WOO HOO!!! Let the joyous news be spread! It’s time for. . .
The 4th Annual Holiday Contest!!!!
 |
| Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! |
Oh the weather outside is frightful
But the fire is so delightful
And since we’ve no place to go
Let it snow! Let it snow! Let it snow!
The Contest: Write a children’s story (children here defined as approximately age 12 and under) in which wild weather impacts the holidays! 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 (I know! So much freedom after the Halloweensie Contest :)) (It can be as short as you like, but no more than 350! Title not included in word count.) Any kind of weather will do: sun, rain, sleet, heatwave, blizzard, tsunami, monsoon, hurricane, hail, tornado, etc! Weather may be atypical for your setting (rain in Maine, frost in Florida), it may be extreme (blizzard instead of regular snow, drought instead of lush greenery), or it may be unheard of (spring flowers in Antarctica, snow in the Sahara, bathing suit weather at the North Pole), but whatever you choose, make us feel the impact on the holidays! The wild weather may be a hindrance, a wish-come-true, a threat, a pleasant surprise, etc. The field is wide open! Have fun! The wilder and wackier the better! No illustration notes please. (And yes, if you feel compelled to submit more than one entry you may, just remember you’re competing against yourself!)
Post: Your entry should be posted on your blog between right now this very second and Friday December 12 at 11:59 PM EST, and your post-specific link should be added to the link list below. This post will remain up through Sunday December 14 (no WYRI or PPBF this week) so there will be plenty of time for everyone to post their entries and visit each other and enjoy all the other entries. If you don’t have a blog but would like to enter, please copy and paste your entry into the comment section below. (If anyone has trouble commenting, which unfortunately happens, please
email me and I’ll post your entry for you!)
The Judging: My lovely assistant(s) and I will narrow down the entrants to 10-12 finalists (depending on the number of entries) which will be posted here on either Monday December 15 or Tuesday December 16 (depending on the number of entries :)) for you to vote on for a winner. The vote will be closed on Thursday December 18 at 5 PM EST and the winners will be announced on Friday December 19. Whoever gets the most votes will be first and so on down to tenth place. Judging criteria will be kid appeal/kid-friendliness, creativity of weather use in plot, quality of story, quality of writing, and originality.
The Prizes!: In the spirit of the holidays, winners will be named for 1st – 10th place. In addition to the incredible fame of being able to say you won (or placed in) the Pretty Much World Famous 4th Annual Holiday Contest, the following AMAZING prizes will be awarded: (items in color are links for more info!)
– A picture book manuscript read and critique by Shari Dash Greenspan, Editor of the multi-award winning Flashlight Press! I encourage you to sign up for their newsletter HERE!
– A picture book manuscript read and critique by Jennifer Mattson, Agent at Andrea Brown Literary Agency!
– Enrollment in Renee LaTulippe‘s highly praised and recommended Lyrical Language Lab Course (in a month to be mutually agreed upon by the winner and Renee) ($249 value!)
– Enrollment in Jon Bard and Laura Backes’s fantastic Kindle Kids Mastery Course ($197 value!)
– A website or blog design or redesign by Arturo Alviar. Arturo will design (or redesign if you already have one that needs updating or a new look) a website or blog for the winner of this prize. The site will be built on WordPress so that after he is done designing it, the winner can manage it themselves with ease. Arturo will include a Home/Welcome page, an About Me/Bio page, a Works/Books/Gallery section, and a Contact section (4 pages total), as well as a blog section if the winner would like to have that integrated with the new site. Different organizations can also be made, for example if the winner would like a “Services” section with separate “School Visits” and “Critiques” pages, or a “Works” section divided into “Black and White” and “Color” illustration galleries. The winner can choose any of the WordPress themes (if they choose one that isn’t free, the cost of the theme will be covered by them), or have Arturo choose a theme based on their vision, and Arturo will modify it based on their color and layout preferences (some themes will have more constraints than others). Arturo can also design a personalized banner or header image to customize the website. If you already have a website and/or blog and prefer a redesign to update, refresh, or just redecorate, Arturo is willing to work with Blogger, Wix, Drupal, and WordPress.
– Enrollment in Making Picture Book Magic (my online picture book writing class – in March or a later month to be mutually agreed upon by the winner and me)
– A picture book manuscript critique by fabulous author Amy Dixon, author of MARATHON MOUSE and the forthcoming SOPHIE’S ANIMAL PARADE.
– A picture book manuscript critique from
Katy Duffield, author of more than 20 books for children including
Farmer McPeepers And His Missing Milk Cows (Cooper Square Publishing 2003) and upcoming titles
Loud Lula (Two Lions) illustrated by Mike Boldt and Aliens Get the Sniffles, Too (Candlewick) illustrated by K.G. Campbell. – A picture book manuscript critique (rhyme or prose) from Penny Parker Klostermann who, after extensive experience critiquing for writing partners, members of various kid lit groups, and clients of Erin Murphy Literary Agency, is opening her own critique service!!!
