How "Elf" Saved Me From Despair

The past three and a half weeks, during what should have been a fun-filled summer, has been dominated by the biggest bear of a cold ever.  First my husband, then our son, then me.  And I've had it the worst.  Full-body coughs; just feeling generally lousy.  So last night, even though I'm on the mend, I was still feeling very sorry for myself until, inexplicably (the middle of July?) the movie "Elf" came on, which I'll watch any time.

My favorite (well, one of them) lines from "Elf" is when Buddy's just
finished putting maple syrup on his spaghetti and tells his new mom: "We elves try to stick to the four main food groups:  Candy, candy canes, candy corns, and syrup."  I love it.  Buddy thinks the world is a wonderful, shiny place, where bubblegum is free on the sidewalks.  All you have to do is take it.  How amazing is that?

Elf makes me happy.  Will Ferrell captures the innocence of Buddy.  And I do believe in Santa, I really do.