Deck the halls!
Light the menorah!
Fill the Kikombe cha Umoja!
It’s time for…
7TH ANNUAL HOLIDAY CONTEST!!!
WOO HOO!!!
The Contest: Write a children’s holiday story (children here defined as approximately age 12 and under) about A Holiday Surprise! Any kind of surprise – anything at all! – the more unexpected the better! 🙂 Squirrel in the Christmas Tree? Snowstorm in Jamaica? Santa delivering toys from an excavator pulled by a herd of worms? 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 250 words (I know! So much freedom after the Halloweensie Contest 🙂 ) (It can be as short as you like (the judges will be grateful 🙂 , you are welcome and encouraged to write shorter, but no more than 250! Title not included in word count.) The field is wide open! Have fun! The more creative 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 Sunday December 10 at 11:59 PM EST, and your post-specific link should be added to the link list below. This post will remain up through Friday December 15 for your reading pleasure. There will be no Perfect Picture Book or Would You Read It posts for the duration of the contest so the links will stay up for everyone to visit and enjoy. If you would like to enter but don’t have a blog you are welcome to paste your entry in the comment section below (please be sure to include your byline so that if your posting handle is staysuplate2write or something I’ll be able to tell who you are!) If anyone has trouble commenting, which unfortunately happens, please email me at susanna[at]susannahill[dot]com and I’ll post your entry for you! But please don’t send attachments! Just copy and paste your story into the email. Also, please only post your entry once – either in the comment section of my blog or on the link list or by emailing me and asking me to post it. Multiple postings of the same entry get confusing.
The Judging: My lovely assistants and I will narrow down the entrants to 10-12 finalists (depending on the number of entries) which will be posted here on Friday December 15 (or, if we’re desperate for a little extra time, Saturday December 16) for you to vote on for a winner. The vote will be closed on Sunday December 17 at 5 PM EST (or Monday December 18th if we need that extra time.) Whoever gets the most votes will be first and so on down to tenth place, and the winners will be announced on Monday December 18 (or Tuesday December 19).
Judging criteria will be as follows:
- 1. Kid-appeal! – These stories are intended for a young audience (ages 12 and under), so we’re looking for stories that children will enjoy and relate to.
- 2. Holiday Surprise! – the rules state a Holiday Surprise story, so it must be crystal clear that the story is about Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or whatever you celebrate, and it must contain a surprise! 🙂
- 3. Quality of story – entries must tell a story, including a main character of some kind and a true story arc even if it’s tiny 🙂 Entries must not be merely descriptions or mood pieces.
- 4. Quality of Writing: check your spelling, grammar, punctuation etc. If you’re going to rhyme, give us your best 🙂 Overall writing quality and use of language are also important.
- 5. Originality and creativity – because that is often what sets one story above another.
The Prizes!: Ok. This is the moment where I officially admit to probably having bitten off more than I can chew! 🙂 I’ve been in Brazil for the past week, and upon my return was met with some deadlines I have to add into the time equation, in addition to a couple of school visits and getting ready for the holidays and family coming etc. I wrote my sample entry at the literal 11th hour just before midnight last night. (That will be extremely obvious when you read it below 🙂 ) So. I will add to the prizes today and probably have to update them. My sincere apologies for having over-scheduled my time – it was not intentional! – but I figured you guys would rather have the contest even on a slightly loosey-goosey schedule than not! 🙂
– a critique of a picture-book manuscript or dummy by agent Rachel Orr of Prospect Agency!!!
– a spot in Renee LaTulippe’s fantastic INTENSIVE RHYME AND METER SELF-STUDY COURSE!!!
– a Picture Book Manuscript Critique from the FABULOUS Vivian Kirkfield, author of the forth coming Sweet Dreams, Sarah and experienced and much-loved critiquer!
– a Picture Book Manuscript Critique from the amazing Lori Degman (NORBERT’S BIG DREAM – Sleeping Bear Press 2016, COCK-A-DOODLE OOPS! – Creston Books 2014, 1 ZANY ZOO – Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers 2010) – a terrific choice for any rhymers out there!
