proclaimed Noel, the mayor of the globed village. He was attired in a red stocking cap with a white, furry ball at its tip. A red Christmas bow jutted from under his neck, and a green jacket covered his pencil-thin torso. Red-and white-striped leotards covered his legs, and tan ankle booties sheltered his feet. “Santa’s Village is the most exciting place in the universe to visit. We are happy that you are here. Before you meet with Santa, we are going to take you on a guided tour. You will visit places that you have read about or someone has told you about. The village is full of fun things to see,” he bragged, pulling his red suspenders and letting them snap against his chest. “Each of the cottages is represented by a head elf, who will explain how his or her industry fits into Santa’s overall plan. We don’t have much time, so please limit your questions. Also, just as you have family secrets, so do we who live and work here. Therefore, what you see, hear, and do in Santa’s Village must stay in Santa’s Village.
