Elf on the Shelf Letter Template

“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.

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.

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.

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.

25 Different Borders

Edit the Text Online

Many Different Elves

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

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.

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!

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.

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.