where does the elf on the shelf come from

The Elf on the Shelf is a modern-day Christmas tradition that originated in the United States. The original idea was created by Carol Aebersold and her daughter Chanda Bell. It was first published as a children's book in 2005 and has since become a popular cultural phenomenon. The concept revolves around a magical elf who watches children's behavior throughout the holiday season, reporting back to Santa every night. The elf arrives on the first day of December and hides in the home, moving around to surprise the children each day.