when did the elf on the shelf start

The Elf on the Shelf tradition began in 2005 when a family in Wisconsin created a special toy elf to help keep their children in line during the holiday season. The parents would secretly move the elf around the house each day, reporting back to Santa on the children's behavior. The idea quickly caught on and became a popular holiday tradition, with parents worldwide adopting their own versions of the Elf on the Shelf. Today, the Elf on the Shelf is a beloved part of many families' Christmas celebrations, providing a bit of playful magic and an opportunity to instill good behavior in children.