How did elves go from supernatural monsters to Santa's helpers? The surprising history of Christmas elves reveals a lot about work, class, and Western culture.

Every December, they quietly appear everywhere. In storybooks, films, classroom decorations and Christmas cards, elves are shown hammering toys, checking lists ...

Santa Claus is a patchwork figure assembled from several origins, including Saint Nicholas, a 4th-century Greek bishop.

Santa Claus had a few extra elves to help with his toymaking, but it's a bit south of the North Pole – in central Ohio. Creating everything from puzzles to a ring toss game, ducks that waddle and doll ...