Elf Reports on Self

This is the story of how a plucky youngster who grew up on the mean streets of East North Pole worked her way into a successful career as a hard-hitting reporter on the North Pole's best newspaper.

No, it's really not. But wouldn't it be fun if it was?

First off: there's no place called East North Pole. When you're at the North Pole, the only other direction is south. And there's no mean streets. There's not even any mean Elves, although sometimes Smitty Elf grumbles a little. As far as being 'plucky'--I'm not even sure I know what it means. It's one of those words older folks use. When I first heard my Grandfather use it, I thought he was talking about chickens. Now I think it means something about being hard-working. Of course, being an Elf, I'm naturally hard-working.

I guess if this is a story about anything, it's about why I'm only a part-time reporter, and not a full-time one, like Elvin, the Editor-In-Chief of The North Pole Times wants for me. I like reporting, and I'm good at it, but there's so many other interesting things to do at the North Pole! I like working in the Toy Shop with Toby Elf, and sometimes it's fun to help Bernard Elf with all the mail that gets sent to Santa every year. And I really enjoy helping Mrs. Claus bake and cook! A few years ago, I was the one who helped convince the rest of the elves that it was important to eat balanced meals, and not just snack on cookies and candy all the time, I made a difference that year! So how can I just spend my career as a reporter?

Have you ever felt that way? That you don't know what to do, because there's too many fun and interesting things to do? If you do, don't worry: lots of people feel that way. Especially when we're young. Look at me, I'm only a hundred and six! I've got plenty of time to choose.

So, whenever I'm not sure about what to do, I do what Santa told me to do many years ago. "Jiller," he said to me, "it's really quite simple. Just do the next right thing."

"But how will I know what the next right thing is?" I asked.

He smiled at me. "Whichever thing you choose to do, it will be the right one. Just make sure to choose something!"

So, for now, I'm just a part-time reporter, because it's what I'm choosing--for now. And keep looking for my byline when you read The North Pole Times!