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 
Thanks Michelle!
I love how Santa looked like a round and fat snow angel. A fun story!
Thanks Yvonne! 🙂 I wish there were an emoticon for squirrels. 🙂
Thanks Laura. Glad you liked it.
Such a sweet and emotional story. Beautiful!
So true-poor Santa:) Thank you!!
Awe…thanks! My son too loves this silly type of “potty humor!”
Thanks Stacy! Thanks for reading!
Jennifer Kaap: you wouldn't happen to have a real figgy pudding recipe, would you? It's a fun and funny story!
The link for #44 doesn't work for me. :}
I don't know what happened with comments Susanna. Nevermind gives people more time to read another entry.
So cute and clever! Great rhythm and rhyme!
That's fabulous! Great way to mix traditions.
Hang on… I'll see if I can fix it…
Try it now. There's some weird type at the top, but scroll down a little… Let me know if it still doesn't work!
Thank you Dawn!!
Haha – thanks, Yvonne!!
Thank you Catherine- I am so happy that you liked the story.
Thank you so much Yvonne! Christmas still makes me all wide-eyed every year:)
Thankmyoumso much- really appreciate it Laura!
Thanks so much for the list of entries in the comment section, Susanna! 🙂
That's so sweet- thanks Stacy:)
Such a moving story- full of hope and faith.
Great idea- what a fun poem:)
Thank you very much Lakshmy. I look forward to rewriting it with a higher word count so I can include all the hope and faith!
Thank you, Mandy! Wasn't this a fun writing exercise? I really enjoyed your Squirrelly Christmas story.
Thank you for reading my story, Yvonne. Merry Christmas!
Thank you, Kristen. I really enjoyed writing it. Merry Christmas!
Thank you, Kim. I have been on both the receiving and giving end of such experiences. There is much joy and much to be learned on both sides. Merry Christmas!
Thank you, Cindy! I am so blessed we have become friends through PiBoIdMo. I really enjoyed your story, The Dark Night Before Christmas. It was very sweet.
What a beautiful story! Good luck!
Join the dis
MRS. CLAUS SAVES CHRISTMAS
By Vicki Rogers
Twas the eve of Christmas,
A magical night.
When Santa would make,
His spectacular flight.
But the Elves were frantic,
Their hearts filled with dread.
Because Santa, poor Santa,
Lay sick in his bed.
Now Santa had never,
Missed Christmas before,
But his fever was up to,
One hundred and four.
He couldn't stop sneezing,
or blowing his nose,
And his whole body ached,
Right down to his toes.
With Christmas Day only
An hour away,
He needed a someone,
To help save the day.
But who was that someone?
Who'd take Santa s place?
I know! Said an elf,
With a smile on his face.
I have a solution.
I know who will do,
Let's ask Mrs. Claus,
She'll do it for you.
All the Elves did agreed,
Mrs. Claus was the one.
And Santa Claus new,
She would get the job done.
Without giving a thought,
Mrs. Claus went to work,
She hitched up the reindeer.
Then turned with a jerk,
And knowing this trip,
Santa hated to miss.
She waved him goodby,
And blew him a kiss.
The reindeer of course ,
Know just what to do.
Mrs. Claus gave the word,
And away they flew.
All over the world,
She rode in one night .
Delivering presents,
Before dawns first light.
And she only gave pause,
To sample with glee,
The milk and cookies
That were left by the tree.
As she climbed in the sleigh,
Feeling tired and beat,
She headed for home,
Her job was complete.
And on Christmas morning,
When Santa awoke.
He was feeling better,
His fever had broke.
Santa thanked Mrs. Claus.
For taking his place.
And he planted a kiss
On Mrs. Claus s face.
And no one suspected.
No one had a clue,
Mrs. Claus saved Christmas,
When Santa had the flu.
cussion…
A beautiful story– Nani's experience makes Christmas new for all of us.
Love all these stories – thanks, Susanna! Here's another one! Hope you enjoy it.
Santa’s Paws
It was Christmas Eve at Pete’s Pet Store. All the puppies were sound asleep except for Paws. He hadn’t slept in weeks worrying about this night. Santa was coming to pick up all the
puppies and deliver them to homes for Christmas morning.
But would anyone want a puppy with big paws?
Paws’ large feet were the first thing customers noticed about him.
