Elf Idea: Moving-In Night with a Suitcase

A little elf has arrived with a suitcase and bundle, tiny footprints lead from the windowsill to the elf door, and a welcome letter is waiting – coloring page.

The first night of December: your elf has arrived with a suitcase and a bundle and is moving in behind the elf door. Little footprints show the way, and a welcome letter is waiting. This elf moving-in night kicks off your elf season.

😜 What Did the Elf Do?

Your elf stands on the windowsill with a suitcase and a bundle. Paper footprints lead from there to the elf door, with a welcome letter in front. The kids find the newcomer in the morning and get to name him.

At a Glance

Setup time
about 10 minutes
Mess level
●○○ super tidy
Age
ages 3+
Daycare-friendly
yes – a lovely group start
🧺 Supplies
  • Footprints (printable template)
  • Welcome letter
  • Small suitcase or bundle
  • Your elf

🛠️ How to Set It Up, Step by Step

1
Print the footprint template and cut the prints out.
2
Lay the trail from the windowsill to the elf door.
3
Set the suitcase and bundle beside your elf and add the welcome letter.
4
Place your elf on the windowsill or in front of the door.
💡
Pro Tip
Let the kids discover who moved in on their own, and suggest choosing a name together. A photo of the first morning makes a nice keepsake.

🔄 Variations

For little ones
Just three footprints and your elf by the door, with no letter.
For preschool and classroom
The group picks a name together by voting.
No mess
Just the letter and your elf, with the footprints as a picture by the door.

✉️ What the Elf Writes

I made it! I am staying until Christmas and I am so happy to meet you. Can you give me a name?

You'll find matching printable notes in our elf letters.

🖍️ The Prank Picture as a Coloring Page

The coloring page shows the arrival. The kids color it in and lay it next to the elf door as a welcome. Click “Print Now” to print the picture as a full-size coloring page.

Goes Well With

Your Benefits at PureSketchy:

  • Completely Free: Every elf printable with no sign-up, no newsletter, no subscription.
  • Made for Coloring: Clear black lines – kids color everything themselves.
  • Your Elf, Your Name: There is always space to write in your own elf's name.
  • Everything in One Place: Prank ideas, papercraft props, printable sets, letters and guides all fit together.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When is the best night for the arrival?
The evening before December 1 or the first Sunday of Advent. Any other night you want to start works too.

What goes in the welcome letter?
A few lines on who he is, that he is only visiting, and that every family chooses a name for him. There is no official name.

How do I make the footprints?
The footprints are a printable template. Cut them out and lay them from the windowsill to the elf door.

Where does the elf go?
On the windowsill, at the elf door, or next to it. Put the little suitcase beside him.

Is the download free?
Yes, every printable on PureSketchy is 100% free for personal use, preschools and schools – no sign-up needed.

Is there a German version?
Yes! You can find the German version at Einzug mit Koffer.