when did elf on a shelf become popular

Elf on a Shelf became popular in the early 2000s. The idea of the elf is based on a children's book by the same name, which was published in 2005. Since then, the concept of the elf has become increasingly popular, with families all over the world using the elf to spread holiday cheer and create a sense of magic during the Christmas season. The elf is often placed on a shelf or in a prominent location in the home, where it can observe the family's behavior and report back to Santa. Many families have adopted the tradition of moving the elf each night, creating a playful and