The holiday season will soon be in full swing, and that means one thing in many households: The Elf on the Shelf will make his magical appearance! An Elf on the Shelf tradition loved by families everywhere is an customized arrival letter that announces the elf’s visit in a personal way.
Here, we’ll share sample arrival letter templates that you can customize with your elf’s name and details about your family. You’ll also find tips for crafting clever and whimsical Elf on the Shelf arrival letters. Spread the joy this holiday season by following our simple steps for writing a merry Elf on the Shelf letter!
What is Elf on the Shelf?
The origins of the Elf on the Shelf date back to a rhyming children’s book authored by Carol Aebersold and her daughter Chanda Bell in 2005. This charming tale brings the Christmas magic home by introducing a scout elf sent from Santa to keep an eye on children’s behavior in the weeks leading up to Christmas.
Each holiday season, once children are tucked into bed, the elf flies back to the North Pole every night to report to Santa if kids are being naughty or nice. Before the family wakes, he returns to a different spot in the house to hide while keeping watch over the children. Once spotted each morning, the scout elf lets Santa know all the things he heard and saw from his latest nook.
This interactive elf adventure creates a fun way for Santa to encourage good behavior and holiday cheer. Children excitedly hunt to find their spying elf friend in unexpected places about the house and can’t wait to see his latest antics each day!
Template Arrival Letters
Welcoming your Elf on the Shelf back for another holiday season is cause for celebration! Kick off the family fun with a merry arrival letter letting the kids know their special holiday elf friend is back from the North Pole. We’ve crafted three customizable Elf on the Shelf arrival letter templates for you to use to announce your scout elf’s return in style.
Playful Arrival Letter
Dear [Child’s name],
Ho, ho, ho! I’m so excited to fly back to [City] and bring holiday magic to the [Last name] family! Did you know your elf friend [Elf’s name] stowed away in Santa’s sack because he missed you so much?
We had such a fun time playing in the snow and drinking hot cocoa at the North Pole. But now it’s time for Christmas cheer with you!
I can’t wait for the adventures we’ll have. Maybe if you leave me a treat, I’ll make sure to stay up past my bedtime! Oh, I almost forgot – Santa says to be good for your parents and mind your manners to stay on the Nice List!
Here I come, [Child’s name]! Get those fun ideas ready!
Love, [Elf’s name]
Magical Welcome Letter
Dearest [Child’s name],
I have just returned from the North Pole and couldn’t wait to fly back to be with you! The elves and I have been working hard in Santa’s workshop to get ready for the holidays.
I told Santa all about your wish list and he said everything looks good so far. Remember – smiling, sharing, and good deeds will guarantee Christmas magic!
This year, I have a few fun surprises planned during my stay. Let the adventures begin! I’ll be watching and reporting back to Santa if you are naughty or nice.
Christmas snowflakes and icy kisses from the North Pole!
Love, [Elf’s name]
Heartfelt Arrival Letter
My dear friend [Child’s name],
I could hardly contain my excitement as Santa loaded me into his sleigh for the long journey back to [City]! Returning to spend the holidays with my favorite pal fills my heart with joy.
You and your family hold a special place in my heart. I can’t wait to relive our Christmas memories and make new ones!
Remember our late night chats when you couldn’t sleep? I’m all ears if you want to talk. We can spread more cheer by doing kind things for family or leaving surprises for friends. And if the holiday hustle leaves you weary, I’m here with a listening ear and peppermint hug.
Here’s to the most magical Christmas yet with my best buddy!
Love always, [Elf’s name]
How to Customize the Arrival Letter
The Elf on the Shelf’s sudden appearance with a personalized letter is a great way to thrill your kids this holiday season. With easy online editing tools, customizing an elf arrival letter to feature your child’s name and add unique details is simple and fun!
One easy way for creating a customized elf letter is downloading our template into Photoshop or Canva. These user-friendly design programs allow you to quickly insert your child’s name, your elf’s name, change fonts, colors and imagery to match your family’s style.
To add meaningful details, think about your child’s interests and personality. Does your kid love certain treats the returning elf can promise to whip up from the North Pole’s secret kitchen? Or insert an inside joke to show this is their close friend writing.
If there were any minor behavior issues last year, gently remind them to stay on their best behavior for Santa.
You could even have your elf arrive with an additional short note from Ol’ Saint Nick himself congratulating them for improved manners since last year. Or remind them to keep sharing with siblings and tidying toys to guarantee spotting the elf quickly on his nightly returns.
Creative Ways to Use the Arrival Letter
You’ve put care into crafting a one-of-a-kind arrival letter for your elf. Now comes the exciting part – the big reveal! Adding a touch of creativity when presenting your Elf on the Shelf’s welcome back note builds eager anticipation for your little ones.
For an element of surprise, tuck the handwritten letter somewhere clever for kids to discover when they hunt to spot where the elf landed after returning from the North Pole overnight. Place it on the tree skirt near gifts from the elf or have it poke out from the mantel stockings.
If you have multiple children, get siblings in on the fun by assigning each their own scout elf with a personalized letter specially for them. See who spots theirs first! For more magic, transform the room by turning off lights and using flashlights or electric candles to set the stage for reading the elf’s note aloud together.
Conclusion
Celebrating the tradition of Elf on the Shelf with a customized arrival letter kicks off the holiday season with joy and happiness. We covered how this beloved activity announces your scout elf’s return while reminding kids to stay on their best behavior for Santa’s arrival.
With our letter templates and creative presentation ideas, you’re ready to spread Christmas magic! As you prepare for a flurry of festive elf activities ahead, don’t forget to check out Callie for Christmas gift ideas that capture the unique joy of the season.
