⭐️Deck the Halls! ⭐️ Light the menorah! ⭐️ Fill the Kikombe cha Umoja! ⭐️
It’s time for . . .
The 11th Annual Holiday Writing Contest
~ for children’s writers ~
The Contest: Write a children’s holiday story (children here defined as age 12 and under) about a Holiday Contest!
Your contest can be anything you want! Baking, wrapping, decorating (tree or home), raising money or collecting gifts for those in need, ice skating, sledding, caroling, fancy dress, snowman or fort building. . . sky’s the limit! But it must be about a holiday contest!
Your story may be poetry or prose, silly or serious or sweet, religious or not, based on Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Winter Solstice, New Year’s or whatever you celebrate during the Holiday Season, 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 between right now this very second and Thursday December 9th at 11:59 PM EST, and must be posted below in the comment section of this post. All entries should include a title, byline (people always ask what this is – it means who the entry was written by, so, by Suzy Q. Writer or whoever 😊) and word count. You are welcome to also post your entries on your own blogs and include your blog address with your entry here if you’d like to encourage people to come visit your blog, but your entry must be posted in the comment section of this post or it will not be counted because we won’t see it. This post will remain up for your reading pleasure until I post the finalists. There will be no regular posts (Tuesday Debut, Would You Read It, or Perfect Picture Book) for the duration of the contest so everyone will have plenty of time to visit and enjoy. If you have trouble commenting, you can email your entry to me and I will post it for you. Please copy and paste your entry with word count and byline into the body of the email – NO ATTACHMENTS please.
The Judging: My lovely assistants and I will narrow down the entrants to approximately 12 finalists. In the interest of finishing up the contest in a timely fashion so everyone can go about their holidays, we will do our best to post the finalists here by Tuesday December 14th for you to vote on for a winner. (But it almost always seems to end up taking us longer. . . so it might be a day or two later.) The vote will be closed on Thursday December 16th at 5 PM EST. Whoever gets the most votes will be first and so on down to twelfth place (or wherever we place to), and the winners will be announced on Friday December 17th. (These dates are subject to adjustment if it takes the judges longer than we anticipate to get the judging completed.)
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 Contest! – the rules state a Holiday Contest story, so it must be crystal clear that the story is about a contest that in some way relates to Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Winter Solstice, New Year’s, or whatever seasonal winter holiday you choose. The story must center on the contest – the contest must not be just an offhand mention/reference in a story about something else.
- 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. Please proofread!
- 5. Originality and creativity – because that is often what sets one story above another.
- 6. PLEASE FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS! Large numbers of entries make it easy to cut entries that haven’t been entered as we asked.
The Prizes!: Oh! Such wonderful prizes! All I can say is, how lucky are we to be part of such a talented and generous community that offers such amazing prizes!
Please join me in thanking these very generous authors and other writing professionals for contributing their books and writing expertise as prizes by visiting their websites and blogs, considering their books and services for birthday, holiday or other gift purchases, rating and/or reviewing their books on GoodReads, Amazon, B&N, or anywhere else if you like them, recommending them for school and library visits, and supporting them in any other way you can dream up! 😊
⭐️ Picture Book Manuscript Critique (Rhyming or Non-rhyming, Fiction or Nonfiction) with written feedback AND a 30-minute Zoom Chat with children’s author Vivian Kirkfield, author of PIPPA’S PASSOVER PLATE (Holiday House, 2019), SWEET DREAMS, SARAH (Creston Books, 2019), FOUR OTTERS TOBOGGAN (Pomegranate, 2019), MAKING THEIR VOICES HEARD: THE INSPIRING FRIENDSHIP OF ELLA FITZGERALD AND MARILYN MONROE (Little Bee Books, 2020), FROM HERE TO THERE: INVENTIONS THAT CHANGED THE WAY THE WORLD MOVES (Clarion Books, 2021), and SHOW ME HOW! BUILD YOUR CHILD’S SELF-ESTEEM THROUGH READING, CRAFTING AND COOKING (MoneyPenny Press Ltd, 2010)
⭐️ Picture Book Manuscript Critique (Rhyming or Non-rhyming, Fiction or Nonfiction) with a recording of first read-through by children’s author and poet Sarah Meade, contributor to HOP TO IT: POEMS TO GET YOU MOVING (Pomelo Books, 2020!
⭐️ Picture Book Manuscript Critique/Zoom Chat (Non-rhyming) from children’s author Janie Reinart, author of WHEN WATER MAKES MUD: A STORY OF REFUGEE CHILDREN (Blue Whale Press, 2021)!
⭐️ Picture Book Manuscript Critique (Rhyming) PLUS Zoom Chat from developmental editor Lou Piccolo! Lou studied English Literature, creative writing and teaching at university in South Africa. After working as an EFL teacher in France for twenty years, she studied proofreading and editing before becoming a developmental editor of children’s and young adult’s literature for independent authors. She is a graduate of Renee LaTulippe’s Lyrical Language Lab – Punching Up Prose With Poetry course and Making Picture Book Magic, the in-house writer for Editions Entrefilet’s language-learning magazine ‘Go English Kids’ for children of 8-12 in France, and a traditionally published author of MG and YA fiction with Burlington Books.
⭐️ Connecting With School Librarians! Fabulous Opportunity for published or soon to be published authors! Winner’s Choice of either a Zoom or phone chat about how to connect with school librarians and get their ear or an Ask Me Anything Zoom or phone chat about K-8th grade author visits from a librarian’s POV from Kathy Halsey. Kathy Halsey is Storyteller Academy’s Community Manager and Ambassador. She enjoys writing picture books, humor, and nonfiction. Kathy’s active in SCBWI and blogs with other kid lit writers on the GROG. She serves on the Choose to Read Ohio Advisory Council and speaks at educational and literary conferences. Kathy’s a former K-12 school librarian and children’s bookseller. She writes monthly author studies for the Reading for Research Month along with Keila Dawson.
⭐️ Picture Book Manuscript Critique (Rhyme or Prose, fiction only) from children’s author Shelley Kinder! Shelley is the author of NOT SO SCARY JERRY (Spork 2017), THE MASTERPIECE (Spork 2018) and GOD AND ME AND THE SEA (Kregel Children’s Books, May 17, 2022)
⭐️ Picture Book Manuscript Critique (written) PLUS 15 minute Zoom Chat (no nonfiction) from Cindy Williams Schrauben author of THIS COULD BE YOU (Cardinal Rule Press, April 1, 2022)!
