Arrival letter

Dear family,

I got in late. The trip was longer than my legs, so I sat down as soon as I found a safe spot. My name is [Elf name]. I will be your visiting elf until Christmas Eve.

Here is what I notice: someone helping without being asked, someone sharing the last piece, someone trying again when a thing is hard. A spill is a spill. A loud morning is a morning. I am not here to grade you. Santa already knows you are loved.

I move at night, after the house is quiet. In the morning, come and look. Please let me sit where I landed. If I have to be moved, a grown-up can do it and set me somewhere steady.

I will stay off the pet’s bed, out of the water bowl, and away from anything small enough to swallow. If you ever find me in yesterday’s seat, I was writing. There is a short note for that, and it is not a scolding.

I am glad to be here.

Love,
[Elf name]