Ideas to Do with Your Christmas Elf at Home

The Christmas Elf tradition is a beloved way to bring magic, joy, and a little bit of holiday mischief into your home. But let’s face it—coming up with creative and engaging ideas for your Elf every single day can be a challenge! That’s where we come in to help you. In this post you will find some fresh ideas to keep your elf busy and your kids entertained!

Of course, take a look at our Christmas Elf Activities collection with plenty of printable resources to make the most of this holiday tradition. 

✍️ Step 1: Start with the right letter

If it’s your elf’s first time visiting: Begin with the First Arrival Letter. This printable sets the stage for your elf's adventures by explaining the rules, sharing a bit about their mission (reporting to Santa!), and building excitement for the season ahead.

If your elf is returning: Use the I’m Back Letter to announce their arrival in style! Personalize it to reference past memories and remind the kids about the holiday spirit.

 🌟 Pro Tips:

• Place the Arrival Letter somewhere unexpected - perhaps on the breakfast table or tucked into the Christmas tree or hide it in a surprising location.
• Read the letter together as a family, building anticipation and excitement.
• Let your children help create a special welcome spot for the elf.
• Suggest they write a welcome back letter to their new magical friend.
• Add a small "magical" touch like sprinkling some glitter nearby.
• Make it feel like the elf has been traveling directly from the North Pole.
• Use this moment to recap last year's memories and set new holiday expectations.  

👀 Step 2: Declare the house under Elf watch

Once the elf has arrived, it’s time to let everyone know they’re being watched! Hang the House Under Elf Watch Sign in a prominent spot—like your front door, the refrigerator, or the family room. This playful touch adds a bit of "elf magic" and reminds everyone to be on their best behavior.

🌟 Pro Tips:

• Take photos of the sign with the elf "watching" nearby.
• Rotate the sign's location to keep the magic fresh and exciting.  

☑️ Step 3: Track behavior with the Elf report card

Throughout the season, use the Elf Report Card to keep the kids motivated. Praise acts of kindness, note improvements, and even highlight funny moments. The report card can be left by the elf in the morning or slipped into a stocking for a surprise.

🌟 Pro Tips: 

• Review the card together during a special family moment.
• Use it as a positive reinforcement tool. Balance positive feedback with gentle reminders to encourage growth without spoiling the holiday cheer!
• Take screenshots or save copies as adorable keepsakes.
• Discuss the "grades" and how to improve Christmas spirit.  

🎨 Step 4: Plan fun activities with the Elf

Add extra fun by using the Activities printables as tasks the elf leaves for the kids. These could be bake some cookies, scavenger hunts to complete, or simple crafts to make. The elf sets everything up overnight, so the kids wake up to a surprise activity in the morning.

🌟 Pro Tips: 

• Add a little note from the elf when they "deliver" the task. For example:
  "I found this fun puzzle at Santa’s workshop and thought you’d enjoy it!"

😂Step 5: Share Laughter and Positivity with Elf Jokes and Encouragement Cards

Brighten the mornings with a little magic from your elf! Use Christmas Elf Jokes to bring giggles—leave a joke card where the elf sits, like on the fridge or their tiny "desk." To add even more joy, use Encouragement Cards to share positive messages. These can celebrate acts of kindness, offer support, or remind the kids that Santa and the elf are proud of them.

🌟 Pro Tips: 

• Pair the joke with a simple prop or playful scene to amplify the fun.
• Hide encouragement cards in lunchboxes, stockings, or under pillows for a sweet surprise.

👋 Step 6: Say Goodbye with the Elf Goodbye Letter

When Christmas Eve arrives, it’s time to say farewell to your elf. The Elf Goodbye Letter is a sweet way to wrap up the season and remind your family of the wonderful memories you’ve made. Personalize it to reflect your elf’s adventures and leave a note of gratitude for the children.

🎁 Bonus Tips for a Magical Elf Experience

1. Keep it Fresh: Use a mix of printables to make each day feel new and exciting.
2. Involve the Kids: Let them help decide what the elf might do next or how they can impress Santa.
3. Add Props: Incorporate small household items to build creative scenes with your elf.
4. Document the Fun: Take pictures of your elf’s antics and create a scrapbook to remember these moments year after year.

🎄 Why Use Printables for Your Elf? 🎄

Printables make your Christmas elf tradition easier, more creative, and so much fun! Here's why they're a must-have:

1. Save Time
   No need to brainstorm every night—printables give you ready-to-use ideas like letters, jokes, activities, and more. Just print and place!

2. Boost Creativity
   From scavenger hunts to funny jokes, printables help you create magical scenes and interactive experiences without extra effort.

3. Personalized Magic
   Many printables can be customized with your child’s name or special messages, making the experience feel even more magical and unique.

4. Encourage Positive Behaviors
   With items like Elf Report Cards and Encouragement Cards, printables motivate kids to be their best and spread kindness during the holiday season.

5. Affordable Fun
   Printables are a cost-effective way to keep the elf tradition exciting without breaking the bank. Plus, you can print as many copies you wish!

Ready to make Elf-ing easy? Check out our full Christmas Elf Bundle!

Planning new and creative Elf activities every day can be overwhelming. That’s why our Christmas Elf Bundle is here to save the day!

What’s included in the bundle?

• Editable Welcome Letters
• “Back Again” Letters for returning Elves
• Good Behavior Certificates
• Activity Cards (jokes, ideas, and positive messages)
• Goodbye Letters
• “Under Elf Watch” Sign

All our templates are editable, you can customize every single detail to suit your family’s unique style.