⭐️ Zoom Visit to a classroom or to kids at home by children’s author Ellen Leventhal! Ellen is the author of DON’T EAT THE BLUEBONNETS (Spork, 2017), LOLA CAN’T LEAP (Spork, 2018), HAYFEST: A HOLIDAY QUEST (ABCs Press, 2010), and A FLOOD OF KINDNESS (WorthyKids, 2021)
⭐️ Picture Book Manuscript Critique from Heather Gale, author of HO’ONANI: HULA WARRIOR (Tundra Books, 2019) which was one of the New York Public Library’s Best Books for Kids 2019, one of the Ontario Library Association’s 2019 Top Ten Titles, Featured on the 2020 Rainbow Book List, Featured on the 2020 Rise: A Feminist Book Project List, and received a Booklist Starred Review!
⭐️ Picture Book Manuscript Critique from Maria Marshall! Maria is a children’s author, blogger, and poet passionate about making nature fun for children. She’s a judge for the Cybils Awards and the #50PreciousWords competition. Four of her poems are published in The Best Of Today’s Little Ditty anthologies. When not writing, critiquing, or reading, she bird watches, travels the world, bakes, and hikes. The Picture Book Buzz Website Facebook Twitter Instagram
⭐️ A Reversible Handmade Christmas Stocking or Other Winter or Holiday-Themed Gift Bag from Karen Gebbia PLUS a Personalized Signed Copy of CURIOSITY’S DISCOVERY by Nancy Derey Riley to fill it!
⭐️ Personalized Signed Copy of either QUEEN OF PHYSICS:How Wu Chien Shiung Helped Unlock the Secrets of the Atom (Sterling Children’s Books 2019) or TWO BICYCLES IN BEIJING (Albert Whitman 2020) (Winner’s Choice!) by Teresa Robeson
PLUS!!!
a Personalized Signed Copy of either LISTEN (Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books 2021) or TWO DOGS ON A TRIKE (Harry N. Abrams 2020) (Winner’s Choice!) by Gabi Snyder
⭐️ Personalized Signed Copy of THE QUEEN AND THE FIRST CHRISTMAS TREE: Queen Charlotte’s Gift to England (Albert Whitman 2018) by Nancy Churnin PLUS a Digital Copy of THE STAR IN THE CHRISTMAS PLAY (Beaming Books 2018) by Lynne Marie
⭐️ Personalized Signed Copy of MY SCHOOL STINKS! (Philomel July 2021) by Becky Scharnhorst PLUS a Kindle or Audiobook Copy of either FUNNY JIMMY (AuthorHouse 2011) or THE HAUNTED HOUSE OF RIDDLES (Avid Readers Publishing Group 2011) (Winner’s Choice!) by Vanessa Rose Lee
⭐️ Winner’s Choice of 2 of the following 4 picture books, kindly donated by Dee Knabb!
- LILLYBELLE, A DAMSEL NOT IN DISTRESS by Joana Pastro
- ALMA AND HOW SHE GOT HER NAME by Juana Martinez-Neal (signed by the author/illustrator)
- TINY CREATURES by Nicola Davies (NF)
- PIPSQUEAKS, SLOWPOKES, AND STINKERS by Melissa Stewart (NF)
With so many great prizes up for grabs I hope there will be a lot of entries – the more the merrier! And you’ve still got a couple days to write, so you can squeeze in under the wire if you haven’t written yet. Feel free to spread the word to your writing friends as well. And your reading friends – parents, teachers, etc. The more people who read and enjoy your stories, the better!!!
Contest Entrants, remember you MUST post your entry in the comment section below and include title, byline, and word count.
Eager Readers – just go along the list of links below, click on them (they’ll take you directly to whichever story you click on), and enjoy the stories!
So let the Holiday Contest begin!
Happy Writing and Happy Holidays! 😊 ☃️ ✡️ ⭐️ ❄️ 🎄🕯🕎
I can’t wait to read your entries!!!
THE ENTRIES!
- It Takes A Forest – Lucretia Schafroth
- The Kelpie Challenge – Bonnie Kelso
- The Cookies Of Holiday Hollow – Royal Baysinger
- Elf Off The Shelf – Anne Lipton
- The Trolls: A Winter Tale – Royal Baysinger
- Upon A Winter Solstice – Royal Baysinger
- So You Think You Can Prance – Amy Leskowski
- The Festive Flying Race – Nicola Beach
- Grumble’s Silent Night – Katrina Swenson
- Birdie’s Song – Beth Stillborn
- The Holiday Homework – Sue Lancaster
- How Tiny Won A Seat On Santa’s Sleigh – Elizabeth Westra
- The Claus’ Candy Cane Contest – Susan Schipper
- He Knows If You’ve Been Bad Or Good – Colleen Murphy
- Olive, The Other Reindeer – Lindsay Moretti
- Go Green For Christmas – Margaret Zotkiewicz
- Tree Number Nine – Lindsey Hobson
- Christmas Boots – P.J. Purtee
- Ellarose’s Sweater – Marta Cutler
- A Fourth Grader’s Poster Problem – Jennifer Vose
- A Buggie Tradition – Kay Inglis
- Kendy And The Solstice Solo Show – Sarah Meade
- Elsie And The Christmas Comedy Contest – Sarah Meade
- The Better Elf On The Shelf – Molly Ippolito
- Ernie And The Science Fair – Deborah Foster
- Mr. Tweedy’s Christmas Trees – Colleen Fogarty
- Best Wrapped Surprise – Sara Dean
- Christmas Eve Ride Along Contest – Dawn Young
- The Christmas Tree Contest – Dorothy K. Kohrherr
- Alfredo Learns The Secret Of Greatness – Joan Leotta
- The Pretty Ugly Sweater – Pamela Swanson
- Tree Of The Year – Lisa Varchol Perron
- Jamie’s Holiday Surprise – Diana Sussman
- Katie’s Snow Creation – Marty B.
