Keiunna Thompson is an elf.

Not really – she serves as an early head start teacher at the Williams Family Support Center in Mexico. But she also fits into a jolly uniform and plays the role of Santa’s helper for the Mexico Area Chamber of Commerce come December.

And so you might catch sight of Thompson as she performs her elfin duties on the courthouse square, talking to children and picking up letters from the Letters to Santa mailbox.

Thompson moved to Mexico in 2016 and started working with local children. She grew up in Greenwood, Mississippi and earned a degree in English from Ole Miss.

1. What does an elf do?

I’m basically the pregame. I talk to the kids before they see Santa, keep them occupied. But this year, with no Santa, we’re focusing on their letters to Santa. I get the letters and let them know that Santa still reads them.

2. Why play an elf?

I’m tall – I’m 6 feet. When Dana [Chamber director Dana Keller ] asked me I was like ‘I don’t know.’ But I love working with kids.

3. Well, there is a precedent for a tall elf.

(Laughing) Yeah.

4. Have you watched the movie?

I have. I love it.

5. What does the Williams Center do?

We get kids from 6 weeks to 5 years old. We’re getting them prepared for school – the alphabet, the colors. We serve them meals. I work with CNCA. It’s a system to help the whole family.

6. So going from teacher to elf is quite a change.

It is. There were like a lot of older kids last year for Santa – even teenagers. I had to learn to talk to them. I’m so used to younger kids.

7. Is it difficult working with young children?

I’ve been working with kids half my life. I worked in day care in high school and college. And I have four nephews – that helps.

8. How important is early childhood education?

Oh my goodness, I don’t think people realize how important it is scientifically. By the age of five your cognitive functions are set. Those first five years are really critical – how to learn, how to act. Head Start is important.

9. How does playing an elf rate?

I would say 10. We also want to keep their imagination alive. As long as I can do that I’m game.

10. What would you ask Santa for Christmas?

I bought a lot of stuff for myself, so I don’t think I need anything – to be with my family.