Working on a Problem!

The Elves all gathered around the North Pole, which stood right in the middle of the little town that grew around it. They were all waiting for the big announcement from Santa. While all of the Elves were excited (that's the natural state of an Elf), some were a little worried.

"I heard that this is Waldo Elf's idea that Santa's using," said Smitty Elf. "Waldo's a nice Elf, but some of his ideas are a little strange."

"Yeah," said Louis Elf, "Like the time he planted pie plates and pumpkin seeds together so that he could grow pumpkin pies."

"I hope it's not too strange," said Timbo Elf, "My cousin Teema Elf is coming to visit, and I don't want any crazy stuff happening while she's here."

"I didn't know you had a cousin," said Smitty.

"She's a farm Elf from Wisconsin," said Timbo. "She's always wanted to see the North Pole."

Just then, Santa, Mrs. Claus, and Waldo walked up to the pole. "Ho ho! Thanks for taking time from your busy schedules to come and hear me today!" said Santa.

"We do like to work," said Louis.

"I know!" replied Santa. "And I'm glad you do! Christmas wouldn't be the same without all your help. But sometimes I wonder if you work too hard. That's why I asked Waldo here to come up with an idea to bring a little more fun to the season." He placed his hand on the little Elf's shoulder. "And he didn't disappoint me! He told me about a program he saw on American television, and thought it might be fun to do the same thing here, and I agreed! So today we're going to have auditions for--North Pole Idol!" he gestured to Waldo and Mrs. Claus, who held up a big banner with the competition's name on it.

The Elves all looked stunned. "Really?" said Smitty at last. "This is really what you want us to do?"

Santa and Mrs. Claus both looked confused. So did Waldo, but he normally looked that way, so no one noticed.

Why are the Elves upset with this idea? Keep reading the North Pole Times to find out!