- The Tasty Treat Christmas Contest – Katie Brandyberry
- Santa’s Secret Contest – Linda Staszak
- Phoebe’s Snowperson – Kelly Clasen
- The Star – Reed Hilton-Eddy
- THAT’S Not A Christmas Cookie! – Vanessa Konoval
- Candy Pies – Sharon McCarthy
- Solstice Skaters – Allison Strick
- The Best Gift Ever – Pen Avey
- The Most Christmassy House – Jen MacGregor
- Candy Caribou – Steena Hernandez
- A Christmas Pickle Story – Daniella Kaufman-Schloss
- Shining Star – Sarah Hawklyn
- Grumpy Snow Pants – Stephanie Maksymiw
- The Best Reading Contest Of Winter, 1959 – Beth Schmelzer
- Playground Games – Colleen Dougherty
- Simply The Best – Nicole Loos Miller
- Bear’s Christmas Cookie – Marta Cutler
- Happy Everything! – Laura Barens
- Dancing With The Elves – Jill Lambert
- A Creature Was Stirring – Judy Sobanski
- The Monster On Christmas Eve – Elizabeth Meyer zu Heringdorf
- What Christmas Means To Me – Marty Findley
- A Miscalculation – Emily Durant
- Lily And The Winter Festival – Karen J Moore
- 2021 Monkey Merry Xmas – Shariffa Keshavjee
- The Ginger Friend House – Kelly Swemba
- Gingerbread House Extravaganza – Elaine D’Alessandro
- Parol: This Little Star Of Mine – Lynn Grace Wong
- Christmas Song – YauMei Chiang
- Reindeer Games – Tiffany Hanson
- The Cookie Contest Caper – Kelsey E. Gross
- The Clean-Out-The-Clutter Contest – Sarah Demarest Guthrie
- The Contest – Amanda Sherlock
- Asher’s Chanukiah – Dina Silverberg
- Best Hanukkah Ever! – Paul Kurtz
- Cinder-Latke – Paul Kurtz
- Bunny Claus – Donna Kurtz
- Jangle Shells – Donna Kurtz
- Spin – Cheryl Simon
- Fantastical Fairytown Christmas Snowflake Contest – Ellen Crosby
- The Winning Recipe – Judy Abelove Shemtob
- The Greatest Display Of All – Barbara Kimmel
- Sparky’s Wish – Ingrid Boydston
- The Night After Christmas – Abby N. Wooldridge
- The Claus’s Hawaiian Vacation – C. S. Boyll
- Gifts For Grandma – Cindy Sommer
- Keep Christmas Coming – Jeannette Suhr
- The Most Special Ornament – Timothy Hicks
- Santa’s Workshop Winners – Polly Owen
- Elfie Selfie Contest – Stephanie Henson
- The Great Holiday Bake Off – Jamie Donahoe
- Laughing All The Way – Sarah Hetu
- The Perfect Christmas Star – Jennifer Lowe
- A Sack Full Of Presents – Patricia Nozell
- Fairy Tale Houses – Jim Chaize
- Christmas…By A Nose – Jesse Anna Bornemann
- Reindeer Sing…Are You Listening? – Katie Schwartz
- Christmas Carrots – Vashti Verbowski
- Being Santa Lucia – Cindy Greene
- Nun, Gimel, Hei, Shin – Who Will Win? – Stephanie Wildman
- ANDRÉS BLUE RIBBON – Carmen Castillo Gilbert
- The Chubby Bunny Champion – Alicia Meyers
- Up And Away! – Kristy Roser Nuttall
- Christmas Isn’t – Ingrid Boydston
- The Christmas Pirate – Julianna Kurtz
- Maryam’s Happy Persian Christmas – Shadi Kafi
- The Most Beautiful Snowflake Of All – Cassie Silva
- Fire And Ice – Jyn Hall
- The Santa Spectacle – Mary Cathering Amadu
- A Jarring Contest – Bru Benson
- Everything – Sandhya Acharya
- Similarity Despite Diversity – Eva Felder
- O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree – Becky Goodman
- Solstice Wars! – Phoebe Browning
- Gingerbread Surprise – JC Kelly
- Squirrels Christmas – Charlotte Boyer
- The Holiday Contest – Denise Seidman
- The Witch’s Gingerbread House – Lauri Meyers
- Elf Rivalry – Michelle S. Kennedy
- Dream Big, Little Pip! – Sally Yorke-Viney
- An Extraordinary Elf – Becky Kimbrough
- Jasmine Jingletoes And The Christmas Stocking Contest – Brenda Covert
- Let There Be (MORE!) Lights – Judy Carey Nevin
- Laughing All The Way – Samantha Gassman
Susanna Leonard Hill 
ENTRY POSTED FOR SARAH
LAUGHING ALL THE WAY
by Sarah Hetu, lover of Christmas lights
Just shy of 250 words
“Aiden, Mrs. Peterson doesn’t feel well, so Caleb’s spending Christmas here,” Mom says.
I tug at my turtleneck. Oh noooooooo! Now everyone at school will know how weird we are!”
“Turkey’s ready!” Dad shouts from the kitchen. “Game time!”
“Whoever makes everyone laugh the loudest wins the drumsticks,” I tell Caleb.
“Lame,” he mutters.
“Youngest first!” Dad says.
Molly turns and then faces us with gigantic ornaments hanging from her earlobes.
She receives polite giggles.
Caleb snorts.
“Moving clockwise…Uncle Pete is next!” Dad shouts.
Uncle Pete opens his trench coat to reveal a snowman costume….with a strategically placed patch of yellow.
“Did Rover think you were a tree?” Dad asks.
“Gross,” Caleb says.
“Caleb’s turn!”
Caleb stands, face as red as our cherry pie. He opens his mouth to speak but chokes on his spit. As he gulps water, he spills it down his chest.
Grammy guffaws.
“Last but not least…our returning champion!” Dad says.
I pour gravy on my hair…just kidding…I inhale, then I release the awesomest burp ever.
Nothing. Tough customers. Before I lose them completely, I begin to pass gas.
It’s quiet until–
“Hey, that’s Jingle Bells!” Molly shouts.
The room erupts.
“We have a winner!” Dad says, placing the drumsticks on my plate…and handing me a $100 gift card!
I give the card to Caleb, “for being silly with us.”
“Cool! Now I can buy that game I didn’t get!”
At school, when the teacher asks about Christmas, Caleb glances at me, smiles, and says, “Oh, you know, just a bunch of Jingle Bells.”
I love how Caleb is accepting of Aiden and his silly family. It was a believable conflict with a satisfying resolution!
I love that Caleb keeps it between them! A friendship is born!
As the head of a family of very silly people, I can definitely relate to this story! In my house, we have to keep our made up language under wraps, and sometimes a word or two slips out to houseguests, and we all turn various shades of red. I even have a manuscript with one of our made up words in the title. Good luck with this piece!
This is giggle-worthy for sure!
Passing gas to the tune of Jingle Bells? Now that is talent. A Christmas Caleb will never forget!
Lassoed a snow cloud . . . brilliant!
THE PERFECT CHRISTMAS STAR
By Jennifer Lowe
249 Words
Last year? Measly fifth. Year before? Pitiful fifteenth.
But THIS year? I’ll capture the winning star for the Interstellar Christmas Tree Contest!
For 11 months, I’ve studied, analyzed, and scrutinized all things stars.
Nothing will stop me. Nothing will slow me down.
NOTH—
“Dagan,” says Mom, “this year, your sister joins.”
“But MO-OM!” I yelp.
“My two star-chasers—or nothing,” Mom says.
Rest of the week, I lecture Daphne on the fine art of star-catching.
