The Elf on the Shelf has become a fun Christmas tradition for many families. This mischievous little elf brings joy and excitement to kids during the holiday season. But no self-respecting elf shows up or leaves without an Elf on the Shelf letter!
If you’re new to this tradition or looking for fresh ideas, you’ve come to the right place!
Elf letters are a great way to make the experience even more magical. They can be from Santa, the elf itself, or even Mrs. Claus. These special messages can introduce your elf, explain the rules, or just spread some Christmas cheer.
In this article, we’ll share some fun Elf on the Shelf letter ideas. We’ve even got free printables to make your life easier! Whether it’s your first year with an elf or you’re a seasoned pro, these letters will add extra sparkle to your holiday traditions.
From shelf welcome letters to Christmas Eve goodbyes, we’ve got you covered. Get ready to create some wonderful memories with your family this Christmas season!
I have a collection of free printables for Elf on the Shelf goodbye letters (5 seasonal and 2 final) you can download for FREE!
They are in Microsoft Word, that way you can personalize them with your elf’s name and also address them to your kids if you wish.
Use a cool font for your Elf on the Shelf goodbye note
Assuming you’ll write the letter on your computer and print it, I recommend using a sort of funky, hand-written looking font.
You may have some great ones, but there are a ton of free ones you can download too. Since this will be during the holiday season, you could also use some holiday-themed fonts too.
Here are my favorite free fonts for Elf on the Shelf goodbye letters
(just click to download them for free from the font website):
Like most fonts you would download online, these are zip files. Just right click to expand and then drag the folder contents into your fonts folder (that for a PC; I’m not super familiar with Mac).
Elf on the Shelf Arrival Letter
An Elf on the Shelf arrival letter is a fun way to kick off this holiday tradition. It’s usually the first message your scout elf leaves for your kids, often appearing on December 1st or whenever you start your elf fun.
This special note introduces your new elf and explains the tradition. You can use a shelf letter template or create your own using free printable elf resources. Many templates let you edit images and text, so you can add your children’s names or customize the message.
In the letter, your elf might share why they’ve come from the North Pole. They could mention that Santa Claus sent them to spread Christmas magic. You could also include some basic “elf rules” like not touching the elf.
Remember, this letter sets the tone for all the fun to come. You might want to leave a small gift with the letter, like a Christmas book or ornament. This adds to the excitement and makes your elf’s arrival extra special.
Welcome Letter For the First Time
A welcome letter for a new Elf on the Shelf is a special way to start this fun holiday tradition. It’s the perfect introduction for your scout elf to meet your family for the first time.
In this letter, your new elf can explain why they’ve come from the North Pole. They might mention that Santa Claus sent them to spread Christmas magic. You can use a shelf letter template to make this easy.
The welcome letter is a great place to set some ground rules. Your elf might explain that kids can’t touch them, or they’ll lose their magic. But they can talk to the elf or write notes.
You can find free printable elf resources online to create this special message. Many let you edit images and add children’s names. Sites like Canva offer digital downloads you can customize.
Remember, this letter starts your elf fun. It’s a chance to build excitement for the Christmas season and create a new family tradition your kids will love.
Here are some elements to consider including in your Elf welcome letter.
- Elf Introduction: Begin with a warm introduction where the elf shares their name and a fun note about their journey from the North Pole or how excited they are to be in your home.
- Purpose of Visit: Explain the elf’s mission, whether it’s to bring holiday cheer or to keep an eye on things and report back to Santa about the children’s kindness and behavior.
- Rules for the Elf: Mention any important guidelines, like not touching the elf so they can keep their magic, and encourage the children to share their wishes and be extra good.
- Daily Hide-and-Seek: Add excitement by letting the children know the elf will move around the house every night, turning each morning into a fun search to find the elf’s new hiding spot.
- Encouragement for Good Behavior: Remind the kids that the elf will be watching for good deeds, kindness, and helpfulness, reinforcing the importance of positive actions leading up to Christmas.
- Countdown to Christmas: Mention how close Christmas is and remind the children to enjoy the countdown while spreading joy and helping others during the holiday season.
- Personal Touches: Include personal details like the children’s names, something they’ve accomplished recently, or areas where they’ve been especially good to make the letter feel more special.
- Cheerful Goodbye: Close the letter with a happy farewell until the next morning, perhaps leaving a fun clue or a hint about what the elf might get up to next.
- Elf Signature: Sign off the letter from the elf to add a touch of magic and authenticity to the whole experience.
- Optional Extras: You could include a small surprise, a little holiday sparkle, or a funny photo of the elf for an extra bit of magic and joy.
How to Use an Elf on the Shelf Welcome Letter
Using an Elf on the Shelf welcome letter is a fun way to start your holiday tradition. First, choose a printable letter template that fits your family’s style. You can find free elf printables online or create your own.
Next, customize the letter. Add your children’s names and your elf’s name if it has one. You might want to mention why the elf has come or what kind of magic it brings.