“He’ll knock things over with those,” one man said.
“Much too big for our little guy,” said another.
Paws knew this was his last chance, but he wondered if even Santa could find him a home. If only his feet were smaller.
The front door creaked open. A man dressed in black, carrying a sack, tiptoed into the store.
“Santa?” Paws wasn’t sure, but who else could it be on Christmas Eve?
Paws watched the man gather up the sleeping puppies and their toys as he nibbled on the cookies left out by Pete.
It must be Santa! Paws didn’t want to get left behind. He dashed down the aisle. But his big feet knocked into boxes and toys, sending them flying in every direction.
“Ouch!” The man fell to the floor dropping open the sack. Puppies and toys tumbled out.
Oh, no! My big feet have ruined everything, Paws thought.
In all the commotion, no one noticed the big man in red standing by the chimney.
“Harold,” he said to the man on the floor. “You’ve been a naughty boy.”
The man hung his head. “I’m sorry,Santa.” He picked up the scattered toys and put them back where they belonged before running out the back door.
Santa looked at Paws. “You and your feet saved the day. I could use the help again.”
After Paws had rounded up all the puppies, the sleigh was full. Santa lifted Paws up and placed him in his lap. He and his paws fit
perfectly.
As they flew away into the night, Paws slept soundly. Tomorrow morning, he would wake to a new home. But tonight he
was Santa’s Paws.
It doesn't look like my first posting went through, so here's my story again. Hope you enjoy it!
Santa’s Paws
It was Christmas Eve at Pete’s Pet Store. All the puppies were sound asleep except for Paws. He hadn’t slept in weeks worrying about this night. Santa was coming to pick up all the puppies and deliver them to homes for Christmas morning.
But would anyone want a puppy with big paws?
Paws’ large feet were the first thing customers noticed about him.
“He’ll knock things over with those,” one man said.
“Much too big for our little guy,” said another.
Paws knew this was his last chance, but he wondered if even Santa could find him a home. If only his feet were smaller.
The front door creaked open. A man dressed in black, carrying a sack, tiptoed into the store.
“Santa?” Paws wasn’t sure, but who else could it be on Christmas Eve?
Paws watched the man gather up the sleeping puppies and their toys as he nibbled on the cookies left out by Pete.
It must be Santa! Paws didn’t want to get left behind. He dashed down the aisle. But his big feet knocked into boxes and toys, sending them flying in every direction.
“Ouch!” The man fell to the floor dropping open the sack. Puppies and toys tumbled out.
Oh,no! My big feet have ruined everything, Paws thought.
In all the commotion, no one noticed the big man in red standing by the chimney.
“Harold,” he said to the man on the floor. “You’ve been a naughty boy.”
The man hung his head. “I’m sorry,Santa.” He picked up the scattered toys and put them back where they belonged before running out the back door.
Santa looked at Paws. “You and your feet saved the day. I could use the help again.”
After Paws had rounded up all the puppies, the sleigh was full. Santa lifted Paws up and placed him in his lap. He and his paws fit
perfectly.
As they flew away into the night, Paws slept soundly. Tomorrow morning, he would wake to a new home. But tonight he was Santa’s Paws.
You're welcome 🙂
Aw! What a cute story, Pat! I love that Paws saved the day! And I'm glad that naughty Harold didn't get away with his scheme! You never know when big feet will come in handy 🙂 Thanks so much for a delightful entry and for joining the holiday fun! 🙂
Wow, Vicki! What a fabulous job you did telling that story in rhyme! Love that Mrs. Claus was able to slip right in and do the job with no one the wiser! And for once she got the milk and cookies 🙂 Thanks so much for joining in the holiday fun with such and entertaining story! 🙂
I know, but sad that no one can tell you how much they love your story! 😦
Settings
Goldilocks’ Night Before Christmas
‘Twas the night before Christmas.
The Three Bears were snoozing,
But toward their quaint cabin, Goldilocks was cruising.
She sprang to the stoop and threw open the door.
Goldi knew where to go—she’d been here before.
No porridge?!
Three fruitcakes!
Goldi grabbed the first one.
It was overcooked, crumbly, and weighed half a ton.
The second was smaller, more gloppy, more gooey.
The last looked just right…
But tasted—Gah! Phooey!
Goldi pranced to the parlor, pulled down the first stocking.
‘Twas enormous!
