20 Christmas elf arrival ideas for kids

The short answer

Most families have the elf arrive the day after Thanksgiving or on December 1. Keep the first day simple and big: a welcome letter, a small treat and one clear surprise, like a North Pole breakfast or the elf in a hot cocoa bath. Save the harder ideas for later in the month.

When does the elf arrive?

There is no fixed day. Most families pick one of these:

  • The day after Thanksgiving (US). The season starts with the long weekend.
  • December 1. The elf stays for a 24-day countdown.
  • The first Sunday of Advent.

Pick one day and keep it the same every year. Kids remember.

Easy arrival ideas

  1. A welcome letter. The elf says hello, gives its name and tells the rules.
  2. North Pole breakfast. Pancakes with green food color, powdered sugar "snow" and the elf at the table.
  3. Hot cocoa bath. The elf sits in a mug of mini marshmallows.
  4. Snow angel. The elf lies in a flour or powdered sugar snow angel on the counter.
  5. Zip line entrance. A string from the curtain rod to a chair, with the elf hanging on a candy cane.
  6. Arrival box. A box on the doorstep with the elf, a letter and a Christmas book.
  7. Hot air balloon. The elf rides in a basket under a balloon.
  8. Hiding in the tree. Kids search for the elf among the ornaments.
  9. Brought the tree lights. The elf sits in a tangle of lights, "ready to help."
  10. Christmas pajamas. New pajamas on the bed with a note from the elf.

Ideas with more set-up

  1. A tiny door. A small paper door on the wall with footprints leading from it.
  2. A suitcase. The elf unpacks a tiny bag of "North Pole clothes."
  3. A sleigh ride. The elf in a toy car or sleigh full of candy.
  4. Paper snowflake trail. Snowflakes lead from the front door to the elf.
  5. A movie night. The elf brings a Christmas movie and popcorn for the evening.
  6. A North Pole passport. The elf's passport has a stamp from the North Pole.
  7. Reindeer food. The elf brings a small bag of oats and glitter-free sprinkles for the yard.
  8. A countdown chain. The elf starts a paper chain with one link per day until Christmas.
  9. A family photo frame. The elf holds a frame with a "Welcome back" sign.
  10. A balloon arch. Red and green balloons around the elf's spot.

Make the first morning count

  • Put the elf where the kids will see it first: the breakfast table or the tree.
  • Read the welcome letter together.
  • Let the kids pick a name if the elf is new.

More ideas for the month are in 24 Christmas countdown ideas for kids.

Questions

When should the elf arrive?

Most families pick the day after Thanksgiving or December 1. Pick one day and use it every year.

What should the elf bring on the first day?

A welcome letter is enough. Many families add a small treat, like hot cocoa or a Christmas book.

What should the elf's welcome letter say?

Say hello, give the elf's name, say it came from the North Pole to watch and report to Santa, and remind the kids not to touch it.

Do these ideas work with The Elf on the Shelf®?

Yes. They work with any elf toy, including The Elf on the Shelf®. The Elf on the Shelf® is a trademark of CCA and B, LLC. We are not connected with it.

Santa Stopped By. Coming this Christmas.