WOO-HOO! Let the joyous news be spread! It’s time for
The Contest: Write a children’s story about a Holiday Mishap, mix-up, miscommunication, mistake, or potential disaster (a la Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer :)). Your story may be poetry or prose, silly or serious or sweet, religious or not, based on Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or whatever you celebrate, but is not to exceed 350 words not counting the title (aren’t I being generous?! 🙂 It can be as short as you like, but no more than 350!) Did the dog knock over the Christmas Tree? Did little Johnny’s costume get grape juice all over it moments before the holiday pageant? Did the menorah go missing? Did travel arrangements get snarled or miscommunicated? Did Santa’s sleigh have to make an emergency landing? The field is wide open! Have fun! (And because so many people have mentioned this, the story does not have to be funny! You can have a holiday mishap that is serious or sweet or mysterious… Please don’t feel that you have to go the humor route! Also, because a number of people have mentioned it this time, no art notes please.)
– A Picture Book Manuscript Read and Written Critique by Karen Boss, Editor at Charlesbridge!!! (Priceless!) Karen Boss is the editorial assistant at Charlesbridge Publishing in Watertown, MA. She has a master’s degree in children’s literature from Simmons College and is currently editing projects that range from picture books for younger readers to picture books for older readers to middle-grade novels, both fiction and nonfiction. (But let’s face it, folks! You’re getting YOUR picture book manuscript in front of an actual editor at a highly regarded publishing house! Who knows where that could lead?)
– A Gold Membership to Julie Hedlund’s 12×12 in 2014 (a $150 value)
Little GOLDen Book Membership includes:
- Full access (view and post) to the Main 12 x 12 Forum and Critique Connect (where you can find critique partners)
- Access to the members-only 12 x 12 Facebook Group
- Ability to view the Events, Member Books, Videos/Trailers and Help An Author Out (HAAO) sections of the 12 x 12 Forum
- Opportunity to win craft-related prizes from the monthly featured authors
- Full (view and post) access to the Events, Member Books, Video/Trailers and HAAO sections of the 12 x 12 Forum
- FULL (view and post) access to these additional sections of the 12 x 12 Forum: Query Corner (get feedback on your query letters), Pitch Perfect (get feedback on loglines and pitches), and Manuscript Makeover (get feedback on the first 250 words of your ms)
- Access to the Submission Station section of the 12 x 12 Forum, which will provide information about that month’s agent or editor and instructions on how to submit to him or her.
– 2 signed Picture Books by Linda Ashman – RAIN! and PEACE, BABY! (Keep for yourself or give as a holiday gift to a little person in your life :)) PLUS
a $25 Amazon Gift Card
– A Picture Book Manuscript Critique by Erin Molta Erin is an experienced senior editor of picture book, early readers, chapter, middle grade, and YA books, as well as novelty and licensed titles. She has been in childrens publishing for more than twenty years and has a keen understanding of early reader through YA audiences. She has an excellent reputation with established authors, illustrators, and agents.
– Enrollment in the Online Writing course Making Picture Book Magic in the month of your choice (a $99 value)
– A signed copy of TUGBOAT by Michael Garland (not even released yet!) AND
a signed copy of A TROOP IS A GROUP OF MONKEYS by Julie Hedlund (Keep for yourself or give as a holiday gift to a little person in your life :)) PLUS
a $25 Amazon Gift Card
– A Picture Book Manuscript Critique from author/illustrator Sarah Frances Hardy, author and illustrator of PUZZLED BY PINK (Viking Juvenile, April 2012) and the forthcoming PAINT ME!. A great choice for someone who is both an author and an illustrator – and I know we have quite a few of those here 🙂
– 2014 Children’s Writer’s & Illustrator’s Market by Chuck Sambuchino (your choice of paperback or Kindle edition)
– The Crock Of Charms Anthology – a three volume collection of stories for readers of all ages from writers all over the world including some you probably know 🙂 Robyn Campbell, Cheryl Secomb, Clarike Bowman-Jahn, Theresa Milstein, Lenny Lee, and me, to name a few 🙂
(Run your mouse over the prizes, books, authors, etc… most of them are links)
Wow! Let’s get the Holiday Party started! 🙂
Here is my sample… to prove that in can in fact be done… and because I wouldn’t ask you to do anything I won’t do myself… (But seriously, whose idea was 350 words? It’s cramping my style! :))
And away he flew in the red velvet suit he’s worn ever since.