– a Picture Book Manuscript Critique from the wonderful Amy Dixon (MAURICE THE UNBEASTLY – Sterling Children’s Books 2017, SOPHIE’S ANIMAL PARADE – Sky Pony Press 2015, MARATHON MOUSE – Sky Pony Press 2012)
– Enrollment in Making Picture Book Magic (my online picture book writing class – in January or a later month to be mutually agreed upon by the winner and me)
– 2018 Children’s Writer’s And Illustrator’s Market and a $25 Amazon Gift Card. (2 available)
– a bundle of books! (itemized list forthcoming, good lord willin’ and the creek don’t rise)
– a pack of Susanna Leonard Hill’s amazing What’s The Story Cards (scroll about 1/2 way down the page… (2 available)
I can’t thank these authors and other industry professionals enough for their incredible generosity! Please visit their sites, buy and recommend their books and services to your writer friends and/or friends with kids, write them nice reviews on Amazon, GoodReads etc if you’ve read and liked their books, and show your appreciation to them in any way you can!
Now.
The time has come for my sample. And I think I can say that I have really outdone myself this time in the Worst Ever Sample department! 🙂 Are you ready? Have some chocolate to get you in a good mood! 🙂 But this should be very comforting to all of you because you can know beyond a shadow of a doubt that ANYthing you wrote is better than this! 🙂
(And as I told you, I wrote it in a jet-lagged stupor at nearly midnight last night and I openly admit that it is 39 words over the word limit because I didn’t have time to make it shorter!)
So really. Are you ready? 🙂
The Christmas Plan
(289 words because I ran out of time and also am not actually in the contest! 🙂 )
Christmas Eve in Santa’s barnyard,
Secret meeting underway.
Said the cow, “We’d better hurry –
Any time they’ll hitch the sleigh!”
Duck looked ‘round. “Are you all ready?
Everyone know what to do?”
All the others nodded gravely.
“Okay, then, let’s move out, crew!”
Each went in their own direction
Silently through dark and snow.
Pulled their parts off to perfection,
Met up in the workshop’s glow.
Quietly, they filed inside
Where elves were loading up the sleigh.
Santa called, “Let’s hitch the reindeer!
Time we headed on our way!”
Eight elves hurried to the stable
With intent to fetch the deer.
Soon came running back in panic.
“Sir! The team has disappeared!”
Santa bellowed, “Were they stolen?
Kidnapped? Hidden? Just set loose?”
“If you need a quick replacement,
I’ll step in,” said Christmas Goose.
Santa muttered, disbelieving,
“Why’d my team go on the lam?”
“Never mind, Sir, we can help you,”
Kindly offered Christmas Ham.
Moments later, in the harness,
Ham and Goose were joined by Hare,
Christmas Roast Beef, Duck, and Turkey.
Plan still working – almost there!
Santa, looking quite bemused, said,
“I can’t drive this motley crew!”
“Sorry, Sir, we’re out of options.
There is nothing else to do!”
So it was that not much later,
Waiting hidden in the night,
Josie, hoping to see Santa,
Saw a most surprising sight!
Santa’s sleigh with bells a-jingling
Flying high above her head,
Being pulled by. . . Christmas Dinner?!
“This must be a dream!” she said.
But all around the world next day
When fam-i-lies sat down to eat,
Christmas fowl and roasts were absent.
Served instead? Tofurkey feast!
Back inside the North Pole barnyard
Secret meeting once again,
Cow and Duck high-fived the others.
“Here’s to vegetarians!”
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 over 3 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. If you just want to enjoy reading, that’s great too! We need all the readers we can get, so feel free to spread the word to parents and teachers! And what better way to entertain yourself and your kids while waiting for the holiday goodies to bake? Or get someone to read aloud while everyone else wraps presents 🙂
Rejoice! and let the festivities begin!!! 🙂
Happy Holidays to All! 🙂
And don’t miss the additional 34 fabulous entries in the comment section below!
