In a busy workshop in Elf Land, two elves, Eddie and Emma, were doing their chores. However, they were secretly plotting mischief.
“I know,” said Eddie, nudging Emma. “Let’s have some fun today. How about we swap all the name tags on these presents?”
“Oh, yes! And we can change the ‘nice’ stickers into ‘naughty’ ones,” giggled Emma.
They burst into laughter and began their prank. They changed every tag, causing quite a mix-up. Soon, grumpy elves ran about searching for gifts, while happy laughter filled the air from those who received unexpected presents.
Just then, Mrs. Claus walked in. “What a funny sight! This will be quite the memory,” she said, chuckling. But as she wandered, she stumbled over packages and tripped on ribbons. When she tried to regain her balance, she ended up bumping into Eddie.
“Watch it, dear! You elves do get carried away sometimes!” she admonished, shaking her head.
Eddie felt guilty. “Oh, we’re sorry, Mrs. Claus!” cried Emma.
“Well, no lasting harm done, I hope. But perhaps a smidge less fun next time?” She smiled, but Eddie and Emma exchanged nervous glances.
Later, they peeked out to see Eddie’s sister Mary. She loved to needle-point, and Emma thought of another prank. “Let’s swap Mary’s tools for sewing ones,” she suggested gleefully.
“Good thinking!” replied Eddie, and off they went. Soon, Mary entered, eager with anticipation, but her excitement faded as she tried to stitch with a spool of thread slipping off her fingers.
“It will not stay together!” she grumbled.
“But it is fine silver thread,” chimed Emma innocently.
“That may be, but these needles are far too sharp for my work,” she replied with a pout.
But as Mary left, Eddie nudged Emma again, “This is fun! No harm done.” Innocent eyes sparkled as they hummed and danced about a beautiful Christmas tree.
“Merry Christmas to you, my dears!” exclaimed Santa, arriving with a jolly laugh.
“And Merry Christmas to you!” chortled Eddie.
“Yes, and may your day be filled with Christmas cheer!” sang Emma.
Santa chuckled again, his eyes sparkling. “And how, may I ask, shall you pass your time today?”
“Why,” said Eddie, “it will bring us so much joy to give foolish presents to one another.”
“Well, never mind my old eyes,” replied Santa, “one sees best by reflection.” And with a wink, off he went.
Later the two elves excitedly exchanged gifts. Emma opened her box only to find an assortment of fresh plums, while Eddie discovered his was filled with worms! They did not know whether to laugh or cry.
“Some one is trying to catch up with you,” said Mary tightly, dropping her needle-point.
“Do you think Santa is angry?” asked Emma quietly.
“Oh, no!” said Eddie, but his face looked troubled.
Then tripped in a gracious old lady with a basket.
“Heaven bless you, dears!” she cried. “I come from the homes up in yon hills for Christmas cheer.” And she set down a large basket of good things.
“I’m sure we can do much more than you expect by having a Christmas feast to-day,” cried but Eddie.
And out they all rushed, but at the new sight they forgot all old grievances and rushed forward joyfully.
“Oh, oh, look here,” said Mary, diving into the basket. “Turkey, nuts, candy and fruit, and a crepe shawl for my dear mother. Why, we never had so splendid a feast before.”
“Then we ought to give a dance,” wise remarked Eddie.
“That we will,” replied Emma, “but where can we get cards?”
“You know the nice gentleman who travels about with the stores?” inquired Eddie. “You might find him in the Santa Claus room.”
“Well, lead the way,” said Mary. They all started towards the new Santa Claus room.
This was a large room fitted up from floor to ceiling with everything one could wish for a happy Christmas spend. All would-be givers came here first and selected the presents they wanted, and from this room the dear little lady from the homes had prepared the basketful.
All were seated in a merry circle busy with knitting, sewing and wrapping, when crunching of sleigh-bells broke the silence. Who could that be? No doubt it was but Eddie looking out saw a large sleigh filled with odd bundles and packages, their hearts left them when they saw the sun deep down in yon hills.
“Ho, ho!” laughed Santa stepping out of his sleigh. “Quite to the minute, wasn’t it? Now, little friend, out with your Christmas cheer,” pointing to a kind-looking old elf.
“A very merry Christmas to you all!” laughed the old elf.
“Yes,” cried the others, “a very merry Christmas to you!” And so they all chatted and sang together till the drowsy elves dropped off to sleep, and far, far away in the workroom the little lights began to twinkle one and all. But Eddie and Emma had learned that however well meant their Christmas gifts might be, pranks are not always the best of presents, and little merry hearts ought to think before they act.