The National ‘Elf Service Day 2024
Get ready to embrace your inner ‘elf, don your most festive outfit, and secure your spot on Santa’s nice list! Join us for the National ‘Elf Service Day, where we’re spreading cheer, smiles and a little bit of magic across NHS Lothian.
Registration for this event is now closed
From ward decorations and surprise gifts to heartwarming Christmas celebrations and musicians playing Christmas tunes for patients, the money you raise helps create moments of joy. So why not get yourself on Santa’s Nice List and sign up today?
Last year, NHS Lothian staff donned their finest elf costumes and filled the wards with joy bringing cheer to patients. This year it’s your turn! Let’s make National ‘Elf Service Day even merrier and raise some money to deliver smiles to patients, visitors and staff.
The National ‘Elf Service Day was a brilliant opportunity to bring some joy and fun into our department while we raised money for the Charity.”
By taking part, you’ll help deliver Christmas magic in many ways, whether it’s gifting surprise presents for patients or hosting festive parties that bring families together during the holidays. Your efforts make all the difference.
We have a party on Christmas Day, that anyone in the family can come to – so they can spend some precious time together, and not be apart from each other for the whole of Christmas. And we get some small gifts, some for the mums – to make them feel special – and some for the babies – so the mums have something to give their little one on their first Christmas and don’t have the pressure of having to find something themselves.
Tricia Breslin, St John’s Mental Health Mother and Baby Unit in Livingston“Something as simple of as a face pack, or a nice hand cream can put a smile on a mum’s face at a time when she really needs it.”
Why Get Involved in the National ‘Elf Service Day?
- You’ll earn some serious ‘elf points’ by making a difference for patients and families in need.
- Help create special moments, whether it’s a party on Christmas Day that brings families together or providing gifts to make mums and babies feel cherished.
- Whether it’s a small gift like hand cream or some delicious treats for patients, your involvement helps lift spirits and spread Christmas cheer where it’s needed most.
Frequently Asked Questions
National ‘Elf Service Day is a festive event where you can dress up in an elf costume, organise activities, and raise money to spread holiday cheer to patients, visitors and staff across NHS Lothian.
Whether you’re donning your best festive jumper or going the whole way and dressing up as an elf our National ‘Elf Service Day is on the 12th December 2024.
Registration for National ‘Elf Service Day 2024 is now closed.
It’s simple! Once registered, you’ll receive your fundraising pack filled with all the tips and tricks to help you make the most of your event. Take part on the 12th December or any day that week.
Anyone can join the fun! Whether you’re an NHS staff member, a patient, a visitor, or part of the local community, we welcome everyone to get involved and help spread joy. The more elves, the merrier!
Yes! If you’d like to support National ‘Elf Service Day but can’t join the festivities, you can make a donation online by visiting our donation page. Every little bit helps us bring magic to those who need it.
While dressing up as an elf isn’t mandatory, it’s highly encouraged. Embracing your inner elf helps spread cheer and show your support. If costumes aren’t your thing, festive attire such as Christmas jumpers, hats or accessories work too.
We love it when businesses and organisations join in. You can take part by hosting your own National ‘Elf Service Day events, sponsoring activities, or making a corporate donation to support the cause.
Find out how generous donations from our supporters have helped to make Christmas special for patients and families:
“I spent two weeks in hospital that December in the lead-up to Christmas. Christmas eve arrived, and I was expecting it to be like any other day on the ward, but the doctors and nurses made it special and brought the Christmas experience to us. The staff dressed up, sang Christmas carols, and we all had mince pies. It really lifted my spirits when I was missing my tiny baby boy and family at home.
“I still remember waking up on Christmas day and being surprised to find a small present left at my bedside by the staff, some lovely toiletries. It was a small thing, but it had a big impact. A small act of kindness can help someone feel remembered.”
Every year, volunteers from our FACE cancer fund take children who have been impacted by cancer to Lapland, giving them a magical day where they meet the ‘real’ Santa.
“The gift of our trip to Lapland with John and the volunteers at FACE was once in a lifetime, especially after my two little boys lost their dad after a very long illness just a few months ago. The concept of bringing bereaved children to go meet Santa and spend a magical day in the Arctic was just beautiful, and very moving.”
“I don’t remember much about the admission because I was too unwell, but I still remember waking up on Christmas day and being surprised to find a small present left at my bedside by the staff.
“I expected Christmas Day to be like any other day on the ward, but the staff made it a break from the normal routine. There was a special Christmas breakfast and a festive buffet in the evening. I remember enjoying the chocolate cake, and it was the first time I’d been able to enjoy food like that for weeks. The staff dressed up and made a real effort to make it festive for us, and we all felt like family for the day.”
