Family Behind ‘Elf on the Shelf’ Marks 20 Years

This year marks the 20th anniversary of Elf on the Shelf, a Marietta family’s Christmas tradition that blossomed into an entertainment and merchandise phenomenon.

In 2005, mother of three Carol Aebersold and daughter Chanda Bell self-published The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition and hosted the first book signings at a Marietta museum.

After the book’s success, another daughter, Christa Pitts, joined with them to grow the brand into a global line of holiday books, TV shows, movies, merchandise, and collectibles, with more than 30 million elf-themed figurines sold across 29 countries.

The idea came from the family’s tradition of moving a toy elf around their home, with the warning to children that the elf reports back to Santa, so they should behave.

“We weren’t allowed to touch him, because he could lose his magic. Ultimately, that idea became the lore of The Elf on the Shelf,” Pitts said.

Fun-Filled Bowl Game Awaits Fans 

Georgia Tech fans can expect Saturday’s Pop-Tarts Bowl in Orlando, Florida, to provide plenty of fun off the field, keeping with the bowl’s tradition of next-level antics.

“This year’s game is giving fans exactly what they crave: more mascots, more ‘only-at-the-Pop-Tarts-Bowl’ moments and more ways than ever to be part of the action—whether cheering from the stands or watching the game from their couch,” organizers said in a statement.

Fans can vote live to decide which team’s edible Pop-Tarts mascots, Team Sprinkles or Team Swirls, gets “sacrificed” and eaten in a sugary spectacle. A fan fest, sideline mascot cams, and stadium treats like Pop-Tarts nachos add to the fun.

Last week, the bowl unveiled sprinkle-themed helmet designs for each team.

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➤ Wish Book: Christmas memories for me are amazing. I didn’t realize at the time that my parents were not “affluent.” However, sitting with my Mom and sister, going through the Sears Roebuck catalog—and marking something on every page—is a treasured memory. We always had toys and clothes from Santa under the tree. Thinking back to those precious days, I wonder now how my parents accomplished these wonderful Christmastimes for us! —Glenda, Bogart

➤ Park Exploring: Some of my favorite times at Christmas were vacations with the kids. We picked a different state park every year and rented a cabin. Those are great memories —Lynne, Lagrange

➤ Agnes’ Gifts: My dad started a tradition many years ago at our family holiday party. If you see something someone would like, or is a suitable gag gift, wrap it and tag it for that person, signed “from Agnes.” Agnes’ gifts are distributed all at once at the party. You never know what they may be or who gives them. We have been receiving Agnes’ gifts for 25 years since my dad passed. —Becky, Fayetteville

➤ Gingerbread Caper: A long-standing tradition in our family centers around my mom’s giant gingerbread house. The rules are simple: quietly relocate it to your house before she notices, enjoy the moment until she realizes it’s missing, and then faithfully return it. What began as a lighthearted joke has grown into a coordinated family event involving distractions, decoys, defenders, and this year, even my kids joining in. It’s a little ridiculous, mildly chaotic, and a sweet reminder that the joy of the season is found in togetherness, laughter, and sharing small moments that point us back to gratitude and love. —Mandi, Braselton

➤ Good Times Roll: I remember that Christmas in 1983. It was 15 to 18 degrees where I lived near Milledgeville. We had gotten our son a moped for Christmas. He and my niece would zoom around for a little while, come in and warm up, and head back out again. Fun times and great memories! —Cissy, Macon

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What’s your favorite Pop-Tarts flavor?

1. Strawberry
2. Brown sugar cinnamon
3. S’mores
4. Chocolate
5. Blueberry
6. Other

Yesterday’s Results:

Do you leave milk and cookies for Santa?

1. Used to: 37%
2. No: 32%
3. Yes: 31%

What’s the name of the elf figurine that inspired Elf on the Shelf?

Show me the answer