First-time elf arrival letter: free and editable

How to use it

1. Type the names. The letter updates as you type.
2. Pick the version: first visit, welcome back, running late, two elves or a classroom.
3. Print it, or save the PDF and print it at work or the library.
4. Roll it up, tie it with ribbon or baker's twine, and leave it next to your elf on the first morning.

Print on cream or kraft paper if you have it. For a tiny elf-sized letter, print at 50% and trim. Most families bring the elf out between the day after Thanksgiving and December 1.

What the letter says

With the example names. Yours will have the names you type.

Dear Emma,

Surprise! My name is Jingle. Santa picked me to come and stay with your family until Christmas, and I flew all the way from the North Pole to get here.

Here is how it works. Every night, when the house is quiet, I zip back to the North Pole to tell Santa about your day. Before you wake up I zoom home and find a brand new spot. Your job is to find me every morning!

There is one important rule: please don't touch me. Elf magic is delicate, and I need every bit of it for my trips. You can talk to me as much as you like, though. I am a very good listener.

I can already tell this is going to be the best December ever.

Your new friend, Jingle

All versions

• First-time elf arrival letter: The letter for the very first year. It introduces your elf, explains the nightly trip to the North Pole and the one rule, in words a small child can follow.
• Elf welcome back letter: For families whose elf has visited before. Short, warm, and it reminds everyone of the rule without a lecture.
• Late elf arrival letter: December got busy and the elf did not show up on time. This letter explains the delay with a snowstorm and a sleepy reindeer, so nobody has to know the real reason.
• Arrival letter from two elves: For homes with more than one elf, or the year a second elf joins. Type both elf names in the elf box, for example Jingle and Snowflake.
• Classroom elf arrival letter: For teachers. Type the class or room name instead of a child's name. The letter keeps the focus on kindness and teamwork, and never mentions gifts or who has been good or bad.

More to make

Elf daily notes24 little notes from the elf, one for each morning. Elf reminder letterA gentle nudge from the elf: be kind, tidy up, go to bed. Elf goodbye letterA see-you-next-year letter for Christmas Eve. Letter from SantaA personal letter from Santa with your child's name. Letter to SantaA fill-in page for your child to write to Santa. Nice list certificateAn official-looking certificate signed by Santa.