One of the elves said, "Ah, well, this town is very poor, you see. They have no money for presents and little time to enjoy a holiday. Life is hard for them and they barely manage to survive day to day, as it is."

"All the more reason for them to celebrate the Winter Solstice," Chricrin said, firmly. "Perhaps there is something we can do to make their hard lives a bit more bearable," he said, more quietly. On the way back to the cottage he thought about what he might be able to do for these good townspeople.

By the time they arrived at their home, he had an idea and shared it with his elfin friends. "Why do we not make presents for everyone in the village and prepare a special feast, as well. Then on the night of the Solstice, we can deliver everything to them--it would be quite a surprise!" he said.

The elves all nodded agreement, but somewhat sadly. One of them spoke up. "Aye, we ourselves had wanted to do something of that nature for some time, but there were always two problems that kept us from accomplishing that plan. Perhaps you might be able to solve those problems for us, Chricrin."

"Well, I'll do me best to help," the wizard said. "What are your problems?"

The elf looked around at his companions and they all nodded encouragement, so he said, "We don't think it would be fair to just single out one town to deliver presents to, when there are several poor townships here in the northlands. But, we would never be able to get presents to everyone in but one night."

"Aye," another elf chimed in. "Everyone deserves something nice and we can not think how just the few of us could possibly make enough presents for the people of the north, let alone get them all delivered in time for the festival."

There was a chorus of agreement from the elves. Chricrin thought about these problems for a moment, but then put a finger alongside his nose and said with a smile, "I believe I have a solution."