<P> The book tells how the magic might disappear if the scout elf is touched, so the rule for The Elf on the Shelf states, "There's only one rule that you have to follow, so I will come back and be here tomorrow: Please do not touch me . My magic might go, and Santa won't hear all I've seen or I know ." Although families are told not to touch their scout elf, they can speak to it and tell it all their Christmas wishes so that it can report back to Santa accurately . </P> <P> The story ends on Christmas Day with the elf leaving to stay with Santa for the rest of the year until the following Christmas season . </P> <P> The Elf on the Shelf was written in 2004 by Carol Aebersold and daughter Chanda Bell over a cup of tea . Bell suggested they write a book about an old tradition of an elf sent from Santa who came to watch over them at Christmas time . Aebersold's other daughter, Christa Pitts, was recruited by the family to share her expertise in sales and marketing . Together, the trio devoted the next three years promoting their self - published book and attending book signings and trade shows . </P> <P> The Elf on the Shelf won the Best Toy Award by Learning Express, won Book of the Year Award from Creative Child Awards and National Best Books Award sponsored by USA Book News in 2008 . In 2012, The Elf on the Shelf made its first appearance in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade alongside fellow parade newcomers Hello Kitty and Papa Smurf . In 2013, The Elf on the Shelf hit the #1 spot on the USA Today Bestsellers List . </P>

Who made up the elf on the shelf