Elf on the Shelf is a Christmas tradition started by Carol Aebersold and her daughters, Chanda Bell and Christa Pitts. It started as a family tradition but in 2005 Carol and her daughters published a book and elf kit, " Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition".. Learn the history of the Elf on the Shelf, including how the Christmas tradition began, the origin of Scout Elves and official rules of the beloved custom.
You've seen the Elf on the Shelf, but do you know the history behind the holiday tradition? The naughty toy Christmas elf has a backstory—here's how it started.. The Elf on the Shelf lore began in 2004, when mother-daughter duo Carol Aebersold and Chanda Bell wrote the children's book of the same name (via Martha Stewart Living). In the story, elves get adopted by families and integrated into their Christmas traditions every year. When the family gives the elf a name, the elf receives its Christmas magic.