Place the letter somewhere special. Maybe by the Christmas tree or on your child’s pillow. You could pair it with a small gift to make it extra exciting.
Remember, this letter sets the tone for all the elf fun to come. It’s a great chance to explain any rules or traditions you want to follow. Most importantly, use it to spark your kids’ imagination and bring some Christmas magic to your home.
Sample Elf on the Shelf Welcome Letter:
Dear (child/children’s name),
Hello from the North Pole!
I’m excited to let you know that I’ll be staying with you for the next few weeks. Santa has given me the important task of watching over you and keeping track of all the nice things you do and say. I’ll be reporting everything back to Santa to let him know how you’re doing!
Just remember—there’s one big rule: you can’t touch me, or I’ll lose my magic!
I can’t wait to start my daily adventures and keep an eye on all the fun!
Love, (your elf’s name)
Elf on the Shelf Return Letter
An Elf on the Shelf return letter is a great way to welcome back your scout elf for another year of Christmas magic. This special note usually appears when your elf comes back, often on December 1st.
I’m Back Letter
In this letter, your elf can remind kids about the shelf tradition and express excitement for the fun times ahead. You might mention some highlights from last year or hint at new adventures to come.
Using a shelf letter template can make this easy. Many free printable elf resources let you edit images and add children’s names. You can find these templates through sites like Canva, where you can access digital downloads with a free account.
Your return letter could include a small gift or a new challenge, like finding the elf in different positions each day. This adds to the holiday magic for the entire family.
Remember, this letter sets the tone for your elf fun. It’s a chance to get creative and build excitement for the Christmas season ahead.
Sample Elf on the Shelf Return Letter:
Dear (child/children’s name),
Hello again from the North Pole!
I’m thrilled to be back at your house for another exciting holiday season! Santa has sent me once more to watch over you and see all the wonderful things you do and say. As always, I’ll be reporting back to Santa to let him know how you’re doing!
Just a reminder of the big rule: you still can’t touch me, or my magic will disappear!
I can’t wait to start my daily adventures and share in all the fun again!
Love, (your elf’s name)
Elf on the Shelf Goodbye Letter
An Elf on the Shelf goodbye letter is a sweet way to end your elf fun. It’s usually left on Christmas Eve when the elf returns to the North Pole.
Farewell Letter
In this special note, your scout elf can say how much fun they had. They might mention favorite moments or praise the kids for good behavior. You can use a shelf letter template to make this easy.
The goodbye letter is also a chance to build excitement for Santa’s visit. Your elf might hint at the gifts to come or remind kids to leave out cookies.
Remember, this final fond farewell wraps up your holiday tradition. It’s a nice way to close the Christmas season with a touch of magic.
Sample Elf on the Shelf Goodbye Letter:
Dear (child/children’s name),
It’s hard to believe, but my time here has come to an end for this year! I’ve had so much fun watching over you, seeing all the wonderful things you’ve done, and sharing in the holiday excitement.
I’ll be heading back to the North Pole to help Santa get ready for next Christmas. But don’t worry—I’ll be back again next holiday season to see you and go on more fun adventures!
Keep being kind and helpful, and remember that Santa is always watching, even when I’m not here.
Until next time, stay awesome and have a wonderful year!
Love, (your elf’s name)
Conclusion
Elf on the Shelf letters are a great way to add extra magic to your Christmas season. They help bring your scout elf to life and create lasting memories for your children.
Remember, you can customize these printable letters to fit your family’s needs. Add your child’s name or your elf’s name to make them extra special. You can even edit the text elements to create your own unique messages.
Whether you’re writing a shelf welcome letter or a Christmas Eve goodbye, these ideas can help. They’re perfect for personal use at home or even in the classroom. Your young children will love getting special notes from their elf friend.
Don’t forget to have fun with this tradition! It’s all about spreading joy and the spirit of Christmas. Your mischievous little elf can bring so much excitement to this time of year.
We hope these ideas and free printables make your Elf on the Shelf experience even more magical. Here’s to creating wonderful holiday traditions that your family will cherish for years to come. Merry Christmas!
I have a collection of free printables for Elf on the Shelf goodbye letters (5 seasonal and 2 final) you can download for FREE!
They are in Microsoft Word, that way you can personalize them with your elf’s name and also address them to your kids if you wish.
Use a cool font for your Elf on the Shelf goodbye note
Assuming you’ll write the letter on your computer and print it, I recommend using a sort of funky, hand-written looking font.
You may have some great ones, but there are a ton of free ones you can download too. Since this will be during the holiday season, you could also use some holiday-themed fonts too.
Here are my favorite free fonts for Elf on the Shelf goodbye letters
(just click to download them for free from the font website):
Like most fonts you would download online, these are zip files. Just right click to expand and then drag the folder contents into your fonts folder (that for a PC; I’m not super familiar with Mac).
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