when do the elf on the shelf leave

The "elf on the shelf" tradition started in 2005, when a book called "The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition" was published. It is a popular holiday tradition for families to have an "elf on the shelf" who visits their home and observes the children's behavior during the holiday season. The elf is supposed to report back to Santa if the children have been good or bad. Some families choose to keep the elf up until Christmas Eve, while others may take the elf down after the holiday season is over.