✦ A LITTLE CHRISTMAS MAGIC ✦
After weeks of finding the elf in cereal boxes, doll prams and places you definitely don’t remember putting them, it’s time.
They’re going home.
Which may come as devastating news to one member of the household and enormous relief to another.
🎄 Download the free Elf goodbye letter
A little Christmas farewell to make the last night feel extra special.
A sweet goodbye
NORTH POLE POST
What an adventure we’ve had.
Thank you for letting me spend Christmas with you.
I’ve loved watching you play, laugh and grow.
Now it’s time for me to head home.
Keep being wonderfully you and I’ll see you next Christmas.
Love,
Your Elf ✦
A slightly sillier goodbye
TOP SECRET ELF MEMO
Well, that’s me done.
I’ve hidden in your toys, borrowed things without asking and caused quite enough trouble for one December.
I’m off home.
Please tell the Dinkums I’ll miss them.
See you next Christmas! ✦
If the elf only arrived a few weeks ago, our elf arrival ideas post has the matching welcome letter.
🎅 Elf on the Shelf last day ideas
Try:
- elf tucked into a tiny suitcase
- elf saying goodbye to the toys
- elf having one last tea party
- elf sitting in the doll pram ready for departure
- elf beside the goodbye letter
- elf leaving one small Christmas Eve activity
A doll pram makes a particularly good departure vehicle, and a Dinky Dinkum makes a good one to wave them off.
If your child is upset
Let the goodbye become part of the tradition.
The elf isn’t disappearing forever. They’re going home until next December.
Children might like to draw a goodbye picture or dictate a final note.
When does the elf leave?
Many families say goodbye on Christmas Eve, although there’s no rule saying your elf has to leave on a particular night.
Choose whatever works for your family’s Christmas. Our Christmas Eve traditions post has the rest of the evening covered.
Where does the elf go after Christmas?
Somewhere your child absolutely will not look in February.
We cannot help you with this part. Although our guide to storing plush toys will at least keep them in one piece until next year.
Elf goodbye letter FAQs
When does Elf on the Shelf leave?
Many families say goodbye on Christmas Eve, although you can choose whatever timing works for your traditions.
What should an Elf on the Shelf goodbye letter say?
Thank your child for the adventures, mention a favourite memory and explain that the elf is heading home until next Christmas. Sweet, funny or slightly mischievous all work beautifully.
What can the elf do on their last night?
Pack a tiny suitcase, have one final tea party with the Dinkums, leave a goodbye note or sit in a doll pram ready for the journey home.
What if my child is sad when the elf leaves?
Acknowledge that goodbyes can feel sad and remind them the elf will return next Christmas. They might enjoy drawing a picture or writing a farewell letter.
