Each year, children look forward to the moment their Elf On The Shelf returns for another season of Christmas fun. The daily surprises, silly scenes, and tiny bits of holiday magic quickly become part of the family routine. But when Christmas Eve arrives, it is time for one final moment: saying goodbye to their Elf On The Shelf.
That farewell can feel a little bittersweet, especially for kids who have enjoyed waking up each morning to see what their Elf has been doing. A thoughtful goodbye letter is an easy way to make the last visit feel special, memorable, and full of Christmas magic.
Below, you will find a simple printable Elf On The Shelf goodbye letter that your Elf can leave for the kids. It is sweet, easy to use, and a wonderful way to end the season on a happy note.
We have included three versions of this Elf goodbye letter so you can choose the one that works best for your family.
Printable Elf On The Shelf Goodbye Letter
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 and reindeer in the sky!
– Anonymous –
Print your letter here =>> elf-on-the-shelf-printable-goodbye-letter
This printable Elf On The Shelf goodbye letter turns the poem into a sweet keepsake your child can read on Christmas Eve. Simply place it beside your Elf before the kids wake up, or leave it in a special spot where they will discover it during your Christmas Eve traditions.
For an extra personal touch, you can use washable paint to add Elfie’s handprints and signature at the bottom of the page. This small detail makes the letter feel even more magical and gives your child something special to remember until the Elf returns next year.
A short goodbye note is also a helpful way to explain why the Elf has to leave. Instead of feeling sad, children can imagine their Elf heading back to the North Pole to report to Santa and rest after a busy holiday season.
We’ve also added a fresh, updated version of our free Elf on the Shelf printable for families who want a different design.
Grab your free printable copy here and leave it out as a simple Christmas Eve surprise.
There is also another version of this free Elf on the Shelf goodbye letter available below.
This version comes in two formats, giving you a little flexibility depending on how you want your Elf to say farewell.
The first format is a ready-to-print letter that the Elf can leave for the kids.
The second format allows you to fill in your child’s name and your Elf’s name, making the goodbye letter feel more personal. Both options are free to print.
This version also includes a free matching envelope, which is perfect if you want the letter to look like official North Pole mail.
You can get your own Elf on the Shelf from Amazon.
You can also find another Elf on the Shelf goodbye letter with a matching welcome letter shared here.
If your kids are into the viral 6-7 trend, use these 6-7 themed goodbye letters for a fun seasonal twist.
Find more awesome ways to say goodbye to your Elf and more free printables
Be sure to check out these fun Elf ideas as you plan more holiday surprises for your family.
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Join in on the Elf fun with even more creative ideas for the Christmas season.
Follow Elfie on his journey and find additional Elf on the Shelf ideas in the Elf on the Shelf section on the blog.
Find more great Elf on the Shelf ideas, including:
- 50 Easy Elf on the Shelf Ideas (For Busy Moms) & Printable
- Elf On The Shelf Ideas Boys Will LOVE {Ideas for Boys}
- Fun, Creative & Appropriate Elf On The Shelf Ideas
- How To Clean Your Elf On The Shelf Doll
- Top Naughty & Slightly Inappropriate Elf On The Shelf Ideas
- More Naughty & Slightly Inappropriate Elf On The Shelf Ideas
- Elf on the Shelf 67 Themed Props Printable
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