So now! Everyone filled with confidence about their entries? I certainly hope so after that display! Never let it be said that I’m not willing to be a fool for my art 🙂
I can’t wait to read all of your (much better!) stories! I hope there will be a lot – the more the merrier! And there are still 4+ days to write, so you have time if you haven’t written yet and want to join the fun. Feel free to spread the word to your writing friends as well.
Remember to put your post-specific link (not your general blog link or people will find the wrong page if you post again before the contest is over) in the list below!
Don’t miss 38 entries in the comment section below (which thanks to Penny I’ve figured out how to link, so if you click on the person’s name it will take you directly to that story so you can read and comment… just give it a second to load 🙂 And this intelligence just in – if you’re trying to work these links on iPad or iPhone you will need the google Chrome app to get them to work – Safari won’t do it.)
Nancy – Toby’s Christmas: Ho Ho Ho Or No No No?
Suzy – Reindeer In The Eggnog
Mandy – One Squirrelly Christmas
Lakshmy – Santa’s Stocking
Kristen – The Great Christmas Morning Mix-Up
Teresa S – Always Ready Or Not
Michele – Santa Is Stuck
Kim – Popcorn For Santa On Christmas Eve
Ryan (Rino) – The Adventures Of Jonathan James
Alissa – Santa’s Stuck On the Toilet
Kirsten (not to be confused with Kristen above) – Blackout!
Karen – Santa’s New Toy-Making Machine
Anne – The Gingerbread House Disaster
Ann – The Christmas Present
Sue – Pup Unwrapped
Tim – O Deer
Diane – Frank’s Adventure With Santa And The Elves
Karen Z – Santa’s Snow Angel
Michelle S – Cookies For Papa Noel
Pat – Santa’s Paws
Vicki – Mrs. Claus Saves Christmas
Charlotte – Goldilocks’s Night Before Christmas
Susan – The Christmas Wagon
Pia – Santa Baby
Rachel – Fresh Frosting
Bonnie – The Sound And Smell Of Christmas
Martha – A Christmas Surprise
Patty – Santa’s Special Gift
Susan S – Snowman On A Roll
Kristen 2 – No Sleep For Santa (same author as The Great Christmas Morning Mix-Up above)
Debbie – Home For Christmas
Rita – George’s Christmas Present: A True Story
Sue – Blue Latkes And Salsa
Ruth – Santa Claus Has Lost His Voice
Heather – Behind Schedule
Morgan – A Brother For Christmas
Kelly – Happy Birthday Bambino
Kristen S – Dasher Does A Dash
Happy Writing and Happy Holiday Season!!! 🙂
Susanna Leonard Hill 
I didn't see my link so I may have entered twice–oops!–if I did, Susanna, can you delete one? I'm looking forward to reading the stories here!
ENTRY POSTED FOR NANCY
TOBY’S CHRISTMAS: HO HO HO OR NO NO NO?
By Nancy Churnin
Toby was not a good cat, as
Snowball purred to Santa.
He’d chased birds, clawed chairs and
eaten more of Snowball’s food than she had this year.
It didn’t help that when it was
Toby’s turn to sit on Santa’s lap, he chewed the bells off his suit.
Santa didn’t know whether to say Ho
Ho Ho or No No No.
Still, Toby hoped Santa would find
room for him on the nice list. Maybe in the margins?
There were so many things Toby wanted
for Christmas! Balls and tuna. A gecko and tuna. And the biggest fluffiest stuffed bear there ever was. And tuna.
