One thing to know about life at the North Pole is that it is never, ever dull. We do take January off to rest and relax after
the holiday rush. However, on February 1st, Santa, Maggie, Grandfather Elf, the Fairy Queen, Rudolph, the North Polar Bear and assorted
department heads from the toy factory, reindeer stable and sleigh shop get together to talk about how Christmas Eve and the whole
season went and what we can look forward to next year.
From February to April there's a lot of planning, creating new
toy designs and starting production of the good old standard toys-- teddy bears, dolls, fire engines, etc. Then from May on
it's full blown toy production and starting in late October the first letters arrive and we are busy wrapping presents and matching
them to kids' requests.
When not making toys however, we like to gather around a fireplace or campfire and tell stories.
A story is kind of like a present. The listeners give the teller the gift of their time and attention, and the teller gives
them the gift of a story. When it's over those listening can take the story with them and make it their own and share it with
others if they choose.
We also love to make music. Maggie plays the piano and sings beautifully, Grandfather Elf plays
a mean fiddle, the North Polar Bear beats on the drums of course and Santa, well, Santa's a good storyteller. We have big dances
every Saturday night at the Great Elf Hall.
Given that there are not only elves but fairies, gnomes, nymphs and a variety of
other special folk from all corners of the world gathered here, there is always some sort of special celebration or festival going
on. Some include the Fairy Queen's Ball, the Forest Creatures' Feast, the Gnomes Summer Games, and, of course, the Mid-Summer's
Eve Soiree. Everyone is welcome to all, and a general good time is had.
Occasionally, kids will ask if they could visit
us at the North Pole. This would be difficult for a number of reasons. One, if we let any one child visit, to be fair
we'd have to let them all visit, and then we'd never get any work done. Two, many of the residents here, as we are sure you
know, are very shy, especially of humans. Three, magical experiences, such as the North Pole, don't always mix well with certain
people, and it wouldn't be fair to ask them not to come.
You can visit us, though, any time you want-- just close your eyes and
let your good storytelling imaginations bring you here. We know you can do it, and we look forward to your visit!
