Seriously - Stupid STUPID elf has started already

I was under the impression that the very stupid elf on the shelf started on December 1st or at the very earliest after American Thanksgiving. I am mentally prepared to block, hide and roll my eyes when my girl friends start posting the "look what my cute elf did last night" pictures. 

"oh look - Danny the shelf elf got into the syrup and was a little hammered" etc

But I have seen pictures much earlier this year - earlier than I had anticipated. I guess it makes sense to have the elf visit on the 24th - then you have a whole month of silly elf antics but it is taxing. There is even a spiffy web site http://www.elfontheshelf.com/

He's EVERYWHERE - going to be such a long season