What’s With the Friggen Elf’s?

People have these creepy little Elf's they are sticking on a shelf and it's creeping me out. I see pics all over Facebook and don't know what it's about or why people are showing theirs off.  Is it a hidden message?  A secret religion?  A cult that I need to join? The seventh sign of the apocalypse?  WHAT THE ELF???

Can anyone explain these freakish mini Vern Troyers.