Penny Parker Klostermann writes picture books and poetry. Her debut book, THERE WAS AN OLD DRAGON WHO SWALLOWED A KNIGHT, is coming from Random House Children’s, August 2015. Penny is represented by Tricia Lawrence of Erin Murphy Literary Agency. Click HERE to learn more about her critique service.
– 2015 Children’s Writer’s & Illustrator’s Market, a signed copy of Boy And Poi Poi Puppy by Linda Boyden, and a $25 Amazon Gift Card.
– a pack of Deb Lund’s amazing Fiction Magic Cards
– another pack of Deb Lund’s amazing Fiction Magic Cards
The Contest Winner will have first choice of the prizes. 2nd place will have next choice of what’s left and so on. (I’m doing it this way in the hopes that no one will get something they already have and also because I think all the prizes are fabulous and I wouldn’t want to make anyone feel less valued by giving them as 6th place as opposed to 1st.)
So let’s get the Holiday Party started! 🙂
I want to warn you in advance that this may actually be the worst story I’ve ever written – embarrassing for me, but very comforting for anyone who is worried about the quality of their story – I can say with complete confidence that ANYTHING you write will be better than this sample! 🙂
Almost Not Christmas
(332 words)
Three days before Christmas a southerly breeze
Heated the earth to one hundred degrees!
“My goodness!” said Santa. “This just isn’t cool!”
And he sent all his reindeer to chill in the pool.
The heat wave refused to let go of its grip
In time for his once-a-year Christmas Eve trip.
So as Santa took off for his round-the-world flight
He clucked to his team and sang into the night:
“Now Dasher! Now Dancer! Now Prancer and Vixen!
On Comet! On Cupid! On Donder and Blitzen!
Let’s hope we can get all our Christmas chores done
Without melting like popsicles left in the sun!”
But HEAT didn’t trouble St. Nick as he drove.
As his journey continued, the temperature dove.
And YOU know what happens when warm and cold meet –
— Fog tiptoes in on its little cat feet!
At dawn Christmas morning young children stopped short
When they heard this unthinkable Special Report:
“This just in! Here’s the hot-off-the-presses news scoop!
Santa is lost in that murky pea soup!”
Santa lost? When he’d battled that wild weather night
To ensure each child’s Christmas was merry and bright?
From North Pole to South, from New York to Japan
Christmas morn was abandoned to think up a plan.
In pajamas or nightgowns, in socks or bare feet,
Kids spilled from warm houses and met in the street.
“Santa comes through for us year after year.
It’s our turn to give him some Christmastime cheer!”
Puerto Toro* to Nunavuk* in a straight line
They climbed to their roofs with whatever would shine.
They lit up a beacon as bright as could be
With candles and glowsticks and lights from their tree.
An arrow of light that would gleam through the gloam
So Santa could finally find his way home.
“It’s official!” the newsfolk were happy to say.
“St. Nick made it back with his reindeer and sleigh!”
At last, filled with joy, kids began to unwrap
And Santa? He took a long afternoon nap!
*In case you’re wondering, Puerto Toro, Chile is the nearest settlement to the South Pole, and Alert, Nunavuk is the nearest to the North Pole 🙂
I have another equally bad half-finished story in prose that I might swap out for this one at some point during the week if I just can’t stand it any more 🙂
So now! Is 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 make a fool of myself for you guys 🙂 It just proves how much I love you 🙂
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 the 37 fabulous entries in the comment section! Click on the names or titles to go to the story. Please note that it takes a minute to load. And please also note that clicking on these links will allow you to read the story and leave your own comment, but not see previous comments left on that story… I don’t know why… so if you want to see all the comments left on the story, you’ll have to scroll through the whole comment section.
Melissa – On Top Of Hot Cocoa
Suzannah – The Christmas Storm
Kimberly – We Knit You A Merry Christmas
Anne – Christmas Eve At Gate 25
Rosa – My Unicorns Fought The Mean Storm
Gina – A Christmas Prayer
Kristen – Maple Syrup Meltdown
Zainab – Abe’s Cloud
Bronwyn – Jack Quits
Julie – Santa’s Satnav
Kristen – Polar Warming
Jim – Snowflake: A Christmas Tail
Laura – Mordecai’s Hanukkah Miracle
Sharon – Boomer’s First White Christmas
Rachel – A Christmas Miracle
Carol – The Best Christmas
Hilary – No Sweat Santa
Amy – Rain, dear
Tracie – The Under The Weather Weatherman
Kirsten – Hurricane Coal
Anne – What Will Santa Do?
