy way to watch over your kids, using the threat of not receiving gifts during
the holiday season. The adult version of this practice is not-so-subtly named whore in a drawer
Dad 1: Hey Rick did you hide the elf on the shelf for
little bobby and Susie this year?
Dad 2: Hell yeah I did,
Arty. I put it in the bathroom so my kids will
shit bricks.