The holidays are filled with beloved traditions, but few capture the imagination of kids quite like Elf on the Shelf. For a month, families delight in the magical appearance of Scout Elf each morning. Children excitedly search to see where their sneaky little elf friend landed during the night.
As the Christmas season draws to a close, the inevitable goodbye looms. After a month of holiday mischief and memories, no one looks forward to seeing Scout Elf go. Crafting a thoughtful, creative goodbye letter is one way to bring closure while keeping the holiday magic alive.
In this blog, we’ll share tips on how to write a memorable Elf on the Shelf goodbye letter. From touching on the elf’s highlights to promising his return, you’ll find everything you need to bid your scout elf a fond holiday farewell.
Template Goodbye Letters
Crafting the perfect elf goodbye letter can be challenging. To spark inspiration, we’ve created two customizable letter templates. Feel free to tailor them to your family!
Heartfelt Farewell
Dear [Child’s Name],
This is your friend, [Elf’s Name]. What an amazing month we’ve had! From snowball fights to cookie decorating, every minute with you filled my heart with joy.
I loved watching your eyes light up each morning when you discovered my newest silly hiding spot. Our time together made my Christmas spirit shine oh so brightly!
Though it makes me sad to leave, Christmas Eve will be here before we know it. Santa needs all his scout elves back to get ready for the big night!
Thank you for welcoming me into your home with open arms and showering me with kindness. I couldn’t have asked for a nicer friend. Don’t worry, [Child’s Name], I’ll be back next holiday season with more Christmas cheer!
Wishing you a New Year full of happiness, [Elf’s Name]
A Silly Sendoff
Hello [Child’s Name],
That’s a wrap! It’s been a blast spreading Christmas mischief and mayhem these past few weeks with you. From sinking in syrup to gift-wrapping everything in sight, I sure kept you on your toes with my silly antics! Thanks for being such a good sport.
But with Christmas nearly here, this scout elf must fly away as quick as a wink! Santa’s cracking the whip to get ready at the North Pole!
Before I vanish into thin air, know that you made this the jolliest holiday ever. I’ll be back next Christmas with more surprises in store! Here’s hoping 2025 brings more fun than frozen underwear!
All my best, [Elf’s Name]
How to Use the Letter and Customize It For Your Elf
With your farewell letter template chosen, it’s time to make it your own! Personalizing the note to reflect your family’s month with Scout Elf helps make his departure special.
To start, simply download a fillable goodbye template and open it in an editing program like Photoshop or Canva.
Replace “[Elf’s Name]” or “[Child’s Name]” with the actual names and paste it inside the template.
Personalize our letters to mention fun memories like when the elf got trapped in marshmallows or left footprint trails through the kitchen. Did your kids catch him taking selfies with the dog? Toss it in! These small details show the elf’s stay was thoughtfully planned with your unique family in mind.
If you have multiple children, consider customizing unique letters for each. Include their names and individual antics like who first spotted the elf each morning.
For inspiration, browse old photos of your elf throughout December. What moments could you reference to make your kids smile?
Don’t forget any special child behaviors as well! Has someone shown a particular holiday spirit this season? Did a child overcome a fear, learn to share, or donate old toys? A few lines praising their personal growth ties up the elf’s stay nicely.
Once your letter reflects your family memories and highlights, simply print it out on festive paper for a final touch. Roll it up like a Christmas scroll and tie it with a ribbon for an extra special delivery.
Creative Ways to Say Goodbye to Elf
A thoughtful farewell letter is just the start for a memorable elf goodbye. Kick it up a notch with these creative ideas:
Farewell Party
Send Scout Elf off by throwing a goodbye celebration! Let kids make elf-themed treats like red and green rice crispy squares or sugar cookies shaped like Scout Elf. Top it off with a trail mix bar of the elf’s favorite snacks.
As you munch away, have children recount favorite memories and write personal notes for him to take back to Santa. Cap it off by playing a round of Pin the Heart on the Elf as a final good-luck send off before his journey home.
Sweet Sendoff
Show Scout Elf some love by leaving behind a tray of Christmas cookies or other festive treats for him to enjoy on his trip back to the North Pole.
Write him a short note thanking him for the delicious cookies he brought all month…now it’s your turn to return the favor! This sweet gesture lets him fly home with full bellies and hearts.
Seek & Find Surprise
For an exciting twist, arrange a special seek and find game to uncover the elf’s farewell spot. Leave a trail of clues guiding kids closer at every turn until they discover his final location!
Some ideas include following mini marshmallow footprints, decoding a secret message revealing the next clue, or hunting for him room by room only to discover he “flew away” at the last second. However you arrange it, the thrill of the search makes saying goodbye a little more magical.
Conclusion
Bidding a proper elf goodbye allows families to celebrate the joyful memories made while looking ahead to next year’s magic. Scout Elf’s annual visit has become a beloved tradition, his playful antics and thoughtful notes filling homes with the Christmas spirit.
Take the time to make your elf’s farewell special. Use our sample letters to craft a personalized letter highlighting your family’s favorite moments. Get creative with festive treats, parties, or seek-and-find games.
Most importantly, snuggle up and remind little ones that the holidays live on in our hearts all year long. Before you know it, Scout Elf will fly back with his North Pole cheer! Want to keep the holiday smiles coming? Check out Callie’s shop for unique personalized Christmas gifts sure to delight your family.