what's with elf on a shelf

The tradition of Elf on a Shelf originated from a 2005 children's book by the same name, written by Carol Aebersold, Chanda Bell, and their mother, Coleea Moore. The story follows a Christmas elf who comes to life each night and watches over children to report their behavior back to Santa. The elf's purpose is to encourage children to behave well and follow the rules during the Christmas season, and in return, Santa will give them gifts on Christmas Day.