(Scroll through comments to view)
- Santa’s Switches – Nina
- Sneak A Peek At Santa – Jennifer B
- Just Desserts – Jennifer B
- The Christmas Pageant – Carol
- A Magpie Holiday – Karen
- Foxy, Mr. Fox – Dianne
- A Timely Arrival – Beverly
- Not Even A Mouse – Ryan
- Waiting For The Winter Gift – Elizabeth
- Santa’s Christmas SSS-Surprise – Jenny
- Santa Patrol – Megan
- Vegan Cut-Out Cookies – Megan
- Essie The Hen And Her Christmas Surprise – Kaye
- La Navidad I’ll Never Forget – Carmen
- Santa’s Bad Day – Anne
- Tootsie The Wonder Dog’s Best Day Ever – Kathy B
- Holiday Mix-Up – Barbara
- The Very Last Gift – Judy S
- Family Is Home And Home Is Wherever It May Land – Mona
- Christmas With Aliens – Brian
- Here Comes… – Elaine
- The Ballad Of Bella La Frost – Nancy
- The Animated Elf – Marvin Strikes Again – Lucretia
- Santa’s Delivery Dilemma – Lucretia
- Christmas Cat’s SQUEEZE Day – Lily
- Christmas Eve DRAMA – Deborah
- Racing The Sun – Jen
- A New Day For Mrs. Claus – Laura
- The Given Gift – Sarah
- Surprise Guests! – Mary
- Christmas Eve Surprises – Jim
- A Visit From Santa – Judy V
- Favorite Day – Susan
- The Naughty Christmas Cookie – Britt
Susanna Leonard Hill 
The Given Gift
Sarah Hoppe
@Sarahlhoppe
237 words
The town was asleep, they were ready that night,
For presents and stockings and joyous delight.
Dear Santa did visit each home, shack and shed,
But came without gifts, bringing coal lumps instead.
Morning dawned bright and the townspeople woke,
They dove for their stockings, but nobody spoke.
No games and no movies, no toys nor TVs,
The worst that a Christmastime ever could be!
They grumbled and moaned, threw that coal in the trash.
Dear Santa had been so decidedly rash!
They thought they deserved lots of gifts, wouldn’t you?
While they thought of lost presents, a mighty wind blew.
It whistled and whizzed, and it found every crack.
They quickly forgot Santa’s cruel coal attack.
Blankets and jackets were now the concern,
And don’t forget flames, but there’s nothing to burn!
Lamenting their state, they threw outrageous fits.
Then Little Tom Teeper went out of his wits,
“Giftless and freezing, we’re sure on a roll,
But our old Dear Santa brought nothing but coal!”
“You’re right!” they exclaimed, tossed their blankets aside,
They raced to the garbage, found treasure inside.
“Dear Santa’s a genius, there was no mistake,
The gifts that we got are the gifts we will take!”
The wind blew so fiercely, so strong, for so long,
Inside it felt cozy, and nothing was wrong.
Each home, shack and shed watched this Christmas depart
While burning the coal Santa gave from his heart.
Sarah…what a well thought out story…I loved the surprise and how the gift was just what they needed!
Thank you!
I love the twist, here. How “trash” becomes “treasure.” AND how they realize their mistake and change their view of Santa. Well done!
Thank you!
This read so smoothly Sarah – great rhythm and rhyme. I love that Santa knew what the best gift to give was….though under appreciated at the moment. I’m so glad they saw (or felt in this case) the error of their thoughts toward Santa and his gift.
Best of luck to you! Vicki
Thank you!
Lovely with the warm twist!
Thank you!
So clever, Sarah! There are times when we should’t be too quick to judge! This is a well-written story with great rhythm and rhyme. Well done!
Thank you!
Wow, Sarah! What a great twist on the lump of coal gift – turning it from a punishment to an actual gift that the people really needed and could use! Very creative! And just goes to show you should never turn your nose up at a gift! 🙂 Thanks for joining in the Holiday fun!
Thank you! And thanks for creating these fun, inspiring contests!
Love the twist in your story! Nice job!
Thank you!
ENTRY POSTED FOR MARY
Surprise Guests!
(248 words) Mary Warth
Mom, Dad, Jewel and baby Kay sat near the Christmas tree surrounded by gifts, wrapping and bows. Kay was focused on a piece of tape that was stuck to her fingers while Jewel played with her new toy phone. It had sparkling buttons, a video screen and amazing sounds.
Beep, Beep, Brring!
Kay looked up. “Mine!”
“No Kay, It’s mine. Play with your truck.”
Kay threw the truck. The phone was much more interesting. She crawled after Jewel.
“Mom!”
“Kay, that’s a big girl phone.”
“Look at this amazing box!” said Dad.
Kay scooted toward the box while Dad took a video.
