December is almost here, and you know what that means? Our friendly neighborhood elf is planning its grand return to bring a twinkle of holiday cheer into our homes. Just in time, I've prepared a special gift for all the wonderful parents out there: a free printable Elf on the Shelf arrival letter to kickstart a season filled with magic, joy, and a sprinkle of mischief. But how can we make the best use of this delightful tool? Let's explore together!

Free printable elf on the shelf arrival letter
In the midst of twinkling lights and the sweet scent of candy canes filling the air, a precious piece of the North Pole finds its way to your home through our free printable Elf on the Shelf arrival letter. This beautifully crafted letter serves as a golden ticket to a month-long journey filled with laughter, joy, and heartwarming mischief. Written from the perspective of the elf who's just returned from Santa's lively workshop, it's sprinkled with the promise of fun adventures and a magical bond that grows stronger with each passing day of the festive season.
Personalized with your child's name, it not only ignites the excitement of meeting their special elf but also subtly encourages them to be on their best behavior, making it a much-anticipated herald of happy times and cherished family traditions each year.
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Planning the Perfect Elf’s Arrival
Planning your Elf on the Shelf's arrival is a great way to usher in the Christmas season. A cute letter can set a magical tone for the month ahead. Start by marking December 1st on your advent calendar as the day the letter makes its appearance, nestled perhaps next to a small gift as a fun way to introduce the holiday season.
Tips for a Magical Experience
Elf on the Shelf Arrival Ideas
To make your elf’s arrival much fun and memorable, consider adding a twist. Keep the magic alive by bringing freshness to the tradition each year with the following ideas:
- Themed Arrival: Consider having a theme for the elf's arrival each year. It could be anything from a "Winter Wonderland" to a "Santa's Workshop" theme to make the arrival more exciting.
- Small Gift: Accompany the elf with a small gift, such as a craft kit or a holiday book, to kickstart the festive season on a happy note.
- Christmas Tree Surprise: Imagine the delight on your child’s face when they find the elf peeking from the branches of the Christmas tree, maybe even holding a small ornament they can hang.
- Breakfast Visit: Have the elf make its first appearance during breakfast, maybe even bringing along some candy canes or a special Christmas breakfast treat.
- Advent Calendar Integration: Incorporate the elf's arrival with your advent calendar, where it brings a small treat or note for the day.
- Scavenger Hunt: Create a mini scavenger hunt with clues that lead to the elf's new place, adding a sense of adventure to its arrival.
Elf on the Shelf Welcome Letter
Creating a deeper personal connection can elevate the whole experience. Here’s how you can make the most of the welcome letter:
- Personal Touch: Customize the free printable letter with your child's name and the elf’s name, creating a bond right from the start.
- Heartfelt Messages: Incorporate heartfelt messages or cute poems in the letter that resonate with your child's likes and preferences, making them look forward to the elf's antics.
- Interactive Elements: Add interactive elements to the letter like little activities or puzzles that can help build the excitement and keep the child engaged.
- Story Time: Accompany the letter with a short story or original poem that describes the elf's journey from the North Pole to your home, making the arrival seem like a grand event.
- Photographs: Include photographs of last year's fun moments or a photo of the elf in a new place, giving a visual touch to the letter.
Elf Reports
Implement elf reports to foster good behavior and a sense of accomplishment. Here are some ways to make it engaging:
- Daily Deeds Log: Introduce a daily deeds log where the elf notes down all the good deeds it has observed, encouraging children to be on their best behavior.
- Reward System: Set up a reward system where accumulation of good deeds leads to a small reward at the end of the week, fostering a sense of achievement.
- Good Behavior Certificate: Have the elf award a "Good Behavior Certificate" at the end of the holiday season as a tangible token of appreciation.
- Creative Artworks: Encourage children to draw or craft something as a part of good deeds, and have the elf leave appreciative notes for their creative artworks.
- Notes of Kindness: Encourage children to write notes of kindness or good deeds they witnessed in others, fostering a positive atmosphere in the home.

