Here’s to the real Christmas elves

Here’s to the real Christmas elves — the line waver-ins who have genuine grins, the keepers of inns with an open front door.

And to the true Kringles — the envelope slippers, the Christmas tree clippers, the holiday shippers of things we adore.

A toast to pure Clauses — the low spirit lifters who console the drifters, considerate gifters who lighten the loads.

Thanks to the real Rudolphs — the shoveler of snows who everyone knows consistently shows up to plough out the roads.

We’re grateful for Santas — the perspective finders, lost puppy minders, the folks who grow kinder with each passing day.

And for the Who crews — the humble hope givers and Christmas joy livers, the ones who deliver on words that they say.

Here’s to the ones who schedule the flights and the people who hang 900 tree lights; to the stuffers of cards, the caroling bards, those quietly doing the things that are hard.

A salute to the hosts and the makers of roasts and the thoughtful deliverers of holiday toasts.

In a season of merriment but not enough rest, we’re grateful for elves who give us their best.