“Why don’t we set up your new doll house Jewel?” said Mom.
Dad put down his phone. “Great idea. It’s a good time too. Kay’s having fun with the box.”
Mom, Dad and Jewel laid out the parts and started building.
A few minutes later, they snapped in the final flag on top.
“Jewel, get Kay. I’ll take a picture,” said Dad.
But he couldn’t find his phone.
“It was right next to Kay’s box…”
All of a sudden, they heard, Weeoooee, Weeoooee!
“Firetrucks!” cried Jewel. “At our house!”
She looked at Kay.
“Oh no! What did you do?”
Kay held up Dad’s phone with a big “911” on the screen.
“Mine!”
Mom quickly cleared up the misunderstanding and offered the surprise guests a cup of Christmas cocoa.
Dad promised to keep track of his phone.
Kay spied a firefighter’s radio.
“Mine!”
“Not again!” said Jewel.
Mary, this is so clever…and probably something that happens many times. I love that the firemen got some hot cocoa…hope there is a cup left for me. 😉
Ha! I love the surprise fire dept call. And I’m glad those poor firefighters got a cup of warm cocoa for all their efforts. Good luck in the contest!
Kay must be two, the age of “mine.” Sweet and realistic story that parents can relate to and kids can enjoy. Best of luck, Mary! Vicki
Oh, boy! I bet this happens more than you’d think! Babies are always grabbing things 🙂 Very believable! I’m glad the firefighters were understanding and rewarded with hot cocoa 🙂 Thanks for this clever, fun entry, Mary!
Babies sure love the electronics! Funny story!
ENTRY POSTED FOR JIM
Christmas Eve Surprises
By Jim Chaize
Carrie and Hope loved Christmas Eve with their Grandma.
“I can’t wait to see your Christmas tree,” said Hope.
“Surprise! I decorated my jade plant instead,” said Grandma.
“It’s beautiful,” said Carrie.
The girls set their presents under the jade.
“This year, I found you old treasures,” said Grandma.
“Don’t you mean bought us treasures?” asked Carrie.
“The stores are a madhouse. I couldn’t do it.”
“We enjoyed shopping for you,” said Hope.
Grandma unwrapped a yellow hat and mittens.
“My favorite color! I love them!”
Grandma handed Hope a puffy bag.
“Yarn?” said Hope.
“For knitting. Can you believe I found that hidden away?”
Hope frowned.
Grandma handed Carrie a small box.
“Jade leaves?” asked Carrie.
“Not just the leaves silly,” said Grandma.
“You’re giving her your jade plant?” protested Hope.
“You both got old treasures,” said Grandma. “Dinner in five minutes.”
While they ate, Hope answered questions with nods and headshakes.
“After dinner, I’m teaching you girls to knit,” said Grandma. “But first, I’m cutting everyone a piece of fruitcake?”
Grandma’s knife hovered above the cake.
“Stop!” yelled Carrie. “I have a surprise!” said Carrie. She hurried off, followed by Grandma and Hope.
“I remembered my kindergarten teacher cut a jade, and made two plants,” said Carrie. “Let’s make one for Hope.”
Grandma returned with a knife and planting pot.
With a quick dig and a smooth cut, one plant became two.
“You’re the best big sister,” said Hope.
Carrie’s eyes twinkled like Christmas stars.
Jim…this is so sweet…I love that Carrie thought of cutting the jade and sharing the gift that her sister wanted.
A lovely story and I like the subtle message that the best Christmas gifts aren’t necessarily bought.
I’m a big fan of giving living gifts like these. And I’m a big fan of keeping anyone from eating fruitcake, LOL. And I’m a big fan of sharing, an action that you bring out here in the end. Lovely! Good luck in the contest!
I love the sharing at the end. I love the point of the story that gifts can be something sentimental, not necessarily the newest and shiniest. Such a sweet story
Jim you certainly captured the spirit of grandmas! I love it. Reminded me of my mom and her Christmas downsizing with the grandkids 🙂
Giving is what Christmas is about and you captured it well with this story. Best of luck to you! Vicki
What a nice surprise for Hope that Carrie thought (and knew how!) to cut the jade plant and make one for her, since that was what she really wanted! So nice when sisters get along 🙂 Thanks for an original, creative story, Jim!
