how did elf on the shelf start

The Elf on the Shelf concept began in 2005 when Carol Aebersold and her daughters wrote a children's book titled "The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition." In the story, Santa sends one of his elves to families' homes to watch over them and report back on their behavior. The elf arrives the day after Thanksgiving and hides in a different spot each night until Christmas Eve. Children are encouraged to find the elf each morning and interact with it.