Christmas elf goodbye ideas, with a sample letter

The short answer

The elf usually leaves on Christmas Eve night and flies back to the North Pole with Santa. Give the last day a goodbye letter and one small treat. Many families let the kids hug the elf on the last day, because its job is done.

When does the elf leave?

Most elves leave on Christmas Eve night, with Santa. Some families keep the elf until the morning, to say goodbye after the presents.

Goodbye ideas

  1. A goodbye letter. See the sample below.
  2. A hug day. The elf can be touched on its last day.
  3. A last treat. Hot cocoa, a candy cane or a small gift.
  4. A photo album. The elf leaves photos of its best spots this year.
  5. A packed bag. The elf sits next to a tiny suitcase.
  6. Reindeer food. The elf leaves a bag to sprinkle outside for Santa's reindeer.
  7. A "see you next year" sign on the spot where the elf arrived.

Sample goodbye letter

Dear kids,

Tonight I fly home with Santa. I told him how kind you were this year. I loved my days at your house. Today you can give me a hug.

See you next Christmas, Your elf

Change the words to fit your family.

More ideas for Christmas Eve are in 15 Christmas Eve traditions for families with kids.

Questions

When does the Christmas elf go back to the North Pole?

Most families say Christmas Eve night, with Santa.

Can kids touch the elf on the last day?

Many families say yes, on the last day only, because the elf's job is done.

What should the elf's goodbye letter say?

Say thank you, say the elf told Santa good things, and say "see you next year."

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.