Pam – My Snowman Is Sick
Carol Ann – Wish You’d Been Here
Nina – Only Mermaids Can Find A Christmas Tree In The Sea
Sharon – A Little Christmas Miracle
Ruth – Harry And Genie
Marty – Countdown To Midnight
Rene – Best Christmas Ever!
Angela – A Snowy Night
Patricia – The Christmas Miracle
Susan – Libby’s Blizzard Gift
Charlotte – Hanukkah At Gramma Golda’s House
Kim – The Great Sleigh Ride
Heather – Dreaming Of A White Christmas
Summer – The Snow Miracle
Amelia – The Night The Sun Stayed Up
Sally – Just Ice And Snow
Susanna Leonard Hill 
ENTRY POSTED FOR NINA
Only Mermaids Can Find a Christmas Tree in the Sea
by Nina Haines
Delta and Leila were swimming off the coast, when the waves started twisting and churning the sand.
“Leila, look at that tree. It is perfect for our Christmas tree,” Delta said. “It was green with seaweed and shells hanging down. It is beautiful.”
The tree was beautiful, but Leila could only think of one thing. “How will we get it to the cove?” she said.
“The sea is so rough, I can barely swim,” Delta said. The tree was twirling in the sea.
How are we going to get the tree?” Leila asked, flipping her tail in the water.
“I don’t know,” Leila said, but she wasn’t about to give up. She had always wanted a Christmas tree and this was the closest she’d come to her dream.
Leila and Delta swam around, popping their heads out of the water to watch the snow.
Leila dove deep down in the ocean and found some sea grass. She pulled out a clump and swam to the surface as close as she could to the tree. She tied the sea grass tightly around the trunk of the tree. She held on to the sea grass. The tree was dangling and being pushed around by the waves.
“Are you okay?” Delta asked.
“It’s as if I’m riding a gigantic bucking seahorse,” Leila said.
The snow had stopped and the ocean water became calm. The waves had their normal rhythm. Leila pulled the tree to their cove. They stood it up in the sand. The mermaid children helped decorate the tree with more shells. This was their first Christmas tree.
“The storm brought us a wonderful gift,” Delta said.
What a beautiful and original idea, Nina! I love the concept of mermaids wanting a Christmas tree! How clever of Leila to figure out how to get their tree ashore, and how beautiful it must have looked all decorated with sea shells 🙂 Thanks so much for joining in the Holiday Contest fun! 🙂
ENTRY POSTED FOR SHARON
A Little Christmas Miracle
by Sharon J Wilson
Maggie clicked her tongue at Blaze, and waved as she guided the big horse out of the farmyard. Her little sisters sang they clip clopped over the rough road.
It was Christmas Eve and the big church party would be a treat for the children this long mean winter.
But the magic of the night was missing for Maggie.
Father said after Christmas, Blaze had to go.
Times were hard.
Blaze was too old, too useless.
He ate too much.
Suddenly the bright stars were blown away by the blue No’ther that seemed to sweep out of nowhere.
The rising winds tore away their lap blankets and jerked off their bonnets. The snow swept in, thick and wet.
As Maggie turned to help the little ones, her numb fingers lost the reins.
She could barely see Blaze turn and fix his kind eyes on her face. Ice already hung on his mane, pulled on his eye lashes.
Then they were moving.
Oh, No! Blaze must have panicked from the storm. He could wander anywhere. They would be lost in the blizzard.
Maggie pulled her whimpering sisters close to keep them alive.
The cold ate at them as the wagon jolted through the drifts.
The nightmare seemed to last forever.
The wagon jarred to a stop at last.
They were home!
Covered in ice, the old horse could barely stand.
Her father rushed to bring his girls safely into the house, but Maggie wouldn’t go until she dragged the exhausted animal, step by step, into the barn.
As soon as he was in his stall, Blaze collapsed.
Maggie’s father rubbed him down while Maggie fed him hot mash.
Finally they knew that Blaze would live. And he would stay.
Father promised they would find another way to cut expenses.
Later, Maggie slipped back to the barn.
A stable was a good place to spend Christmas Eve, she thought.
She wrapped herself in a blanket beside the resting animal, felt his warm breath, and smelled the sweet hay. Christmas was magic after all.
Oh, boy, Sharon! You sure know the way to my heart! 🙂 A horse who saves Christmas and is saved himself in return? You had me at Blaze 🙂 Love that Maggie wouldn't leave him, and that she ended up spending Christmas Eve in a stable – so perfect 🙂 Thanks so much for joining in the Holiday Contest fun!
Ho ho ho! 🙂 Poor Harry – got a little more than he bargained for 🙂 Very clever of him to get the genie to do finish the Christmas Eve chores! Fun story, very nicely written! Good work 🙂 Thanks so much for joining in the Holiday Contest fun!
