27 Surprising Things You Don't Know About the Elf on the Shelf, Straight From the Creator

Each year, thousands of families write the North Pole with one main question: “When will my elf return?” That’s why Santa’s helpers at the Elf on the Shelf have declared Scout Elf Return Week, which this year started on Friday, Nov. 25, and ran through Friday, Dec. 2. This is the week that is most common for families to welcome their elves home from the North Pole or adopt an elf from one of Santa’s official adoption centers. However, families can adopt an elf at any time, and if your elf doesn’t come back during the designated week, don’t worry — he or she may have had to finish up a special project at the North Pole and is on their way!