The Elves left the North Pole

For the last week or so (maybe longer) the kids have been asking me if the Elves are going to come again this year. Those elves are such a handful! But part of me secretly hopes they will come again because they bring so many smiles to our faces this time of year. Well, lo and behold we received a letter from Santa today! It came in a tiny little red mailbox decorated with Elves- how adorable.                                                   
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Dear Olson Family:
 My records indicate that you will be hosting a Visiting Elf this year. Alabaster Snowball will be returning to your home to assist me again. As in prior years, this Elf will visit your household from now until Christmas Eve, to observe the behavior of all those residing herein and maintain a report to assist me in determining who shall be placed on the Naughty or Nice List. When I arrive on Christmas Eve, Alabaster will present his report to me and return to the North Pole.
 It is my understanding that Jangle the Elf has previously been to your home as well. His teacher, Mrs. Glitz, has informed me that he has not passed the required tests to become a Visiting Elf on his own. Since this is his second time failing the tests, I have placed him on probation for this year. His probation status means that he MUST comply with all the rules of Elf Conduct as stated in the North Pole Code of Conduct sections 3- 6 subd. (a) as stated below:

 1. All elves must carry the spirit of Christmas in their heart.

2. All elves must work diligently to spread Christmas cheer wherever they go.

3. All elves must protect the secret location of Santa’s workshop and must never let Santa be seen nor allow themselves to be seen.

4. All elves must comply with the travel regulations as outlined in the North Pole Code of Conduct including, traveling with their passport at all times, never driving sleighs or other vehicles without the proper license, and returning promptly to the North Pole at a time determined by Mr. S. Claus.

 Should Jangle fail to comply with these rules, it will be necessary to bring him back to the North Pole for immediate remedial Elf course work. Each Elf has their own calling and it is quite possible that Jangle is not cut out to be a Visiting Elf. He has shown strong inclinations toward candy making, and therefore may be better suited to assist Mrs. Claus in her kitchen after some training. But that decision will be made after I can review his work at your home this year. I sincerely hope that Jangle can complete his Visiting Elf duties successfully. Should you have any issues with him, I am leaving this mailbox so you can correspond with me directly. Please feel free to write to me and let me know if Jangle is spreading Christmas cheer or if he is into any mischief.
 The Elves will be leaving today from the North Pole, but since they will not be traveling in my magic Sleigh, it will take them a day or so to arrive at your home. Please be on the look out for them when they arrive. After a long journey such as theirs, they will be hungry. Remember to have crackers available for them every evening, and when you tuck them in bed to make sure they have their magic snow with them. This will keep them warm just like in the North Pole. And finally, it is very important that you keep your eyes peeled for Elf shenanigans. Because they will not be as busy as they are up here in the North Pole, the Elves tend to get into a bit of trouble occasionally. Good luck, and I hope to read their final Elf report and find that all of you have made the Nice List.
Santa
Then we found a note from Alabaster and Jangle that simply said (in Elf language) "Here we come!"

Oh boy...I think we're in for an interesting month!