Christmas Time and Elves Galore!
The home of Melissa Crump in Bolivar, Tennessee has been invaded by Elves. Raz Elves began making their Christmas appearance about ten years ago after a visit to the Merry Marketplace at the Memphis Agricenter. “I went to the Merry Marketplace and bought one,” Crump began the story, “and ever since, I usually get one for myself each year, and I get one for my Birthday, which is in November.” Her father bought a new one this year for her birthday gift, which is hanging in her kitchen, near the ‘I Believe’ over her cabinets. He looks like he might be considering the drop down to the counter to get into the goodies! The kitchen table, in front of the double elf tree is garnished with a hot-chocolate tray and pine, christened with snow that looks as if it should be melting away, is cold and ‘wet’ to the touch but is perfectly dry on the table.
All unique, the elves hiding in the trees, in a row above the fireplace, and over the mirror in the front hallway have their own quirky personalities which show in the expressions on their faces and they are poseable - which can change the way they are used in decorations every year, and almost gives them a new personality to match the position they find themselves in every year. “This is the first time we’ve put two trees in the kitchen,” Crump continued, “I just moved in August and it has been a great beginning to be able to decorate my new house for Christmas.” Ashley Bishop, the owner of Stemz, helped Melissa decorate this year, as she has for the past eight years. “I love what Ashley does, every year she gives my house a new look, and the elves are never in the same place, or in the same pose.” Crump spent three days getting the trees lit, fluffed and in place, “Ashley came in and made the elfish magic happen in two days, but it all comes down in one day.”
“I love Christmas,” Crump explained, “I love the decorations, they are so pretty and happy!” Her house surely matches that description in sparkling bright red and green. The fact that Melissa has her home decorated early in November also is a testament to how much she loves Christmas. She expects her daughter, Paige, home from the University of Mississippi soon. Her room is festively decorated with bright lights over her mirror. Crump said happily, “I can’t wait until she sees it!.” A dog named ‘Poopie’, a fourteen-year-old spunky little Maltese keeps Melissa company while Paige is away, and happily keeps the elves in line.