In certain parts of life, we all tend to indulge in a bit of make-believe. Whether it’s buying a lottery ticket with the hope that luck is on our side, interpreting the thoughts of our pets (surely I’m not alone in this), or expecting our plants to flourish even when we forget to water them—we are inherently optimistic.
If ever there’s a time for whims and fantasies, it has to be Christmas. A friend of mine has somehow managed to enchant her two cats into posing, albeit reluctantly, in adorable knit hats for their holiday card. We invite the magic of flying reindeer, Santa Claus, and those mischievous elves that wander into our homes from their North Pole abode.
I admit, I was a bit slow to get on board with these elves, inspired by a 2005 book. They’re about 10 inches tall, come in various skin tones and genders, all donning a sleek red outfit complemented with a white collar and playful red-and-white pointed hats.
These elves are quite the performers, swinging from makeshift trapezes or sliding across Christmas trees. They find peculiar spots to nestle into, like shoes or sandwiches. With over 22 million spread across homes worldwide, they’ve also had their fashion moment, styled by the likes of Thom Browne for a Vogue shoot.
Although they don’t bring gifts, these so-called Scout Elves have a supposed duty to observe children’s behavior, checking on who’s naughty or nice. However, many parents wisely sidestep this surveillance narrative. After all, it’s the parents who orchestrate the elves’ antics to bring joy to their kids.
The real fun is in the daily surprises these elves create. Imagine a child waking up to find the elf perched next to their bed, or another morning discovering it making a playful mess in the kitchen. Just the other day, my friend Tony’s daughters woke to find their elf had lit up mini Christmas lights and swapped hats with a snowman ornament – a testament to their dad’s creativity.
Given all the effort parents put into these shenanigans, you might wonder why the elves can’t handle more chores. Preparing dinner, making the bed, or even driving you to work would be ideal! If technology gives us driverless cars, surely we can dream of elves that contribute a bit more. Yet, it’s their playful mischief rather than productivity that captures their charm. This season is about having fun, after all.
We accept the magic of elves without too much of a stretch. The tooth fairy manages to leave money without being seen; Santa’s never caught in the act, just evident by the cookies and presents he leaves. We know countless images of Santa—his rosy cheeks and fluffy white beard—yet children aren’t really concerned with his appearance.
I once explored the phenomenon of numerous Santas during Christmas—appearing in stores and on streets. In Culver City, a Black Santa listened attentively to kids’ Christmas wishes, an event that delighted adults who appreciated its inclusiveness. Children focused solely on sharing their lists, unbothered by differences from the storybook images. What mattered was Santa taking note of their wishes.
At a beloved Catholic church in the South Bay, the hugely attended Christmas Eve Mass traditionally closes after Communion with an unscripted moment: Santa’s appearance. As the priest speaks, jingling bells interrupt, and Santa, with a large red sack, strides up the aisle. Children’s cheers fill the air as Santa kneels at a Nativity scene briefly before exiting, his presence embraced by all. Though he isn’t in the biblical Christmas story, he’s welcomed warmly that night.
At this festive time, while it’s tempting for some to dissect these enchanting tales, I see a chance to cherish them. Rather than letting realism dampen our holiday spirit, we can hold onto these imaginations and nurture the human tendency to believe in brighter days and a better world, not just during the holidays but all year.
