The Elf on the Shelf,  a 2004 book based on Carol Aebersolds family tradition of an elf sent by Santa who came to watch over the children during Christmas time. The term “elf” originated in the 1500s from European folklore that elves are mischievous supernatural beings that create mischief for humans.

From this, The Lumistella Company and their passion for the holiday spirit brought the idea to life. Parents can purchase the Elf on the Shelf and bring the magic to their homes. Kids believe the elves gain their “magic” through holiday spirit and can use their magic to go to and from the North Pole each night to report to Santa on how the kids are behaving. Once the kids go to bed they wake up to the elf doing a different mischievous task. The only rule is kids cannot touch the elf and if they do the elf cannot move or go back to the north pole.

The Elf on the Shelf helps parents get their kids in the holiday spirit and helps them behave better during this time. The relationship a kid can gain with the elves is also an advantage like giving letters to the elves for Santa can help parents know exactly what the kid wants for Christmas. The elf also helps kids believe in Santa much longer. The elf begins on December 1 and leaves Christmas Eve to return to the North Pole and follow Santa’s sleigh. The elf is a great way to create a tradition and memories within a family and is a huge part of Christmas today.