Elf on the Shelf typically starts during "Scout Elf Return Week," which runs from November 24th to December 1st. Many elves make their first appearance around this time, with some arriving as early as Thanksgiving night and others starting on December 1st. Families may choose their own start date within this range to fit their holiday schedule. The tradition usually ends on December 24th, when the elf returns to the North Pole with Santa after Christmas Eve. The elf's role is to watch children's behavior leading up to Christmas, adding excitement and magic to the holiday season. Different families may customize the start and end dates, but the official suggestion from Elf on the Shelf sources is to have the elf arrive between November 24 and December 1, making this the typical period to start the tradition each year.