Santa's workshop has been depicted various ways throughout media. A giant log cabin, a small village, a factory, or a winter palace.
It is THE place were Christmas magic happens. Where the naughty and nice list is checked twice, where the eight magical reindeer live, and where Santa lives.
The one we just traveled into was a small village. A very small village... I would not be wrong calling it a hamlet... if not for the hundreds of elves working here.
Where do all these elves even sleep?
"O my god"
Being pulled out of my train of thoughts, I walked up to Laura as she views the town and the elves.
"I can't believe it... this has to be a dream"
"No this is not a dream"
"Then you drugged us, kidnapped us, and now we are experiencing a shared hallucination."
"... Neal..."
"..."
"...yes, BUT no to that last part. This is all real, this is the North Pole and we are standing in Santa's Workshop."
Their expressions were one of sheer disbelief. The thought that a childhood dream was real all along was... insane.
"Santa welcome back to the North Pole! I hope you're ready for your ride tonight."
"Hello Bernard, yes the trip was lovely and I am as ready as I can be"
"Good, good. There are a couple of changes we need to go over before the ride. Is there anything else you need before we get started?"
"Yes, my... guests are in shock do you have something that can help them snap out of it?"
"No problem. I will have Judy bring them a hot chocolate with a shot of peppermint schnapps."
"There is alcohol here?"
"Of course. How else would we celebrate a job well done? But no alcohol before the ride, there have been some... issues with drinking and presents in the past."
"O... okay um... thanks. Charlie wait here with your mom and Neal for Judy. Maybe after they come to, you all can go on a tour of the workshop."
"Sure thing Dad. Will I be able to drop off gifts with you just like last time?"
"Ummm... ask your mother. I have to go now, be good."
"Bye dad see you soon!"
After waving at my son and making sure Laura and Neal don't faint, I follow Bernard into the main building in the middle of the village.
"Welcome to the main workshop! The majority of the action happens here. In the past this was the only building, but over the years we have expanded into a small village."
"Originally all elves were carpenters, but we have since learned to use the best technology available to produce cutting edge toys."
"On the left you will see the intelligence offices. There several elves work with human proxies to keep track of the most popular toys on the market, current social trends, and geopolitics"
"Geopolitics?"
"Yup, best way to avoid exposure is to avoid areas of conflict or under political scrutiny. Remember the 'Great Los Angeles Air Raid' February 24th 1942?"
"No?"
"Well Santa, at the time, decided to go on a joy ride in the sleigh over Los Angeles. But because he wasn't aware that the US entered the second world war, he flew below cloud level. Instantly anti-aircraft guns fired thousands of rounds at what they thought to be an enemy aircraft. He was able to survive, but several reindeer were severally injured and we had to replace his suit."
"... wow... so be careful when flying into war zones go it. What else is there?"
"A lot, but you'll get the full tour after the ride, for now I show you the sleigh then suit up. This way"
Following Bernard down the hallway I look back towards the intelligence offices and think that I will be spending a lot of time with those elves in the future.