ENTRY POSTED FOR MARTY
Countdown to Midnight (308 words)
by Marty
T'was the night before Christmas
when the mega storm hit,
bringing cold, fierce winds, and giant snow piles with it.
It buried the sleigh under twelve-foot high drifts,
along with the bag that was chock full of gifts.
The reindeer were munching in the barn, unaware
that the whole night was fast becoming one of despair.
Santa was checking his list as he dressed,
knowing his skills would be put to the test.
Quick, Mrs. C, he cried in dismay.
See who can come to help get us away.
The elves and I can't do it alone.
I'm counting on you; can you get to your phone?
Mrs. C called the mayor, a most helpful bloke.
He called the council, who rang up town folk.
The good people of North Pole arrived in full force,
dressed in their warmest red outfits, of course.
They dug out the sleigh and the eight stranded deer,
cleared the whole runway, with North Country good cheer.
Santa texted a message to kidville.com,
knowing it would then be received and passed on.
We've had a delay, but do not despair.
Even though we'll be late, you know we'll be there!
He got a reply from one Sarah B. Goode
who relieved his mind as she knew that she could.
We're moving the clocks back by
two hours for this night.
Calling it Santa Savings Time, just for your flight.
So rest easy, dear man. Relax and have fun.
Christmas eve will continue till your deliveries are all done.
Brilliant plan! Santa beamed.
That puts us on track.
No storm can stop Christmas when we have friends like that!
The sleigh rose smoothly and then leveled out.
The onlookers watched as he turned back to shout,
Thank you, friends. Rest up, and do not forget.
We'll be celebrating tomorrow our best Christmas yet!
Oh, I love it! Santa Savings Time! What an incredibly good idea – I'd like some for myself please! 🙂 Love how everyone pitched in to make it all work out – embracing the spirit of Christmas 🙂 Thanks so much for joining in the Holiday Contest fun! 🙂
So many fun stories and so little time to read all of them. I'm going to wait until you whittle them down to the top 12. 😀 Good luck everyone!
Thank you, Susanna, for providing this fun opportunity to share our stories. Mine is a little last minute and thrown together. Merry Christmas to everyone and Happy New Year. 🙂
BEST CHRISTMAS EVER!
By Rene` Diane Aube
“Mama and Papa are coming for Christmas! We never had Christmas together before. My brother and sister and me always opened our presents on webcam 'cause we lived too far away,” Laura lisped.
“It sounds like your Christmas is going to be very special,” Mrs. Holly said.
Laura nodded. A long, brown pony tail danced wildly across her back. Dark eyes sparkled and a deep dimple pocked her left cheek as she smiled a toothless grin. She tried to stand still.
“Very interesting…any questions for Laura?”
Little heads wagged as little hands fiddled with papers on their desks.
“Where are they coming from and when will they arrive?” Mrs. Holly asked.
“They're driving ALLL the way from New York and will get here tomorrow.”
Laura bobbed up and down, twisting her fingers.
“That's a long trip. I'll remember to pray for them.”
After lunch, Mrs. Holly put a map of the United States on the chalk board.
“I called Laura's daddy and learned her Mama and Papa are driving 1,356 miles from Western New York to Lawton, Oklahoma to share Christmas with them. Let's see how many states they have to cross…”
Suddenly, wind howled, the sky darkened, and rain battered the windows. It sounded like a gazillion beads. Mrs. Holly took her first grade class to the safe room.
“Do you think my Mama and Papa are okay,” Laura whimpered.
Mrs. Holly hugged her. “I'm sure they'll find somewhere safe to stop.”
When they returned to the class, everyone packed to go home before the ice storm.
Laura climbed off the bus. She kicked frozen raindrops up the sidewalk, and pounded on the front door. Tears glistened and slid down round, rosy cheeks.
“Mom-m-my…let me in…Mama and Papa can’t come…it’s too dangerous…”
The door cracked open.
“Say ‘please,’” said two familiar voices.
“WHHHAAAATT! MAMA? PAPA?”
“Skinna ma rinky dinky dee, skinna ma rinky doo…We love you…”
Laura burst through the door, skid across the floor, and wrapped herself around Mama and Papa.
“This is the best Christmas EVER!”
Those little guys in green….what would Santa do without them! Turns out my Santa and Amy's Santa both have hearing problems too!😀
I did! And it looks like both our Santa's have a little trouble hearing! 😀😀
Thank you so very much! It's a short version of a story I wrote for my kids many years ago…
Thanks!
That is a wonderful story!
I can't get into the blog of #58 to comment. Just FYI. 🙂
I'm glad that Laura's family made it after all! I hated to see her so sad.
What did we used to do for Santa emergencies before the internet? 😉 Very clever to move the clock back!
Good ol' Blaze! So wise and so strong. Glad they could keep him after all.
