Saturday School of Wonders

Today I’m teaching my class the difference between being naughty and nice. People think that elves are cheerful all the time, but every so often they can misbehave.

Super Secret Sundays

by Super Secret Jack Spinner

Hoover Blooper

No one move! It could be another trap!

Reindeer Games

by Timbo Elf

Santa Honors Reindeer at Closing Ceremony

The Ice Palace is packed here at the North Pole, and the reindeer are about to enter. It’s time for the Closing Ceremonies for this year’s Reindeer Games!

Holiday Sweets & Treats

by Mrs Claus

Apple Cranberry Crisp

A warm and bubbly holiday treat from back in the day. Serve with a scoop of ice cream or just by itself.

Crock Pot Candy

This Crock Pot Candy just might be the ultimate holiday treat! Not only is it easy to make, it’s really delicious and a great treat to share for Christmas.

Dark Fudge

Here's a recipe from our very own Ali Elf. This is sure to please.

Figgy Pudding

Oh, bring us some figgy pudding, Oh, bring us some figgy pudding, Oh, bring us some figgy pudding, And bring it right here.

Ice Cream Snowman Surprise

Here's a fun treat that all the Elves like to make for dessert.

Old Fashioned Christmas Popcorn

Just a fun treat for the holidays. Perfect for snacking, gift giving and get togethers.

Old Fashioned Cranberry Sauce

This old fashioned cranberry sauce will remind you of Grandma's cooking. The flavor is sweet with a touch of fresh berry tartness. And the added cinnamon and cloves is sure to make this one of your holiday favorites.

Franny Flies to Country Island of Ireland

Holly, decorations, pudding and superstitions

by Franny Elf

[Franny Flies to Country Island of Ireland]

Hey kids! I'm Fly-About Franny back for another year at The North Pole Times. My job is to fly around before Christmas every year checking to see how boys and girls around the world celebrate Christmas. Santa says it's a very important job or he would end up delivering the wrong toys to the wrong children.

My first stop this year is in the country island of Ireland. Ireland is part of Europe and everyone speaks English and some Gaelic. They really like their football (which some people call soccer) and shamrocks. I wanted to stop here first because it’s my farthest stop north this year. Ireland is very beautiful during the Christmas season; they decorate their houses and go to very festive markets. The island does get some snow during the winter, but not a lot.

[by Franny Elf] Today I’m stopping off at the house of Conor and Emma. These two siblings are very excited about Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and the day after called St. Stephen’s Day. They have just put up a Christmas tree, which is a rather new tradition in Ireland. Historically, families used to decorate with ivy and holly to brighten their homes. Superstition holds that the more berries on the holly, the more luck you’ll have next year.

Christmas food in Ireland include a round cake, full of dried fruit. One is made for each person in the family. These fruit cakes are covered with marzipan and decorated with sweet icing. Christmas dessert is also greatly anticipated. The Irish love their Christmas pudding. The smell wafts through the house and brings happy memories to all. Conor and Emma can’t wait for all the festivities to begin this year.

Now we've discovered how children in Ireland celebrate Christmas, where all the good girls and boys will look forward to wonderful gifts and memories of Christmas. I'm heading south now to the nation of Colombia for next Friday's report to some place a bit warmer. Remember come back every day to visit us at The North Pole Times for new stories.