when do you do elf on the shelf

The "elf on the shelf" is a popular Christmas tradition that involves placing a small elf figurine in various locations around the house throughout the month of December. The idea is that the elf is a "scout" sent by Santa Claus to report back on a child's behavior, so parents can encourage their children to be on their best behavior in the lead up to Christmas. The elf is said to "magically" move around the house each night, and children are encouraged to find the elf in a new spot each day.