On this page
- A quick clarification
- Why the two traditions pair well
- Ways to mention your elf when you book
- Ideas for the day of the call
- Using a video message with the elf
- What not to promise your child
- If your child is nervous about the elf
- Tips for siblings with different views
- Make the most of December
- Keeping it simple
- Frequently asked questions
If your family has an Elf on the Shelf, you already know how much a small figure can add to the season. The elf appears in a new spot each morning, and your child checks in on the scene. Many parents wonder how that tradition fits with a Santa video call. This post offers ideas for pairing them, while being clear about what we do and do not provide.
A quick clarification
The Elf on the Shelf is a family tradition at home. You and your family run it. We do not provide elves, and the Santa call is a conversation with Santa only. What we can do is help Santa know about your family's tradition, if you share it, so your child feels the connection.
On a live Santa video call, Santa is a real-beard Santa in a velvet suit. It is a 10-minute, one-on-one conversation on Google Meet. You share your child's name, age, wish list and fun facts when you book. Mentioning your elf in the fun facts is a perfect way to personalize the chat.
Why the two traditions pair well
An elf tradition builds a daily rhythm of curiosity and anticipation. A Santa call gives that anticipation a face and a voice. Together, they let a child feel that the season is full of small surprises.
- The elf builds daily excitement.
- The call offers a special event to look forward to.
- Both reward kindness and curiosity in a friendly way.
Ways to mention your elf when you book
When you fill in the details, add a line or two:
- "Our elf is named Pepper, and she likes to hide in the kitchen."
- "Every morning, Oliver checks where the elf moved."
- "The elf left a note about being a good helper."
- "The elf arrived on December 1."
Santa can then ask about the elf in the conversation. Children love being asked about something they know well. Use the fun facts guide for other categories.
Ideas for the day of the call
Plan a morning reveal
On the day of the call, your elf can leave a note: "Santa is on the screen tonight. Get ready!" It is your tradition, so you set the scene.
Let the elf watch
Place the elf on a shelf where it faces the room. Your child may like seeing it in the background.
Set up a themed breakfast
Pancakes or hot cocoa the morning after the call. Your child can tell the elf what Santa said.
Make it a countdown
Each morning, the elf moves closer to a drawing of the screen or a calendar page that says "Santa call."
Keep the tone light. Children can enjoy several magical things at once.
Using a video message with the elf
A personalized Santa video message is a recorded video, about 30 seconds long, emailed as a private link. If your child has an elf, you can share the elf's name in the details. You might also show the video on a morning when the elf has left a note. That way, the message feels like part of the daily scene. Videos are delivered starting December 10 and within 3 days after that, so you can plan around it. The last day to order is December 21.
What not to promise your child
Be careful about promises that depend on the elf or on Santa. Your child may ask, "Will the elf come on the call?" or "Does Santa talk to my elf?" Because the elf is a home tradition, you know best how to answer. A simple line works: "The elf is part of our family's holiday. Santa is on the call to talk with you." This keeps expectations clear.
Likewise, do not promise that Santa will mention specific items, such as the elf's name. You can share the information and see how the conversation unfolds. Santa will follow your child's lead.
If your child is nervous about the elf
Some children find the elf a little spooky. If so, leave it out of the call details, and focus on warm, comfortable facts such as pets, favorite songs and hobbies.
Tips for siblings with different views
Older siblings sometimes treat the elf differently than younger ones. When siblings are on the call (they are welcome), put their names, ages and a wish or two in the "fun facts" box when you book. If one sibling is very attached to the elf and another is not, let each child talk about what matters to them.
Make the most of December
A tidy rhythm helps. For example:
- 1
Early December
the elf arrives. Order a video message if you like.
- 2
Mid December
the live call. Book early, since times are limited.
- 3
Christmas Eve
a family tradition of your own, perhaps with a note from the elf.
Read how to make a Santa video call magical for more ideas. If your child is young, Santa call for toddlers has tips. And for planning around the holiday, see Christmas Eve call from Santa.
Keeping it simple
Traditions do not need to be complicated. The elf is yours. The Santa call is a warm conversation. You choose how to tie them together, and a few details in your booking form is all it takes. When you are ready, book a live Santa call.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Santa call include an elf?
No. The Elf on the Shelf is your family's tradition. The call is a conversation with Santa only, but you can share your elf's name in the fun facts box.
Can Santa mention our elf?
Yes, if you share it. Add the elf's name and a favorite antic to the fun facts when you book.
How long is the call?
Ten minutes, one-on-one, on Google Meet. See how it works.