How 'Elf on the Shelf' Stars in the Merry Making of Celebrity Moms

Celebrity moms seem to love the Elf on the Shelf as much as everyone else.

This season, they have shared dozens of pictures on Instagram showing where they are putting their adorable Elves to celebrate Christmas.

The Elf on the Shelf has been a long staple with families across the world. The beloved elf debuted in the 2005 children's book of the same name written by Carol Aebersold and her daughter, Chanda Bell, with illustrations by Cloe Steinwart.

The book is about Santa Claus' "scout elves," who are sent to homes across the world to report good or naughty behavior back to Jolly Old St. Nick. These elves play hide and seek with families and can become magical if a child names and loves them.

The Elf on the Shelf is one of the few recent additions to Christmas traditions that has stuck. Celebrities have flocked to the fun idea, which even spawned an animated special in 2011. The same team behind the first book also wrote a sequel in 2013, The Elf on the Shelf: A Birthday Tradition.