If you picture a Christmas elf today, you probably imagine a cheerful little helper in a pointy hat, tinkering away in Santa’s workshop. But the story of these merry makers stretches much further back—and their earliest origins might surprise you.
From “Hidden Folk” to Holiday Helpers
Long before they wrapped presents or made toys, elves existed in Norse mythology as huldufólk, or “hidden folk.” These early elves weren’t small, weren’t particularly jolly, and definitely didn’t wear green and red outfits. Instead, they were mysterious supernatural beings who lived between worlds, invisible to humans yet deeply entwined with nature and magic.
As stories traveled across Scandinavian and Celtic cultures, elves blended with other myths involving fairies, nature spirits, and household beings. That’s how we get Scottish brownies—tiny helpers (or troublemakers, depending on their mood) known for secretly doing chores or creating chaos. Early European folklore also painted elves as mischievous, even dangerous, and in medieval times they were occasionally linked to demons. Not exactly the sweet workshop crew we know today!
A Fairytale Shift: From Mischief to Magic
The idea of helpful elves began to take shape in 1812 with the Brothers Grimm tale The Elves and the Shoemaker. In this wholesome story, three small elves secretly help a struggling shoemaker through the night. No Santa yet, but it marked one of the first times elves were portrayed doing helpful, workshop-like labor during the winter season.
Then, in 1823, the game changed. The iconic poem A Visit from St. Nicholas—better known as ’Twas the Night Before Christmas—described St. Nick himself as a “jolly old elf.” This single line fused elves with the developing Christmas mythology and helped pave the way for their role in holiday gift-giving.
Elves Enter the Christmas Workshop
Although Louisa May Alcott completed a book called Christmas Elves in 1850, it was never published. But the elves’ big visual debut came in 1873, when Godey’s Lady’s Book featured a cover illustration showing Santa surrounded by busy elves preparing toys. Godey’s was the influencer of its day, having earlier popularized the Christmas tree in the U.S., so its depiction of toy-making elves had a major cultural impact.
A few years later, political cartoonist Thomas Nast—who also helped shape Santa’s modern look—cemented the image of Santa’s North Pole workshop in a series of illustrations published from 1879 to 1886. Nast’s drawings introduced the idea of a bustling community of elves living and working at the North Pole, a concept embraced around the world.
Some traditions place Santa’s workshop in Lapland, Northern Finland—while others claim different Nordic territories. But no matter the location, the image of a snowy workshop full of cheerful elves became a cornerstone of Christmas lore.
Elves in Pop Culture: From Stop-Motion to Shelf-Sitters
The familiar look of Christmas elves—a mix of green outfits, fur trim, curled shoes, and those classic pointy hats—was solidified by Rankin/Bass’s Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964). Decades later, Elf (2003) paid homage so closely that the filmmakers had to get legal permission to use the design for Buddy’s costume!
And in 2005, Christmas elves found a new role: undercover operatives for Santa. The Elf on the Shelf introduced “scout elves” who visit families in December, observe children’s behavior, and report back to the North Pole nightly. Over 10 million of these elves have been adopted worldwide, becoming a modern holiday phenomenon.
Tiny, Timeless, and Totally Magical
From ancient Norse spirits to beloved holiday icons, Christmas elves have taken quite a journey. Today, they’re an essential part of the season’s storytelling—bringing whimsy, tradition, and a dash of magic to homes around the world.
Stay tuned for Day 3 of Christmas Characters Week as we explore another festive figure!