On Christmas Eve, after Toby chased
Snowball around the tree (she needed exercise), he figured it was hopeless.
Still, there was one thing he was
determined to do. He didn’t put a paw on his Christmas Eve treats. Instead, he pushed his bowl near the milk and
cookies so Santa would have something to share with the reindeer.
Toby waited.
And crossed out the balls and gecko off his list.
And waited.
And crossed out the biggest fluffiest stuffed bear there ever was and
one of the tunas.
And waited.
Until he fell asleep. Truth is, Toby slept a lot.
He woke up to hear the sound of jingle bells fading away outside the
window. (Mrs. Claus must have sewn them back on.)
He raced to the tree to see Snowball snuggled blissfully on her new
princess cushion with satin bows and jingly bunnies and savory treats prettily arranged in a precious pink bowl.
But nothing for Toby.
Then as he turned away, he saw someone had nibbled the treats he’d left by the now empty glass of milk and crumbs (formerly known as cookies).
And he saw cans and cans of tuna beside his dish. And balls. And the
biggest fluffiest stuffed bear there ever was.
Plus a thank you from the reindeer!
Maybe Santa will bring the gecko next year, he thought as he cuddled
with his bear for a snooze…
and the gecko, hiding under a bow, sneaked away.
What a cute story, Nancy! I can just see that mischievous Toby up to all his tricks… but still good at heart 🙂 I hope the gecko found a good hiding place though! 🙂 Happy Holidays and thanks so much for joining in the fun!
I fixed it, no worries 🙂 Can't wait to read your story!!! 🙂
Fun story, Susanna! I love the line: “I don't like to mix my holidays.” Funny!
What a sweet kitty under all that mischief. Fun story, Nancy!
Honestly, Susanna, that is one awesome story and I don't k ow that anyone can write a better one! My link is not live yet…I autoset it for 8am (so I have 20 minutes to try and write a better one…LOL!).
Can't wait to read the other entries!
I'm glad Toby got a little something for leaving Santa some treats! 🙂
Susanna, that was an awesome story and I think that you truly do not give yourself enough credit! I have enjoyed reading all of the entries so far, there are sure a lot of talented people who have entered- yikes! Thanks again for running this contest!
I'm anxiously waiting for your story! 🙂 xo
What a great story, Nancy! So glad that Toby got his treat! 🙂
Ha! Santa wouldn't look nearly as jolly (or have room for nearly as many cookies) if he was still stuck wearing a tuxedo! His fat jolly self belongs in red velvet!
One Squirrelly Christmas by Mandy C. Yates
Shirley, Pearly and Mort lived in the rafters of Santa’s
Workshop with dozens of brothers and sisters.
They spent their nights doing what flying squirrels do:
gliding,
gnawing,
making mountains of mischief, but…
that wasn’t enough. They longed to take part in Christmas.
After all, they lived in the most magical place in the
world.
“Whoa! Look at all those toys.”
“Oooooh! Christmas lights. Sparkly!”
“Mmmm! Check out those chocolate-covered chestnuts.”
Uh Oh. Did someone say….nuts?!?
“Shoo! Skedaddle! Out, you mischievous mayhem makers!
There’s nothing squirrely about Christmas,” cried Mrs. Claus.
They didn’t try to be mischievous. They couldn’t help it, especially
if someone said N-U-T-S.
They’d need to think up one squirrelly plan if they were
going to be part of Christmas.
Shirley glided.
Pearly gnawed.
Mort said, “Ooooh…tinsel. Shiny.”
“That’s it Mort! We’ll decorate the trees.”
They draped strings of popcorn,
wrapped yards of cranberries,
and hung ornaments of stars, globes, and—
“Hey! Look at these nut-crackers,”
squealed Shirley.
Uh Oh. Did someone say…nut?
“Shoo! Skedaddle! Out you mischievous mayhem makers!
There’s nothing squirrelly about Christmas,” said the Elves.
They tried thinking of an even squirrelier plan.
Shirley coasted from the eves.
