THE SPECIAL GIFT

One night after Santa's Workshop closed, the elves were having hot chocolate as they decided what to give to each of their North Pole friends for Christmas. "What can we give Mrs. Claus?" asked Bonnie.

"We could get her perfume," suggested Bud.

"No, she already has that," said one of the other elves. "Let's get her socks!"

Burt, who had been listening to the elves, said, "Those are all good ideas, but I bet Mrs. Claus would really like something you made for her yourselves."

We never thought about that," said the elves. "What can we make for Mrs.Claus?"

"I know!" said Bonnie. "Let's all make her Christmas tree ornaments!"

All the elves agreed, because after all, their specialty is Christmas. The elves began to cut and paint and glue their creations, and soon bits of paper and glitter and ribbon were all over the room.

The elves made all different kinds of ornaments out of many different things. Some elves baked dough ornaments of all shapes and sizes. Others created their gifts from Popsicle sticks, clothes pins, yarn and wood.

"These are going to be the best ornaments ever!" exclaimed Bonnie.

"Yes!" agreed Bud. "And making them is a lot of fun, too!"

Late Christmas eve, the elves hung all their hand-made ornaments on a Christmas tree especially for Mrs. Claus. There were round ornaments made out of balls, snowflakes and stars that twinkled in the light, little houses painted all different colors, and ornaments shaped like reindeer and snowmen.

It was the prettiest Christmas tree ever!

The next morning, when Mrs. Claus walked outside, the elves were all standing around the Christmas tree decorated with their special gifts for her.

"Merry Christmas!" the elves said gleefully, as Mrs. Claus smiled.

"Oh, what a wonderful surprise!" Mrs. Claus exclaimed, admiring each ornament. "These ornaments are all so beautiful, and they will always have a special place in my heart because you made them!"

THE END!