While my kids absolutely love their Elf on the Shelf, I don’t always love the message of “be good and receive gifts” that comes along with it. I created this Elf on the Shelf arrival letter to try to put the emphasis on kindness and thankfulness, and less on the material aspects of Christmas.
Use this arrival letter along with everything that you can find in my Elf On The Shelf Ideas post, including elf names, easy, funny and toddler ideas and a goodbye letter.
We all know that to a kid, the most important aspect of Christmas probably is the presents. And are we setting our kids up to be ungrateful people by including the Elf on the Shelf in our Christmas festivities? I say no!
It’s not really different from the whole “he knows when you’ve been sleeping, he knows when you’re awake” thing.
The elf is not the enemy. I love seeing my kid’s excitement every morning when they find her. It’s just about how you present the elf. I try to stay away from saying things like, “be good, Pony is watching!” Yes, our elf’s name is Pony. Because I don’t want my kids to be good just because an elf is watching from a shelf. I want them to be good because that’s what you’re supposed to do!
Related: Boy And Girl Elf On The Shelf Names (that are much better than Pony)
However, this Elf on the Shelf arrival letter puts the emphasis off of the gifts. It mentions kindness. Kindness all throughout the year, which is what we should be teaching our kids. C’mon, Santa, why is December the month when goodness is necessary?
Related: 10 Ways To Talk To Santa For Kids
This letter also talks about being thankful for everything that we already have.
And super important for your sanity, this letter contains a special P.S. This P.S. tells your child not to worry when the elf inevitably forgets to move.
I knew you’d like that one.
It works for families who are just starting the Elf on the Shelf tradition, or for welcoming your elf back.
I created two different designs, so you can chose the one you like best.
Elf on the Shelf Arrival Letter
Dear _________________,
Hey, I’m here! Today’s the day!
Hope you didn’t think I’d stay away!
Christmas is coming, hooray, hooray,
I have definitely been waiting all year for this day.
Although I’ll be watching closely each day
It would be great if you are always kind, okay?
All year long, not just in December,
But in April, May, June, and even November!
What I want from you this year is not only goodness,
This year I want you to learn the meaning of kindness,
So help someone at school, or hug someone who’s sad,
I can guarantee that little acts of kindness will make you feel glad.
And one more thing, I know that presents are fun,
But be thankful for everything you have, little one,
Your family that loves you, your home and your friends,
Those are the things you should treasure in the end.
Love your elf,
_______________________
PS- If you wake up and find that I am in the same spot,
It’s probably ‘cause I’ve been traveling a lot,
I may just need a day to rest
I’m sure you understand because you’re the best.
Simply enroll in our email list to receive both Elf on the Shelf arrival letter designs instantly.
We’ve also got a goodbye letter for the end of the month (which you should print NOW to save time later!).
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