RFA Tiderace Elf on the shelf 2021 lateral flow test 02122021 CREDIT RFA Tiderace Twitter.jpeg.jpg — As part of COVID prevention measures, all personnel (and elves) are required to conduct twice-weekly lateral flow tests (Picture: RFA Tiderace).

New Joiners are required to undergo a Medical Check (no elfceptions) RFA Tiderace elf on the shelf 03122021 CREDIT RFA Tiderace Twitter.jpeg — All new joiners are required to undergo a medical check within their first two weeks on board, no elfceptions! (Picture: RFA Tiderace).

All New Joiners are required to undergo a Medical Check within their first 2 weeks onboard (no elfceptions).jpg — All new joiners are required to undergo a medical check within their first two weeks on board, no elfceptions! (Picture: RFA Tiderace).

Elf on the shelf attended his mandatory New Joiners Brief 04122021 CREDIT RFA Tiderace Twitter.jpeg — Elf attended his mandatory new joiner's brief (Picture: RFA Tiderace Twitter).

Elf on the shelf ‘borrowed’ the CO's epaulettes RFA Tiderace 05122021 CREDIT RFA Tiderace Twitter.jpeg_.jpg — Elf on the shelf 'borrowed' the CO's epaulettes (Picture: RFA Tiderace).

The RFA Tiderace CO was unable to receive her Merchant Navy Medal for Meritorious Service so Elf stepped in 07122021 CREDIT RFA Tiderace Twitter.jpeg.jpg — The RFA Tiderace CO was unable to receive her Merchant Navy Medal for Meritorious Service so Elf stepped in (Picture: RFA Tiderace).

The RFA Tiderace Elf after wondering what Action Messing was for lunch enjoyed the steak dinner 09122021 CREDIT RFA Tiderace Twitter.jpeg — After wondering what Action Messing was for lunch, Elf approved of his steak dinner (Picture: RFA Tiderace).

A quiet evening of admin and laundry for Elf on the shelf onboard RFA Tiderace 15122021 CREDIT RFA Tiderace Twitter.jpeg.jpg — RFA Tiderace's Elf getting involved with some laundry (Picture: RFA Tiderace Twitter).

The RFA Tiderace's Elf had a very busy day learning to fly a Merlin Helicopter with 814 NAS 17122021 CREDIT RFA Tiderace Twitter.jpeg.jpg — RFA Tiderace's Elf had a very busy day learning to fly a Merlin helicopter with 814 NAS (Picture: RFA Tiderace Twitter).

The RFA Tiderace Elf thought the red and white pilot flag was not festive enough, so a red and white Elf was hoisted in its place 19122021 CREDIT RFA Tiderace Twitter.jpeg.jpg — The RFA Tiderace Elf thought the red and white pilot flag was not festive enough, so a red and white Elf was hoisted in its place (Picture: RFA Tiderace Twitter).

RFA Tiderace Elf is checking out if the Sleigh Deck is suitable for Santa 20122021 CREDIT RFA Tiderace Twitter.jpeg — RFA Tiderace's Elf is checking out if the Sleigh Deck is suitable for Santa (Picture: RFA Tiderace).

The RFA Tiderace's Elf helped the Med Tech to get ready for COVID booster clinic onboard 21122021 CREDIT RFA Tiderace Twitter.jpeg — RFA Tiderace's Elf helped the Med Tech to get ready for the COVID booster clinic on board (Picture: RFA Tiderace Twitter).

Tri-Service

Christmas spirit sweeps across the Armed Forces – with the help of a cheeky elf!

With Christmas Day just around the corner, Armed Forces personnel in the UK and overseas have been getting into the festive spirit.

The heads of the Navy, Army and Royal Air Force have sent their individual messages to personnel and their families for their contribution at home and abroad in 2021.

And the Royal Fleet Auxiliary Tide-class tanker RFA Tiderace and her crew have found themselves at the mercy of a very adventurous 'elf on the shelf'!

Watch: How is the military getting in the Christmas spirit?

There have been other Christmas well wishes and greetings coming from military Twitter accounts.

Here are some of the messages being sent out locally, nationally and internationally.

We send them and their families and friends our very best wishes.

We look forward to seeing you in the new year. #RAFMusic ?✈️? pic.twitter.com/qpKZkuTCGi
— RAF Music (@RAFMusic) December 19, 2021

??✨The Band of the Scots Guard brought festive spirit to the Changing of the Guard ceremony this morning ?@scots_guards pic.twitter.com/L0cANWELpI
— The Army in London (@ArmyInLondon) December 15, 2021

Today, Lance Corporal Brandt and Trooper Thomas-Bolton of the @RoyalTankRegt take the opportunity to wish their loved ones a happy Christmas while they serve in Estonia this year.

Read more: https://t.co/bbC6cjWxuX #DeployedChristmas pic.twitter.com/44EFGsnjUT
— British Army (@BritishArmy) December 22, 2021

It was an wonderful opportunity to visit the House of Janusz Korczak in Olecko and share the #Christmas cheer!#StrongerTogether pic.twitter.com/H549cN6NMP
— NATO eFP BG Poland (@BG_Poland_eFP) December 17, 2021

Merry Christmas ☃️to our friends, families, loved ones and affiliates. ?#YuleTheWave #ForwardPresence #OpKIPION pic.twitter.com/6UYSSZ2zAi
— HMS MONTROSE (@HMSMontrose) December 21, 2021

Thank you to the Musketeers of Crofton Hammond Infant School who sent us #Christmas cards and decorations. The Musketeers is a club run by the school to support the children of parents serving in the Armed Forces. ?? pic.twitter.com/d514Zles1Y
— HMS Forth (@HMS_Forth) December 21, 2021

Day 19 of #Advent ?

A very Merry Christmas to all the Armed Forces animals serving around the world to help aid and protect the UK. Without their vital support many operations wouldn't be possible. ??? pic.twitter.com/i94SD9fTBq
— Ministry of Defence ?? (@DefenceHQ) December 19, 2021

With #Christmas now just over the horizon, Reverend Dr Brent Van Der Linde has a message for our Sailors and Soldiers. We hope everyone has a happy Christmas this year and we look forward to seeing you all again in the new year.?@RoyalNavy @of_fleet #MerryChristmas pic.twitter.com/Eip4qPAQ7j
— RNAS Yeovilton (@RNASYeovilton) December 24, 2021

We would like to wish the Armed Forces community and our supporters, a very Happy Christmas.
Whether it's spending it with loved ones or you're far from home this year, we would like to thank you for everything you have done during another challenging year.
Very best wishes ? pic.twitter.com/xTRn352S3O
— Royal British Legion (@PoppyLegion) December 24, 2021

#TeamTamar would like to wish all of our loved ones, family, friends and super-followers a very Merry Christmas. We can confirm Santa has just conducted a ‘fly-past’ and is on his way #MerryXmas #ChristmasEve #Santa ???⚓️?? pic.twitter.com/1COXHv0GjV
— HMS Tamar (@hms_tamar) December 24, 2021