In 2004 The Elf on the Shelf was written by Carol Aebersold and her daughter Chanda Bell over a cup of tea. It was a book about a seemingly old tradition of an elf sent from Santa who came to watch over children at Christmas time. The story describes how Santa’s “scout Elves” hide in people’s homes to watch over events and then report back to Santa. Basically to see who’s naughty? Who’s nice? And there’s one rule – you must not touch the elf on the shelf!

Prior to the Elf on the shelf book there were already plenty of vintage Christmas elves watching over us and frankly they could care less about who’s naughty and who’s nice! As a matter of fact, many of these vintage elves have pretty naughty looks on their faces. They’re mischievous. They’re fun. They’re full of good Christmas cheer! Naughty? Nice? Don’t touch? Who cares! They just want to have fun!

You may have noticed that it is currently the middle of the summer and I’m writing about holiday elves! That’s because it’s Christmas in July in the Midtown Mercantile Mall. Come on in. It’s cool inside and we’re celebrating Christmas!  

Carol Fenn 7-2017