What fun! I'm so glad you gave the mermaids a Christmas tree!
So two miracles happened that night! How sweet. 🙂
Emerson has to be the best name for a snowman!
This could be called “how the genie saved Christmas”! LOL! It is a tough job Santa has. 🙂
That is a very clever poem! I like how you created all those fun scenarios and interact with the reader. 🙂
Thanks for letting me know, T. I think I fixed it. Let me know if you still can't get in.
Thank you, dear! It thinks I want to edit the page for some reason and the error message says I'm not allowed to edit it.
The link was wrong before but I changed it and tested it and it worked for me. So it's still not right for you?
Did you try refreshing your page since I changed the link? You might have to do that…?
Tried it just now and it still thinks I'm trying to edit it and gives me that error page. Darn!
Wait! It works, Susanna! Ignore my last reply. 🙂
Roger. I'll ignore away 🙂
OH, what a lovely sweet story, Rene! I'm so glad Mama and Papa made it safely and they were all able to spend Christmas together! So special 🙂 Loved your description of the storm, and Laura's “dancing ponytail” 🙂 Thanks so much for joining in the Holiday Contest fun! 🙂
There are so many wonderful stories! Definitely take a sampling of the others because we can never choose ALL the great stories for the finals! 🙂
ENTRY POSTED FOR ANGELA
“A Snowy Night”
by Angela Tuttle
The night of the Winter Solstice Pa’pel the woodland fairy and White Rabbit were preparing for a huge feast to share with their friends. White Rabbit asked Pa’pel “when will are friends arrive for the feast?” Pa’pel replied; “Soon my friend as we wait let’s go hang the lanterns and treats over the branches of the cedar trees for the winter fairies.” This was the first Winter Solstice for White Rabbit so Pa’pel explained to him that when the first snow started to fall is when the Winter Solstice tradition begins. The tradition began many years ago as the woodland fairies helped guide the winter fairies through the deep forest by hanging colorful lit lanterns and treats in the cedar trees for guidance and food through the snow storms. As Pap’ell and White Rabbit hung the treats and the colorful lanterns one by one their woodland creature friends arrived greeting each other by saying “Happy Winter Solstice”. Each of their friends helped along with the decorating
and after the last cedar tree was decorated all the friends gathered around in
the middle of the trees and sang
“The night is cold
The snow is new
I love winter and so do you!”
The snow was starting the fall more as the sky became darker so each of the woodland friends followed Pa’pel and White Rabbit into their home. Everyone gathered around the long wooden table that was filled with fresh loaves of bread, toasted nuts, hot soup, and berry pie. While eating the lovely feast no one noticed that the weather outside was getting much worse. After everyone filled their bellies each nestled down by the warm fire to tell tales. White Rabbit looked out the window to see if the winter fairies have arrived, but it was very difficult to see because the snow was falling much heavier covering the snow tracks that each had made as they enter the tree home. A winter storm was approaching as the heavy snow created white blankets over the forest. They all enjoyed the evening among the comfort of friends.
Such a lovely, comforting story, Angela! I love the tradition of using the colorful lanterns and treats to guide travelers and give them light and food! And what a feast the woodland friends had! It reminds me a little of Brian Jacques Redwall! 🙂 I guess the fairies were busier than usual dealing with all that snow! Thanks so much for joining in the holiday fun!
ENTRY POSTED FOR PATRICIA
The Christmas Miracle by Patricia Corcoran
(350 words)
“A squall? What’s a squall?” Timothy inched his scarf over his nose as snowflakes hid everything.
His dad held tighter to his son’s hand as he tried to see ahead. They were going to the soup kitchen when a blizzard of snow blinded them. He felt for the closest doorknob and pushed his son into a warm refuge.
“Welcome!” said a cheerful voice. “Celebrate Christmas in the library!” A tree sparkled and a table with cocoa and food stood nearby.
“Have some,” Miss Anderson, the librarian, said. “I am glad for your company.”
She opened the door and a big, fluffy dog bounded in. “Hello, Rolf! Are you lost, too?”
They all settled down and Miss Anderson read them a Christmas story about Santa getting lost in a storm. “And a kind boy led Santa’s reindeers across the sky to all the homes he had to visit.”
That could be me, Timothy thought, as he snuggled in his dad’s lap.
I wish we had a home for Santa to visit, mused his dad. John Marlowe hadn’t worked in some time so they were living in a shelter.
Rolf fell asleep, dreaming of biscuits and nice, long walks.
“Drip! Drip! Drip! White drops fell from the ceiling and splattered on the floor.
“Oh, dear,” Miss Anderson cried. “I need help!”
“If you have a ladder and some putty, I can stop the leak.” Mr. Marlowe was a handyman and knew how to fix things.
As his dad worked, Timothy took another cookie. Rolf looked up at him with big cookie eyes. “Here you go, boy!”
