Towards the end of November, the first group of Santa’s official The Elf on the Shelf® Scout Elf® helpers will be departing the North Pole, full of Christmas magic, and ready to make their way to homes around the world for #ScoutElfReturnWeek! This weeklong celebration takes place from 22nd November to 1st December and is when most families across the world welcome back their elves or adopt a new North Pole friend: The one. The only. The Elf on the Shelf!

An iconic and beloved tradition, passed down from generation to generation, this year marks the thirteenth year that Santa’s authorized Scout Elf helpers will be welcomed into UK homes. . The only elf trusted by Santa, The Elf on the Shelf Scout Elf pals represent the true spirit of Christmas and cannot wait to return to their families to promote goodwill, kindness and family values.
Of course, the existence of Scout Elf Return Week doesn’t mean that your elf will return to your home like clockwork! It is important to remember that all Scout Elf friends are different, and that element of surprise makes Santa’s official helpers even more enchanting. Some elves will return at the end of November and others may wait until December. Several circumstances can affect an elf’s holiday homecoming, so here are some top tips to help explain to your family the most common reasons if their Scout Elf friend returns later than your little one expects them.

Their training was extended. Santa’s official helpers undergo extensive training to prepare for Scout Elf Return Week, and sometimes, they may need a little extra time to study their route or perfect their flight skills. Your elf will be back soon—and more prepared for the holidays than ever before!

Your elf ate too many treats from Mrs. Claus’ Sweet Shop™. It can happen to the best elf (or human) when so many tantalizing treats are floating around during the holidays! Your Scout Elf friend may need an extra day or two to digest their holiday treats and get back into tip-top flying shape before returning.

A snowstorm held them up. It’s not easy to drive in the snow—much less fly! Your Scout Elf pal may have wanted to leave the North Pole sooner, but frightful winter weather can sometimes delay them by a couple of days.

Your elf made a few pit stops. As your Scout Elf friend travels the globe, he or she may take time sightseeing on the way back to you. Be patient, your elf will be there before you know it!

Some North Pole duties needed attention. Everyone knows The Elf on the Shelf Scout Elf helpers are the genuine, authentic ones who help Santa get ready for Christmas, and before your elf can take off for your home, they have to make sure to complete all of their holiday-related tasks! Just a few more letters to Santa to file, and then, your elf will be on the way!

No matter when your elf returns to your home, we’re sure their timing fits in perfectly with your family’s holiday schedule and Christmas traditions. We know they just can’t wait to see you and your family again soon—only a few more days of waiting!

If you’re new to the tradition this year, you can adopt an official, Santa-approved The Elf on the Shelf Scout Elf helper from Adoption Centres across the UK or visit . Families can easily tell Santa’s official Scout Elf helpers apart from other elves at the North Pole because they arrive in their iconic solid red jumpsuit with a pointed white collar and a pointed red hat with white trim. The eyes, always appearing identical, look up and to their right. The one-and-only, official Scout Elf helper will never have pointy ears or striped leggings. They also always come with their very own storybook in a keepsake boxed set.

THE ELF ON THE SHELF: A CHRISTMAS TRADITION set includes:

• Adoptable Scout Elf figure
• Artfully illustrated storybook
• Keepsake box
• Official adoption certificate

The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition is available at https://shop.elfontheshelf.co.uk/ and all good retailers across the UK, both instore and online (£24.95 RRP).

In Case of Elftastrophe: An Elf Emergency Guide is the perfect companion book, revealing the secrets to restoring Christmas magic when mishaps, misfortunes, and mistakes threaten your Scout Elf helper. Available, https://shop.elfontheshelf.co.uk/.