Elves: Global Edition

We all know Santa has elves who help him in his enormous task of procuring gifts for the children of the world, and the even more monumental task of distributing them on Christmas day. This Christmas Day I will be discussing these little-known facts about Santa’s Little Helpers:
1) he has elves in both the northern and southern hemispheres, and
2) the varying climate necessitates quite different uniforms for each.

Red and white are the favourite colours of the elves, although many favour either green and red, or green and white. (Very few wear red, green and white.)

In the Southern Hemisphere, where it is hot at Christmastime, female elves of necessity wear thin, light garments, usually sleeveless tops and short skirts. Male elves commonly wear white linen shorts, cuffed at the hem. Both sexes wear hats or hairnets (hats, such as this red beret, are far more popular) to keep hair out of heavy machinery in the toy workshops.

Their Northern cousins must dress for warmth, naturally, and favour wool, velvet, and, more recently, polar fleece and puffer jackets. This Northern elven female costume consists of a striped velvet coat, pleated skirt, white leather boots and red velvet cap. Traditionally-minded male elves still wear their white velvet breeches, although the more avant-garde are favouring waterproof ski gear.

So there you have it! I do hope the elves have done their work properly and delivered the right presents to the correct recipients. (That is the main cause of so many disgruntled giftees going to the shops on Boxing Day to make exchanges. I assure you, Mr Claus is working tirelessly to fix this vexing problem.)

I hope you have had a very merry Christmas, dear Snapettes!

Photo: Yesterday