I wasn’t sure if we would see the Elf again this Christmas, I had heard there were staff shortages in Santa’s workshop and it might be difficult for him to get away. Sure enough, there he was on 1^st December waiting for Michael to make his early morning cuppa.

The next morning, he had hitched a ride in the Tibetan singing bowl but then got a bit carried away with his mischief and ended up caught in a booby trap.

He created his own friends in the fruit bowl and found a willing participant in Poppy’s hippo to share a dram or two.

A close shave with a razor was a reminder for me to hide sharp implements. I think he was missing Santa while keeping an eye on us.

I don’t know where he found the bubble gum but this could have ended badly.

Just when we thought he was too busy at the North Pole, he was found hiding in the cereal box munching on Weet-Bix. We forgot to warn him against playing with snakes.

We were both surprised by his artistic talent with his impressive (s)elf portrait.

Seeking companionship, he spied a mouse atop a picture frame. Sadly, conversation was limited and the next night he resorted to the booze once again.

I doubt Poppy’s breakfast was as tasty as he hoped, he decided to try his hand at music instead.

The crafty little fella brought stilts in an attempt to steal one of Poppy’s Schmakos.

A quiet game of solitaire made for a pleasant change. Even elves get caught short sometimes.

He couldn’t quite get the hang of the coffee machine and the peg basket proved equally as perplexing.

It’s the thought that counts and this gesture was much appreciated.

Fortunately, a Friendship Ball doesn’t do as much damage as a wrecking ball but I think that was his inspiration. We were starting to worry about his proclivity for alcohol

when he left us on Christmas Eve after bidding farewell to his festive friends.