“That dog is lonesome,” Miss Anderson said. “His owner can’t get around anymore but she lets Rolf come here to stay with children when they read.”
Timothy scratched under Rolf’s chin. “I’m lonely, too,” he whispered to the dog.
When his dad had finished, Miss Anderson asked him if he could do more.
“Sure, I need work.”
Miss Anderson smiled. “That’s good.” Then she took out another book to read.
“This is a favorite of mine,” she said, her eyes twinkling. “It’s called The Christmas Miracle.”
Such serendipity, Patricia! I love how all the little details fell into place and they all seemed meant to find each other – each had something to give the others! A story that embraces the spirit of Christmas 🙂 Thanks so much for joining in the Holiday Contest fun!
ENTRY POSTED FOR SUSAN
LIBBY'S BLIZZARD GIFT
by: Susan M. Schade
348 words
Libby loves all the seasons
spring, summer and fall
but winter's the one
Libby loves most of all.
Not because of the tree
or the gifts when she wakes
Each year she takes pride
in the cookies she bakes.
She rolls them out gently
hand frosting each one,
decorating carefully
until they are done.
With just enough frosting
in each buttery bite
always baked perfect
not too dark or too light.
She gives them for Christmas
when her whole family meets
they sing songs by the fire
nibbling Libby's sweet treats.
As she climbs in the car
she sees snow in the air
A BLIZZARD was starting!
They had to get there!
Her mother and father
said, “Buckle your belt!
The snow's coming down!
We fear it won't melt!”
Outside the window
the sky was all white.
“Oh why?” she cried
“Why did it BLIZZARD tonight?”
At last, they had made it,
pulling into the drive
where her family was waiting
for them to arrive.
The air felt like ice
on Libby's cold skin
She snatched up her cookies
and rushed to get in.
Cold winds were whipping
the snow felt like sleet
the walkways were covered
and up slipped her feet.
The boxes went flying
high over her head
she struggled to catch them,
her face turning red.
With her arms spread out wide
lying flat on her back
she caught all the boxes
but then she heard CRACK!
Running quickly inside
The storm outside boomed
She looked in her boxes
and knew she was doomed.
Starring at her hard work
no words were spoken
a lump in her throat
Each cookie was broken.
“Libby, come here!'
She heard someone call.
No one had seen her.
They did not see the fall.
She fought back her tears
What could she do?
Her present was ruined!
There's no edible glue!
This idea came to her
like a bright Christmas star
she could still give her gift
that had broke by the car.
Carrying her boxes
to her family that night,
with the jolly announcement
“Have a blizzard bite!”
Oh, gosh, Susan! I can just imagine those beautiful, buttery cookies, and Libby's dismay and disappointment when the boxes hit the icy pavement! Hurray for her quick thinking so that everyone could still enjoy her special Christmas cookies! She certainly outsmarted that wild winter weather! 🙂 Thanks so much for joining in the Holiday Contest fun!
ENTRY POSTED FOR CHARLOTTE
Hanukkah at Gramma Golda’s House
By Charlotte Sheer
“If only your Gramma Golda was here…” Mama sighed. She set the blackened Hanukkah candle holder on the counter.
“Oy vey! Again I have to polish!” I said, thrashing my hands about just like Gramma always did. Mama had seemed so sad these past few months since Gramma died. It would be a miracle if I could get her to smile again.
“Mama, would it be okay if I clean Gramma ‘s menorah this year?”
She handed me the special cloth Gramma always used to polish her best silver. “It will certainly be a different Hanukkah this year, won’t it, Jessi?”
Different because we’re here at Gramma’s house where the weather is much warmer in December or because no one but me feels like doing anything to prepare for Hanukkah this year?
I pressed the cloth hard against the menorah’s cold metal. I polished faster and faster, anxious to see the beautiful shine that Gramma always discovered under a year’s worth of tarnish. But instead of getting brighter, the silver seemed to darken.
Giant gusts of wind howled and chased the sun away. They whooshed and whistled through the windows.
Through the sheer kitchen curtain I watched the wild weather pull potatoes from their plants and plop them down in piles on the ground. Apples yanked from bending boughs landed in bushel baskets scattered throughout the orchard. And a blanket of fluffy white flour covered the ground where a field of wheat had stood ready for the thrashing machine.
The whipping wind storm stopped as suddenly as it had begun. The sky cleared and the sun came out again. “What just happened?” I asked Mama as we walked onto the porch together. She put her arm around me.
“I guess we’ll be celebrating Hanukkah at Gramma Golda’s after all. We have plenty of potatoes and flour to make enough Hanukkah latkes to invite the whole neighborhood! And those baskets full of apples will be awesome in Gramma Golda’s applesauce recipe.”
