The Elves and the Shoemaker

"There is only one place to begin… The Elves and the Shoemaker . You, no doubt, will think of it as a children’s story – but to the elves this is one of the greatest tales ever told. I selected this edition for its sumptuous illustrations by Jim LaMarche. The life-like detail provides the perfect backdrop to this tale of elven selflessness, hard-work and dedication to giving – in the days before heavy-duty wrapping paper cutters and automated sellotape dispensers. No. Elves are workers, dedicated and loyal. Certain sloppy-minded goblins might be happy to idle their lives away – goblins have a dreadful work ethic, y’know. Whereas elves work. Elves love work. Elves are proud to work. “It astounds me how many people seem to imagine we loaf about for 11 months then bodge it all together at the last minute using a bit of borrowed fairy dust” Every day of my year begins with a long and detailed ‘to do’ list. Nor is ours seasonal work – it astounds me how many people seem to imagine we loaf about for 11 months then bodge it all together at the last minute using a bit of borrowed fairy dust. Nothing of it. We spend the entire year preparing for Christmas. 60-hour weeks. No holidays. Logistically it’s an immense operation. Papercuts are rife. Think about that when you open your presents on Christmas morning: blood, sweat and pointy-ears."