The Elf on the Shelf is a fairly new Christmas 'tradition'.  The Elf first made its appearance in the book "The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition" in 2005.  The book was written by Carol Aebersold and her daughter Chanda Bell.  It is based on a family tradition that Chanda and her sister, Christa had when they were growing up.  The book comes with an elf. 

Carol had an elf doll that would 'magically' appear in a different part of the house every morning leading up to Christmas.  Chanda and Christa were told the Elf was watchingthem and it would tell Santa if they'd been naughty.

If you own an Elf on the Shelf, then you know there are many cute ideas to display your cute elf around the house during the holidays.  Elves love Christmastime and one of their favorite things about the holiday season are the festive decorations.  A perfect location for your elf is in your festive holiday wreath.  Elves also like to sit in Christmas trees among the ornaments, on a kitchen counter next to the hot chocolate mugs, on a window sill, by a plate of cookies for Santa or even on a festive fireplace mantel with garland and lights.  Any Elf on the Shelf likes to hide candy canes so plan a Candy Cane Hunt throughout the holiday season or on Christmas morning.

Two elf quotes .. Treat every day like its Christmas! .. There's room for everyone on the nice list!

Elf on the Shelf

floating above the 

Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

Merry Christmas