(thinks)
(thinks some more)
(thinks a long time)
I don't know. I really cannot answer the question. My regrets.
If I can figure out the answer, I will post it here.
(slightly off-topic)
I *do* have a strong picture of Santa's elves: they are akin to the Vanyar and Noldor of Tolkien's Middle-Earth. Incredible as it may sound, I think they fit the picture well (obviously, there might be variants of these elves, but all would have the lofty, noble mindset found in the Quendi before Melkor corrupted them.)
And yes, Ruldoph SHOULD be around, despite tales to the contrary. And no, he was NOT teased by the other raindeer or elves, as they do not behave like that (period.)
And, if there are any trees growing around Santa's great workshop, they are magical.
At the North Pole, at Arcturus where Santa works, the average temperature hovers around 32 in the summer, quickly dropping to 30 below zero for the 7 months of winter. Thus, the vegetation growing there is Agnakok in nature, magical, able to survive in one of the world's most extreme climes.
The same Agnakok abilities are innate to all the elves and raindeer, to all others present, and to Santa and Mrs. Claus as well.
Edena_of_Neith