Elf legend

I

Santa Claus, Mrs Claus and the elfs are from Korvatunturi in the Finnish Lapland. Santa's family has spread all around the world – even to space, it is said!

II 

Elfs don't have belly buttons and they don't cast shadows – do you know why? Because elfs aren't born the same way humans are. They're astral beings just like fairies and trolls. They're born from rose ash, dream weave, beard moss flour, fir twigs, love, joy and happiness!

III 

In their pockets, elfs are always carrying seaweed and flint for making fire, a rabbit's foot for tenderness and easing pain, cat whiskers for mischief, and naturally a small piece of soap!

IV 

Elfs come in many sizes. Some elfs can change their size to fit the situation. When they're on their observation journeys, they usually move around undetected, as small as mice. If necessary, they can stretch to the size of human children.

V 

You know an elf has been in the room, if, when entering, you feel happy and can feel the faint smell of pine, wax, clove and syrup. Elfs spread the feeling of well-being and coziness around them.

VI 

Elfs hear everything – absolutely everything! They can also see everything; they have x-ray vision!

VII

Elfs like competitions. Their favorite game is mouse tag: the elfs ride mice and compete against each other. The mice enjoy this game very much as well!

Other games the elfs like are: 

• Ermines, which is based on the Finnish proverb ”tarkkana kuin kärppä” (”sharp as ermine”): a mouse dropping is hidden about half a mile away and it must be found as soon as possible!
• Sack race: Mrs Claus' old flour sacks are tied on the elfs so that only their heads can be seen. Then they fall and roll, and have fun!
  
  

Elfs are very sensitive. If they hear adults telling children elfs do not exist, they feel very sad. When a sad elf is invisible and sitting on your shoulder, you too feel sad – even if there's no reason to feel sad. It is the elf on shoulder, the one people don't believe in. It just sits there and whispers in your ear: ”This is eating elfs away...”