Why elves? Because someday soon, it will begin to feel a lot like Christmas.

1. Ernie, the Keebler elf -- Fudge Stripes Shortbread. Best. Cookie. Ever.

2. Magic Elf -- New York-based instrumental trio that's been around since '83. Specialty is "hard-core rock fusion." Latest CD is "Heavy Meddle."

3. Hermie, the elf who would be a dentist -- You've got to admire the little guy. Stood up to the tyrannical Head Elf and pursued his dream while turning classic "Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer" into a buddy road-trip movie.

4. Legolas, "Lord of the Rings" film trilogy -- Those eyes, those pointy ears, that silken blonde hair. Never a sexier elf than Orlando Bloom.

5. Will Ferrell in "Elf" -- Not elvish by birth, but certainly in spirit. Unforgettable moment: putting that shoddy department-store Santa in his place -- "You sit on a THRONE OF LIES!"

6. David Sedaris, Macy's department store elf in "SantaLand Diaries" -- "I've met elves from all walks of life. Most of them are show business people, actors and dancers, but a surprising number of them held real jobs at advertising agencies and brokerage firms before the recession hit. Bless their hearts, these people never imagined there was a velvet costume waiting in their future. They're the really bitter elves."

7. Ireth Tulcakelume -- This is my Elf name, according to the Elvish Name Generator, found on the Internet at www.chriswetherell.com/elf/. I also have a Hobbit name, but just call me Ireth.

8. Dobby, the house elf from the Harry Potter books -- Speaks somewhat annoyingly in the third person. Long-lost CGI brother of Gollum.

9. ELPH camera line by Canon -- Sleek little point-and-shoots, but film just seems SO last century.

10. Sleeping, cozy elves in Tim Burton's "The Nightmare Before Christmas" -- Jack Skellington creeps in on their dreaming little selves during the big Christmas Town number, and they're just SO DARN CUTE!