Experiencing the legend
Just like there are different ways to celebrate Christmas, there are several legends about elves. Some say they should be hunted when the first snow falls. Some say they begin to play tricks on December 1st. Others say that they are sent directly to children’s homes by Santa Claus. No matter how you choose to live the legend of the elves in your home, remember that it exists to make your family celebrations even more magical.
Start by telling the legend to your children. Explain to them that elves are keen observers and for this reason, they are Santa’s eyes and ears. The elves tell him who has been naughty or nice. To prepare for Christmas Eve, on December 1st Santa sends his elves to all homes with children. The elves’ job is to keep him informed of the children’s doings.
Elves are active at night and become still at first light. 
Because they are little rascals, they love to play tricks while everyone is asleep, so children may awaken to quite the surprise!
Their tricks
It is true that some parents don’t like it when the elves visit their home because they like everything neat and tidy. But have no fear, the elves tricks begin slowly and only become more noticeable as Christmas draws closer. Early December, the elves play little pranks. For example they may be found in a different location from where they were left the night before. Or they may be hiding in strange places; the pantry or refrigerator, for instance. But as Christmas approaches their tricks rival in imagination: toilet paper wrapped around the Christmas tree, the TV remote wrapped in paper, canned goods piled on the table or even a box of cereal spilled on the floor.
Elves trained at the Elf Academy each have a personality very much their own. Their pranks are greatly influenced by their personality and the work they do at the North Pole. For example, Foodie is in charge of the pantry and he sometimes takes bites out of sandwiches, snacks on cookies or sips maple syrup from a straw. Sparkles carefully chooses wrapping paper for Santa and she often wraps objects that she assumes are gifts (items of clothing, the computer keyboard…). However, all the elves are very mischievous and play all kinds of tricks regardless of whether or not they reflect their personality…
Hunting for elves
Elves from the Elf Academy don’t need to be caught because they are sent by Santa to homes where there are children. Santa is the one who assigns an elf to each child. However, if the elf inhabiting your home is too shy, make an elf catcher and place a treat in it; a piece of chocolate, for example. This is the treat elves love most and they cannot resist it. Don’t forget that they are active at night, so you will only know if your hunt is successful come morning. Once the elf has been caught, he or she becomes the child’s confidant. However, this won’t stop the elf from playing tricks at night.
Magic elf powder
If you are lucky enough to get hold of some magic elf powder, know that no elf can resist it. However, the powder has no effect on humans. Sprinkle some about in your home, on the gallery, near the door, around the Christmas tree or in an elf catcher. The magic in this extraordinary powder attracts elves and multiplies their urge to play even more unusual tricks. Caution: we are not responsible for the tricks your elf may play…
Don’t forget that on Christmas Eve, all the elves return to the North Pole to help Santa with the great night. Then, they return to work in Santa’s workshop until the next year.
Now you are ready to experience
the Legend of the Elves.
Happy holiday season!
