what is the story with the elf on the shelf

The Elf on the Shelf is a Christmas tradition that originated in Germany in the 19th century. According to the tradition, Santa's elves would hide in homes to report to Santa whether the children had been good or bad. The first modern Elf on the Shelf was created in 2005 by author Carol Aebersold and her daughters, who used the story to help teach their children the importance of good behavior. Today, the Elf on the Shelf is a popular Christmas tradition, with parents placing the elf in different places around the house each night to surprise their children.