Elf arrival letter and Christmas wish list for kids to trace
A reply the child writes to the toy elf that visits at Christmas: trace the welcome, add three things you like, and draw a cozy spot. Switch the page type to make a Christmas wish list instead.
Preview every page
The preview is included in the PDF.
What the page is
Many families have a toy elf that arrives in December and is moved around the house. This page gives a child something to write back. The welcome letter starts with Dear Elf, and Welcome to our house! and the child’s name in large dotted letters, then asks for three things the child likes, signs off with Your friend and the name, and ends with a framed box for a drawing of a cozy spot for the elf. The elf, the pictures and the wording are generic. The page does not use any brand logo or character, and it is not connected to, or endorsed by, the owner of the Elf on the Shelf name, which is a trademark of its owner.
Two page types, one tool
Switch Page type to Christmas wish list and the same tool makes a different page. It is headed My wish list, with the name traced, up to three numbered wishes, a line for Something I can give, a signature line, and a drawing box. Many parents like it because writing a short list is real, purposeful handwriting. Keep the list to three. A short list is easier for a young child to trace or copy and leaves room to talk about what matters. If you want a longer letter to Santa, with an envelope page, use the letter to Santa template.
Three levels for different writers
Every page type has three levels. Trace everything turns each line into dotted letters, which suits many pre-K children, although ages are only rough guides. Trace the greeting, copy the lines keeps the greeting and sign-off dotted, then prints each of your lines in plain letters with a blank line underneath for the child to copy; it is a common fit for kindergarten. Trace the greeting, write the lines keeps the dotted greeting and replaces your lines with empty ruled lines, which works for first and second graders who can spell simple words. Change the level with one click and print a different version for each child.
How to help
- Youngest children: ask what they would like to say, write it for them in the box, and let them trace. A scribble or a drawing counts.
- Kindergarten: read each line aloud, point to it, and let the child copy it letter by letter. Praise the effort, not the neatness.
- First and second grade: invented spelling is fine for a family letter. Offer to write the correct version underneath if the child wants it.
- Any age: keep it short and stop when the pencil gets slow. The letter can be written over two or three days.
Ideas for using the letter
Some families leave the child’s letter where the elf will find it on the first morning, and some use the wish list as a short writing task on a December afternoon. A letter can also welcome a classroom elf, which is a simple morning activity for teachers. Whatever you choose, do not promise a reply, and keep the tone warm. The drawing box is for a picture of the elf’s spot, or a favorite wish. Print on plain paper at actual size, and choose gray ink if you are making a class set.
Privacy and printing
The name and the lines you type are used only by your browser to draw the page and the PDF. They are not sent to a server and are not saved, so a child’s name never ends up in a web address. Choose US Letter or A4, and print at actual size so the dotted letters stay sharp. For more seasonal practice, see the Christmas words tracing worksheets and the Christmas tree name craft.
Continue with a related worksheet
Watch the video guides
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Good to know
Does this use the Elf on the Shelf logo or characters?
No. The page uses generic elf wording and plain line drawings only. It is not connected to, or endorsed by, the owner of the Elf on the Shelf trademark.
Can I make a Christmas wish list with it?
Yes. Change Page type to Christmas wish list. You get a titled list with up to three numbered wishes, a line for something to give, and a drawing box.
What do the three levels mean?
Trace everything dots every line. Trace the greeting, copy the lines dots the greeting and sign-off and prints your lines in plain letters with a blank line to copy onto. Trace the greeting, write the lines dots the greeting and gives three empty ruled lines.
How many lines can I add?
Up to three, one per line, at 30 characters each. Leave the box empty to print blank lines.
Does the page save my child’s name?
No. The name and lines stay in your browser. They are used to draw the preview and the PDF and are not uploaded or stored.