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Elf on the Shelf Letter

Free editable Elf on the Shelf letter template that you can customize and personalize. Edit and download with Word, Google Docs or our free online editor.

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Elf on the Shelf” is a popular holiday tradition where an elf figurine is placed in various creative and unexpected locations around the house each day leading up to Christmas. The elf is believed to be sent by Santa Claus to keep an eye on children’s behavior and report back to him each night.

Elf on the Shelf Arrival Letter

Elf on the Shelf Welcome Letter

[For the first arrival to your home]

This printable Elf on the Shelf welcome letter will welcome your new elf to your home for the first time.

The elf letter template will announce the arrival of your Elf. Use it to let your kids know how your elf expects them to behave.

“Dear      ,

It’s me here from the North Pole. I am happy to inform you that I will be spending the next few weeks at your house.

Santa sent me here to keep an eye on everything you do or say to make sure you are obedient and kind. I will then report everything back and let Santa know how you are doing.

Remember, the number one rule is that you cannot touch me because it makes my magic flee.

I am ready and looking forward to sneaking on you every day.

Love, Elf.”

OR

“Dear    ,

I am Santa’s little helper. As you prepare to kick start your holiday season, Santa has sent me an assignment to visit your home.

I watch and listen on behalf of Santa. I will leave every night and fly to the North Pole to tell Santa about your behavior.

Do you think what I see or hear will allow you to have gifts, or you will end up with cold coal?

During the day, I stay in my hiding place. Please do not touch me because I’ll lose my magic.

Love, Elf”

If there is something that you would like to work on such as bad behavior or sibling rivalry you can relate to it in your letter. For example, use the template above to create an Elf on the Shelf introduction letter where your elf explains that if your kids fight he will have to report back to Santa.

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Many Different Elves

(Watch the video to see how to create the letter)

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Elf on the Shelf Arrival Letter PDF – If you want to save your letter in a PDF format, open the MS Word version or the Google Docs version and save it as a PDF file.


Elf on the Shelf Introduction Letter

An Elf on the Shelf introduction letter is a fun and imaginative way to kick off this holiday tradition. The letter typically comes from the elf, introducing themselves to the children of the household. Whereas the arrival letter above can be used each year when the Elf returns to the family’s home for the holiday season, an introduction letter is typically the first letter that accompanies the Elf when it is introduced to the family for the very first time. It serves as an initial greeting and an explanation of what the Elf on the Shelf tradition is all about. It often includes the Elf’s name, a bit about where they come from (the North Pole), their purpose for being there (to watch over the children and report back to Santa), and the rules associated with the Elf (like not touching it to keep its magic).

Here are some elements you might include in such a letter:

  1. Elf Introduction: Start with the elf introducing themselves, mentioning their name and maybe a bit about where they come from or their journey from the North Pole.
  2. Purpose of Visit: Explain why the elf is there. For example, to watch over the children and report back to Santa about their behavior, or to bring some Christmas cheer to the home.
  3. Rules of Engagement: Outline any rules that come with the Elf on the Shelf tradition. For instance, the children might not be allowed to touch the elf, or they might be encouraged to talk to the elf and share their Christmas wishes.
  4. Daily Adventures: Mention that the elf will be moving around the house every day, creating a fun hide-and-seek game each morning as the children try to find where the elf has moved to.
  5. Encouragement for Good Behavior: The elf can remind the children that Santa is looking for good behavior, kindness, and the spirit of giving during the holiday season.
  6. Countdown to Christmas: The letter can include a mention of the countdown to Christmas, building excitement for the big day.
  7. Personalized Details: Add personalized details such as the children’s names, recent achievements, or specific behaviors to praise or gently remind about.
  8. Closing Remarks: End with a cheerful goodbye until the next morning, perhaps with a hint of where they might hide first or a teaser of the fun to come.
  9. Signature: The letter should be signed by the elf, adding to the authenticity of the experience.
  10. Optional Extras: You might include a small gift from the elf, a sprinkle of glitter for a magical touch, or a photo of the elf in a funny situation.

Remember, the key to a successful Elf on the Shelf introduction letter is to make it magical, engaging, and tailored to your family’s holiday traditions and the children’s beliefs and expectations.

Sample Introduction Letter:

Dear [Child’s Name/Children’s Names],

Ho, ho, ho! I’m so excited to finally meet you! My name is Sparkle, and I’ve been sent by Santa himself from the snowy North Pole to be your special Elf on the Shelf this Christmas season.

Santa has been very busy preparing for Christmas, and he told me that you’ve been extra good this year. So, he asked me to keep an eye on things and make sure that the Christmas spirit is alive and well in your home!

Now, I must share a very important rule with you: while I love watching your festive fun, it’s important that you don’t touch me. If you do, I might lose my magic, and we can’t have that, can we? But don’t worry, we can still have lots of fun together!

Each night, when you’re fast asleep, I’ll fly back to the North Pole to give Santa a full report on your day. But don’t worry, I’ll be back by morning! You’ll find me each day in a new spot. I can’t wait to see how long it takes you to find me every morning!

I’m really looking forward to all the adventures we’re going to have together. Remember, Santa is looking for children who are kind, who share, and who listen to their parents. Let’s show him just how wonderful you can be!

Only [Number of Days Until Christmas] days left until Christmas! Let’s make every day count with lots of joy, laughter, and kindness. I can’t wait to share this magical season with you.

See you in the morning (but you won’t see me move – that’s part of the magic)!

With twinkling joy,

✨ Sparkle the Elf ✨

P.S. I love Christmas cookies, so if you ever leave some out for Santa, maybe sneak one for me too!


