Families in Ipswich, Felixstowe, Bury St Edmunds, Stowmarket, Woodbridge and Newmarket will be expecting a visit from a naughty little elf tonight as the Christmas tradition continues.

Ipswich Star: Elf on Shelf is back for Christmas 2016Elf on Shelf is back for Christmas 2016 (Image: Archant)

The original concept came from Elf on the Shelf, which first became popular in 2005 when The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition book was released by Carol Aebersold and her daughter Chanda Bell.

Ipswich Star: Elf on Shelf is back for Christmas 2016Elf on Shelf is back for Christmas 2016 (Image: Archant)

The story centres around a a little elf sent from the North Pole to watch over children and report back to Santa, letting him know who should be on the naughty list and who deserves a place on the nice list.

Ipswich Star: Elf on Shelf is back for Christmas 2016Elf on Shelf is back for Christmas 2016 (Image: Archant)

The elves visit at night and children wake each morning to find he has got himself into mischief with the little characters being found in ever-more ambitious situations from holding toys hostage, to abseiling down the side of the bath to creating ‘snow angels’ in the kitchen with icing sugar.

Ipswich Star: A race to the bottom - such naughty elves. These are among the many variations of the elves that have been created since the original Elf on the Shelf characters were introducedA race to the bottom - such naughty elves. These are among the many variations of the elves that have been created since the original Elf on the Shelf characters were introduced (Image: Archant)

The elves encourage children to be on best behaviour in the run up to Christmas.

Ipswich Star: Ooops naughty elf got her hands on the toothpaste. These are among the many variations of the elves that have been created since the original Elf on the Shelf characters were introducedOoops naughty elf got her hands on the toothpaste. These are among the many variations of the elves that have been created since the original Elf on the Shelf characters were introduced (Image: Archant)

Now other versions of the elf have started to appear.

Ipswich Star: A race to the bottom - such naughty elves. These are among the many variations of the elves that have been created since the original Elf on the Shelf characters were introducedA race to the bottom - such naughty elves. These are among the many variations of the elves that have been created since the original Elf on the Shelf characters were introduced (Image: Archant)

Here we share some of our favourites from last year and this year we want readers to share theirs so we can pick our favourites each day.

Ipswich Star: This elf caused chaos in the home office. These are among the many variations of the elves that have been created since the original Elf on the Shelf characters were introducedThis elf caused chaos in the home office. These are among the many variations of the elves that have been created since the original Elf on the Shelf characters were introduced (Image: Archant)

Ipswich Star: This elf caused chaos in the home office. These are among the many variations of the elves that have been created since the original Elf on the Shelf characters were introducedThis elf caused chaos in the home office. These are among the many variations of the elves that have been created since the original Elf on the Shelf characters were introduced (Image: Archant)

Ipswich Star: Elf on Shelf is back for Christmas 2016Elf on Shelf is back for Christmas 2016 (Image: Archant)

Email your photos to us or share them on our Facebook page.