Religion & Spirituality
As a part of each mini-series in our Walking from Bondage to Breakthrough semester-long series, we're interviewing everyday women who are walking out victory, and willing to share how God is bringing them freedom. This month, we introduce you to Carol Aebersold! Carol is probably best known for Elf on the Shelf, but the journey to getting there is one filled with practical and spiritual ways the Lord brought her victory over depression and grief. Enjoy!Carol Aebersold is co-founder of the Atlanta-based powerhouse, The Lumistella Company, a consumer products and entertainment company that brings the magic of Santa’s North Pole to life for children around the world. She co-authored The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition and is co-owner and executive producer of Scout Elf Productions™, the subsidiary entertainment production company behind the Elf Pets® animated specials. Known as the heart and spirit of the company (just like Mrs. Claus!), Aebersold engages in a variety of projects that serve the brand, from writing song lyrics, to developing stories, to fostering the highly revered family-focused company culture. In 2005, after a private battle with depression, Aebersold sat down with daughter, Chanda A. Bell, to write The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition, based on an elf from her own childhood. Bell suggested the two begin the project as a way to spread happiness and cheer by sharing their tradition with others. As a former music teacher, Aebersold has drawn on her roots to contribute to the creative direction of the brand. In 2011, as an executive producer of the contemporary classic animated special An Elf’s Story, she co-wrote two original songs, “Each and Every Christmas” and “Extravaganzalorious!” More recently, her skills were put to good use in the animated Christmas special Elf Pets: Santa’s St. Bernards Save Christmas to co-write “Christmas Carol,” which turned out to be a mouthful lyrically: “Wishing You a Little Merry Joyful Upbeat Happy Jubilant Christmas Day!” In addition, Aebersold voices the character of “Grammy” in the 2019 animated special, Elf Pets: A Fox Cub’s Christmas Tale. For Aebersold, these playful contributions reinforce the origins of the elf tradition and the heart of the company mission: there is joy and connection to be found in the magic of belief and tradition at Christmastime. Aebersold is a highly sought-after business and community speaker. She is a member of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK) Alliance of Women Philanthropists and serves on the UTK Alumni Board of Directors. When she is not supporting Santa and his Scout Elves, Aebersold enjoys theatre, music, reading, writing, and time with family (especially her grandchildren). Visit Elf on the Shelf!Visit Tracy's website: www.tracyhurst.comClick here for past episodes with Tracy Hurst!For more resources, make sure to visit our website.You can also find us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.Join our Be Together Community! It’s a private Facebook group where we gather regularly to encourage, uplift and pray for one another. Click here to join!