For Daphne, my lessons are a fine time to nap.
I demonstrate proper blaze-proof glove attire.
Daphne proves gloves go on ears, too.
We practice swooping and swirling our star nets.
Daphne tangles her net into one big knot.
Sigh.
On Christmas Eve, we load gloves and nets into our Lunar Rocket 3000 and take off.
“Sit still and be quiet,” I say. Daphne’s head droops.
Just past the moon, I spy the perfect star! It glitters and flickers and zooms around our rocket.
But it’s too fast.
Can’t. Quite. Catch. It.
“Dagie!” says Daphne. She shuts her eyes. I do the same. The star thinks we’re napping! It slows down.
Daphne hangs gloves on her ears. The twirling star stops and giggles.
We tie our two nets with a knot. Together, we extend the oversize net and scoop up the twinkling light.
On Christmas morning, we place our winning star atop the Interstellar Christmas Tree.
“Next year,” I say to Daphne, “let’s enter the Christmas Ginger-Planet Contest! Together.”
Daphne’s face beams.
“Merry Christmas, Dagie!”
Aww. This is so sweet. I’m so happy the siblings managed to work together.
Thank you!
Nice humor (my lessons are a fine time to nap). I like how you broke up ‘Can’t. Quite. Catch it.’ Nice visuals.
Thanks Jill! I’m glad you enjoyed it!
LOVE this!!
Thank you so much Ellen!
WOW! I LOVE this! Such a magical setting! I LOVE the believable sibling drama and that Daphne’s frustrating star-catching methods/mishaps are what lead them to success! BEAUTIFUL WORK!
Thank you so much Royal! I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
How come we haven’t seen this fabulous setting before now! Great job!
Thanks Ingrid! My inner child loves all things space-related… so it tends to creep into my stories! Thanks for reading!
Such wonderful world-building! I felt like I was right there every step of the way. Well done!
Thanks for reading Allison! I’m glad you enjoyed it!
I love this stellar interstellar story!!
A Sack Full of Presents
(246 words, by Patricia Nozell)
Terri pointed at the poster. “A Holiday Talent Pageant! Winner rides with Santa in the Christmas Parade and receives a sack full of presents.”
“What fun! But I’ll never win, singing solo.”
Jamie read the poster. “I can play drums, but a bunch of beats is no winner.”
Stella strummed her banjo. “A talent show! I’m a pretty picker, but it would sure sound better with a singer and some beats. What about…”
“True Friends Trio”, they proclaimed together.
“Whatcha looking at?” asked Callie, their new classmate. “A Talent Pageant? Step aside, amateurs, and let true talent shine.”
“Hmph! We’ll see about that!”
Dazzling dancers, amazing acrobats, and marvelous musicians performed. Then, the MC announced, “Please welcome, True Friends Trio.”
Jamie twirled drumsticks. Stella picked out the tune. Terri sang like an angel.
As the cheering ended, Callie stepped onto the stage.
“What do you call a duck at the North Pole?…A Christmas Quacker!”
“And a toad…Mistletoad.”
“See that cat with a hat? Santa Claws!”*
The crowd roared, and the judges guffawed.
“Think we have some competition,” whispered Jamie.
But in the end, the judges proclaimed, “Please congratulate…True Friends Trio!”
“Woohoo! Guess the joke’s on you, Callie,” Stella said.
“Look! She’s crying.”
“Better luck next year,” Jamie said.
“I can’t wait that long,” Callie sobbed. “Mama’s sick. Dad lost his job. My little sisters have no Christmas presents.”
The trio looked at one another, at Callie, and at the sack.
“Here. For your sisters. No joke!”
*Jokes are adapted from kids’ holiday jokes found online at https://www.countryliving.com/life/entertainment/a30088418/santa-jokes/.
I was glad to see the bullies change their tune.
Cute comment!!
I like the believable rivalry between the young performers. A good lesson to us all that we never know the hidden hardships of others. This is a great story to teach Christmas kindness!
Thank you! So true!
Great story Patricia! I love seeing the change of heart!
Thank you!
Next year they can be a quartet and get along in harmony…Vey sweet!
I like that idea! Thanks!
Oh! This is so full of heart. Your trio really know the true meaning of friendship.
It’s not often that you have a child comedian in a talent show. Creative and fun idea!
Thank you! I had fun searching for kid-friendly holiday jokes!
I am glad the trio came together to perform, but in the true spirit of the holidays, they also joined together to help Callie.
Fairy Tale Houses WC – 246
By Jim Chaize
Fairy Tale Land buzzed with excitement!
“More lights!” yelled Baby Bear, as Papa Bear stretched. “I want to win!”
“Best holiday stick house ever,” said Pig’s brother. “Let’s hope Big Bad is not in the
neighborhood.”
“With my seven helpers we’ll be done in a jiffy,” said Snow White. “Sleepy! No time for a nap.”
That evening, the three billy goats snuck across Troll’s bridge to do their job.
“What does judge mean?” asked the little goat.
“Picking the best,” said the middle-size goat.
“What if they’re all the best?”
“That’ll never happen,” said the big goat.
At the bears’ house, the little goat stared. “Wow! It’s a rainbow of colors.”
“But too many lights,” said the middle-size goat.
The big goat shook his head. “Pig’s sticks are shading his decorations.”
“Snow White and the dwarfs always procrastinate and it shows,” said the middle-size goat.
Everyone from the forest awaited the judges.
The big goat TRIP, TRAPPED onto the stage. “I liked Snow White and the dwarf’s house the
best.”
Next, the middle-size goat TRIP, TRAPPED up. “Pig’s house was number one for me.”
All eyes fell on the little goat. TRIP, TRAP. “The bears’ house was my favorite.”
“I knew we’d never win,” said Grumpy.
“I’m so angry, I could blow down a house,” hollered Pig.
“Hey, we had the most lights!” yelled Baby Bear.
“Wait!” shouted the little goat. “It’s a tie! Everybody wins!”
A cheer rang through the forest.
I ADORE the opening lines of the three billy goats gruff when they enter the stage! Absolutely STUNNING! Their “trip trapping” was a nice touch! A delightful fairy tale mashup!
Thanks, Royal.
That’s a fun and festive fairy tale Christmas mash up!
I love your cast of characters! Thanks for sharing this fun story!
Way to incorporate so many fairy tales into a single story!
Christmas…by a Nose
By Jesse Anna Bornemann
Word Count: 234
Newspapers trumpeted!
Radios blared!
Cable news cried in alarm!
BIG CARROT SHORTAGE REPORTED TODAY:
CHAOS ERUPTS ON CLAUS FARM
And, indeed, Claus was troubled.
Perplexed, some might say.
