Elf Goodbye Letter Maker
A farewell letter from your elf for Christmas Eve, with your children's names on it. Ready to print in a minute.
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Quick answer
An elf goodbye letter is left on Christmas Eve when the elf returns to the North Pole. Type your children's names and your elf's name, add one thing they did well, and print the free farewell letter.
How it works
- 1Type your children's names and your elf's name.
- 2Add one thing the children did well and pick a tone.
- 3Download the free PDF and leave it where the elf sat last.
How to use the goodbye letter
- Type the children's names and your elf's name. The letter is signed by the elf.
- Add one thing the children did well. The elf will say it was the best part of the report to Santa.
- Choose the tone. Sweet for younger children, funny for older ones, rhyming to read aloud.
- Print it tonight. Leave it where the elf sat last, or beside the stockings.
Goodbye ideas for Christmas Eve
- Leave the letter with a plate of cookie crumbs, as if the elf shared Santa's snack.
- Put the elf in the tree near the top, waving, with the letter below.
- Have the elf leave matching Christmas Eve pajamas with the letter on top.
- Tuck the letter into a stocking so it is found with the presents.
Keeping the story going
The goodbye letter closes this year's visit and sets up the next one. Keep a copy with your Christmas decorations. Next year, the arrival letter can pick up where this one ended.
You can also add a Nice List certificate as a parting gift from the elf.
SuperKid Studios is not affiliated with or endorsed by The Elf on the Shelf or its owners. The name is used only to describe what this letter is for.
Questions parents ask
When does the elf leave?
The elf traditionally leaves on Christmas Eve, riding back to the North Pole with Santa after the presents are delivered. Children find the goodbye letter on Christmas morning or at bedtime on Christmas Eve.
What should the elf's goodbye letter say?
It should thank the children for a fun month, mention something good the elf told Santa, and promise to come back next year. Short is best. Christmas morning is busy.
My child will be sad the elf is leaving. What helps?
Choose the sweet tone. It focuses on how much the elf loved the visit and that it will return next year. Leaving a small gift from the elf, such as a book or pajamas, softens the goodbye too.
Can the children hug the elf goodbye?
Many families allow one goodbye hug on Christmas Eve, because the elf's work is done and the magic is safe until next year. You decide the rule in your house.
Is it free?
Yes. The Holly design is free with your email. Five more designs are in the Christmas Kit for a single $4.99 payment.
Do I need an account or an app?
No. Everything works in your browser on a phone, tablet or computer. There is no account, no password and nothing to install.
Why do you ask for my email?
We ask once, when you download your first PDF. It lets us send you new free printables for parents. Every email has an unsubscribe link, and we never sell your address.
What paper and printer do I need?
Any home printer and plain white paper work. The PDF is US Letter size and also fits A4 if you choose 'fit to page'. Cream paper or card stock makes it look extra special.
I do not have a printer. What can I do?
Save the PDF to your phone and print it at a library, an office supply store or a pharmacy photo counter. You can also copy the words by hand onto nice paper.
What do I get if I buy a Magic Kit?
A kit unlocks all 10 designs, the tiny letter size, the matching envelope and seals, and removes our site name from the page. It is one payment of $4.99 and it works for every child, every time.
Is a kit a subscription?
No. You pay once. There is nothing to cancel and no renewal. If it does not work for you, email us within 14 days for a refund.