We never did this but doesn’t he have to linger in the house to snitch all year long? I mean, kids are supposed to be good all year for Santa, right? Not just from day after Thanksgiving when you unpack the decorations until 12/24.
I’d keep him around and randomly put him out during the course of the year. You might as well leverage this police state approach for better behavior in spring and summer.

Put him in the drawer, you don’t need to give him a send off. Remember where you put him so you can pull him out next year.

I have never done this. It seems like a lot of work for nothing. Get an advent calendar if you feel the need to have a surprise every day of December.