“A different Hanukkah this year, Jessi!” Mama said, her smile reflecting in the sparkling menorah.
Such a lovely message that our loved ones are always with us, Charlotte! I love how you used the storm to represent Gramma Golda's hard work, and how the results of it were to bring everyone together as she would have wanted. Wonderful Hanukkah story, and great use of wild weather! 🙂 Thanks so much for joining in the Holiday Contest fun!
THE GREAT SLEIGH RIDE
By Kim Lynn Price
(349 words)
“Bundled up!” said Catherine. “I’m ready to go.”
She darted out into the winter’s first snow.
She squealed in delight, snowflakes dancing above.
Then skipped to the barn, her heart filled with love.
Inside the stalls, were Jingle and Bell, soft and white.
Two new horses, her Pa brought home last night.
Catherine kissed each horse on the cheek.
“You know, you’re leading our sleigh ride this week!”
“A Christmas Eve ride, for the people in town.
They’re coming from miles and miles around!”
Jingle shook his head with a “N-E-I-G-H…”
Bell nudged Catherine’s arm, in a gentle way.
Pa was nearby waxing the large wooden sleigh.
The people were coming in only two days.
Catherine brushed the horses, while singing a song.
Silent Night… the meaning of Christmas; Pa hummed along.
The winds picked up, swirling snowflakes around.
A thick white blanket covered the ground.
“Time to go back,” Pa said. “It’s too cold to stay.”
Catherine blew kisses, to the horses munching hay.
Back in the house, Ma’s face had a frown.
A blizzard was hitting the surrounding towns.
The people were told to stay safe inside.
Catherine cried, “What about the sleigh rides?”
Two more days, the heavy snow fell.
Catherine made gifts for Jingle and Bell.
“It’s true,” said Ma. “NO sleigh rides this year.”
Papa said, “Now wait a minute dear!”
“Jingle and Bell and ready to go.
They’ll love the fluffy, white snow.”
“A Christmas Eve sleigh ride…” Catherine sang.
She grabbed the gifts; the jingle bells rang.
Pa saddled the horses, a beautiful sight.
He threw in warm blankets, for the chilly night.
Catherine placed the gifts around the horses’ manes.
Jingle bell necklaces and two candy canes.
Catherine snuggled right next to her Ma.
Pa led the sleigh with a “Yaaaaaaa!”
Off they went, through the icy trees.
The snow glistened like glass, a sight to see!
Jingle and bells proudly pranced through the snow.
They neighed and jingled… a sleigh ride show.
“The best sleigh ride ever!” said Catherine with cheer.
“Jingle and Bell brought joy to Christmas this year!”
ENTRY POSTED FOR HEATHER
DREAMING OF A WHITE CHRISTMAS
By Heather Preusser
Dear Mother Nature,
Jiminy Christmas! This global warming throws a toy-maker’s wrench in my plans. Everyone wants a white Christmas, but it’s simply too warm. I need your help. Could you please arrange a Nor’easter for the nice folks in New England?
Ho, ho, ho!
Father Christmas
Dear Father Christmas,
Happy to help! I’ll do what I can after my eye appointment. (After a few million years, it’s time for a checkup.)
Happy holidays,
Mother Nature
Mother Nature,
Rollicking Rudolf! What happened to the Nor’easter? You’d think it’s spring in December. Animals don’t know whether to hibernate or migrate; it’s holly-jolly havoc!
Ho, ho, hum,
Father Christmas
Father Christmas,
Goodness Gaia! I thought you wrote “More Easter.” Guess I should get those bifocals.
Woefully yours,
Mother Nature
To: MotherNature@Earthnet.com
Subject: Trying to be jolly
We’re running out of time, so I’m trying this newfangled email. The missus assures me the interwebs are as fast as my lying sleigh. (We’ll see about that.) How about organizing some drifting snot for the ski resorts in the Rocky Mountains? They’re requesting it.
FC
To: JollyOldMan@theNorthPole.com
Subject: It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas!
If it’s snot you want, it’s snot you get!
P.S. I had LASIK, and my eyesight is 20/20 – O, modern marvels!
To: MotherNature@Earthnet.com
Subject: Think snow!
SNOT!? I asked for SNOW! Everyone is up to their knees is green goo! Confounded keyboard. My plump fingers make it hard to type (too much figgy pudding). How can we ensure a white Christmas somewhere – anywhere? Someone needs to walk in a winter wonderland! Text me ASAP.
Text from Mother Nature:
I ordered up a cold cheese for the Canadians.
Text from Father Christmas:
COLD CHEESE?! How can i spread xmas cheer when it smells like mold?!
Text from Mother Nature:
Silly autocorrect. I meant cold freeze. We’re scrooged.
Text from Father Christmas:
Father Time is helping out. We need you to create a giant lizard. Santa Claus is still coming to town!
