ELVES

Elves are small supernatural creatures who are now associated with Christmas through the notion that they work as Santa's helpers in the north pole.

They originated in Scandinavia as house elves, who could be helpfulif bribed but malicious if they were slighted, especially at Christmas. In Denmark a bowl of milk must be left out for them.

In the second half of the 19th century the reputation of elves began to change for the better as part of a drive to make Christmas more child centered. Thus Santa Claus' elves came into being.