ENTRY POSTED FOR JUDY
A Visit from Santa
byJudy Valko
Santa came to visit us
on Christmas Eve last year.
I left a plate of cookies
and some eggnog as good cheer.
He ate up all the cookies
and gulped the ‘nog down quick.
then ran into the bathroom
‘cause he was really sick!
He stayed with us for two long days,
my mom put him to bed.
He had an upset stomach
and a migraine in his head.
The reindeer all got antsy
left standing on the roof.
Rudolph was the maddest one
and stomped his big left hoof.
Santa heard the racket
and got up ‘outta’ bed.
He put his coat and boots back on,
his red cap on his head.
He gave a little burp,
and much to our surprise,
he grabbed his sack of goodies
and rubbed his sleepy eyes.
He walked into the front room,
put a finger to his nose
and with a puff of dirty smoke
up the chimney, Santa rose.
He didn’t leave us presents
or wish us merry cheer,
he merely said, “I’ll be back again,
but please no snacks next year!”
© 2017 Judith Valko
Ha! Love it! Santa gets a case of food poisoning! Must have been some bad eggnog, poor man.
Love it! So surprising to have a sick Santa stay with you. I wish he had left them presents though. They did take care of him after all. Well done.
Ah, man, poor Santa….and a bummer for everyone that year. Creative story, good job 🙂 best of luck in the contest. Vicki
Oh my goodness! Not the kind of visit you want from Santa! (Poor guy!) A nasty surprise for all involved! Thanks for joining in the Holiday fun, Judy!
Not being an egg nog enthusiast, I don’t blame Santa! Nice rhyming story!
FAVORITE DAY (226 words) by: Susan Schade
The Favorite Day Competition was beginning at the Annual Christmas Carnival.
The audience was anxious.
The judges juggled papers.
The days were determined.
Each one wanted to win.
Tuesday tiptoed on stage with a tote.
“Everyone loves Taco Tuesday!” She declared, and handed out holiday tacos.
The judges snacked and smiled.
Wednesday walked out in a wild winter wardrobe.
“Wacky Wednesday is the best!” She whooped and whirled away.
The crowd roared with laughter.
Thursday thoughtfully explained why the middle of the week was best.
“Middle is marvelous!” She mentioned as she marched off.
The judges jotted notes.
Friday frolicked fearlessly out.
“Friday is the final school day AND pizza night. It’s everyone’s favorite.”
The crowd cheered.
Saturday and Sunday strolled out together.
“We’re a team” they announced. “Everyone knows the weekend rocks!”
Heads nodded in agreement.
Monday sighed silently.
She knew everyone hated Mondays.
She never won the Favorite Day Competition.
The audience, the judges and the other days forgot she was there until,
Monday stopped on the stage and started to sing, “Silent Night.”
Soft, colorful lights began to blink around the room.
The curtains opened, and decorated trees sparkled.
Before long, everyone was singing.
At the end of the song, Monday remarked,
“Monday is Christmas Day. Merry Christmas!”
When Monday was named the Favorite Day winner,
She was the most surprised of all.
Yes! Yay for Monday! So I guess Monday gets to be Christmas once every 7 years…but then you’ve got to take into account leap year, which messes everything up. Suffice to say, your story is quite unique! Good luck in the contest!
Great story! Giving Monday the win is surprising for sure. You can’t argue with Monday being the best when it’s Christmas day though!
So clever! Love that Monday finally go her due…great read. Best of luck to you, Susan.
~Vicki
Cute and clever story!
What a clever, creative idea, Susan, personifying the days! And love your clever surprise of Monday winning by being Christmas! Nicely done!
For once, Monday gets to be the favorite day! Your use of alliteration made your story really fun to read!
The Naughty Christmas Cookie (250 words)
Salted Caramel Snickerdoodle was the most naughty Christmas cookie in the cookie jar.
He plopped powdered sugar on the Pecan Snowball Cookies.
He sprinkled sprinkles so Chocolate Chunk Cookie would slip and fall.
And he pushed the Gingerbread Man’s buttons and ran away as fast as he could shouting, “You can’t catch me, I’m the Snickerdoodle Man!”
Being a Snickerdoodle, he especially loved to snicker and doodle unflattering pictures of the other cookies.