Making the Most of Your Free Printable Elf on the Shelf Arrival Letter
There are many ways to turn this simple letter into a cornerstone of your family’s December traditions. Here are a few:
- Creating a Elf on the Shelf Introduction Letter: Make the introduction a grand event, with the letter acting as a royal decree from Santa Claus himself. The kids will eagerly anticipate what the mischievous little elf might get up to this year.
- Using a Elf on the Shelf Letter Template: To save time, use the free printable arrival letter as a template. It's the perfect way to keep the surprise without the stress.
- Having a Shelf Goodbye Letter: At the end of the season, consider crafting a goodbye letter from the elf, promising to return next year for more fun.
FAQs
- How do I make the first year special with the elf?If it's the first time your family is welcoming an elf, make it special by pairing the letter with a special elf storybook that explains the elf's job and role during the Christmas season.
- Can I get different designs for the printable letter? Feel free to modify the template or look for different designs on the best elf on the shelf website. It's a popular Christmas tradition to give the letter a new look each year.
- How to ensure the elf encourages good behavior in children?The letter outlines that the elf reports back to Santa Claus each night. You might even add a nice list where good deeds are rewarded with small tokens or candy canes.
- Can I use the letter for multiple children?Absolutely! The letter is customizable, allowing you to add each child’s name for a personal touch. Make each of them feel special with a personalized message from their elf.
- How to keep the elf tradition fresh each year?Every year, come up with new ideas and places for the elf to appear the next morning. Keep a log of your fun elf adventures, so you're always ready with new ideas each December.
Key Takeaways
- Get Ready Early: Don't wait until Christmas Eve to start this fun tradition with your shelf welcome letter. Getting ready by December 1st makes the entire process smoother and more enjoyable.
- Personalization is Key: Always remember to personalize the letter with your child’s name and the elf’s name for that extra magical touch.
- Keep it Fun: This tradition is all about fun and magic. Keep the spirit alive with creative shelf return and goodbye letters.
- Encourage Good Behavior: Use the elf's return as a fun way to encourage good deeds during the holiday season.
- Explore New Adventures: Each year, explore new elf adventures to keep the magic alive and kicking.
Conclusion
And there you have it, a delightful way to usher in the most magical time of the year with a touch of creativity and a sprinkle of fun with our printable letters. Utilize your free printable Elf on the Shelf arrival letter to its fullest to bring a smile to your little one’s face and to make this holiday season one to remember. Merry Christmas and happy holidays to all!

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We have a treasure trove of printable elf notes available on our site! Here's what you can find:
- Arrival Letter: Perfect for that first day when your elf makes his grand appearance.
- Late Arrival Letter: For those times the elf might have gotten caught in some North Pole snowstorm and is running a bit behind.
- Departure Letter: A heartfelt note for when it's time for your elf to head back to Santa.
- Adoption Certificate: A beautiful token for when you first welcome your elf into your home.
- Naughty or Nice Letters: To give the little ones a gentle reminder or praise.
- Jokes: Light-hearted funnies to brighten up your day.
- Elf on the Shelf Ideas: A list of creative ways to place and play with your elf throughout December.
- Elf Bucks: A festive currency designed for holiday fun, Elf Bucks are delightful, elf-themed play money. Perfect for encouraging good behavior, completing holiday tasks, or as a whimsical reward during Christmas-themed activities.
- Elf Giving Poem: Encourage your kids to give with this cute poem.
- Scavenger Hunt: Fun elf scavenger hunt for all ages.
- 24 Days of elf: 24 days of Elf fun and ideas Calendar

Hi, my name is Melissa! I live in Spanish Fork, Utah. I'm happily married to Rob, and together we have five wonderful kids. Our family loves to embark on adventures, often in our RV, exploring the great outdoors. I'm an avid reader and a big fan of Hallmark movies – they always have a way of lifting my spirits. Hiking is another passion of mine; there's nothing like the tranquility of nature. I have a sweet tooth for chocolate and a love for Mexican food, both of which make life a little more delicious. In my downtime, I enjoy playing games with my family, creating memories and sharing laughter. Life is an adventure, and I'm here to enjoy every moment of it! I'm the blogger and creative mind behind the blog A Sparkle of Genius! Check out our posts on recipes, crafts, kid stuff, printables, travel and more!