Elf on the Shelf

The Elf on the Shelf is a Christmas tradition begun in the 1970's by Carol Aebersold. The book was published by CCA and B, an acronym for Creatively Classic Activities and Books, which was founded by Aebersold and her twin daughters Chanda Bell and Christa Pitts. The tradition began when Aebersold's children became curious about how Santa was able to determine who was naughty and who was nice. Aebersold answered their question by introducing her children to a toy elf and explained to them that the elf was one of Santa's scouts and that every night he made a trip to the North Pole to report on their behavior. Every morning, after completing his journey, the elf was found in a different location in their house. In 2005, The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition became a registered trademark when Aebersold and daughter Bell decided to share their family's tradition. It saw limited distribution in 2005, 2006, and 2007, but increased in popularity after winning the 2008 Learning Express Best Toy Award for "Best Book." In 2009 it became one of the top selling holiday items in the United States, as well as the number one best selling item on Barnes and Noble's website, and was featured in the December 09 issue of Southern Living, Disney's family.com, and Holidash. The book, and its accompanying line of products, has also been seen on "Regis and Kelly," "The Today Show" and several other television and radio programs. [URL="http://www.cherrylanecollection.com/Elf_On_Shelf.htm"]Elf on the Shelf[/URL]