to remember me. The real me.
Now, as for remembering folks, Ru is the most deserving person I know, but then, I only actually know nine people, including you. She needs a support team, more help in the administrative details and she needs a love life. You have a ton of elves here; let her date.
Love,
Comet
* * * *
Dear Santa,
I want to help people. I want to see those at their worst and help them in any way I can. Even if it is something small, I want to ease their burden, just for a moment.
Baking cookies is something I need to practice, so I would like to involve that.
Of course, I need to be in a place where I can control the environment. Ah well, I have seen you do more.
In the love department, I want someone who likes food as much as I do and who doesn’t care that I really like food. I have heard that these humans are funny about food. I will have to see for myself.
Love,
Cupid
* * * *
Dear Santa,
I want to plan a party. I want to plan dozens of parties. I love decorating and making things pretty, engaging the eye and getting folks to lower their guard.
Ru said that we should ask for love, but I want to ask for a companion. I want a man who will simply be with me. He can do his thing, and I will do mine. Occasionally, we can do each other.
My wish is to be able to help folks decorate for the holidays, in ways they would never have thought of themselves. I want light, I want laughter and I want to bring out the little kid in those around me.
Oh, and I want a challenge. Putting up ribbons and bows isn’t really too hard for one of us. I want to decorate something no one has thought of before.
Love,
Donder
* * * *
Dear Santa,
I miss the future.
When I was a child, everything was becoming new. My family encouraged me to fix things, and there were discoveries around every corner. The industrial age was taking off, and I wanted to be taken with it.
Instead of seeing what humanity could create, I was pulled into the life at the workshop. It was a jarring change, and I miss working with my hands.
Now, for Christmas, I want to do something to make folks smile. I want something that can carry Christmas into the future instead of remaining in the present day. I want to be part of the memories of Christmas, even if the humans never see me.
Personally, I would like to get over my fear of wolves. I don’t know if you know this, but I have been terrified of them for centuries. If you could make that happen, please let me know.
Love,
Blitzen
Nice and Naughty
Ru sat in the office and watched the gathering below.
Santa had rustled up a very handsome selection of elves and was giving them a stern lecture. He was in mid-order when he looked up at her; a bright spark came into his eyes. His whole demeanour changed.
Ru sipped at her tea as he bounded up the stairs.
“How long have they been gone?”
She looked at the tanned face surrounded by the snow-white hair that was his trademark. “Pardon?”
He took her cup from her hands and set it on the table before he lifted her by her arms. “Ru, how long have they been gone?”
She grinned. “Some have been gone since October. You have to figure out where they are. We didn’t make it easy.”
Santa let her go and sat behind his desk. “Why? Why now?”
“It was time. We have walked around you long enough, trying not to put pressure on you. We know you miss her, but we exist as well.” Ru resumed her seat and picked up her tea.
Santa looked surprised. “Of course I miss her, but you could have said something. It has been decades since she was with us. You never said anything.”
“You shut us away and tried to pretend we didn’t exist. How do you think that made us feel? You are so good at knowing what everyone else wants, why did it fail you with those who depended on you?”
He winced. “I have selected eight good candidates for the team. Will you take a look at them and