Most families let their scout elf go home with Santa on Christmas Eve night, marking the end of their elf fun for the year. On this special day, many kids are allowed to play and hug their elf for the first time. After all, they don’t need their magic to fly back with Santa’s sleigh that night!
Whether it’s a final cuddle or a sweet letter left by their friendly elf, these moments are a great way to celebrate a fun tradition and prepare for the next year.
Elf on the Shelf Goodbye Letters for Christmas Eve
You can use one of these free printable goodbye letters on Christmas Eve to bid farewell to your elf until next year. The elf on the shelf departure letter may be a sad moment, but although your sweet elf is gone, santa is on his way with tonnes of christmas gifts and holiday fun. We have three versions of goodbye Christmas Eve elf letters to choose from….
The last few weeks have been tons of fun!
You’ve made my job easy, and I am sad it is done.
Tonight I go back to give my report,
As Santa’s list is ready to sort.
You’ve been good this year and I’m happy to say
Tomorrow presents will arrive for Christmas Day!
For today only, you can pick me up and give me a hug
Be gentle since I’m fragile,
but don’t hesitate to hold me snug.
Our time together has come to an end.
Back to the North Pole your Elf you must send.
Next year will arrive in the blink of an eye.
Just watch for the magic
& reindeer in the sky!
Oh my, look at that
Tomorrow is Christmas,
And so I must tell you
some important business.
Guess what? You can hold me,
for a cuddle and play
I won’t need my magic
To fly home today.
At bedtime please hang me
On your Christmas Tree
And Santa will give me
A lift home you see.
We’ve had a great time
What can you remember?
I’ll miss you and can’t wait
to return next December!
WHAT A BLAST! WE’VE HAD SUCH FUN
But, SADLY NOW, I’VE GOT TO RUN
THE DAY HAS COME TO SAY GOODBYE
TO THE NORTH POLE I MUST FLY!
WHILE I KNOW YOU MIGHT FEEL SAD
I WON’T FORGET THE TIMES WE’VE HAD
OUR MEMORIES, I’LL KEEP FOREVER
OF OUR SPECIAL TIME TOGETHER!
NOW YOU BE GOOD WHILE I’M AWAY
DO THE BEST YOU CAN EACH DAY
YOU MIGHT MISS ME, BUT NEVER FEAR
I’LL BE BACK WITH YOU AGAIN NEXT YEAR!
Choose whichever of these departure letters you like best, or take inspiration and write your own goodbye letter for your cute elf to bring on Christmas Eve morning. Many people have the elf bring the Christmas Eve box along with the goodbye elf letters.
The Final Elf Goodbye – Is It Time to Say Goodbye for Good?
For some families, the departure of an elf marks not only the end of the season but the end of their shelf tradition altogether. If your child is growing up or the time has come for your elf friend to retire, consider leaving a special farewell note which explains that as your child moving on to middle school, or whatever milestone you’ve chosen, it’s time for the elf to say goodbye.
This heartfelt letter gives your child the option to keep their favorite elf as a permanent companion. By saying, “I love you,” and giving their elf a big hug, the elf can lose their Christmas magic and stay forever as a cuddly toy.
It’s a big decision, and only you can decide if it’s the right time to say goodbye forever to your christmas elf. But for those who are ready, it’s a wonderful way to create lasting memories with their beloved elf.
Download the Elf Christmas Eve Goodbye Letters PDF
To make your elf’s departure extra special, I’ve created a free printable goodbye letter PDF featuring all the examples above. Whether you’re saying goodbye for just the season or forever, these letters are a fun way to add Christmas magic to the big day. Simply download the file in PDF format and print it out to use as-is or customize it with your elf’s name and your kids’ names for a personal touch.
Terms of use: These free printables are perfect for personal use, whether it’s for your home, classroom use, or as a sweet addition to a small gift from your elf. The letters can also be copied out if you’d prefer to write them by hand for an extra special touch.
More Elf on the Shelf Ideas – Get a Head Start for Next Year
Once your elf friend has said their final fond farewell, it’s the perfect time to start planning for next year!
From printable arrival letters to shelf introduction letters and fun shelf printables, there are endless ways to make your scout elf’s return a magical one. Whether you’re looking for a shelf welcome letter for December 1st or ideas for a shelf return letter after the holidays, we’ve got you covered.
- Encourage Giving with Our Elf Toy Donation Letter Printable
- Welcome Your Elf on the Shelf with These Free Printable Introduction Letters
- 40 Simple Elf On The Shelf Ideas For Toddlers
- Elf On The Shelf Coloring Pages
- What’s Your Christmas Elf Name Generator Printable
- Christmas Elf Craft
Pin this post to your favorite holiday ideas board so you can come back to it next year. We’d love for you to share this with your friends and family, too – it’s a great way to spread the elf fun for the next Christmas season. Merry Christmas and see you next year!
Anna Marikar, mum of four and seasoned blogger, has spent over a decade sharing her parenting journey and passion for kid-friendly crafts and free printables.
Her easy-to-follow craft ideas and practical parenting advice have transformed In The Playroom into a cherished resource for parents.