To friends, he appeared worried sick.
(This was Sam Claus, who harvested just up the way
from his jollier brother, Old Nick.)
Christmas was coming,
And, with it, Claus knew,
The first of the season’s big snows.
But if carrots were lacking,
Joy would fade quick…
For no snowman could count on a nose!
Assistance was needed—
“A contest!” Claus thought.
No sense in lazing about.
“A trophy” he called. “To the barnyard friend here
Who can find the best substitute snout!”
“An apple!” said Horse.
(Goat and Donkey agreed.)
“It’s festive and rosy to boot.”
“But it’s round,” Claus reminded,
“And, also, it’s red. A not-at-all carrot-like fruit.”
“Maybe corn?” piped up Chicken.
“Oh, yes!” Pig enthused.
“I’ve got a few corncobs right here.”
“Not bad,” Claus conceded.
“A veggie, it’s true. But we need a good nose, not an ear.”
“’Wait, wait!” squeaked a voice. “Down here, take a look!
May I share my idea with you, please?
You need something pointy and orange-ish, and so…
Why not try wedges of cheese?”
“Yes, CHEESE!” Claus applauded. “A trophy for Mouse!
Or perhaps a large crumb would be better.
And while we’re addressing the subject of snacks:
…do we know if the reindeer like cheddar?”
WOW! This was INCREDIBLE! I am blown away. I LOVE the issues that arise with the carrot shortage! Discounting the corncobs for being ears was nothing short of GENIUS! And your closing line with cheddar was PERFECTION! Oh what fun!
Royal, you are so kind! Thank you SO much! My first draft was 320 words. It was quite a slice-and-dice job to get it under 250. Whew! Looking forward to reading yours and as many of the others as I can today!
This is fabulous! Way to find a unique angle, add awesome rhythm, rhyme and meter AND funny, twist at the end! 👏👍😂
Thank you!! This was such a fun challenge. Can’t wait to read the other entries!
Ohhh, this is so good! Your rhythm and rhymes are superb. My favorite line has to be “but we need a good nose, not an ear”!
Awww, thanks! (I usually see you on Twitter — nice to see you here, too!) There is so much brainpower in this story contest. It’s intimidating, but also inspiring!
I like the idea of Santa having a brother. And when you first mentioned the shortage of characters, I was thinking your story would primarily be about finding a substitute for the reindeers treats! I didn’t even think about snowman noses. (Maybe that is because I am currently living in Florida. LOL) And hooray for Mouse for finding a solution!
Thank you for the comments, Royal, Allison and Steena.
I wasn’t able to find the link for comments on my Android phone, but I am glad I can comment now to so many great stories from my computer! This contest was fun for me. It taught me to be more concise in my writing. This particular story helped me to bring Debbie out of hiding. As the star in an old WIP, she is still on my mind, so this story is a prequel to my novel in progress for MG readers who love family mysteries. The 1959 setting is a real family time I remember. I had to research about BOT or Audible and I found out that they were in use at this time in our history. I love Audible now for children’s books, too, Steena!
REINDEER SING…ARE YOU LISTENING?
By Katie Schwartz
WC – 245
The reindeer were bored. They’d been waiting all year
for their Christmas Eve flight spreading holiday cheer.
They put on some tunes while The Big Guy was napping…
it perked them right up…rocking, rolling, and rapping!
“Let’s have a contest…and see who sings best…
we’ll put our melodiousness to the test!”
“Me first” shouted Dasher, “My Christmas-time rap –
an ode to the dude in the red suit and cap!”
Dancer jumped up, “Time to rock ‘round the tree.
A-bopping…no stopping…a dance jamboree!”
Prancer pranced lightly, “Oh come ye, find joy,
the night all were blessed with a sweet baby boy.”
Vixen, the trickster, trilled “Fa-la-la-la,
deck the walls, deck the halls, deck it all – ha-ha-ha!”
Comet was next, beaming bright – like a star…
“Joy to all creatures, wherever you are!”
The sweet voice of Cupid rang out, “Sing Noel –
the story the angels were honored to tell.”
“Let it snow-oh-ee-oh” Donner yodeled, and then,
“I lu-uh-uhve Christmas, I give it a ten!”
“My friend Frosty dances, he’s something to see…
so cool” Blitzen boomed, “like a snowman should be!”
Rudolph piped up, “Olive played reindeer games
in a Christmassy song…that proclaimed both our names!”
The elves, list’ning closely, were tasked with the vote…
“Deer-friends, one more time, sing your most tuneful note.”
They stood, hoof-to-hoof, all together, a chorus…
The elves cheered and chortled, “You’ve managed to floor us!”
“We decree, you all win!” Thus began the tradition –
a Christmas Eve sing-along, reindeer rendition!
Great job Katie! I love how each reindeer has a different way of singing and that they started a new tradition from their friendly contest. Good luck to you!
Thank you! Once again, Susanna has challenged us, and there are so many wonderful entries!
Love it, Katie! Well done, and I love the last line! Good luck!
Thank you! Got it in just in time!
Katie, This is so well done. Great rhyme, great fun, most inventive. Good luck!
Thank you Marty! Good luck to you too!
Love it. Really original, fun and a joy to read. Some great rhymes in there too!
Thank you! Took a little work, but all Susanna’s challenges do! And are always great practice!
Wow! A truly and tunefully terrific story! ❤️🎄🎼
Thank you Ingrid! And good luck to you too!
The rollicking voice of your story is so fun (Big Guy, melodiousness, dude) followed by the variety of song choices for each reindeer, all with perfect rhyme and meter: it all adds up to nan fabulous Christmastime treat, Katie!
How fun is this?! So kid-friendly and toe-tappy. Well done!
What a wonderful Christmas competition you’ve created! I love this new tradition!
I love the various personalities you gave the famous reindeer we know and love! Excellent job! I particularly love you referring to Santa as “The Big Guy.” Fantastic!
Love the songs they all sing with their own spin. Fun story, Katie! Good luck!
Great job with your story and your rhymes Katie! I love the lyrics to the different songs, as well as the fact this started a new tradition! Well done!
CHRISTMAS CARROTS
by Vashti Verbowski
(250 words)
All the rabbits in Carrotville hopped with excitement—it was time to decorate their Christmas carrots. The winner would receive The Golden Watering Can.
Snowflake gazed at the prize…
If she won, maybe her baby carrots would grow bigger next year.
With her head in the clouds, Snowflake bumped into Buster. His Christmas carrot was already up—stunningly straight and tall as a beanstalk. Snowflake’s ears dropped. How could one of her tiny carrots compete with that?
Then, she spotted Flopsy and Mopsy. They had decorated TWO carrots. And they matched, strung with stars of holly. Snowflake tugged at her whiskers—what chance did she have now!?
