The countdown is on and travel schedules have been distributed. Get ready, here they come; the scout elves are on the way.

Santa’s scouts will soon report for duty at their adopted families’ homes throughout the communities. The fun, yet sometimes mischievous, little elves have received their travel schedules and will make their appearance in just a matter of days.

The Elf on the Shelf® has become an enjoyable Christmas tradition for countless families around the world. The children’s picture book, written by Carol Aebersold and daughter Chanda Bell in 2004, includes a small, soft pixie scout elf. The story, written in rhyme, describes how Santa knows who is naughty and nice with help from these special elves who help to serve as his eyes and ears, and report back each night between Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve.

Two rules come with the elf: he must be given a name in order to receive his/her special Christmas magic and he cannot be touched. However, though touching is off limits, you can speak to him/her and share all of your Christmas wishes so he/she can accurately report back to Santa.

Once everyone goes to bed, the elf flies home to the North Pole to tell of the day’s activities, good or bad. Before the family wakes up each morning, the elf flies back from the North Pole and hides in a different place around the house. This is when the magical little pixie seems to end up in some funny, and usually mischievous situations. After all, he has been at the North Pole for a year and is again full of curiosity and imagination.

To enhance family and elf activities, you can visit www.elfontheshelf.com and have access to Santa’s North Pole blog, print crafts for elves and more. There is also an app is available for download to your smartphone. With this app, families can see the exact arrival and departure times of their elf. It also offers fun daily photos to inspire each elf during the Christmas season. There is also special daily reminder alerts from the North Pole.

So if you’re looking to add a wonderful and enjoyable tradition to your family’s Christmas season, the Elf on the Shelf® may be just the perfect addition.