This has become a Christmas tradition in our house.  Our kids (age 3 and 2) race to find Bernie- our elf on the shelf- every morning.  It's fun for me and hubby too because we love to get creative at night hiding/positioning our elf all over the house.  If you don't celebrate Santa then it probably won't have the same excitement/meaning for you.  YOu could try hiding something else- a baby Jesus or Menorah but really the kids love finding the elf because they think he is going to tell Santa what they want for Christmas.  Of course, most kids love hide and seek so would find this fun even if they don't believe in Santa.  We love it.