Whether you’re welcoming your Elf on the Shelf for the first time or bringing the tradition back for another year, make the moment extra special with a free printable Elf arrival letter. There’s nothing quite like the excitement when kids discover their elf has returned, and a thoughtful arrival letter makes that first morning even more magical.
You’ll find several printable letter options here: pre-written poems that are ready to print and use, as well as blank templates you can personalize. These letters are designed to be placed next to your elf on December 1st and will delight children of all ages.
How to Use an Elf Welcome Letter
Elf on the Shelf and similar daily-visitor traditions add wonder to the holiday season. Each morning in December becomes an opportunity for surprise and delight as children search for a new elf hiding spot.
On the first day the elf appears, leave a welcome letter that explains (or reminds) your kids why the elf is visiting and how the tradition works. Have the elf sign the letter with his or her name and set it next to the elf’s first hiding spot. If you use an elf door, placing the note nearby makes for a charming entrance.
How to Print Your Elf Arrival Letter
There are four printable templates to choose from. Pick the version you like—either a ready-made poem or a blank template you can customize.
Download the PDF for your chosen design and print it on regular computer paper using an InkJet or Laser printer. If you select a blank template, handwrite your message and sign the elf’s name at the bottom.
Elf Arrival Letter for the Elf’s First Visit
If this is the elf’s first year with your family, use a special “I’m here!” arrival letter to introduce the tradition. Choose between a short poem that’s ready to print or a blank template to personalize.
Print on regular computer paper and sign the elf’s name or personalize the blank template as desired.
Elf Arrival Letter for Returning Elves
If your elf is returning from a year at the North Pole, use a warm “I’m back!” arrival letter to welcome him home. Options include a short poem and a blank template to customize.
Print on standard paper and sign or complete the blank template. Place the letter beside the elf’s first hiding spot to start the tradition.
Easy Elf on the Shelf Ideas
After the elf’s arrival, tradition calls for the elf to hide in a different spot each morning and sometimes play lighthearted tricks. To keep the daily routine fun and manageable, create a simple plan or checklist of ideas you can use throughout December.
A cheat sheet with easy, realistic elf antics makes the tradition stress-free and enjoyable for the whole family. Rotate ideas each year to keep things fresh and surprising.
Where to Buy an Elf on the Shelf
If you don’t have an elf yet, they’re widely available in a variety of skin tones and styles so you can pick the one that best fits your family. Many elf sets include a keepsake book where you can record the date your tradition began and the elf’s name.
More Christmas Traditions
Looking to add other holiday traditions to your family’s celebrations? Consider ideas like recording baby’s first Christmas, starting new family rituals, ornament exchange traditions, building a colorful DIY village, or hosting a festive brunch with a favorite bundt cake. These activities create lasting memories alongside your Elf on the Shelf tradition.
- Baby’s First Christmas ideas and traditions
- Family Christmas traditions you can start this year
- Ornament exchange and keepsake ideas
- DIY colorful Christmas village
- Easy coffee bundt cake for a holiday brunch tradition
I hope these free printable Elf arrival letters add a little extra magic to your holiday season. Enjoy the tradition throughout December — and maybe your kids will convince the elf to visit a little earlier next year!