It is lots of fun during the Christmas season when you have an elf. However the time comes when you have to plan the elf’s departure. These Christmas Eve elf on the Shelf departure Ideas will help make the last day special as your elf says goodbye to the kids before Santa comes on Christmas morning.
Christmas Eve Elf on the Shelf Departure Ideas
When the time comes for your Elf to fly back to the North Pole you will want to have them leave a Good Bye from the Elf letter but if you are like me you want to make it even more fun.
When December 24th arrives every year, it’s a bittersweet time in our house. While we eagerly await Santa’s arrival the next day. We also know that our Elf friends will return to the North Pole with him, and we won’t see them again until next year.
Our Christmas Eve traditions are the same each year. We all put on our matching Christmas pajamas, and then we make our phone call to Santa. We then set out cookies and milk for Santa when he visits from the North Pole.
The kids always take a photo with our Elf friends before heading to bed. Depending on the year, the elves may sit out while the kids stand next to them for the picture, or sometimes, the elves will place themselves in a jar, allowing the kids to hold them for a hug without breaking their magic.
Each year, I mix things up a bit with how the elves say goodbye. Our elf always leaves a note for the kids and sometimes a small gift. I love making every moment with our elves special, even when it’s time for them to leave and if you are looking for elf on the shelf departure ideas you ar in luck with this list.
Elf on the Shelf Ideas for the Holiday Season
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Saying Goodbye To Elf on the Shelf
There are lots of ways that you can say goodbye to the elf each year and lots of easy ideas for the Christmas Eve Elf on the Shelf Departure.
Farewell Letter & Goodbye Gift
Your elf can leave a heartfelt note saying goodbye, thanking the kids for their good behavior throughout the season, and wishing them a Merry Christmas. As a sweet parting gesture, add a small gift (like a treat or toy). If you do Christmas pjs, that is a great gift idea. Supplies for a family movie night including a new movie and popcorn is also a great one.
Leave a special treat
The elf can leave a special sweet treat as a good-bye gift for the kids. Things like Elf on the Shelf Cereal, Fruit Snacks, Cakes, and Little Debbie’s Christmas Trees are great options. You can even make special Elf on the Shelf Cookies.
Elf Leaving with a Balloon
Tie a helium balloon to your elf’s wrist and let it float near the ceiling, signaling they are flying off to the North Pole.
Packing Suitcase
Set up a tiny suitcase with little “Elf essentials” (miniature clothes, a tiny toothbrush, etc.). The elf could be packed up and ready for the trip home.
“Magically” Flying Away
Use a string or clear fishing line to suspend your elf from the ceiling, with a note saying they are flying back to the North Pole.
Reindeer Ride
Your elf can sit on a toy reindeer or small sleigh, ready for their journey back to the North Pole.
Snowy Departure
Create a snowy scene with cotton balls or fake snow. The elf could be in the middle, ready to take off on a snowmobile or sled to the North Pole.
“Gone Fishing”
Set your elf up with a tiny fishing pole, a note saying they’re going fishing with Santa, and a little “goodbye” token for the kids.
Elves in Flight
Arrange a group of small toy airplanes or a little sleigh perched with your elf, along with a note that says they are flying back to the North Pole.
Reindeer Sleigh Rides
Set up the elf on a mini sleigh with reindeer figurines, ready to hitch a ride back to Santa’s workshop.
Magical Dust
Sprinkle glitter or fake snow around the elf’s location with a note that says they are leaving on a “magical dust trail” to the North Pole.
Packing a Christmas Tree Ornament
Have the elf carefully wrapped up a Christmas tree ornament, preparing it for the journey back to the North Pole as a gift for Santa.
Elf in a Jar
Your elf can be in a small jar with a note that says, “This is my ride back! See you next year!” Kids can “close” the jar as if the elf is off to the North Pole.
Elf “Drove” Away
If you have a toy car or sleigh, set the elf in the driver’s seat with a note saying they’re driving back to the North Pole to report to Santa.
Magic Exit
Have the elf standing by an open window or door with a note saying that they “have to go now to help Santa deliver presents,” and leave a trail of footprints or a dusting of snow leading to the door.
Final Feast
Create a tiny “Christmas Eve feast” for the elf — set up a small plate with a treat, then place the elf with a note that says they’re leaving after their meal to help Santa.
Elf Balloon Ride
Set up a mini hot air balloon made from a small basket and a helium balloon, with the elf ready for lift-off back to the North Pole.
North Pole Arrival Notice
Leave a note that says, “I made it to the North Pole!” with a small bag of “North Pole snow” or candy to show they’ve arrived safely.
Santa’s Sleigh Departure
Use a small sleigh or toy train to have the elf “ride” to the North Pole, and leave a note saying, “See you next year! Love, your elf!”
When does the Elf on the shelf leave?
The Elf on the Shelf typically leaves on Christmas Eve, after completing their holiday mission. This is because, according to the tradition, the elf returns to the North Pole with Santa to help with Christmas preparations and report back on how the kids have been behaving.
What Is Elf on the Shelf?
Elf on the Shelf is a beloved holiday tradition where scout elves are sent from the North Pole by Santa to bring extra magic to the Christmas season.
Each night, the elf returns to the North Pole. Some parents say it’s to report on the children’s behavior, while others believe it’s to give the elves a chance to meet up and come up with new ideas to share with the kids.
The fun part for children is waking up each morning to find that their elf has moved to a new spot. Every day, the elf brings a surprise—sometimes a small gift, sometimes a funny or mischievous act, or just a playful moment to enjoy.
In our home, the elf adds to the magic of the season and is all about fun and enjoyment. While some families use the elf as a way to encourage good behavior, it’s entirely up to each family how they choose to incorporate the elf into their holiday traditions.
If you’re new to Elf on the Shelf, check out our Ultimate Guide to Everything You Need to Know to get the most out of this festive tradition!
