The Helping Elf Written by Cathleen Wieland
We all know of the man who appears on Christmas Eve sporting crimson red jacket and matching velvet pants; the man with the rosy red cheeks, sparkling eyes and a belly that shakes like
a bowl full of jelly. This jolly old fellow has a golden, loving spirit and a delightful smile, a smile that could brighten up even the darkest of eves.
Each December 24th Santa gathers up his playful reindeer, hauls packages into his sleigh, and with a wink and smile sets off for the long journey to the homes of all the boys and girls around the world. It is a tough job, but Santa has been joyfully enjoying this experience for hundreds and hundreds of years.
Have you ever wondered how Santa Claus keeps track of all of the little boys and girls who have been naughty or nice? You must have noticed how impossible it must be for one man, not matter how special he is, to keep track of so many youngsters from near and far. If you haven’t given it much thought before, I bet your mind is whirling and twirling and swirling with questions right at this very moment.
Step a little closer. I’m going to let you in on a tightly kept secret that has been treasured for many, many years. I will share‌ but only if you promise not to tell. (Hopeful Pause).
Each year, Santa sends a little helper to all the boys and girls of the world. This cheerful lad is called “The Helping Elf.� The helping elf travels at the speed of light and arrives in each home just about the time the turkey has been gobbled and the sounds of season begin to ring- a- ling- a- ling.
At first, you may not notice this tiny visitor. That’s because he has been given specific directions by his boss, Mr. Claus, to hide in the most inconspicuous places. Now, I know exactly what you are thinking; what does the word inconspicuous even mean? It’s a BIG word for a tiny lad like you. The word inconspicuous means “not obvious.” The helping elf sweeps in when the stars are twinkling in the midnight sky. He crouches into tiny nooks and crannies of your house and hides in places where you would least expect him.
This cheerful elf has been carefully selected by your friend Mr. Claus. Once he has been given his orders, he gives Mr. and Mrs. a hug and a kiss and with a wink and a smile, the helping elf travels miles and miles and miles until he reaches his final destination. He arrives with a pad, a pencil and a watchful eye.
While visiting… this playful lad composes a list of all of your actions... actions big and actions small. That’s right. Your helping elf brings naughty and nice list everywhere he goes. But don’t worry, he keeps his pad and pencil next to him so you could read the list and monitor your behavior. It’s fun to watch your kind actions grow. The helping elf personally delivers your list to Santa each evening when he closes his eyes and soars at the speed of light back to the North Pole.
Santa and the Elves gather by the warmth of fireplace. They crunch and munch on Mrs. Clauses freshly baked cookies. The sweet scent of cinnamon fills the air and warms the elves tiny little hearts with the warmth and love of a place they call home. It is here where the elves and Santa
share their laughter, their joys, and most importantly‌ the “naughty and niceâ€? list that they carry along on their travels.
The nice list always makes Santa’s eyes twinkle. He loves to rejoice in stories of kindness and proper behavior. He adores hearing how you help your mother and father and obey the rules in school. These are the things that make Santa’s heart sing.
Sometimes the helping elf has to deliver “not so good news.” News from the naughty list has a tendency to dampen Santa’s day. However, Santa always looks on the bright side. He is hopeful that tomorrow will be a brand new day, a brand new start for you. It is Santa’s wish that come December
24th, just about the time he is ready to pack up the sleigh and gather the reindeer, your nice list will be much, much, much longer than the naughty list.
The helping elf will remain with you until the eve of Christmas. Upon arrival, Santa will hang your stockings with care, and place carefully selected packages under you tree. He will sample a cookie or two before gathering the helping elf into the sleigh.
With a wink and a smile, Santa and the elf will joyfully soar through the midnight sky. While traveling, their hearts will warm as they spend the evening thinking of you and know that you are thinking of them too.
But please don’t be sad, your elf will return again when the turkey has been gobbled and the sounds of the season, once again, begin to ring-a-ling-a-ling.
Information about The Helping Elf: 1.
He arrives around Thanksgivings and departs on Christmas Eve.
2.
He is mischievous; take notice… he loves to play tricks on the families he visits.
3.
He comes back year after year after year; he is a trusted old friend.
4.
He is kind, loving, and thoughtful.
5.
Sometimes he makes an appearance during other seasons and special occasions…but only for a short stay.
6.
He likes to eat crackers and drink water prior to leaving for the North Pole; the crackers remind him of the sound of crunching snow and the water reminds him of melted snow.
7.
He could often be found hiding in the Christmas tree early in the morning.
8.
He loves being held and cuddled throughout the day.
Things to Do with Your Elf 1.
First things first, give him a name; “The Helping Elf� is only his temporary name.
2.
Share your secrets, thoughts and fears with him. He loves to receive little handwritten notes from you and your siblings.
3.
Try to find him each morning; he has a tendency to hide after his long journey to the North Pole.
4.
Talk to him, but please note: the helping elf does not speak to children. He has been given strict instructions by his boss, Mr. Claus, to only speak to the adults in the house. The helping elf is a rule follower and hopes you will be too.
5.
Read stories to your elf each night; he loves being read to more than anything in the whole wide world. Reading aloud reminds him of evenings spent with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
6.
Enjoy your time together; it will go by quickly.