In the movie Elf, the story begins at the North Pole, where a human baby accidentally crawls into Santa's bag during a Christmas Eve delivery. The baby, named Buddy, is discovered by Santa and the elves, who decide to raise him as one of their own, despite his obvious size difference. Papa Elf explains that Buddy was the son of Walter Hobbs, a human who never knew about his child.

As Buddy grows up, he struggles to fit in with the other elves due to his massive size. He tries hard to make toys but is comically slower and less skilled than the other elves. When he finally learns the truth about his human origins, he decides to travel to New York City to find his biological father, Walter Hobbs.

Upon arriving in New York, Buddy is wide-eyed and innocent, wearing his full elf costume and experiencing the city with pure wonder. He finds Walter, who works as a children's book publisher, but Walter is initially shocked and dismissive of Buddy's claims of being his son. Buddy's childlike enthusiasm and literal interpretation of the world create numerous comedic moments as he navigates the human world.

Gradually, Buddy begins to form a relationship with Walter's family, including his wife and son Michael. His pure Christmas spirit and genuine love start to soften Walter's initially cynical demeanor. He gets a job at a Christmas store and tries to spread holiday cheer to everyone he meets.

The story culminates in a Christmas Eve adventure where Buddy helps save Christmas by rallying New Yorkers to believe in the Christmas spirit and helping Santa's sleigh, which is struggling to fly due to lack of Christmas spirit. His genuine love and belief ultimately bring his family together and restore the magic of Christmas.

The ending of "Elf" sees Buddy the Elf rallying the citizens of New York City to help him save Christmas when Santa's sleigh is unable to take off due to a lack of Christmas spirit. They gather and sing Christmas carols, reviving the spirit that powers Santa's sleigh, allowing Santa to complete his journey.

In an expanded narrative, the climax of the movie unfolds as Buddy learns that Santa's sleigh isn't flying because it lacks Christmas spirit. In the midst of New York City, where Christmas cheer seems dimmed, Buddy springs into action. He realizes that the key to saving Christmas is to spark joy and belief in the hearts of people around him.

As Buddy spreads holiday cheer, he encounters a range of characters, including his father Walter, who has been initially focused on work rather than the spirit of Christmas. Walter, witnessing Buddy's unwavering positivity and determination to save Christmas, begins to soften. He joins Buddy in his efforts, realizing the importance of family and holiday spirit.

The streets of New York come alive with the sounds of Christmas music as Buddy encourages everyone he meets to join in the festive spirit. People start to gather, drawn in by Buddy's joy and infectious enthusiasm. They sing together, their voices rising in a chorus that fills the air with warmth and hope.

Meanwhile, Santa Claus is in distress, unable to take off without the required spirit of belief. The sleigh sits on the ground, a symbol of the Christmas magic that is faltering. As the crowd continues to sing and share their love for Christmas, glimmers of belief begin to shine. One by one, they rediscover the joy of the season, inspired by Buddy's relentless dedication to spreading Christmas cheer.

Amidst the jubilant throng, we see transformed characters, including Buddy's brother Michael, who joins in with gusto, and even his father Walter, whose heart has finally opened to the spirit of the holidays. It's a striking moment that encapsulates the film's message about the power of belief, love, and togetherness.

As the crowd continues to sing, the sleigh suddenly lifts from the ground, a testament to the revitalized spirit that now fills the city. With glee and amazement, Buddy and the citizens watch as Santa's sleigh takes flight, with Santa himself filled with gratitude for Buddy's efforts.

In this climactic moment, the chaos of New York gives way to the magic of Christmas. The visuals are vibrant, capturing the joy and wonder that radiate from both the characters and the audience. Buddy beams with pride and joy, knowing that he played a crucial role in saving Christmas.

In the concluding scenes, we see the aftermath of this joyous event, showing families reunited and the Christmas spirit restored throughout the city. Buddy's relationship with his father becomes stronger, embracing the theme of family that runs through the film. The final moments are filled with laughter, love, and the fulfillment of Christmas spirit, leaving audiences with a sense of hope and warmth as the screen fades to black.

Yes, "Elf" is generally considered a family-friendly movie. The film features humorous and whimsical content appropriate for children. However, some scenes may include mild language and themes that could be sensitive for very young or sensitive viewers, such as references to adult situations or feelings of loneliness. Overall, these elements are presented in a light-hearted manner, and the overall tone of the film is positive and uplifting.