Elf on the Shelf is gone?

So I leave the pile of Christmas Tree needles for a few minutes to grab the dustpan and came back to this..

Should I be concerned that the kids are trying to bring back the Elf on the Shelf early?  ;)

My oldest (Chloe) said "But Dad.. Its the power of Christmas.."

I said back "Umm I don't think that's how it works.."  LOL..