传统：精灵和圣诞节：有什么联系？Traditions: Elves and Christmas: What’s the Connection?

 We are all so used to seeing elves included in our holiday decorations and celebrations that we can barely imagine a time before they existed. But elves and their tie-in with Christmas has an origin just like anything else. This article will discuss how elves became connected with Christmas and how you can use them in your holiday design.

The History of Elves

Elves can be traced back to Norse mythology. They are often referred to in myths and folklores. They resemble humans in most ways but are known to live in trees and under floorboards and have magical powers.

The first elf-Santa connection was established in the poem, “The Night Before Christmas”. In the poem, author Clement Moore refers to Santa as a “jolly old elf”.

Since then, people developed their own elf-Santa myths. A poem called “The Wonders of Santa” was published in Harper’s Bizarre in 1857 describing Santa keeping “a great many elves at work”. In 1922, Norman Rockwell drew a picture of Santa working alongside elves.

Today, we keep the spirit of elves alive with “Elf” the movie, Elf on a Shelf decorations and more.

How to Bring Elves into Your Holiday Celebrations

There are many ways to bring elves into your holiday celebrations. Here are a few suggestions.

• Elf Decorations: Elf decorations can be hung on a tree or anywhere in the home. You can also add an elf figurine to a winter scene or display it on its own around your rooms.

• Elf Themed Décor: Elves can be worked into your decorations via elf print tablecloths, elf linen napkins, elf dishware, elf dish towels, and more.

• Elf Treats: When baking treats at holiday time, keep elves in mind. You can make elf shaped sugar cookies, elf shaped cakes, and so on.

• Elf Trees: If you like silly, out of the box décor, you can place an elf head on the top of your tree. Add arms to the tree’s middle and your entire tree can be an elf.

• Elf Feet: Elf feet can make a fun decoration poking out of various places. For example, you can have elf feet poking out of your tree, a car trunk, or anywhere else.

• Outdoor Elf Decorations: You can place a large elf on your porch or put an inflatable elf in your garden to cheer neighbors and passers-by during the holiday season.

Elves are such fun little people. They are the stuff of myths and add magic to the holiday season. How will you be incorporating them in your design?