He doodled Peppermint Twist Cookie having bad breath. And then snickered.
He doodled Cinnamon Eggnog Cookie as a rotten egg. And then snickered.
And he doodled Sugar Cookie Cutouts snoring because he said they were “so cookie-cutter boring.”
“Cut it out, Snickerdoodle!” sang Angel Cutout.
“You’re a NAUGHTY COOKIE!” cried Oatmeal Raisin.
But not only was Snickerdoodle naughty, he was boastful, too.
“I’m stupendously, spectacularly, sensationally super!”
In fact, he wanted a Christmas present for all his salty splendidness. So he doodled Santa Claus a letter:
“Dear Santa,
I’m the best cookie in the world. Just thought you should know.
-Snickerdoodle”
Snickerdoodle set off to mail the letter, but slipped on a sprinkle and fell off the counter. He was floored.
“Help! I’m a crummy cookie!”
That’s when Betty found him.
Betty pieced him back together with pink frosting and added gumdrops and marshmallows and candy cane pieces and rainbow sugar.
“Now you’re the sweetest cookie in the cookie jar!”
Snickerdoodle snickered. And doodled Betty the Yeti a thank you note.
Oh, I didn’t put my byline! The Naughty Christmas Cookie is by B.L. Bachmann. 🙂
I was so hoping Snickerdoodle would get eaten for his sour ways…but he sweetened up instead, and that’s even better. Creative story idea that reads smoothly! best of luck to you. ~Vicki
Haha, thank you, Vicki! I had 3 different endings for this and couldn’t decide Snickerdoodle’s fate. (He was eaten and became a crumb in one of the alternate endings.) Glad you liked it! Best of luck to you, too! 🙂
Yes! After reading your comment, I agree that the ending you chose was the perfect one. Great cookie work! Good luck in the contest!
Thank you!! Good luck to you, too! 🙂
Very cute! I was wondering (maybe even hoping) that Betty the Yeti would take a nibble 😉
Oh, my! What a dreadfully naughty cookie! 🙂 Love the whole concept, Britt! And all the delightful details! (And “he was floored” 🙂 ) I thought Betty was going to eat him, but how much nicer that she put him back together and made him sweet 🙂 Thanks for a creative, fun entry!
Such a fun entry! Thanks goodness Betty the Yeti has a heart of gold and put that naughty Snickerdoodle back together!
Fantastic story! I love all the wonderful cookie flavors and Snickerdoodle’s salty personality. I think the doodles Snickerdoodle did to make fun of the others are hilarious even thought they are mean. It seems like sweet justice that the saucy Snickerdoodle slipped on sprinkles.and got what he deserved, however I’m glad Betty decided to give him a second chance. I love that she’s a Yeti by the way! Great job!
Thanks so much, Megan! 🙂
STORY POSTED FOR JEAN
(arrived after the entry deadline but please enjoy! 🙂 )
Beren’s Big Imagination (215 wrds) by Jean Richardson
Beren’s big imagination
stretched bigger—and bigger each year,
especially during christmastime.
But the other bears knew
it was Beren’s tall tales
that grew
even bigger.
Christmas, indeed,
was the trigger,
they all agreed.
Beren Bear told everyone
his best friend
walked on four legs,
and had a tail.
Though no one else ever saw it.
“Come here, boy,” Beren called
out into the distance.
He’s right here, he’d swear.
“Sure…sure,” each bear replied.
But the bears lied
under pretense.
As the holiday drew near,
Beren said he was having
a big Christmas affair
for the two of them.
“I’ll try not to eat
too much porridge
so my belly won’t burst!”
He added.
This wasn’t true either.
Just a ruse.
Beren Bear had no animal
or party planned.
He always spent his Christmases
in hibernation.
What could Beren’s friends do?
They gathered outside the entrance
to Beren’s cave
on Christmas Day
with one thing to say:
“SURPRISE!”
The special gift they gave?
A box with a small hole and a big bow.
Across the front his name had been scrawled.
Something inside began to move.
Then out it crawled.
“Yay!” Beren said this was what he wanted most.
Who needs an imaginary friend
or an invisible pet,
when you’ve got a real live dog.
How nice that Beren’s friends gave hims such a lovely and perfect surprise, Jean! Cute story. I’m so sorry it arrived to late to be part of the contest!