The Christmas Elf, A Secret-Santa Story

Chapter 1- The Elf in secret

Tuesday 13 December

Eileen O'Connor peeped out her window to make sure the coast was clear. The street was deserted this time of day, as almost everyone who lived on it worked for a living. It was an entirely normal suburban street in Concord, MA with modest-sized houses, each with its own yard. There were nominal fences, more meant to outline borders than to keep anything in or out. It was the kind of street where kids were allowed to roam free and adults would wave to each other as they went about their daily lives.

Her bright green eyes took in the absence of cars, the lack of foot traffic and the drawn shutters. Snow sparkled on every surface, turning her neighborhood into an idyllic winter wonderland. Now she could make her move.

Her bright red hair was too much of a beacon from afar, so it was tucked securely under a white beanie. She was dressed comfortably but casually in warm leggings and top, layered over with sweater, scarf and the necessary coat. All her surface-wear was white as she wanted to blend in as much as possible, in case there was anyone to observe something she'd rather keep hidden.

Her heart beat faster and she hummed a carol under her breath as she left the warmth of her home and stepped out into the bracing winter day. Her arms were hung with a variety of packages and one heavy basket. The cold, clean scent of snow mingled with the appetizing aromas coming out of that basket.

First stop, Mr. Jensen. The arthritic old man was supposed to be out visiting his old friend at the retirement home today. The two made it a habit to meet up at least once a week. In the summer it was chess in the park, in the winter it was chess at the retirement home two streets over. She turned the knob and pushed gently, relieved to find it was unlocked.

She scanned the kitchen and tidied what little there was to, popped an apple pie into the oven with a timer on and stuck a casserole into the fridge. The casserole tin had a clear note that indicate exactly how long he should heat it up for. She walked through the old man's house, checking to ensure that everything was in order. She checked the supply of wood in the house, saw that it was low and re-stocked it from the pile at the back of the house. She inhaled deeply as the scent of baking apple pie started to waft through the house. She knew he had been feeling down lately, and hoped that the mystery of the Christmas Elf would do the trick.

Next stop, Claudia and the daughter who was her image in miniature. The single mom had only recently bought the house next to Mr. Jensen with her divorce settlement. The house was sadly lacking in any Christmas ornamentation and she knew from talking to Claudia that it was because she simply had too much to do in too little time. Unlike with Mr. Jensen, she didn't have access to the inside of their house so she stuck to the lovely outdoor porch. Hammer and hooks came out of one of her bags, along with a string of lights. She carefully hung them, ending close to a wall-outlet. Another big bag yielded a huge Christmas wreath with sparkling balls and bows. The wreath went on the door, along with a jaunty card that said:

"A little something to brighten your day!

From: The Christmas Elf.

P.S. If you need me to help with getting you a Christmas tree and decorations all you have to do is sign this card and leave your door open next Tuesday."

She stepped back to admire her handiwork and nodded to herself, still humming. The little girl was going to be so excited when she saw it. Of course, the mother might wonder what kind of crazy might be trying to get into her house...

At the next house she deposited some brilliant red poinsettia in a ceramic pot, with instructions that the plant should be kept indoors. Mrs. Sheppard loved her flowers and was always sad when winter came around and she couldn't spend time in her garden.

At the next she left a grocery bag full of Christmas snacks, including freshly baked cookies and ginger-bread. The Warrens had a growing boy and his mom hardly ever had time to bake. Both Warrens worked full time to be able to afford their simple lifestyle and to put away for their smart son's college education.

At the Joiners she left a bag with a freshly-baked apple pie. This family seemed to have it all together, but everyone could use a little Christmas magic.

Cookies and pies were deposited at each house, wreaths where needed. When this task was done and her hands were finally empty of packages, she went back home and got her shovel. She then proceeded to clear the driveway for everyone who hadn't already done it.

Last was her own home where she added some similar touches as the other houses. It wouldn't do to leave out her own home, would it? After all, someone might get clever ideas as to the identity of their secret helper.

Throughout it all shehad kept an eye out for anyone who might be around. She scanned hersurroundings once more, sang another couple "Fa la la las" and considered herplan to have been cleanly and properly executed.

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Author's note: Ever since I read my first Enyd Blyton story about "Brownies" - those mysterious little creatures that come in and doing nice things in your home - I've loved the idea of doing good things as a secret and a surprise.

Eileen is my modern-day brownie, the person I wish I had time to be.