Buddy the Elf

Elf has become part of our everyday lives. Rather than running through a synopsis of the film here I thought I would share some of the ways the film has managed to keep us laughing throughout the years, in season and out. I hope the stories here don't spoil the movie for you so I won't make the correlations but just leave them as they happened or happen.

Last weekend we went to a local street festival and one of the vendors was selling the "World's Best Hot Dogs". As I approached to order I said, "Congratulations, you did it, the world's best hot dog." I doubt it was the first time he'd heard the line, he was kind enough to smile.

Last Christmas I was asked at the last minute to welcome the crowd and say an opening prayer at our school's Christmas play. The director told me to make it a few minutes long as everything was not quite ready. Not quite sure what to say, I stepped up on the stage, turned on the mic and started to sing, "I'm standing here in front of all you people and I don't know what to say, so I'm singing you this spontaneous song. I hope you enjoy it and that everything is ready behind me soon"

Our teenage sons can often be spotted struggling to make it up the escalators at the airport or mall. "Did you hear that" follows thunderous belches around the house and once Santa shows up each year he is often greeted with" Santa! I know him". We also often confirm each other's identity by asking what song we sang you on your last birthday.

Tongue in cheek arguments over the reality of Santa can easily be ended by pointing out that "Parents couldn't do all that in one night". My favorite though, is when we hear people talking about "not being in the Christmas spirit yet or this year" telling them "The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear" and launching into a noisy rendition of Santa Claus is Coming to Town.

We love Elf and are looking forward to watching it together again soon. I hope you have the chance to do the same. Merry Christmas!