Texts from Mother Nature:
Did you mean BLIZZARD?
Oh dear. Here we go again…
Jingle and Bell sound so beautiful, and a Christmas Eve sleigh ride would be a magical experience! What a lovely story, Kim! “Off they went, through the icy trees, the snow glistened like glass…” – beautiful description! I'm so glad Catherine and her family got to enjoy their sleigh ride. Thanks so much for joining in the Holiday Contest fun! 🙂
Oh, Heather! You made me laugh! 🙂 It's a little depressing how easily I relate to the problems of eyesight, typos, and new-fangled inventions 🙂 Drifting snot! Hahaha 🙂 Oh, my. Great job! Thanks so much for joining in the holiday contest fun!
The Snow Miracle
by Summer Hinderer
Sierra woke up on Christmas eve morning, to the sun shining through her window and felt the heat across her face. She sat up fast and threw the curtains back. Sun? Since when?
“Oh no!” she exclaimed as she jumped out of bed.
She flew out the door, which went crashing against the wall with a thump and then it fell to the floor.
“The frosting! The chocolate! The candies!” she shouted as she made her way
outside.
Standing in the middle of the yard was her father and mother, just staring at the house.
The house, which was made of gingerbread, seem to sag a little as the frosting holding it together started to drip. The candies slithered down the walls and
plopped onto the ground. The chimney slid down the roof like rain during a rainstorm.
“Where is the snow? The cold weather? What will happen to our house?” Sierra cried.
“We’re not sure, sweetheart,” Mother replied.
“The weatherbread man doesn’t know what’s happening. He doesn’t know if we’ll see snow again.” said Father.
Gingerbreadville always had snow. Their houses and stores couldn’t survive
without the snow which was obvious as a peppermint from their house fell to the
ground.
The town gathered together, talking amongst themselves, throwing out ideas to try and figure out what they were going to do.
“We have to do something!” Sierra exclaimed. “Our town will be ruined and then where will we go?”
No one said anything as they didn’t know what to do.
“Fine,” replied Sierra as she stomped into the house. Santa would know what to do, she thought to herself.
Writing a note with a plea for help, Sierra rolled it up and sent it with her trusted bird who knew how to get it to Santa.
Pacing the floor all afternoon as their house crumbled around her, Sierra about gave up. Christmas was ruined.
“Ho, ho, ho!”
Sierra jumped and ran outside. There was Santa and there was…snow! Snow was back and their house would be back to what it was. Her Christmas was saved!
Had trouble posting, thus the few minutes delay.
I don't love my story, but the idea had potential 🙂 I committed myself to submitting something, to force my hands onto the keyboard one way or another, so here it is, warts and all!
The Night The Sun Stayed Up
Wren loved Christmas. She loved the smell of the pine tree where her family made their Christmas nest. She loved the taste of the berries on their holly wreath. And she loved to listen for the jingle of Santa’s sleigh bells in the darkness of Christmas Eve.
All day on Christmas Eve, Wren’s family was busy getting ready for Santa. They hung their tiny stockings. A plate of nutty cookies sat out for Santa, and Wren wrapped special gifts for her Mama and Daddy.
Once everything was in it’s place, Wren’s family gathered together to watch the sun fall asleep into nighttime.
They waited …
and waited …
and waited …
but this year, the sun did not go down.
“Something is wrong” Wren chirped to her mother. “The sun shouldn’t still be awake!”
And before Mama could raise a wing, off Wren darted, high into the sky to investigate.
The sun was much too hot for little Wren, so she flew towards the moon, who she found waiting, quite impatiently, behind a cloud.
“What is wrong with the sun??” Moon whispered from behind white fluffs. “I can’t come out until she goes to sleep! I would call to her, but she’s too far to hear me. If I don’t come out soon, Santa’s reindeer won’t take off for their Christmas Eve deliveries!”
No Christmas? Wren had to get that sun to sleep!
“Don’t worry,” she told Moon. “I may be small, but my voice is big, and I know just what to do!”
Perching in the highest tree she could find, Wren took a deep breath and began to sing the sweetest, strongest lullaby she knew. Her voice carried far above the clouds, drifting up to the drowsy sun.
Wren sang and sang. Sun’s eyes began to droop, and she slowly fell lower and lower in the sky, until at last she dipped behind the hill to sleep.
Moon peeked out, ready to light up the night sky. As Wren fluttered quietly back towards her nest, she listened for the sound of sleigh bells. Christmas was coming.
A wonderful story, Charlotte! You have created the most amazing images and concepts in just a few words. I love it 🙂
Thanks Susanna for your kind words. 🙂 I enjoyed writing the story, and love being a part of your Holiday Contest!
I'm so glad if you're enjoying it 🙂
What a lovely story of a very special Christmas. Well done.