Pearly chowed down.
Mort said, “Oooooh, toys…twinkly!”
“That’s it Mort! We’ll help make toys.”
The squirrels
screwed in all the screws,
bolted all the bolts,
and squirreled away all the nuts…
Wait! What?!? Did someone say….
Yep. And all the
toys plunked apart!
“Shoo! Skedaddle! Out you mischievous mayhem makers! And
don’t ever try to help out again!” yelled Santa.
That night,
they didn’t glide.
They didn’t gnaw.
They just huddled together
and sulked.
“Maybe Christmas isn’t so squirrelly.”
As they dreamt of pecan-NUT-clusters…
the reindeer snuck into the kitchen.
Everyone knows that reindeer are ravenous for raw foods.
Raw carrots,
Raw cabbage,
And especially raw…
cookie dough!
*****
“Aww nuts! I can’t deliver presents with a slew of sick
reindeer.”
From the rafters, the squirrels appeared.
“Did someone say…Nuts?”
That night dozens of flying squirrels hitched up to Santa’s
sleigh.
It turned out to be one squirrelly Christmas after all.
“Ooooh, sleigh bells! Jingly!”
You're sweet, darlin'!
I'm going down the list, looking for yours! ❤
That was my favorite, too!
I'm anxiously waiting for your story! 🙂
Hee, hee. Aren't you sick of it by now? xo
Heh! Those NUTty flying squirrels! At least rhey were finally helpful!
Yay for a squirrelly Christmas! Adorable!
Great story! I have an awesome idea that I love. Just need to finish writing it. Good thing we have a 2-hour-school-delay! 🙂
Never! 😉
Susanna…this is going to be such fun! You've set the tone with yours…hilarious…and now I'm going to get on the scale…I THOUGHT those pants I tried on yesterday felt a little tight.:)
I join the others in thanking you for putting these fantastic contests together…the prizes are incredible, as is the talent displayed in each entry. Going down the list now, while it's still early and there aren't too many there yet.:) Then I'll just have to read them as they are posted.
I love your story, Susanna! It's so funny, and now we know how Santa got his red suit. It's adorable! 🙂 I'm so glad the Holiday Contest has arrived. I've been looking forward to the fun. Can't wait to read everyone's entries.
Vivian, LOL! I always want to do that too: start reading while there are few entries so it's not so overwhelming. I don't know how Susanna does it!
And I can't wait to read yours, Cheryl!
Thank you, Teresa! Did you enter a story? I still need to make my way through the list. 🙂
The Great Christmas Morning Mix-Up
By: Kristen Foote
‘Twas the morning of Christmas. Fresh snow sparkled bright.
Eager eyes, young and old, woke with hope and delight.
For THIS was the day it would all become clear!
Had their patience and kindness been noticed this year?
Old sweet gray-haired Granny, who lived down the street,
had asked for fur slippers to warm up her feet.
Wrapped under her tree was an iPod, instead.
“What’s this thing-a-ma-jig? Does it need to be fed?”
Confused, little Claire, sadly stared with a frown.
Men’s large tighty-whities? She wrote down a crown!
Max wished for a toy, not a stick carved from wood –
his whisper to Santa was misunderstood!
Poor four-year-old Nate wanted alphabet blocks.
He cried when he opened up argyle socks.
And old man McGee had requested a cane.
But how could he walk with a jet-propelled plane?
The neighbors all gathered outside in the square.
“Santa messed up!” “Does he no longer care?”
“Did he drink too much nog?” “Get confused in the fog?”
“Did his hand-written list become lunch for his dog?”
As they chittered and chattered, up hobbled McGee,
a plane in his hand, and a wobbly knee.
Max noticed a use for that stick in his hand.
He traded McGee, who could now proudly stand.
The rest of the town followed Max’s kind lead.
They searched with their gifts to find someone in need.
With an uproar of giggles, the Mayor said, “Claire!
I’ll give you my crown for the underwear pair!”
Then lastly, the iPod. Teens gathered around.
