If your Elf on The Shelf is running late this year, don’t get your tinsel in a tangle! I’ve gathered easy Elf Late Arrival Ideas for you that will help bring the elf magic and make the holiday season special even with your elf’s late start.
While the Christmas tradition is that the elf on the shelf season starts on December 1st (or early December) and leaves on Christmas Eve, sometimes our elf friends have a little trouble finding their way from The North Pole.
So, below are some fun ideas for those last-minute elf arrivals the whole family will enjoy!
And if you are looking for more Elf on The Shelf Ideas to use the next day, check out:
- 25 Quick & Easy Elf on The Shelf Ideas
- 100+ Simple Elf on The Shelf Ideas
- 40 Best Elf on The Shelf Arrival Ideas
Last year, we had a ton of fun making these Elf on The Shelf Pancakes too!
For starters, I made you this Free Printable Elf Late Arrival Letter that can lessen the blow and bring back the excitement for all the elf antics to come from your scout elves. Feel free to print it and use it with your elf!
Late Elf Arrival Ideas
If your Elf on The Shelf is late to arrive this year, don’t get your candy canes twisted. These are creative ideas to help your little elf make a grand entrance! It can be as easy as they’ve been hiding in the Christmas tree or Santa Claus needed them for a special task.
Elf in Quarantine: Okay, it’s not 2020 anymore BUT we still don’t want our kids catching that nasty virus, right? Perhaps your Elf in late because they’ve been stuck in an Elf Isolation House.
Snowed-In at the North Pole: Let your kids know that their elf was snowed in at Santa’s workshop! Maybe they were helping with a last-minute toy rush or got caught in a magical snowstorm.
Elf Baby Arrival: Have your elf explain with a little sign that they were out having a baby and perhaps welcome a baby elf into your home too! Get your Baby Elf Here.
Elf Stuck: Put your elf in a balloon and have them be “stuck” inside and stuck somewhere in your home.
Reindeer Training Camp: Perhaps your elf was assisting in the reindeer training camp. They had to make sure Rudolph and the team were ready for their big flight, which took a little longer than expected!
Elf Had to Poop: We all have been there, been stuck in the bathroom for too long and looks like the elf did too! Besides, kids love fart and poop jokes!
Lost in Mail: The elf decided to try a new mode of transport this year and got mailed to your house! But, oops, they took a slight detour and got lost along the way. You could even place them in a box that has printable stamps that looks like they got re-routed in transit.
A Stopover at the Candy Cane Lane: Maybe your elf made a quick stop at the Candy Cane Lane for some sweet supplies. After all, elves need their sugar boost too!
Elf Flu: Just like humans, elves can catch a cold. Let your children know that their elf had a slight case of the ‘Elf Flu’ and needed a bit of rest before making the trip.
Stuck in a Snow Globe: Your elf was exploring a magical snow globe and got a bit too curious. It took some time to find their way out of the wintery wonderland inside.
Secret Mission from Santa: The elf was on a secret mission from Santa himself! Maybe they were out spreading extra cheer or gathering last-minute wishes from children around the world.
Extended Toy-Making Duties: The elf was needed for extra shifts at Santa’s workshop due to a record number of toys being made this year. Their craftsmanship was essential!
Mischievous Reindeer Pranks: The elf got caught up in a series of playful pranks by the reindeers at the North Pole, which took some time to resolve.
North Pole Weather Delays: Unpredictable snowstorms at the North Pole delayed many elf departures. Your elf had to wait for the all-clear from Santa’s weather team.
Maple Syrup Spill: There was a massive maple syrup spill in the elf cafeteria, and your elf was part of the cleanup crew. It was sticky business! Perhaps have him/her arrive with a bottle of syrup.
Santa’s Sleigh Navigation Upgrade: Your elf was assisting in upgrading Santa’s sleigh navigation system, making sure Santa’s big journey is more efficient this year.
Elf Training Workshop: There was a last-minute training session for all elves, teaching them new techniques in toy making and gift wrapping.
Elf Jail: Perhaps your elf was caught stealing candy canes and gumdrops off a gingerbread house at The North Pole and had to spend some time in Elf Jail.
Northern Lights Festival: The elf attended the annual Northern Lights Festival at the North Pole, which ran a bit longer this year due to spectacular displays.
Lost in a Christmas Book: Your elf got lost in a magical Christmas storybook and had to find their way out of an enchanting story before they could leave.
Time Travel Mishap: In an attempt to use Santa’s experimental time machine, your elf accidentally traveled a bit too far into the future and then had to find their way back.
Elf Wellness Retreat: To ensure they were in top-notch condition for the holiday season, your elf attended a wellness retreat at the North Pole, focusing on relaxation and rejuvenation.
Elf Overslept: Explain the elf overslept and lost track of time. Easy, short and sweet!
And in case you want more Late Elf Arrival Letters, there is an entire set of free printable letters you can use. This will allow your elf to leave a special note for your little kids.
