Those are interesting points, EBarnacle. Yes, it's long been clear to me that Elves are the archetype of ourselves at our very best, an ideal to which we can aspire if we choose to, but we may never fully attain it. This is also evidenced by the fact that they are virtually ageless in their beauty, another thing most of us would very much like to achieve, if we could. They seem to represent both perfection and immortality.

Santa Claus, on the other hand, seems to be the archetype of conspicuous consumption...although, on the positive side, he also represents generosity and the gifts of love.