when was the elf on the shelf created

The Elf on the Shelf was created in 2005 by an author named Carol Aebersold. It is a Christmas tradition that involves a small doll-like figure who sits on a shelf and watches over children's behavior during the holiday season. Children are told that the Elf on the Shelf is Santa's helper and that he reports back to the North Pole each night about their behavior. The Elf on the Shelf is also believed to have magical powers that allow him to move around the house on his own.