With her nose to the ground, Snowflake thumped straight into Thumper’s colossal Christmas carrot. It was so orange and so big, thought Snowflake, that it could feed all the rabbits in Carrotville for a month. Even Thumper’s tossed-away carrot top looked impressive.
And that’s when Snowflake got an idea…
After asking the other rabbits for their unwanted scraps, she raced home and worked through the night.
In the morning, Snowflake woke to the drumming of rabbit feet. When she hopped out of her burrow, the whole town had gathered in her garden.
Dusted with fresh snow, Snowflake’s carrot top tree stood tall as a fir. Baby carrots dangled from every leaf, dancing like candles. And under the lowest bough, sat The Golden Watering Can. Snowflake had the best Christmas carrots!
That Spring, Snowflake expanded her garden… to grow MORE baby carrots for Christmas.
Cute story, Vashti! I love that Snowflake was able to win The Golden Watering Can her own way! 🙂
Such a clever and unique premise! Well done!
Such a clever premise! Snowflake is a winner for sure.
This is so fun, fresh, and original, Vashti! I love The Golden Watering Can and how Snowflake awakens to “the drumming of rabbit feet.” Beatrix Potter, move over!
This story has potential for some beautiful illustrations! Such an original idea with a gorgeous visual of her award-winning baby carrot display!
And now she has the Golden Watering Can to help her with her newly expanded garden!!
BEING SANTA LUCIA
By Cindy Greene
Word Count: 249
When Eric’s school announced its first Santa Lucia Day procession, Eric jumped to enter the singing contest to be Santa Lucia.
After all, Eric actually celebrated the holiday at home. Singing the traditional song, Eric always felt tingly, as if the goodness of Santa Lucia was coming from him, filling the room with joy.
Eric practiced
during the morning,
during the night.
alone,
when his sisters wished he was alone.
“We want you to win, and we need sleep” they said.
Contest day, Eric was ready. He stood straight. Eric sang like Santa Lucia, goodness pouring out.
He held his breath as the winner was announced.
“Isabella Smith”
WHAT? Eric thought. Isabella didn’t have a Swedish grandma like him. Maybe Isabella could sing, but she probably didn’t even know how to be kind and good like Santa Lucia.
Except Isabella did know how –
on the playground,
in class,
even to Eric.
This made Eric even madder.
I hope she gets a sore throat he thought.
The day of the procession, Isabella looked healthy. Eric frowned.
But when Isabella started singing, Eric’s shoulders relaxed. He felt tingly. He thought of Santa Lucia.
He smiled, then noticed Isabella was repeating the same verse.
“Natten går stor,” Eric whispered. Without a Swedish grandma, it was probably easy to forget the words.
After the procession, Eric said, “You were great.”
“Thanks for your help,” said Isabella. “You’re lucky your family celebrates Santa Lucia.”
“We can all celebrate,” Eric replied. “All year long!”
(If you don’t know Santa Lucia Day, it is a sweet holiday, introduced to me by my mother-in-law and now quite beloved. I’m happy to tell anyone about it!)
We celebrated every year and I even got to be Santa Lucia one year! Wearing a wreath of candles on your head while singing is quite a feat! I’m so happy to see it represented here. ❤️
Thank you for sharing this sweet story! Your main characters are very realistic, and I love the ending.
I love that you shine a spotlight on Santa Lucia Day via Eric’s story of rising above disappointment and jealousy to show kindness to the very person he envies.
I LOVE hearing about different holidays! Eric is a very well-written character! His disappointment and ill-wishing are believable. You did a GREAT job showing how he let it all go when he felt the goodness of Santa Lucia through Isabella’s performance! A peaceful holiday hymn.
I have never heard of Santa Lucia Day. Pretty cool that she is the patron saint of the blind. Thank you for the education and this sweet story.
Nun, Gimel, Hei, Shin – Who Will Win? (110 words)
by Stephanie Wildman
“Why do you always make everything a contest?” sighed Joey.
“I just want to race to the mailbox,” Sam grinned.
“Okay,” Joey started running, knowing his older brother would win.
“Race you back?” asked Sam as he tagged the mailbox first.
“Sure,” Joey shrugged.
Back in their house the smell of latkes frying filled the air – the first night of Chanukah!
“Let’s play dreidel,” said Joey.
“Dreidel is a contest,” teased Sam. “It’s about who gets the most gelt. Are you sure you want to play?”
Sam smiled, “The fun is spinning the dreidel and seeing how it lands. I don’t have to win all the gelt. But I might.”
Stephanie, I enjoyed your slice of life story. Also, liked learning that nun, gimbal, hei, and shin are what’s on each side of the dreidel. Very interesting, and sounds like fun!
Thank you so much. I love your story, too. Extra points for taking on rhyming!
Stephanie – Your story rang so true of kids, racing and competing! Fun story.
Thank you!
I just put together you wrote the Santa Lucia story, which I loved.
I love his attitude at the end! If everyone played like that, everyone would have more fun!
Agree – and I would send you a heart emoji, if I could figure out how. Thank you!
Haha, this sounds like a very realistic sibling duo. Well done–and in so few words to boot!
Thank you!
A delightful Chanukah-themed celebration of the love and rivalry between siblings. I especially love the last line.
thank you!
Joey and Sam are believable brothers! (Sam so eager to play and Joey the ever-reluctant participant) I LOVE that it is the smell of latkes filling the air that gets Joey to recommend playing a game this time. A cute view into the simple joys of the holiday season!
thank you – I do love latkes!
Sorry Joey, but I think most families have a Sam in them. Hopefully Joey ends up winning the most gelt.
I’m rooting for Joey, too!
Carmen Castillo Gilbert, PhD
81 Chappell Drive
Milford, NH 03055
cacegi@comcast.net
(603) 672-0889
ANDRÉS BLUE RIBBON
(246 words)
“Where’s Grandma Sofía’s turrón blando recipe? I can’t find it,” Andrés wailed. “I need it for the school holiday contest.
Oh, I know! I’ll video chat with Abuela Sofía in Spain and she’ll help me.”
Tap!
̶ Hola, Abuela, how are you? ¿Cómo está?
“Think you can help me make your turrón blando for my school holiday contest? It’s sweet and special just like you.”
“How nice of you to say that about me, Andrés. Of course, mi amor! I can help you. Gather your ingredients.”
Andrés saw her get closer to her screen.
––Miel–– she said.
“Honey, got it!” Andrés answered.
––Almendras molidas.
“Ground almonds.”
––Canela.
“Cinnamon.”
––Huevos.
“Eggs.”