To Granny’s surprise, the small square produced sound!
As they patiently taught her to download a song,
she played Christmas classics. They all sang along.
The families set out their warm suppers to share.
No person left hungry, all plates were licked bare.
They toasted their glasses with “CLINKS” and with “CLANKS”.
They feasted, shared laughter, and offered up thanks.
Perhaps ol’ Saint Nick was no senile man.
Maybe this mix-up was really his plan.
For THIS Christmas season was not for receiving,
but gathering, giving, and mostly, believing.
There are already some fantastic stories. I just don't know if I'll enter mine. It was fun to write but cannot hold the mustard, Sus. I'm so proud of all these writers though. Hugs pal! (What great prizes.)
I'm in — but will have to come back to read the entries. Thank you again for this wonderful contest, Susanna, and the AMAZING prizes.
Oh, DO enter yours, Robyn! I want to read it. 🙂 ❤
Santa's Stocking
Nani couldn't sleep. It was her first “real” Christmas, and she was excited! Back home in India, she would sit by her window every Christmas Eve. “Silent Night, Holy Night …” she would hum along with the street carol singers, and feel her heart turn into a white dove. But this year was different. She was celebrating Christmas with her daughter and little granddaughter Mira in America.
Nani tiptoed down the stairs. Mira had told her that Santa would bring presents for her while they were asleep. It sounded so magical-but could it be true? She walked over to the Christmas tree and switched on the light. There they were-presents of all shapes and sizes, wrapped beautifully in red! Nani's eyes widened. Then, she saw an oversized stocking hanging on a chair. “Oh no!” she thought, “Santa has forgotten his stocking! He's sure to come looking for it once Christmas is over.” Nani knew exactly what to do. She put the stocking to wash. Then, feeling happy, she went to bed.
The next morning, as soon as Nani walked into the kitchen, Mira's mom asked her, “Ma, have you seen the Christmas stocking?” “You mean Santa's stocking? I put it in the washer, and it must be all clean now”, Nani said with a wide smile.
“Oh no!” Mira's mom began. Just then, Mira came skipping in. “Good Morning Ma! Good Morning Nani! Can we open the presents please?” She chirped. Mira giggled as she opened each present-there was a pink piano, a set of Fancy Nancy books, a whistling train and many more delights. Santa had even left a pair of cozy slippers for Nani! Then Mira picked up the stocking from the chair and pulled out a little reindeer. “Rudolph Can Sing!”, the label on it said. “Maybe he doesn't really sing”, said her mom with a worried look. Mira pressed the reindeer's tummy, and it chimed:
“Rudolph the singing reindeer
Is all nice and squeaky clean!”
Mira squealed with delight. “The magic of Christmas!” thought Nani, as she caught her daughter smiling.
Great! Thanks, Teresa. 🙂
Thanks Elaine. 🙂
Susanna- I managed to post this after I mailed it to you. So please don't bother about posting it here! As you can see, this delightful contest and all the entries here have got me a little too excited:)
Such an adorable story! Love it.
What a wondrous first Christmas in America! 🙂 And LOL at the Singing Rudolf!
Always Ready OR Not
Teresa M.I. Schaefer
Dropping the quilt from his lap, the old man stretched a big stretch. He pulled on his beard as he looked about the room.
“Momma, where are my red flannel pants?”
“In the trunk at the end of your bed, dear.”
“Thanks, Momma.”
One hand grasping the top of his pants, he scratched his forehead with the other.
“Momma, where's my big black belt to hold up my red flannel pants?”
“On the hook behind the door, dear.”
“Thanks, Momma.”
Cinching the belt beneath his round tummy he noticed his stocking-ed feet.
“Momma, where are my big black boots?”
“Near the fire getting warm, dear.”
“Thanks, Momma.”
“Momma, where is my red wool jacket with white fuzzy trim?”
“Hanging on the back of your rocker, dear.”
“Thanks, Momma.”
