Buddy the Elf

A hero can have many different meanings. To one person a hero may be someone brave, to another someone funny, someone courageous, or just someone they admire. Most would consider Superman, Batman and Spiderman a hero; they save people and ask for nothing in return. To me, however, there is so much more to someone heroic. I believe a hero is positive, happy, cheerful, and always determined to do what's right. My hero is...Buddy the Elf.

“Treat everyday like Christmas. There is room for everyone on the nice list. The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.” This is The Code of the Elves, a code that all elves must pursue. Despite the fact that he is not truly an elf, Buddy the Elf never ceases to follow all of these regulations. Buddy was put up for adoption immediately after he was born, his mother (Susan Wells) died soon after. Buddy’s dad, Walter Hobbs, was completely unaware that Buddy was even born. After learning that he is not in fact an elf, Buddy seeks to find his father in New York City. Most would be devastated after finding out that they aren’t who they thought they were, but Buddy looks at the glass half full by traveling from the North Pole to New York in search of his biological father. Buddy travels through the seven levels of the Candy Cane Forest, past the Sea of Twirly Swirly Gum Drops and walks through the Lincoln Tunnel all to embrace who he truly is and meet the only real family member he has. Buddy's determination and optimism are two of the many reasons he is heroic.

After Buddy's long journey to New York City, he finally found his dad. Although his father is overly serious and quite pessimistic, Buddy greets him with a smile. After his dad has security escort Buddy out, Buddy accidentally gets himself a job at Gimbel's, a Christmas themed toy store in the mall. This is where Buddy meets Jovie, his future wife. Buddy manages to bring out Jovie's fun side by taking her to all of his favorite places around New York. After having a blood test, it is confirmed that Buddy is Walter's son; because of this, Walter allows him to live with him, his wife Emily and his son, Michael. No matter who it is, Buddy can make anyone smile.

Though he is practically always having a good day, even Buddy the Elf has to face challenges. On Christmas eve he saw Santa's sleigh crash into Central Park due to lack of Christmas Spirit around the world. He helped Santa fix the engine, but it wasn't enough. Jovie saw what was going on from the crowd outside Central park and remembered what Buddy had told her, "The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear". Jovie then began to sing, and as others joined in the Christmas spirit grew and Santa's sleigh began to fly. Buddy changed the lives of many that Christmas, he found his family and even got married. No one is as cheerful as Buddy the Elf.

Many "heroes" have both enemies and friends, but Buddy makes sure he has all friends. It is clear that Buddy is a hero because of his constant acts of kindness and his cheerful personality. No matter what comes Buddy's way, he stays positive and never gives up. If Buddy hadn't accidentally crawled into Santa's big red bag as a baby one Christmas, he wouldn't be so happy and full of Christmas spirit. All in all, Buddy is a happy, heroic, free spirit that should inspire everyone.