Warning: This article may contain spoilers for young eyes. Even Jolly Ol’ St. Nick needs a helping hand now and again. While he sees you when you’re sleeping and knows when you’re awake, Santa Claus can’t be everywhere, all the time. That’s why he has an army of trusty elves to hel p determine who’s been naughty or nice and you probably know them as Scout Elves. But what’s the story behind Elf on the Shelf? Since first introduced in 2005, these red-suited figures have been become a fixture in homes worldwide come the holidays. They often appear in late November or early December and can be found in various places around the house. At day’s end, they fly back to the North Pole where they give Santa a detailed report on the day’s activities. Many parents embrace this magical holiday tradition and participate in arranging their adopted elves in varying setups, which range from simple to downright elaborate. Although it’s all in good fun, there’s a very specific goal in mind: to help encourage kids to be on their best behavior in the days leading up to Santa’s visit on Dec. 25. Whether you’ve been hosting elves for years or are inviting one to visit for the very first time, here’s everything to know about Santa’s special helpers, including the history and origin of Elf on the Shelf, how this holiday activity came to be, as well as the rules of this time-honored Christmas tradition. The story behind the Elf on the Shelf The Lumistella Company, home of The Elf on The Shelf® () Before there were Scout Elves, there was Fisbee, a pixie elf Carol Aebersold received when she was a child. In 1974, Aebersold told her three children that the elf was there to keep an eye on them in the days leading up to Christmas and would report back nightly to Santa about their behavior. Decades later, Carol and Chanda turned this charming family tradition into the book “The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition,” which was illustrated by Coë Steinwart. Christmas Dec 3 The ultimate stocking stuffers guide — Plus the history behind the tradition holidays Nov 20 The history of Christmas pajamas and how they became a beloved family tradition With the support of their family — in particular Christa and her marketing expertise — the book and accompanying Scout Elf figure debuted at a book signing in Marietta, Georgia, in 2005.  Elf on the Shelf Today In what is likely one of the most successful self-publishing stories of all time, more than 17.5 million Scout Elves have been adopted around the world since their debut.  The Elf on The Shelf is the heart of The Lumistella Company, with Carol’s daughters Chanda Bell and Christa Pitts at the helm as co-founders and co-CEOs. Beyond the book and Scout Elf figure, the tradition has blossomed into an enterprise, including everything from elf accessories to a stage musical to a float at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.  “We created The Elf on the Shelf tradition to help families have fun during the holidays by sparking moments of joy,” Bell told TODAY.com in a 2022 interview. Among the biggest joys of the Elf on the Shelf tradition is discovering where the Scout Elf has landed upon returning from a trip to the North Pole. Some elves might simply return to different spots on the same shelf, while others are found in some truly creative or comical scenes that the adults in the household can’t help but share on social media. “It seems Scout Elves have grown to be quite silly over the years. Yet, they always manage to match the personality of their family,” said Bell. Bell also told TODAY.com that “no Scout Elf ‘idea’ is too big or small,” and that The Lumistella Company has created many resources to help busy families “inspire” their elves for a fun and happy season, including the Claus Couture Collection of elf apparel and the Scout Elf Ideas app. Elf on the Shelf rules The Lumistella Company, home of The Elf on The Shelf® () It may be all fun and games, but there are some official Elf on the Shelf rules that everyone should follow, including: Children shouldn’t touch the Scout Elves or they’ll lose their Christmas magic. Scout Elves listen well, but they never speak to humans.  Scout Elves are always nice, often clever and humorous, but never cruel or naughty. After reporting back to Santa at the North Pole each night, Scout Elves are found the next morning in a new spot in the home. Scout Elves are adopted, not purchased. Why families love Elf on the Shelf Rebecca Rouse is a wife, mom of two and the home stylist/DIYer behind Rouse in the House and told TODAY.com that her household is “obsessed” when Ken, her family’s “main” Elf visits each December. And, according to Rouse, he doesn’t come alone. Ken is married with two adorable baby elves. “The wife and children only come on special occasions,” said Rouse. “My kids are always so ecstatic when they do.” Chantelle Hartman Malarkey, an interior designer, home chef and lifestyle expert, also eagerly awaits the opportunity to welcome her family’s Scout Elf each Christmas season. “All of us have enjoyed [The Elf on the Shelf] tradition, no matter how old or young we are,” Malarkey told TODAY.com in 2022. “When my kids wake up, I cannot wait to show them my elf masterpieces and all the creative trouble that will ensue.” Jeanna Crawford, the lifestyle influencer behind Jenna Loves Christmas on Instagram, sees the tradition as an opportunity for adults to get in on the holiday fun. “The magic of Elf on the Shelf reaches beyond the children the dolls are intended for and gives parents permission to play, flex their creative muscles and feel confident that they’re actively participating in the memory making during an otherwise busy holiday season,” she said of the annual tradition. And with millions of households sharing in that memory making, it seems that indeed The Elf on the Shelf tradition will carry on for years to come.   “I am thrilled that our family pastime continues to create merry moments which are being passed from one generation to the next with the earliest adopters of our tradition now sharing it with their own children,” said Bell. This story first appeared on TODAY.com. More from TODAY: All the New Christmas Movies Coming Out in 2025 and Where They’re Streaming Why My Fake Christmas Tree is Better Than Your Real One Christmas Decorators Face Shortage of Giant Santa Displays ...read more read less