Whimsical fairy tale, repeated viewing has become our Christmas Day tradition.

Rating: Null/10 (7 February 2005)

Will Ferrell plays Buddy, who grew up with Santa's helpers, thinking he was an Elf. This is his story. Ferrell is much better here than he is in other movies. In fact, this is the only role I like Ferrell in. Pleasant viewing for those who like a modern fairy tale.
Born to a single mom, baby Buddy was placed in an orphanage, and one Christmas night, while Santa (Ed Asner) was eating a cookie, crawled out of his bed and into Santa's toy sack. Upon discovery when Santa got back to the North Pole, Papa Elf (Bob Newhart) raised Buddy, who was quite larger than the other elves. Finding out his true identity, and who his real father was (James Caan), Buddy set out to find him in New York.
When he does, comedy follows, as Buddy doesn't know any of the customs of the real world. In the process he makes a friend in pretty Jovie (Zooey Deschanel) who was dressed as an Elf, working at a store preparing for Christmas.
Self absorbed dad is made to see the light, And eventually enlists Buddy to help create new, interesting children stories for new books.
December 2019 update: I first saw this in 2005 but today, Christmas 2019, we just finished watching it again. A very nice and funny Christmas movie.