Why a separate introduction
An arrival letter written by the elf asks a child to accept both the elf and the elf's account of itself at the same time. A letter from Santa does the explaining first, and the elf then simply exists, which is an easier sell with a sceptical five or six year old.
Families usually use both: the introduction letter from Santa in the first year, and the arrival letter from the elf in later years when no explanation is needed.
What it covers
That an elf has been chosen for this family, what its job is, that it reports back each night, and the rules about not touching it. It also includes a line asking the children to look after it, which gives them a role rather than just a set of restrictions.
The letter names the children and can name the elf, or can leave the naming to them. There is a line for a house-specific detail, which is the part that makes it personal.
Presentation
Printed on the North Pole headed paper used by the Santa letters, so the two match if you use both. Fold it in three and leave it with the elf, or post it, since a letter from Santa that arrives through the door has more weight than one that appears on a table.
Questions
- How is the introduction letter different from the arrival letter?
- The introduction letter is written from Santa and explains who the elf is and why it has been sent. The arrival letter is written by the elf itself. In a first year, the Santa letter is the easier one for a child to accept.
- Do I need both letters?
- Many families use both: the introduction from Santa in the first year and the arrival letter from the elf in later years when no explanation is needed.
- Does it include the rules?
- Yes, including not touching the elf and the nightly report, plus a line asking the children to look after it, which gives them something to do rather than only things to avoid.
- Can I post it rather than leave it out?
- Yes, and it works better. A letter from Santa that comes through the door carries more weight than one that appears on the kitchen table.