In Australia, the festive spirit starts earlier than almost anywhere else. As soon as Halloween decorations come down and the beach towels come out, kids across the country begin wondering when their favourite Scout Elf will return from the North Pole.
If your little one is already asking, “Mum, can our Scout Elf come back early?”, you’re not alone! While The Elf on the Shelf® tradition officially kicks off during Scout Elf Return Week™ (24 November – 1 December), Santa sometimes allows an early return for special occasions, especially when a family has a heartfelt reason to request one.
Here’s everything you need to know about how to invite your Scout Elf back early — the official Aussie way!
Can Your Scout Elf Return Early?
The answer is sometimes, yes! But only with Santa’s official approval.
Scout Elves spend most of the year at the North Pole helping Santa prepare for Christmas, checking the Naughty and Nice Lists, sorting letters, and polishing sleigh bells. However, every so often, Santa grants permission for a special early visit.
If your family has a special reason, like a birthday, reunion, new baby, or even just a wish to share extra Christmas spirit, Santa may allow your Scout Elf to fly back a little sooner than usual.
Five Magical Ways to Request an Early Elf Visit
If your family would love an early visit from your Scout Elf, here are five North Pole–approved ways to make the request in true Aussie style.
1. Write a Special Letter to Santa
Encourage your child to write to Santa explaining why they’d love their Scout Elf to arrive early. Maybe it’s their birthday, they’ve just moved house, or they’ve missed their elf’s playful antics.
Place the letter by the Christmas tree or in your elf’s usual landing spot. Santa’s postal elves check in regularly, so your message will reach him in no time!
2. Celebrate a Meaningful Moment
Santa loves hearing about special milestones. Whether your family is welcoming a new sibling, celebrating a big school achievement, or gathering for a long-awaited reunion, sharing the moment’s meaning might inspire Santa to send your Scout Elf early.
3. Create a Summery Elf Invitation
Make your home feel extra welcoming with an Aussie-style landing zone. Think beach towels, tiny surfboards, or sandcastle toys, anything to remind your elf they’ve arrived Down Under! Even Scout Elves appreciate a bit of sunshine and surf after months in the snowy North Pole.
4. Design a Festive Welcome Corner
Create a cheerful “Welcome Back” space featuring a homemade sign, a mini chair, or even elf-sized thongs. Add a few touches of Aussie summer fun, a small plate of fairy bread, an Anzac biscuit, or a mini cup of Milo, to show your Scout Elf they’re right where they belong.
5. Tempt Your Elf with a Classic Aussie Treat
Scout Elves are known to have a sweet tooth! Setting out tiny servings of Vegemite toast, Lamingtons, or a mini Pavlova might just tempt your elf to drop by early for a taste of home.
Can a Scout Elf Visit Just for a Day?
Yes — sometimes Santa allows a short visit! Your Scout Elf might stop by for a quick hello before returning to the North Pole to finish preparing for Christmas. A one-day visit is the perfect way to sprinkle in some early festive magic without disrupting the official Scout Elf Return Week™ schedule.
Keep the Magic Alive in Your Aussie Home
Whether your Scout Elf arrives early or right on time, the true magic of The Elf on the Shelf® lies in the memories your family creates together. From setting up silly scenes to spotting new morning surprises, every visit adds a little sparkle to the Australian Christmas season.
So, if you’re dreaming of an early return, go ahead and write that letter, decorate your beach-themed landing zone, and keep believing. Santa and his team of Scout Elves are always watching for families who show extra kindness, imagination, and Christmas spirit.
For more ideas, crafts, and The Elf on the Shelf® activities tailored especially for Australian families, visit the official Elf on the Shelf® blog.
Because whether your Scout Elf arrives by surfboard or sleigh, every early visit brings joy, laughter, and a touch of North Pole magic to Aussie homes everywhere.