'Elf on the Shelf' Gone Wild: Photos Crack Up Internet

The widely popular children's picture book "The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition"  — accompanied by a pocket-sized plush doll — by Carol Aebersold and her daughter Chanda Bell came out in 2005 and tells the story of Santa Claus getting help from little elves who sit on shelves to help the big man make his naughty and nice lists. As the story goes, the elf, plopped on a perch, watches over a family to make sure the children behave over the holiday season, acting as the eyes and ears for the North Pole. Since the tale was published, "The Elf on the Shelf" has seen a surge in popularity. From a made-for-TV movie that aired in 2011 on CBS to a Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade float premiered the following year, the miniature toy has evolved into an enormous media personality. "The Elf on the Shelf" no longer plumps itself on a mantel acting as Santa's police officer. Instead, owners of the toy place it in all different positions and share the elaborate scenes on social media. Check out some elves that are making the most of their time by partying, eating, falling in love, and getting into all sorts of mild-mannered trouble. — Lauren Tuck, Shine Staff