My kids came home from school today asking why their Elf didn't come. I've gotten away from it every other year, but this year they seemed really hurt and disappointed that their friends had elves and they didn't. I have no problem acquiring one (except that they're sold out everywhere!) but I do have a problem telling them that the Elf reports back to Santa on their behaviour.
If you do Elf on the Shelf but you don't use him as a surveillance tool for good behaviour, what's your story? He's just an elf who comes to visit during Christmas to spread holiday spirit?