Elf Picking Time

It's three days before The Big Night, when Santa rides his sleigh all over the world, delivering presents to be opened on Christmas morning. You would think that, with such a big event coming up, everyone would be focused on getting everything right for that night. You would especially think that about Santa.

You would think that, but you would be wrong.

Santa paced around the big table in Mrs. Claus' kitchen, mumbling and grumbling and chewing on his beard. He wasn't worried about The Big Night; he was trying to figure out who would win the Elf of the Season Award!

"Holly Elf really has become a leader among the Elves," Santa said as he trudged past Mrs. Claus.

"She certainly is," said his wife, sweetly, as she added some pepper to the soup.

"Elvin's done so much for Elf-awareness," he said, as he trudged past again.

"The North Pole Times does great work because of him," agreed Mrs. Claus, dropping some broccoli into the steaming basket.

"And Louis is a fantastic designer," said Santa on his next lap.

"Not just fashion, either," Mrs Claus added, checking on her roast.

"And Waldo is..." Santa stopped and pondered. "Well, Waldo is...so..Waldo-y. How do I pick just one as the Elf of the Season?"

Mrs. Claus rolled her eyes. "The man who can deliver a million presents in one night, can't pick a silly contest winner," she said softly to herself.

"What's that you say?" asked Santa.

"I said, if you want to deliver a million presents in one night, you better sit yourself down to dinner," she said, smiling sweetly.

"Ho, ho, you're right!" he said, sitting down at the table. "Maybe all I need is a good meal in me. I'll think some more about this after I eat."

At the offices of The North Pole Times, Elvin Elf sat at his desk, sipping egg nog with his old friend and chief reporter, Eugene Elf. "You don't seem all that happy, boss," said Eugene.

Elvin smiled. "I'm happy, I'm just not smiling," he said. "It's been a great Christmas season so far. There's been lots of interesting stories to report, reindeer games have been a success, and readership is up worldwide! Bit I'm thinking about the Elf of the Season award. I'm so surprised that I was nominated! Who would have voted for me?"

"Well, me, for one," said Eugene. "Lots of others, too. You do such a good job making sure everyone's voice is heard here at the North Pole. From Elves to Yetis, even the human visitiors we get some times, you treat them all with dignity. You're a real Elf!"

"All the same," said Elvin, "I hope I'm not nominated."

A similar scene was happening in the Wrapping room, where fellow nominee Holly Elf was so distracted, she accidentally wrapped Twinkle Elf, who had stopped by to help! "That's okay," said Twinkle, "I"m sure whoever unwrapped me would have loved me!"

In the design workshop, Louis Elf--also nominated--discovered that he had mistakenly designed evening gowns for a new batch of Ruff-n-Ready action figures! "In absolutely the worst color scheme for their skin tones, too!" said Louis.

There seems to be something about Elves that makes them uneasy when they get any attention!

Except for Waldo Elf, who ate his dinner, played a game on the North Pole Times website, then watched "Jolly, Happy Soul: The Frosty Story" on the E(lf)! Network, and went to bed. He knew that there was no use worrying about something he had no control over, so he got a good night's sleep.

Who will win the Elf of the Season award? Check back to the North Pole Times tomorrow to find out!