E is for Elf
Elves have featured in mythology and folklore for a long time. They possess magical skills and can be a little picky when choosing whether to help or hinder humans, dwarfs and hobbits!
In 16th Century England, they became associated with fairies - William Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream.
Scandinavian writers began to weave elves into Christmas stories during 19th Century. They became Santa's helpers - well how on earth was he to make and wrap all those gifts in time? - sometimes though, they could be a little mischievous.
Modern Christmas elves are an invention from the United States. They were painted wearing red and green costumes, and have huge ears. Elves check up on children throughout the year and let Santa Claus know which children were good and deserve their presents and which children were naughty and only deserve a sack of coal.
Where did you say you were from?
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