Edward, the Christmas Elf
| This week is a perfect time to tell stories to kids (from one to ninety-nine) about the North Pole, Santa, his reindeer, toys, elves etc. The fish tale below is about Edward the Elf, a helper from Santa’s toy workshop. The bad news came on Christmas Eve when the elves were laid off until next year. It was expected, but still sad. Most of the little people had made arrangements for another job, but Edward didn't think he would be laid off. He suddenly found himself without a job, a place to live, and without any money. The unhappy little elf wandered the countryside for days, willing to accept the most minimal of jobs. He quickly learned that his only skills were in Santa’s workshop, and that he didn’t qualify for any other jobs. He finally came to the end of the road, which literally was at the edge of the ocean. He found himself in a quaint fishing village without a penny to his name. Being a positive little elf, Ed said to himself, "Self, a job on a fishing boat might be fun." What he didn't know was that elves are too small to pull heavy net loads of fish and besides, he dressed funny for a fisherman. He had all but given up, when he saw a sign, "Bait Man Wanted.” Edward hustled inside to inquire. The pay was lousy, but the job included free room and board. His only choice was to take it, so he did. Edward tended the minnow tanks and sold bait seven days a week. The customers loved his cheerfulness. They soon became his friends and told him the whereabouts of their secret fishing holes. It wasn't long before he knew more about fishing than everyone in town. He worked hard and saved his money. One day, he decided to quit his day job and become a fishing guide. He caught lots of fish and stayed busy year round. In a few years, he had more than enough money to retire, play golf with his friends and fish happily ever after. Well, almost. He was fishing in the ocean when a big wave capsized his boat. Wet, tired and alone, he drifted farther and farther from shore. Fins began to circle his small body. He tried to tuck his feet under his chin, but then he couldn't swim. The sharks came closer and closer until one nudged him in the belly. It was then that a really big one showed his pearly whites and swallowed Edward whole. He must not have tasted very good because the shark spit him out and swam away. The remainder of the school followed suit. It was looking very bleak for the little elf. He knew he couldn’t tread water much longer, when what to his wondering eyes did appear, but a miniature sleigh and eight tiny reindeer. The coursers they came, straight from the sky, to quickly rescue the poor little guy. They took him back in the empty sleigh to work for Santa Claus every day! Merry Christmas and be reminded that small fish have………LARGE TALES! Captain Gus Gustafson is licensed by the US Coast Guard, a member of the Southeastern Outdoor Press Association, an accomplished author and a Professional Sport Fishing Guide on Lake Norman, NC. Visit his Web site at http://www.fishingwithgus.com/ , or e-mail him at Gus@lakenorman.com or call 704-617-6812. |
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| December 2007 |