“Remember to separate the whites from the yolks. Now join las almendras molidas with la miel. Mix the egg whites and la canela,” Abuela said.
Andrés’s stirred the mixture on the stove.
He put wax paper on a dish.
When the mixture was ready, he …
spread,
spread,
spread it over the paper.
Then he…
waited,
waited, and waited for it to harden.
On the day of the contest, Andrés held his breath as winners were called. The tables were full of usual eggnog drinks, sugar cookies, gingerbread houses and fruit cakes.
One of the judges said:
“This year we’ve chosen an international dessert. For the best turrón blando we’ve ever tasted, we ask Andrés Pérez to come forward.”
That night, Andrés video chatted with his Abuela.
“Look, Abuela, have you ever seen a bigger ribbon?”
And now I am hungry! Thank you for this awesome sounding recipe and a great story!
The love between your character and his abuela really shines through. They deserve that giant ribbon!
I love the bilingual aspects of this story, exposing readers to Spanish words and phrases! It was fun to see the modern ways we are able to enjoy the holidays with the ones we love, even when they live far away.
How lucky for Andres to be able to learn from his abuela!! I am sure the ribbon made both of them very proud.
What a great story – I love how you showed how technology connects us with family! Well done, Carmen!
The Chubby Bunny Champion
By: Alicia Meyers
WC: 185
(Also posted on my blog: https://www.heyaliciamae.com/blog/susanna-hills-annual-holiday-writing-contest )
The rules are simple
at the Marshmallow Munch.
A confectionery, Christmas-time contest.
Fill your mouth to the brim with marshmallows
and speak the golden words:
“Chubby Bunny.”
Stretch the cheeks to prepare!
Smile wide…stop.
Smile wide…stop.
The judges take their seats.
Let the countdown begin.
“GO!!!”
First marshmallow–
sugary to the taste.
“Chubby Bunny,” comes easily.
Applause!
Add one more.
A remarkably gooey revelation.
“Chubuh Bunuh,” trips over the tongue.
Here goes another!
Sticky, sticky.
Add another!
Feel the fluff.
“Chuhhh–oooo-unnn-ehhhh”
Lots of giggles.
Contestants concede.
Finalists go marshmallow-to-marshmallow.
Can I fit one more?
Maybe, two?
With each increasing ‘mallow
(A plenitude of puff),
Comes a confusing…
“Uhh-ehh-uhh-ehh”
“Uh-uh-uh-eh”
“Uh–uhh-uhh-uhhh”
Marshmallows fold.
Cheeks fill with warmth.
(A particularly delicious problem.)
My opponent hesitates,
with no space to spare.
Only two words to win!
“Aaaa………….”
Mouth like cotton..
“Ehhh…………….”
Cheers of encouragement.
“Uhh………….”
Eyes watering…
“Ehhhhhhhhhh!!!”
STANDING OVATION.
Hoorays!
Handshakes!
Thank-you’s!
Beaming.
A first-time winner.
Piping hot chocolate for the victor?
“Why, yes please!”
Milky, creamy, chocolatey!
It’s beginning to taste a lot like Christmas.
Trophy held high.
A proud participant.
The new Chubby Bunny Champion.
I want to enter this contest! A fun and funny story. I particularly liked the spelling out of how Chubby Bunny sounded through the marshmallows!
You had me a marshmallow! Riveting from beginning to end! Great job. Good luck to you!
This is so fun–and even better when read aloud! My kids are going to want to play after hearing this. Good thing I have a fresh bag of marshmallows!
A great idea for a Christmas contest! Excellent description of “mouth like cotton.” I love the line “It’s beginning to taste a lot like Christmas!” Awesome!
I don’t think I would make it very far into this contest, but it certainly sounds like something that would create a lot of laughter!
ENTRY POSTED FOR KRISTY
Up and Away!
by Kristy Roser Nuttall
Word count: 245
The Christmas elf contest was not to be missed.
A scavenger hunt with a long quirky list.
But one elf named Davey stood off to the side.
“This contest is silly!” the grumpy elf cried.
But then he saw something that made his toes tingle.
The contest grand prize was a ride with Kris Kringle!
A chance to ride high in the real Santa sleigh—
To be the first elf to fly up and away!
So Davey joined in with his scavenger chums.
He raced to find holly and crisp sugar plums.
He dove to grab tinsel; he leapt into trees.
He even found one of the rare reindeer fleas.
Only one item was left on his list.
He gawked in dismay–a mistletoe kiss?
Who would he smooch? He did not have a clue.
Till a bear wandered over, and then–Davey knew!
He’d heard of bear hugs, why not a bear kiss?
So with mistletoe hanging he puckered his lips.
Instead, the bear roared and ran after a moose.
Davey stood stunned, and a teardrop let loose.
Next he saw Chuckles, a hairy old dog.
But who could kiss Chuckles, with breath like a hog?
Then Davey grabbed onto his elf grandma’s hand.
He whispered a question–she liked his new plan.
He gave her a peck, under bright mistletoe.
And Santa was watching, so what do you know?
He let them both ride in his magical sleigh.
And their elf giggles echoed—up, up and away!!
****************
And here is a link to the story on my blog:
http://www.kristynuttall.com/blog-1/up-and-away
Absolutely delightful! The tension, the stakes…the solution! Fabulous! 😂
Aww, thanks so much for going on the story sleigh ride!
Love this, Kristy! Hooray for Davey and his grandma.
Thanks so much Marty! Hip hip hooray for holiday fun.
Great rhyme and meter! Nice job and good luck!
Phew! Rhyme and meter are so tricky! Glad that it worked out–thanks!
That’s so lovely. Full engaging story and perfect rhyme. Love it.
Thanks Polly! I’m glad you enjoyed it.
You had me at “rare reindeer fleas.” This was great. A sweet ending, and lovely rhymes. Well done!
Thanks! That was one of my favorite lines to write! It came to me on the bus while I was chaperoning my son’s fieldtrip.
Wow Kristy! Love this!!! Rhyme and meter perfection and I love that the grandmother got to ride in Santa’s sleigh too. Good luck to you!
Right? The more the merrier for the sleigh ride!
I love this so much! Still chuckling about reindeer fleas.
Thanks Allison!! Riendeer fleas is one of my favorite lines too.
So fun and what a great grand prize! Bear hug –> bear kiss and a dog with “breath like a hog” both made me chuckle!
I love it, Kristy! Lots of wonderful humor and an uplifting ending 🙂 Kissing grandma is the perfect solution!
So MANY clever elements! Reindeer fleas and bear kisses – Ha! Love it! And I would love to hear Davey and his grandma’s elf giggles – they sound oh so jolly! Well done!
Thanks Royal! I like imagining the elf giggles too!