Elf on the Shelf Return Letter

[When your elf comes back to your home]

This printable Elf on the Shelf welcome back letter will welcome your elf back to your home.

“Dear    ,

I am excited that Santa assigned me to be back in your home!

As you prepare to kick start your holiday season, I will help Santa again this year until Christmas approaches.

As you know, I watch and listen on behalf of Santa. I will leave every night and fly to the North Pole to tell Santa about your behavior.

Do you think what I see or hear will allow you to have gifts, or you will end up with cold coal?

Don’t forget that you cannot touch me because I’ll lose my magic.

Love, Elf”

Elf on the Shelf I’m Back Letter

This printable Elf on the Shelf letter template can also be used to start new traditions. For example, if your kids have many toys that they don’t use, your elf can ask them to leave one out for them every day to donate to kids in need. If your kids misbehaved the previous time your elf visited he can tell them that this time he brought a camera with him to catch bad behavior and to report it to Santa.

25 Different Borders

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Many Different Elves

(Watch the video to see how to create the letter)

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Elf on the Shelf Goodbye Letter

Free printable Elf on the Shelf goodbye letter to give to your kids when elf leaves.

There are two formats available: The following free printable Elf on the Shelf goodbye letter is available in PDF format or as an image. You can change the border and the elf image. You can edit the text and add more text. If you want to write a longer letter then select the free printable Elf on the Shelf goodbye letter in Word format and make any changes you want.

25 Different Borders

Edit the Text Online

Many Different Elves

(Watch the video to see how to create the letter)

Edit Online

Here are two samples:

Sample Note 1

“Dear       ,

I had so much fun living in your house. You are a happy family, and living with you was fun. If there are any messes I may have caused, it’s because the fun was too much.

As much as I would like to stay longer in your house, it is not possible. I just hope you still remember why I visited your house and the true meaning of Christmas. This is the best time to embrace and show love to your family and friends. It leaves you with everlasting memories.

When you sleep tonight, you will experience some Christmas magic, and I will fly back to the North Pole. I will also be giving Santa my report before he sets off to distribute gifts. You will not find me in your home, but your gifts will be under the tree.

After reading this, you hug and bid me goodbye, and I hope to see you again next year. Bye for now.

Elfie.”

Sample Note 2

“My time to leave has come, and I am not happy to say goodbye. Living with you was so much fun, and I hope you won’t cry. I am excited and look forward to seeing you again next when you are taller than now.

I hope you will remain obedient and kind to everyone even when Christmas passes. Show love and be friendly to others. Follow your heart and dreams throughout the year. Listen to your teachers and parents and follow their guidance. Though I will be away, I will be thinking and watching over you.

Lots of Love from Elf”

You can either write a goodbye letter to the entire family or a personalized letter to each child. If your child worked on improving a specific behavior then you can congratulate him for that. For example, if she ate more vegetables then write how elf was happy to see her do that. If he fought less with his sibling write how impressed elf was. Positive praise can inspire behavior change.

See more Elf on the Shelf goodbye ideas 


Elf on the Shelf Notes

Here are some free printable notes to leave with Elf on the Shelf. The elf notes are customizable with our free online note maker. However, if you want to write a longer letter then the Word documents above might be more convenient to edit.

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If you have any Elf on the Shelf note ideas you would like us to add to the collection then please leave a comment below.


Elf on the Shelf Bad Behavior Letter

The Elf on the Shelf tradition can be a fun and magical part of the holiday season for children, fostering a sense of wonder and excitement. One of the ways it can be used is as a gentle reminder for children to exhibit good behavior. If a child is struggling with behavior issues, receiving a letter from their Elf on the Shelf can be a kind and effective way to encourage them to improve. This approach should be used sensitively and positively, ensuring that the message is one of encouragement and love, rather than fear or punishment. You can use any of the letter templates above for your letter.

Elf on the Shelf: A Letter of Encouragement

Here’s a sample letter that you might find useful. The letter aims to be encouraging and supportive, focusing on positive reinforcement rather than negative consequences. It’s important to tailor the message to the child’s specific situation and to ensure it’s delivered in a spirit of love and holiday magic.

Dear [Child’s Name],

I hope this letter finds you well and filled with the holiday spirit! My name is [Elf’s Name], and I’ve been watching over you from the North Pole. I must say, you’ve grown so much and I’m very proud of all the good things you do.

I’ve noticed that sometimes it’s hard for you to [mention specific behavior, e.g., “share your toys with your siblings” or “do your homework on time”]. I understand that everyone has moments when it’s tough to be on their best behavior – even elves! But I know deep down, you have a kind and wonderful heart.

Santa and I believe in you, and we know you can do your best. Remember, every day is a new chance to show how amazing you are. When you [describe positive behavior, e.g., “share with others” or “listen to your parents”], not only do you make others happy, but you also spread the true magic of the holiday season.

I’ll be watching and cheering for you, and I can’t wait to report all the fantastic things you’re doing to Santa. Keep being the wonderful [boy/girl] that you are, and remember, the best gifts are the ones we give through our actions and kindness.

With lots of love and holiday cheer,

[Elf’s Name] 🎄✨

P.S. Keep an eye out for some fun surprises from me around the house!

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Photo of NicoleMy name is Nicole and I created this website to share the tools that keep me organized and productive and help me reach my goals. I hope that you will find them helpful too.

4 thoughts on “Elf on the Shelf Letter”

  1. These are amazing and I have used them every year since I found them. Thank you so much for helping bring this magic to our girls 🙂

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