A Conversation With… Buddy the Elf
Buddy is an elf on a shelf. Well, sometimes he sits on a shelf. Sometimes he sits on trees or pictures frames or cabinets or curtain rods – wherever he can keep an eye on things. Because Buddy is a scout elf. He works for the big guy. Buddy’s job is to watch the boys and girls in the family and report back to Santa each night.
His magic allows him to go back and forth between his family’s home here in Washington County and the North Pole. He’s so fast: He leaves after everyone goes to bed and returns by the time everyone wakes up!
Buddy is just one of many scout elves keeping an eye on things while Santa makes toys in his workshop.
He magically appeared one day in the Observer-Reporter’s newsroom and granted an interview. Here’s our conversation with Buddy the Elf:
Q. Thank you for stopping by, Buddy. But I thought elves weren’t allowed to talk to humans.
A. Well, normally, we’re not. But Santa granted special permission to me so I could spread holiday cheer to all the boys and girls in Washington County. But, please, be sure not to touch me because I could lose some of my magic.
Q. No problem, Buddy. I’ll stay all the way over here. Now, I understand you’re a scout elf. What does that mean?
A. My job is to watch over boys and girls, usually in their homes. Once everyone goes to bed, I fly back to the North Pole to report to Santa everything that happened that day: the good and the bad. Then I fly back before anyone wakes up and sit in a new spot. I love hiding from my kids!
Q. So, I’m guessing your favorite game is …
A. Hide and seek, of course! But I also love zip-lining! And I love sugar – did I mention that? And sometimes, Santa has to remind me I’m there to watch. I’ve been known to be a little … mischievous. I love to decorate Christmas trees and play with toys and get into the kitchen cupboards and make flour angels. Sometimes I get in little squirmishes with the family pets. Even elves make mistakes!
Q. Where’s your favorite place to hide?
A. I love hiding in Christmas trees. I’d have to say that’s my favorite spot. But I also love hiding in stockings and on ceiling fans. One time I hid in my family’s freezer! Sometimes I come back from the North Pole and sit where I was the day before because it’s so comfortable. I’d have to say my least favorite place to hide is in the bathroom … I don’t think I need to explain why.
Q. Do you ever get sore staying in the same position all day?
A. Never. Again, we are magical beings, and we have extra padding from all the sugar we eat, so that helps. We elves try to stick to a strict diet of candy, candy canes, candy corn and syrup.
Q. That’s a lot of sugar! So, how did you get the name “Buddy?” Did Santa name you?
A. No, Santa doesn’t name his scout elves. He lets our girls and boys pick a name for us. The morning my kids found me, they named me “Buddy.” It suits me, don’t you think?
Q. I do. How many scout elves are there?
A. I can’t tell you that! But I can tell you we’re everywhere; not just during the holidays, either. Oh, and I have a magic friend named Eli, who’s not an elf, but a Mensch. He sits on a bench and celebrates Hanukkah with his kids. He even gets to hold a candle!
Q. That’s awesome. So, tell me about your kids.
A. Jacob and Sophia are the best. Jacob loves to draw, and he’s the best helper. He takes the garbage out for his mom and helps set the table. And Sophia is so smart and considerate. She loves animals and helps her dad in the yard. Sometimes Jacob and Sophia fight over toys or don’t clean up their messes. But they try to do better and they are kind to others – that’s what’s important. They are great kids. Santa loves hearing all about their day.
Q. What about when they are at school or outside? Can you still see them?
A. I can’t give away all our secrets, but I can tell you my elf friends and I can always see our kids. Even if they can’t see us.
Q. What’s the most important part of the holidays?
A. Most kids would say presents, and it’s true – presents are great. Santa loves to give gifts to kids all over the world. He loves to make people happy. But the most important part of any celebration is spending time with the people you love and being grateful for what you have. Santa wants kids to have fun and be happy, no matter how many presents are under the tree this year. And Santa always wants kids to be kind and do their best.
Q. Where do you go when Christmas is over? Why can’t you stay with your kids?
A. Sometimes we scout elves do visit during the year. For the most part, though, we are busy making toys with Santa and the other elves up in the North Pole. Even though I’ll leave while my kids sleep on Christmas Eve, I’m always watching. And they’ll see me again next year. But now, it’s time for me to get back. I hope all the kids in Washington County have a great Christmas! Natalie, could you close your eyes for a second?
A. Sure, Buddy. OK; my eyes are closed. Thanks again for talking to me. Will we see you again … Buddy?
Editor’s note: When Natalie opened her eyes, Buddy was gone. All that was left was a sprinkle of glitter and a note that read, “Merry Christmas!”