Should the elf write notes or speak?

Per the original 2005 storybook the elf can't talk — communication goes one way (kids whisper wishes to it) — but the elf can write. Letters are the entire creative engine of the tradition; almost every meaningful moment of the season runs through one. Print them on parchment-style paper or use a Christmas font like "Mountains of Christmas" (free on Google Fonts) for an authentic look.

What font should I use for elf letters?

Cursive or hand-script fonts read most "elf-like" to kids. Free options on Google Fonts: Mountains of Christmas, Caveat, Indie Flower, Shadows Into Light. Print at 12-14pt on textured cream paper. A red marker thumbprint as a "wax seal" sells the magic.

Should letters be from the elf or from Santa?

Both, depending on the moment. Daily moves and routine notes come from the elf. Bigger ceremonial moments — arrival, the cinnamon cure, the goodbye — work better from Santa, since they carry more authority and rarity. Mixing both gives kids a sense of which moments are "regular elf chatter" vs which are "the boss is involved."

Where should I leave the letter?

Right next to the elf in its morning scene. Bonus credibility: a tiny envelope with "{kid name}" written on it in cursive. Some families set up a "letter station" — a small basket on the entry table where letters accumulate, so end-of-season the kid has a stack to flip through.

What if my kid asks why the handwriting looks like mine?

"Santa's elves help me sometimes — they all share their own special handwriting." That bridges the gap. For older kids who push the question, lean into honesty: "I help the elf with the human-paperwork part." Most kids don't actually push; the magic relies on a willing suspension of disbelief that they want to keep going.

Can the elf write in different colored ink each day?

Yes — and many families do, intentionally varying it (red one day, green the next, gold marker on a kindness day). Inconsistency works in your favor: kids find it whimsical rather than suspicious. A signed-by-elf-with-a-tiny-thumbprint ending is iconic.

How long should letters be?

3-5 sentences for daily notes; longer (8-12 sentences) for arrival, the cinnamon cure, kindness setups, and the goodbye. Kids will read every word of a long arrival letter and skim daily notes — so save effort for moments where it matters.

Elf on the Shelf Letter Templates

Letters are the engine of the tradition. The elf can't talk, but it can write — and the moments kids remember most are usually the ones with a written note attached. Here are 14 copy-paste templates for arrival, kindness challenges, the cinnamon cure, missed moves, and the December 24th goodbye. Replace the curly-brace fields with names; print on cream paper for full effect.

Quick formatting tips

Use a script/handwriting font (Mountains of Christmas, Caveat, Shadows Into Light — all free on Google Fonts)
Print at 12-14pt on cream or parchment paper
Sign with a fingerprint of red marker as a "wax seal"
Vary the ink color across the season — red one day, green the next, gold for kindness days
Address the envelope to your kid's name in cursive — the envelope itself is half the magic

1. Arrival night

From: Santa

Dear {kid name}, My name is Santa, and I have a special friend who's traveled all the way from the North Pole to spend December with you. {elf name} is here to watch over your family until Christmas Eve. Each night, {elf name} flies back to me to share the wonderful things you and your family have done. There are a few things to know: {elf name} can't be touched, or the magic might fade. {elf name} can't talk, but loves to listen — whisper your Christmas wishes any time. And every morning, {elf name} will be in a new spot for you to find. Welcome to a magical month. Love, Santa 🎅

2. The naming ceremony

From: Elf

Hi {family name} family! I just arrived from the North Pole and I'm SO excited to spend December with you. There's only one thing I'm missing — a name! Could you help me? Write your favorite name on the line below and slip this paper under my hat tonight. By morning, my magic will know what to call me forever. My name should be: ______________ I can't wait to meet you officially. Love, Your New Elf

3. Touched the elf — cinnamon cure

From: Santa

Dear {kid name}, {elf name} called me from the North Pole — she was a little sad about losing her magic. But don't worry, this happens sometimes, and there's a special way to bring it back. Tonight before bed, sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon on her. Cinnamon is the magic ingredient that helps Scout Elves get their magic back. It's the same magic I use to fly my sleigh. When you wake up, {elf name} will be in a new spot, and her magic will be back stronger than ever. She knows you didn't mean to touch her — and she knows how much you love her. Sweet dreams. Love, Santa 🎅

4. Forgot to move — sick day

From: Elf

Dear {kid name}, I caught a tiny North Pole cold last night, so I'm going to rest right here today. Don't worry — Santa knows. I'll be back to my usual mischief tomorrow morning. Could you leave me a tissue and a kiss? That always helps. Love, {elf name}

5. Forgot to move — North Pole errand

From: Elf

Dear {kid name}, Santa needed a quick favor, so I flew back to the North Pole for the day. I'll be home tonight. Look for me in a brand-new spot tomorrow morning! P.S. — I brought you a tiny something from the workshop. It's tucked next to where I usually sit. Miss you, {elf name}

