How to spot an elf

 I have it on good authority that Santa's elves sometimes choose to retire.

Why?  I'm really not sure, but I have heard that elves work so hard and so long they have no time to start families of their own, so if they want to do that -- they retire!

Once retired an elf grows just a bit taller, but you can still spot most of them because they are always a little bit shorter and much jollier than other humans you run into.

And . . . they never out grow their love of Christmas!

No matter what else they do --  like marry regular humans, or get advanced degrees and teach school, or even have little half elf-lings -- retired elves celebrate Christmas like no one else you've ever met!

They decorate their trees from top to bottom  --  and twice in between.  They buy so many presents you have to take naps while opening them all.

And . . .I hear they run around the house wearing bells on their toes just because Santa will be there soon!

Once in a while, a very seldom once in a while, one of their elf-lings is born more elf than human and it is said they are quite charming.  These special little creatures love holidays more than even regular children.  They are cute beyond understanding, but full of impish little impulses and their mothers, teachers, aunts and uncles never know quite what to do with them.

Elf spotting is an art, but you can learn to do it -- if you really want to!