The Elf on the Shelf: A Birthday Tradition In Santa's Christmas village, the elves have their own special way of celebrating birthdays-a tradition that goes back thousands of years. Now, at the request of children around the world, Santa has given special permission for his scout elves to share that tradition with the families who love them. But an elf cannot come to a birthday party unless it is invited. The Elf on the Shelf: A Birthday Tradition tells the little-known story of the North Pole birthday tradition, and includes special instructions for families to invite their scout elf for a birthday visit. The book also includes a special Claus Couture Collection Birthday Outfit just for the elf. Written in signature rhyme by best-selling authors Carol Aebersold and Chanda Bell, and illustrated with Coë Steinwart's classic watercolor art, the book represents the first original title from this award-winning team since the publication of The Elf on the Shelf in 2005. (Elf not included.).