where did the elf on the shelf originate

The Elf on the Shelf is a popular Christmas tradition that originated in 2005, when Carol Aebersold and her daughter Chanda Bell created the story of Santa's scout elves. They came up with the idea of the elves secretly watching over children's behavior during the Christmas season and reporting back to Santa Claus. The tradition caught on quickly, and since then, many families have adopted their own Elf on the Shelf who visits each December and brings magic and joy to the holiday season.