Saying Goodbye To Our Elf on the Shelf

Tonight as we set Bruce (our Elf on the Shelf) in his new spot for Quinn to find him in the morning we realized that this was the last night, seeing as though tomorrow is Christmas Eve. So we set Bruce up with a letter. When Quinn finds Bruce in the morning we will read him the letter and let him say his goodbyes.

The letter reads:

Dear Bray Family,

I have had so much fun being a part of your family for the last month. You guys sure have a lot of fun around here. Sorry for any messes I made along the way. Guess I got caught up in the fun too!

Tonight when you go to sleep a little Christmas magic is going to happen. I will fly back to the North Pole for the last time this year. I will make my last report to Santa before he gets on his sleigh and heads around the world to spread Christmas cheer. When you wake up tomorrow morning I will be gone and presents will be under the tree. I know there will be presents, because I have told Santa all about what good children you are. I passed on all of your messages to the big guy and I know he will do his best to find the perfect presents for you.

Lucky for us Santa will lift my magic for just a few minutes after you are done reading this letter. In those few minutes it will be okay to touch me, hug me and kiss me goodbye. When you are finished with your goodbyes just put me back where you found me and I will find my way to the North Pole tonight. Can’t wait to see you next Christmas season!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Love,

Bruce

For more Elf on the Shelf Ideas check out Elf on the Shelf Week 1, Elf on the Shelf Week 2, Elf on the Shelf Week 3, Elf on the Shelf Week 4 and Elf on the Shelf round-up. If you are loving the reindeer advent calendar, mantle or printables in the background, click around and check them out.

CLICK HERE TO SEE WHERE I PARTY AT!

Anonymous

This was exactly what I needed to know about what to do with our own elf, Peter, after tonight. Thanks for sharing this. Merry Christmas!
claudia

I love the idea about kids being able to touch and love on the Elf! Our Elf just recently “visited” to remind our daughter that he is watching all year long and left her a message! “Elf is Watching”!!!!!
Abi

My family doesn’t have an Elf on the Shelf, but this was so incredibly sweet, it made me tear up!

http://www.balancinghome.com Megan Bray

Last Christmas was our first time. It was great fun.

http://www.facebook.com/marliss.aldridge Marliss Anglin Aldridge

We have 3 elves, none of which are the on the shelf kind. Ours can be touched, loved,, and carried EVERYWHERE? The last making it a great thing for church, weddings, nice dinners, etc. Our elves have learned about the real reason for the season for the past few years while watching my son at church. They have also been know to hitch a ride to school and watch my class when Christmas is near and they are getting a little excited.
Carrie Briles

What an incredibly elaborate way to lie to your children.

hereissteph

Knock it off. This is a mom trying to create magic for her children!
pam peck

Get a sense of wonder Carrie..Wow

http://www.balancinghome.com Megan Bray

Thank you Pam
Kelly G

poor old carrie obviously had a sad childhood and created an even sadder one for her kids………………….the magic of wonder, of love of Christmas………something us GREAT parents want for and WILL share with our sweet babies

http://www.balancinghome.com Megan Bray

If Fridays horrific events taught me anything, it is life is short and children need wonder and magic in their lives. Creating these magical moments and special memories is one way I show my children how much I love them. It comes from a good place and creates joy.

nickie

What are the little reindeer cups behind your child?

http://www.balancinghome.com Megan Bray

An advent calendar. There is a separate post on that. I believe a link is included in the post. If I wasn’t standing in line for Black Friday deals I would include one .

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http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=636420415 Megan Braye Wheeler

Love the post!!! I was wondering how we could clue up with our Elf and was thinking of having her write a letter. Today was our first day with our Elf, she arrived just last night!!!

P.S. Love your name!!! I am also Megan Braye, just with an E on the end! haha!!!

http://www.balancinghome.com Megan Bray

OMG! How weird! Next year I’m waiting until December 1 for the elf to come. We’ve already been going at it a week with Thanksgiving coming so early. Hope your little one/s have fun with it!

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Kristin Bodden

This is our first year with “Elf on the Shelf” Pedokie Okie. My daughter is 3 and is doing very well with not touching him. She thinks its so fun to find him before school. Thank you for such great ideas. My husband has been coming up with some great ones, but now its my turn. I love the letter goodbye. So sweet. I know she will want to kiss him goodbye. My 16 year old is freaked out by him, but plays along.

http://www.balancinghome.com Megan Bray

You are welcome! Glad to hear the 16 year old is being a good sport .

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shannon

i wish i had known about this little guy when my children were young. i will be starting the tradition with my grandchildren next year. what fun. i can hardly wait.

http://www.balancinghome.com Megan Bray

That will be such fun. Our elf was actually a gift from my mom & she thoroughly enjoys following along .

kidwellrobin

That was so sweet. Pretending is one of the precious joys of childhood. Enjoy the ride, Momma. Your children will love you for sharing that magic with them.

http://www.balancinghome.com Megan Bray

Thank you! I really am enjoying the ride. This morning Quinn was up at 6:00 a.m. When I asked him why he was up so early he said, “because I get so excited for the day and finding Bruce (our elf) and playing”. Well of course !

http://www.facebook.com/erin.delislekosowan Erin Delisle-Kosowan

I am trying to decide on how to let my kids say goodbye to “Elfie” and I bawled like a baby reading your letter!!! I had all ready decided to write a letter but I hadn’t thought of “lifting the magic to let them touch him” – AWESOME idea!!!

http://www.balancinghome.com Megan Bray

Thanks! Make sure you have the camera ready!!

Krystal

Oh man, I can already tell I’m gonna cry when it’s time for Tinsel to go home
Jenn

LOVE IT!!! Fantastic letter! We are all about the elf!!! Thanks for the idea!!!

http://www.balancinghome.com Megan Bray

You are welcome!

Susanna Stokman

awesome!
Cate

Thanks for the idea of lifting the magic for a few minutes! I’ve just stolen that for our elf’s goodbye letter to the kids. Only thing left now is photoshopping a pic of Santa taking the elf home

http://www.balancinghome.com Megan Bray

How cute!! Make sure you snap photos

Marcia Ballentine

Megan,

This is the first year we have had our elf Froggy. My 4 year old loves him and I do too! I lost my Mom in October and I think she would have gotten a kick out of Froggy’s antics. I completely lost it when I read your letter and saw the picture of your son kissing his elf. This is the sweetest elf idea yet. Good job!

http://www.balancinghome.com Megan Bray

Thank you. I am so sorry about your mom. I’m glad you and your little one are enjoying it. I love hearing all the elf names.

Michele B

I cried reading your goodbye letter from Bruce. This was our first year with Christopher and it’s been so much fun. My daughter is 9 now so this is probably her last year believing and we are making it count! I will be writing my letter tonight, I cannot wait to see her face when she realizes she can touch him!! Have a wonderful Christmas!!
http://www.facebook.com/csmarsh Crystal Stroud Marsh

Bitter about life much Carrie?
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