Rolling Elf

There it is, the graphic for the big production coming up in just two Sundays.  Daddy's name is on the credits as having written the thing, although there was input from other creative minds before and after.  Still, it's our production - we've been having practices, and everyone is doing really well with their lines and the songs we've selected.  Things seem to be moving along really well, although I suppose there will always be a certain sense of nervousness about taking on such a big production of our own.  One thing I know is that the script is good.  And I also now that Madison has a part.  She'll be at practice, playing the part once again of a sheep at a nativity scene.  She has actually done this twice before, so she's probably the most experienced sheep on stage right now.  In fact, she could probably start sheep acting lessons on the side, for a reasonable fee of course.

Meanwhile, it looks like Jingle the Elf was hosting some sort of frat party last night.  Here he is, literally rolling down the steps inside a roll of toilet tissue.  He's apparently racing Merida, who I wouldn't count out for a last-minute dash to the finish line at the bottom of the stairs.  Yeah, leave it to Mommy and Daddy to have to clean up after this elf.  So far though, he's been relatively clean this year.  Hopefully that'll keep up!

Tonight is the night before St. Nicholas Day.  That means tonight is the night that Krampus comes to pay a visit.  We didn't hear any growling or cowbells or bangings of washtubs outside, so I'm assuming our neighborhood was good this year, and no children from around here were hauled off.  Before going to bed, Madison put two boots out in front of the fireplace, in hopes that St. Nichlas will drop coins or chocolate, or chocolate coins inside.

Krampus, of course, is an odd Christmas tradition in parts of the Alpine regions (and therefore also Helen, Georgia).  But there is another quirky character Mommy and Daddy were reading about tonight:  his name is Belsnickel.  This guy has issues.  He is hairy, wears wool, and appears a few weeks before Christmas to sort of check in on kids.  We have not seen Belsnickel in our neighborhood yet, but from what we read, he knocks on doors and by doing so, is asking kids to recite Christmas poems or hear Christmas songs.  If he likes what he hears, he throws candy on the floor.  If not, he swats you with a switch.  And if you reach for the candy too quickly, he swats you with a switch.  And if you've been naughty this year, he swats you with a switch.  If that doesn't say Christmas, I don't know what does!

Anyway, we may or may not see Belsnickel this year.  Hopefully not.  He seems like an ornery little grump.