6. Kindness challenge

From: Elf

Hi {kid name}! I saw something kind you did yesterday and Santa was so proud. Today's challenge: do one nice thing for someone in your house — write them a note, share a snack, or help with a chore without being asked. I'll be watching (in the cozy way, not the creepy way), and I'll tell Santa all about it tonight. Love, {elf name}

7. Movie night invitation

From: Elf

Dear {family name} family, Tonight: family movie night, my pick! I left some popcorn and a few movie ideas. Pajamas required. Phones in another room. I'll be watching with you (somewhere — see if you can find me). Love, {elf name} 🍿

8. Pajamas delivered

From: Elf

Dear {kid name}, Santa and I picked these out at the North Pole pajama factory. Wear them on Christmas Eve (and any cozy night between now and then). I hope they fit perfectly. Love, {elf name}

9. Bringing a friend

From: Elf

Dear {kid name}, Santa said I could bring a friend from the North Pole for the rest of December. Meet {pet name} — they're a little shy, so be gentle (no touching, same rules as me). We'll be exploring the house together. Find us tomorrow! Love, {elf name} & {pet name}

10. Naughty list warning (gentle)

From: Elf

Dear {kid name}, I noticed something at school yesterday that made me a little sad. I'm not going to tell Santa just yet — everybody has hard days. Tomorrow is a fresh start, and I know you'll make me proud. Love, {elf name}

11. Service-day prompt

From: Elf

Dear {family name} family, The best magic doesn't come from me — it comes from people helping people. Today, I want to help YOU help someone else. There's a food drive at {location} this weekend, and I packed a few cans by the door. Will you bring them? Love, {elf name}

12. Mid-December check-in

From: Elf

Hey {kid name}, You're halfway through December! I've been having so much fun watching you. My favorite moment so far was {parent fills this in — be specific}. Keep being you. Love, {elf name}

13. Christmas Eve goodbye

From: Elf

Dear {kid name}, This is my last morning with you for the year. Santa's sleigh leaves tonight, and I'll be on board to help him on his ride. Thank you for an incredible December. I watched you be kind, generous, brave, and silly — all the things that make Christmas magical. I'll tell Santa every detail. I'll be back next year. Until then: be good to each other. Merry Christmas, {kid name}. Love, {elf name} ⛄

14. Christmas morning goodbye gift

From: Santa

Dear {kid name}, {elf name} flew home with me last night and asked me to leave you this. It's an album of {elf name}'s favorite moments from December. Every photo is one Santa watched too. Merry Christmas, friend. Love, Santa 🎅

Need an idea for tonight?

Pair the letter with a 2-minute scene. The generator picks 5 personalized ideas.

Try the generator →

Frequently asked questions

Should the elf write notes or speak?: Per the original 2005 storybook the elf can't talk — communication goes one way (kids whisper wishes to it) — but the elf can write. Letters are the entire creative engine of the tradition; almost every meaningful moment of the season runs through one. Print them on parchment-style paper or use a Christmas font like "Mountains of Christmas" (free on Google Fonts) for an authentic look.
What font should I use for elf letters?: Cursive or hand-script fonts read most "elf-like" to kids. Free options on Google Fonts: Mountains of Christmas, Caveat, Indie Flower, Shadows Into Light. Print at 12-14pt on textured cream paper. A red marker thumbprint as a "wax seal" sells the magic.
Should letters be from the elf or from Santa?: Both, depending on the moment. Daily moves and routine notes come from the elf. Bigger ceremonial moments — arrival, the cinnamon cure, the goodbye — work better from Santa, since they carry more authority and rarity. Mixing both gives kids a sense of which moments are "regular elf chatter" vs which are "the boss is involved."
Where should I leave the letter?: Right next to the elf in its morning scene. Bonus credibility: a tiny envelope with "{kid name}" written on it in cursive. Some families set up a "letter station" — a small basket on the entry table where letters accumulate, so end-of-season the kid has a stack to flip through.
What if my kid asks why the handwriting looks like mine?: "Santa's elves help me sometimes — they all share their own special handwriting." That bridges the gap. For older kids who push the question, lean into honesty: "I help the elf with the human-paperwork part." Most kids don't actually push; the magic relies on a willing suspension of disbelief that they want to keep going.
Can the elf write in different colored ink each day?: Yes — and many families do, intentionally varying it (red one day, green the next, gold marker on a kindness day). Inconsistency works in your favor: kids find it whimsical rather than suspicious. A signed-by-elf-with-a-tiny-thumbprint ending is iconic.
How long should letters be?: 3-5 sentences for daily notes; longer (8-12 sentences) for arrival, the cinnamon cure, kindness setups, and the goodbye. Kids will read every word of a long arrival letter and skim daily notes — so save effort for moments where it matters.