how long has the elf on a shelf been around

The Elf on the Shelf is a popular Christmas tradition that originated in the United States. It's a children's storybook written by Carol Aebersold and Chanda Bell in 2005, which was inspired by the family tradition of having an elf that sits on a shelf in their home during the holiday season. The story tells the tale of a magical elf who watches over children to ensure they're behaving well and reports back to Santa Claus each night. Since its introduction, the tradition has become increasingly popular and now is a Christmas tradition in many homes worldwide.