In legends, stories and films around Santa Claus, we often hear about Christmas elves and in particular a prankster elf. Who are these characters? What is their story ? And how to make it yourself for decoration? Here’s everything you need to know.
In the imagination of many people, especially children, Santa Claus is accompanied in his adventures by his faithful reindeer but also and above all by his christmas elves. These small figures are one of a kind. They are distinguished by their dress, a red tunic, a white collar, white and red striped tights, not to mention their large white and red hat as well, with or without bells. According to the representations, some wear the same outfit but with another color combination, green and red. In Christmas legends, Christmas elves are mentioned a lot and for good reason. Christmas elves do indeed have their role to play in the end-of-year celebrations. They work hand in hand with Santa Claus for the manufacture and distribution of gifts to children.
What is the story of Christmas elves?
Christmas elves have their origins in Icelandic tales and myths that relate to Santa Claus. They are thirteen in number and are called jólasveinar. They are known to be pranksters, mischievous but also benevolent. They point their noses at the time of the end of year celebrations. Santa Claus gives them the task of monitoring the actions, good or bad, of each child and reporting to him. It is also said that thirteen days before Christmas, each elf goes down to town one by one to visit the children. Depending on whether they have been good or bad during the year, the leprechaun drops them gifts or rotten potatoes. During this time of year, in Iceland, children tend to put their shoes on the window sill so that the elf does not forget to leave the surprise.
Who is the prankster elf?
Another legend has also emerged, this time turned towards the prankster elf. It is said that the elf spends the whole year working for Santa Claus, making presents for the children. And as the Christmas holidays approach, he visits houses at night to play all sorts of pranks and jokes. During the day, he remains frozen as if nothing had happened.
What are the names of all the Christmas elves?
Christmas elves all have their own name and character. In order there are:
- Stekkjarstaur (translation harasses sheep) : he has a wooden leg and he harasses the sheep to suck their milk;
- Giljagaur (Grover) : he likes to steal buckets of milk;
- Stúfur (Courtaud) : it is very small and it grabs the frying pans to lick the remaining cooking grease;
- Þvörusleikir (Spoonlicker) : he is very thin and he steals the wooden spoons to lick the Christmas stew;
- Pottaskefill (Grattepot) : he is used to flying leftover meals;
- Askasleikir (Lèchebol) : he also steals the bowls in which there are still food;
- Hurðaskellir (Slamdoor) : he likes to slam doors in the middle of the night and prevent people from sleeping;
- Skyrgámur (Gobeyahourt) : he enjoys eating all the yogurts he finds;
- Bjúgnakrækir (Sausage Chips) : he steals all the sausages that are being smoked;
- Gluggagægir (Zieutewindow) : he watches through the windows and does not hesitate to steal things he likes;
- Gattaþefur (Snifleporte) : with its big nose, it locates bread to steal it;
- Ketkrókur (Crochemeat) : he steals all the meat he finds with a hook.
- Kertasníkir (Candlefly) : he steals the candles and has fun putting them out.
For a Christmas decoration, to put at the foot of the tree on the sill of a window, you can make a Christmas elf. In general, children love them because they find them adorable. On the Cré Malin Youtube channel, we suggest you make an easy Christmas elf. You will need foam sheets, a cutter, wooden beads, white pom poms, a pen and a glue gun. If you don’t have all this material at home, you can also opt for another, simpler tutorial using an apple of bread or felt sheets. The Hugo the Snail tutorials are to be found here.
And if you know a little about it, you can also make a crochet pixie. You can do this as a family, with your children. This will allow you to share a good time and immerse yourself a little more in the magic of Christmas!