Back in 2000, and at the end of every November since, I’ve undergone a transformation: I become an elf.
Every woman does to an extent, I suppose. There are gifts to buy, wrap, and in some cases ship, decorations to be hung, and songs to be sung. Some even dress the part and don pointy ears, hats, and shoes.
My Elfin Ways
I forego the costume because it makes me too conspicuous and I’m the kind of elf who operates in stealth. You see, my deeds are quite evident, yes, but to keep the holiday magic alive it’s crucial I remain anonymous. If I’m seen there’s no mystery and therefore no fun.
The Association of Elves
When we lived in Florida we lived in the kind of neighborhood where everyone knew –and cared about— each other. To honor the amazing kinship I enjoyed with my neighbors, I decided to celebrate each of them in a fun way.
For the first two weeks in December I made a list of something each really stood out for. Then I created and printed up certificates in which the Kings Colony Association of Elves awarded them honors for everything from best Christmas display to prettiest wreaths to best Christmas cookie baker. (Kings Colony was the name of the street we all lived on.)
Distributing the Certificates
I rolled them up like scrolls, tied them with pretty ribbons, and on Christmas Eve, under the cover of darkness, I distributed them by putting them on mailboxes or by leaving them on front doors. (And of course my trusty assistant Murphy helped me. Wayne started to, but he was embarrassed and thought it was the nuttiest thing I’d ever done so he only hit a couple houses before he fled back inside.)
The Reaction
To Wayne’s astonishment, however, no one else thought it was nutty. Everyone–-adults and kids alike–thought it was a hoot –-and kept trying to figure out who’d done it. So they wouldn’t know it was me, I had even printed myself up a certificate to fool anyone who pointed the finger my way.
And that’s how the Kings Colony Association of Elves came to be. But we moved a few years ago so I had to found a new association…
Lot of Work, Big Pay Off
It takes times and effort to make the certificates and distribute them, but being an elf–especially when you see the magic it brings to everyone–is big fun.
Courtney also writes in Pets and Marriage. To read more of her blogs, click here.
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