The smell?
Enormously shocking!
And it made Goldi scratch like a dog full of fleas.
The second? So fuzzy it made Goldi sneeze.
The last one was stylish and sweet—just right!
Perhaps a bit snug…a teensy tad tight…
Goldi wrestled it on, then spied a stray thread.
She yanked.
It unraveled.
“Darn it!” Goldilocks said.
After building a fire to warm her cold feet,
Goldi sat on the first chair—on its stone seat!
She sank in the second, which was overstuffed.
The last was just right…almost big enough…
Goldi squeezed herself in.
It crashed to the floor!
Then who should appear—burst through the door?
‘Twas Santa! “Goldilocks! The fire singed my suit!
And melted the bottoms of my shiny black boots!
The Bears’ house is wrecked, and I know who’s to blame.
On top of the naughty-kid list…
Your name!”
“Oh, Santa!” cried Goldi, “You know it’s not fair!
It’s coal for Goldilocks and goodies for the Bears!”
“Set it right,” Santa said, “and when I come back,
I’ll see if there’s something for you in my pack.”
Goldi knitted.
And fixed.
And put the fire out.
She baked.
She wondered.
She started to doubt…
Then who should appear?
Santa!
With a box!
Bows!
Bright paper!
On the tag?
“Goldilocks!”
Santa hauled Goldi home.
She climbed in her bunk.
“Be good,” Santa said, “but don’t lose that spunk.”
In spring, the Bears woke. Their home was just right…
Wait!
What?!
Hey!
Okay.
Not quite.
Charlotte! Look at you here to join the holiday contest fun! And with such a fabulous entertaining story! I love that Santa gave Goldi the chance to put her mistakes right, and that he taught her a lesson without squelching her spirit! And I'm imagining what the bears woke up to 🙂 Very fun! Thanks so much for joining in!
Thank you!
Thanks for your comments, Susanna! I always love your contests and reading all the other stories!
Thanks, Pat! I love them too! It's inspiring to see how much creativity and talent there is out there, and it's so fun the way everyone comes together and supports each other!
FRESH FROSTING
By Rachel Stones
Brady and Claire gathered graham crackers, frosting, and all the candy they could scrape up around the house.
“We’re definitely gonna win first place in the gingerbread house contest,” Brady said.
Claire held up the walls while Brady glued them together with frosting. Finally, it was time to decorate.
“Oh no!” Claire said. “We’re running out of frosting.”
“There’s probably more in the pantry,” Brady said.
They searched high and low. No luck.
“Let’s make some,” Claire said.
Brady found a recipe and rummaged through the cupboards.
“We’re out of powdered sugar,” he said, “and that’s the main ingredient. How are we going to decorate our house without frosting?”
Brady plopped down at the table, head hanging.
“Don’t give up,” Claire said. “We’ll find something else to use.”
Brady and Claire considered their options in the fridge.
Sour cream? Too sour.
Mayonnaise? Too slimy.
Yogurt? Too runny.
They searched the rest of the house, room by room.
Finally! They found the perfect gingerbread house glue. It was sticky, white, and it hardened just right.
They finished decorating their gingerbread house, and stood back to admire it. Gumdrops lined the roof, licorice trimmed the windows, and candy canes marked the path to the front door.
“It’s perfect,” Claire said.
At the contest, the three judges paused at each entry to scribble notes on their clipboards.
When the judges stopped at Brady and Claire’s gingerbread house, Judge #2 bumped the table. A snow-covered gumdrop fell from the roof. The judge glanced over her shoulder and popped it in her mouth. Her eyes grew big. “Oooh,” she said, “interesting.”
The judges tallied their scores and stood at the microphone. “Congratulations to this year’s gingerbread house contest winners. First place goes to…….. Brady and Claire Turner!”
The crowd cheered, but the judge continued. “Not only did they have the best design, they also had the most creative ingredients. I think I can safely say that four out of five dentists would recommend Brady and Claire’s gingerbread house.”
Sounds like my kind of party. Terrific story– imaginative and fun! 🙂
Eggnog is my favorite! Clever story. 🙂
Santa may be magical, but alas he is still a man! Cute!
Love it! The spirit of Christmas for sure. 🙂
Kids can certainly identify with Eliza, Anne. Something similar happened to both of my kids, same school project, 3 years apart! Love it!