Elf goodbye letter: free, editable and ready to print

How to use it

1. Type the names.
2. Pick the goodbye: Christmas Eve, a last goodbye for a child who is growing out of it, or the last day of school.
3. Print it and leave it where the elf sat last, or tuck it under the tree for Christmas morning.

Many families leave the goodbye letter on Christmas Eve night with a small treat, like a book or new pajamas. If your child is allowed one goodbye hug, the last goodbye letter says so.

What the letter says

With the example names. Yours will have the names you type.

Dear Emma,

It's Christmas Eve, which means it is time for me to head home. Tonight I'll ride back to the North Pole with Santa himself, right after he visits your house.

I had the best time with you. I loved finding new spots every night and hearing you laugh every morning. I told Santa about all the kind and helpful things I saw, and there were a lot of them.

Keep being kind while I'm away. I'll be thinking about you all year, and I'll be back next December with a whole new list of hiding places.

Merry Christmas!

See you next year, Jingle

All versions

• Christmas Eve elf goodbye letter: The classic goodbye. The elf rides home with Santa tonight, says thank you for a good December and promises to come back.
• Final elf goodbye letter: For the year a child is growing out of it. The elf says it is time to help a younger family, thanks the child for the memories, and allows one goodbye hug.
• Classroom elf goodbye letter: For the last day before winter break. Type the class or room name instead of a child's name.

More to make

Elf arrival letterA hello letter from your elf, with your child's name in it. Elf daily notes24 little notes from the elf, one for each morning. Elf reminder letterA gentle nudge from the elf: be kind, tidy up, go to bed. Letter from SantaA personal letter from Santa with your child's name. Letter to SantaA fill-in page for your child to write to Santa. Nice list certificateAn official-looking certificate signed by Santa.