Eliana was a very gentle, fifteen year old elf.  She was mild mannered and one could almost say that she was shy.  She was not at all aggressive.

If there is one thing that was a shortcoming in Eliana was that she was always “late”.   Nobody was surprised if she was not present when anything started.  Somehow, Eliana was not aware of the limits of time.  Often she was known as the Latecomer.

Eliana worked in the book workshop.  One day, there was a special announcement on the PA system.  It was an invitation for entries for a  story contest.  When Eliana ran into Santa in one of her late mornings, he suggested that she enter the contest since he was aware of her penchant for reading fiction.  Eliana agreed readily because she was burdened with a feeling of guilt owing to her late arrival.

Writing a story needed some preparatory thought as Eliana realized.  She pondered over what kind of story she should tell.  It could be a fluffy tale or a human interest story.  She let ideas float through her mind.

One day, Eliana set out from home with time to spare.  She had enough time to look around the Main Street.  Suddenly, an advertisement placed next to the Children’s Clothes Store caught her attention.  It was a humanitarian request, unlike a business sufferer

In block letters, it said, “LOVE LOCKS”.  It was request for the donation of twelve inches or more hair to create wigs for children who suffered hair loss from cancer treatments.  The radiation and chemotherapy often caused hair loss.  Eliana’s gentle heart strings were touched.  She had long, dark curly hair.  Losing a large amount of hair would appear as a sacrifice at her age.  Then, she thought about how fast the hair could grow.  In her young mind, a thought started to form.  She started to feel for the sufferings of the young cancer patients.   Her temporary loss of hair appeared irrelevant.   She had found her story.  Resolutely, she opened the door of the store where the ad was pointing.  

Eliana went to the workshop wearing her green hoodie.  Nobody gave much thought to her change of attire.  Days went by and Christmas was approaching.  The elves were working diligently.

It was time for the festive dinner before Santa had to load up his sleigh and leave to distribute the gifts for children.  Everyone was chatting and eating and there was warmth and camaraderie around.  When the dessert was being served, Santa rang a hand bell.  “Attention! Attention!  I have an exciting announcement to make,” Santa said in a loud voice.  Suddenly, all chatter ended.  Everyone turned to Santa with anticipation. No one had a clue of what was coming.  Then, some continued their chitchat unconcerned.

Santa rang the handbell again and all the chatter ended.  All the faces turned to Santa and gave him full attention.  Santa spoke in clear tones, “This is a special occasion.  I am proud to declare the winner of this year’s Story contest.  Eliana from our book workshop is the winner.  Her story of warmth and sacrifice won the judges’ hearts.  Eliana, please pull down your hood.  Let everyone see what you gave up”.

Eliana stood up and pulled down her hood.  There was a loud gasp in unison from all those present at the dinner.  Instead of her hair at hip length, they saw her hair reaching up to her neck only.  Nobody had questioned the change, but now all the faces looked the question, “How?”

Santa smiled and answered the unasked question, “Eliana donated her hair to LOVE LOCKS to make wigs for children who suffer hair loss after treatments.  She didn’t want to advertise this because it was her personal choice.  It came from the heart and she wanted her choice to stay within her heart.  But, she was rewarded in a different way.  Her story for the contest was the heart warming tale of her sacrifice. The judges were captivated.  Come forward Eliana and receive your trophy”.  Unhooded, she went up and accepted the silver trophy and certificate.  The dining hall reverberated with the sound of the heartfelt applause.  Overnight Eliana became the Story Teller instead of the Latecomer.