how old is elf on a shelf

Elf on a Shelf is a beloved children's book character that was created in 2005 by author and illustrator Carol Aebersold. The character is based on an elf who watches over children during the Christmas season and reports back to Santa Claus if they've been naughty or nice. Elf on a Shelf has become a popular holiday tradition and is often seen as a symbol of the magic and wonder of Christmas. As for how old the character is, the book itself states that the elf was created many years ago and has been passed down through generations.