Saying Goodbye To Your Elf

As much joy as as your elf may bring to your kids, they can’t stay here forever. On Christmas Eve, we’ll be saying goodbye to our new elf friend Honey Pickle. It’s time for our elf to return to the North Pole.

I know the boys will miss getting up and looking for him each morning. They are always surprised and delighted to find the silly things he’s been up to.

I’ve been brainstorming fun ways to say goodbye to our elf on the shelf and I thought I’d share some of my favorite ideas including how to integrate them into your Christmas Eve traditions.

Saying Goodbye To Your Elf On The Shelf

When should your elf return to the North Pole? On Christmas Eve of course! Now the bigger question is how to prepare your kids for their departure.

Fun Ways to Say Goodbye To Your Elf On Christmas Eve

1. New Pajamas 

New pajamas for Christmas is a very common tradition and many families receive them on Christmas Eve. How about having your elf bring the new pjs this year on Christmas Eve morning as a parting gift? Honey Pickle brought the boys new pajamas a few days early, apparently he’s on #TeamThor. 😉

2. New Movie

Some families enjoy watching Christmas movies on Christmas Eve. Your elf could bring a fun holiday DVD to watch on Christmas Eve, either a Christmas favorite or a fun new one from your family’s wish list.

3. Elf Photo Book

Let your kids reminisce about their elf’s antics all year long by making a fun photo book of the fun elf antics.  Your elf could bring it Christmas Eve morning. Simply print your pics at home or upload them directly from instagram to Walgreens with their app. Add them to small photo album or make a simple one using card stock. I’m going to do this next year, I know my boys wold LOVE it!

4. Santa Cookies

If your family makes cookies for Santa on Christmas Eve, maybe your elf can suggest a new recipe to try. Or he can bring the ingredients for the cookies you traditionally leave for Santa.

5. Christmas Book

Have you elf bring a new book to read on Christmas Eve or even your traditional Christmas Eve favorite. If you do a Christmas book advent calendar, your elf can bring the last book to open – wrap it special so the kids know the elf brought it for them.

More Elf On The Shelf Ideas

• Elf on the shelf names
• Elf on the shelf costume ideas
• Elf on the shelf Disney ideas

This post was originally published December 23rd, 2013.