Stop the lights.

It's November 3, and you know what that means. The festive season is already well and truly upon us irrespective of the many protestations from those among us who think that it's far too early to be celebrating Christmas. And in fairness, they are absolutely right but this is the consumer hell scape we live in folks, and that's just the way it's got to be. Still though, while Mariah Carey blasting out from every speaker on every corner is enough to make even the most festive of us want to hide under a rock for the next two months, the below is considerably less threatening. Because applications are open to apply to be an elf in Lapland - and anyone who doesn't want to be an elf in Lapland need not apply. Everyone's happy. Finnish Lapland are hiring elves for this year's holiday season running from the end of November to the start January. The elves do a lot of work of there - they look after groups, they manage bus trips, they show people around, they smile for children, and of course, hang around Santa's workshop. According to Lapland's website:

"We expect our Elves to be energetic, outgoing, positive persons with good customer skills. "Elves work in an international environment, so good oral skills in English are essential and other language skills (French/Spanish/German) are advantageous."

Elves will, obviously, be expected to move to Finland for the season, but Lapland will help you sort out some reasonable priced shared accommodation during your stay - and you'll get staff discount on a load of restaurants so, you know, decent set up. Vacancies are currently available in Lapland locations in Saariselkä, Levi, Rovaniemi, Hetta, Olos, and Ylläs. You can fill out the application form here.