Drawing his hands through the downy whiteness of his hair he asked, “Momma, where is my red triangle hat with the big pompom tassel?”
“On the hat rack, dear.”
“Thanks, Momma.”
“Momma.”
“Yes, dear?”
“Where are my black woolen mittens?”
“Where you left them, dear.”
“Where?”
“By the front door, dear.”
“Thanks, Momma.”
“Are you forgetting something, dear?”
“No, Momma.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes, Momma Claus. Santa is always ready.”
“Red flannel pants that fit snug with my belt. Black woolen mittens soft as felt. A cap for my head, boots for my feet — warmed by the fire a nice winter treat. My red wool jacket with…”
“Santa, are you sure you aren't forgetting something?”
“Eight reindeer fastened to a sled full of toys. Packages wrapped for good girls and boys. A list that is long, a moon that is bright, a Ho Ho that's merry on Christmas Eve night.”
“Santa.”
“Yes, Momma?”
“It's not Christmas Eve.”
“Not Christmas Eve?”
“No, dear.”
“No?”
“No.”
“Ohhh. Unleash the reindeer. Unload the sled. It's time that dear Santa go back to bed. No mittens, no hat, no boots need I wear. Hang my belt, my pants, my coat on the chair. Momma.”
“Yes, dear?”
“When IS Christmas Eve?”
“Tomorrow.”
“How Merry! Goodnight, Mrs. Claus.”
“Goodnight, Santa. Happy Eve before Christmas Eve. Sweet Dreams.”
Oh, no. Sorry, Susanna. I tried to correct my link (to post specific rather than general page link) and it ended up twice. So sorry. 😦
Thanks Teresa:)
So cute! Such a nice twist.
Susanna, I'm getting a WordPress error when I click on #6. Is it just me? Thanks!
Love it!
What a special story. I love the message.
Great origin story, Susanna! But Chief Elton is not my first pick for the the deserted island team!
You must enter Robyn!
I wasn't able to comment this morning, but now yowza look at all these comments and entries in the comments! I need to return to read all of these, but wanted to say I liked the origin story for the suit – much better than a tuxedo.
Awe. Thanks Cindy. 🙂
ENTRY POSTED FOR SUZY
REINDEER IN THE EGGNOG
By
Suzy Levinson
Reindeer do love eggnog; in fact would you believe
That they fell into the eggnog, one crazy Christmas Eve?
Dasher swung by Santa's for the magical sleigh ride,
When he saw a vat of eggnog, took a sip, and fell inside.
Dancer heard him splashing in eggnog to his chin.
“I'll help,” he told his brother, but then he plopped right in.
Two were in the eggnog, and soon there'd be a third.
Prancer's tummy grumbled so he, too, joined the herd.
Vixen had been trying to diet and eat light.
'Tis unclear why she decided to hop in the vat that night.
Who was on his cell phone, reading Santa's blog?
Before old Comet knew it, he was also treading nog.
Five reindeer in the eggnog, yet there was room for more.
Cupid wanted eggnog; what else was Christmas for?
Donner was enchanted by the yummy-looking glop.
“Geronimo!” he cried with a big fat belly flop.
Blitzen felt so lonesome, until he saw the vat.
He jumped into the eggnog (you probably guessed that).
“I'm missing eight whole reindeer,” said Santa with dismay.
“Don't they know at Christmastime they hitch up to my sleigh?”
“WE FELL INTO THE EGGNOG,” he heard his reindeer shout.
“Getting in was not a problem, but now we can't get out!”
Santa was quite tickled, laughing, “Ho, ho, ho!
There's actually an hour left before we have to go.”
So…he leapt into the eggnog, grinning ear to ear!
It was the greatest party that the North Pole had that year.
Merry
Christmas!
That sounds like some kind of party, Suzy! Very fun! And very original and clever idea! 🙂 I think my favorite parts were “treading nog” and when Santa jumps in with them 🙂 Thanks so much for joining the Holiday fun… with, I guess, extra holiday cheer! 🙂