Grumpy no more! I loved your rhyme and your details. Well done.
Thanks Colleen! It was fun to write.
I had so much fun writing I decided to post this one too. 😊💕
Christmas Isn’t
135 words
Ingrid Boydston
It isn’t the wrapping, the ribbons and bows.
It isn’t the song about Rudolph’s red nose.
It isn’t the garland of tinsel and holly.
Or even Saint Nicholas, always so jolly.
It isn’t the cookies or candy cane treats,
the colorful Christmas lights strung in the streets,
or decking a tree to look perfectly right
with tinsel and ornaments glittering bright.
It isn’t the gifts waiting under the tree,
this package for you and that present for me.
It isn’t the wreath hanging up on the door.
It’s all of these things, but it’s also much more.
The best part of Christmas was born long ago.
He lived, then he died but He rose again so
that we could live with Him in Heaven above
The best part is Jesus, the best gift, His love.
I love this, Ingrid! It would make a wonderful poem picture book!
Thank you❣️I couldn’t sleep and … 🙏❤️
(((Ingrid!))) This is beautiful!!! And I agree with Jill- I see a picture book here too!
Thank you so much❣️ This is a special one for me.
This is really beautiful. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you so much for commenting❣️ I’m so happy you think it’s beautiful.
When the creative energy grabs us we must write! Thank you for this beautiful poem!
Thank you for taking the time to read and comment!
Life is often obscured by the “white noise” of things. This is a good reminder of what Christmas is.
Simply beautiful! Thanks for sharing this! 🙂
Wow! Perfectly said and rhymed!
Thank you Colleen! I really appreciate it.
The Christmas Pirate by Julianna Kurtz 227 words
Today, Mrs. Lerner would reveal partners for the Christmas Spirit Contest-the highlight of third grade. Nick was hoping his partner would be someone like Marcy who had been wearing Countdown to Christmas Sweatshirts since Halloween or Noelle who had been plastering Christmas stickers everywhere for days.
Nick held his breath as choices were made. Finally his stick was drawn Oh no! Not Chris the pirate! Nick thought Chris was kind of cool the way he always wore a pirate doo rag and had that fancy communication device but as a partner for the Christmas Spirit contest. Whoever heard of a Christmas pirate?
He did not want Chris to see his disappointment so they high-fived and Chris typed out “MATIES-YAY! “ on his machine. Nick noticed that all of the other partners were brainstorming their projects in hushed voices.
“Got any ideas Chris?”
“Arrrrgh TREASURE!” typed Chris and handed Nick a battered notebook. As Nick leafed through the pages,he knew what they could do!
He whispered his plan to Chris who nodded and hand flapped excitedly!
The next Friday it was time for the project reveal! When it was their turn Nick and Chris pushed a big treasure chest filled with rolled pieces of paper, tied with red ribbons into the room.
Each person received a hand drawn picture that said, “You are a real treasure! Merry Christmas!”
This is so sweet! Thank you for this inclusive story.
Such a sweet Christmas story of beautiful inclusiveness. I enjoyed reading about the treasure chest and the Christmas notes! A great reminder to us all!
I love this inclusive story! And I love how Nick opened his heart to Chris.
I knew the pirate would come through!!
You had me from the title! Thank when I realized why he’s a “pirate”…well, you got me again. Lovely!
Maryam’s Happy Persian Christmas by Shadi Kafi 250 Words
“I’ll help you maman,” said Maryam as she whisked around maman to help her prepare the Persian Christmas dinner party.
The lovely aroma of saffron covered rice filled the air.
“Mmm,” said Maryam as she carried the tray full of rice to the white laced sofreh on the floor for their guests to sit around to eat.
Maryam then set the table with the rest of maman’s dishes–the second plate of herbed rice, turmeric spiced fish and the gold-trimmed crystal tea cups mamani gifted the family.
“You are a great helper!” said maman.
Maryam smiled and kissed maman on the cheek.
Next, Maryam dashed outside to help baba.
“Baba, can I help you decorate the tree?”
Baba loved to decorate the Alberta spruce Christmas tree each year in the front yard.
“Of course Maryam,”said baba. He handed her a string of lights. “This year we are sure to win the neighborhood award for best decorated tree,” said Maryam.
Baba nodded yes.
Maryam strung the lights around the tree until she could not reach any higher. Baba made the final twist to the top.
“Beautiful,” said Maryam.
Maryam kissed baba on the cheek and ran back inside.
When their guests arrived they began the evening reciting poetry from the poet Hafez and a Persian dance party. Mamani danced with Maryam.
That night, Maryam’s parents tucked her in bed.
“Did you have a special Christmas?” asked maman.
“Yes, I love our Persian Christmas!” said Maryam.
Baba kissed her on her forehead.
I feel like I’ve been given a glimpse into a world I’ve never known, this is lovely, thank you!
This sounds like such a magical celebration in a family oozing with love. Thanks for sharing!
This is lovely! I feel like I’m celebrating with this loving family.
Maryam and her helpful attitude is an excellent example to us all! I loved the beautiful details of their Christmas dinner and the evening’s festivities! This story is a beautiful celebration of Christmas, culture, family, and selfless giving!
I loved being introduced to the smells and traditions of a Persian Christmas. Thank you for sharing your story.
I just wrote this in the past hour since learning about this lovely competition! I love last minute pressure to get me in the holiday spirit!
The Most Beautiful Snowflake of All
By: Cassie Silva
WC: 250
“The fourth-grade snowflake-crafting competition starts NOW!” Miss Pinecone announced to her
class. “Who can craft the most snowflakes before winter break starts?”
Scissors flashed and paper flew as students carefully crafted their creations.
“Let it snow, boys and girls! I want this classroom to look like a blizzard hit!”
As they worked, the children chatted about holiday traditions.
“We spend all day unwrapping gifts,” Brenna boasted.
“We make so much food we have leftovers for weeks!” bragged Michael.
“What about you, Lucy?” Miss Pinecone asked.
“My parents said Santa won’t be coming this year, because other kids need him more. But that’s
okay, Lucy said, brushing away snowflakes from her threadbare coat. ” I’ll play games with
my younger siblings, and sing songs, and we’ll make it a special day.”
“The student who crafted the most snowflakes is Michael!” announced Miss Pinecone. “Go
choose a gift from under the tree!”
All twelve gifts were snapped up by students who had made piles of sloppy snowflakes. They
looked at Lucy who was still crafting her first snowflake, then quietly snuck out the door.
“Lucy, time’s up!” Miss Pinecone smiled. “You’re the last student left!”
Lucy finally unwrapped her snowflake, and Miss Pinecone gasped. “Oh Lucy, it’s the most
beautiful of all!”
“It’s for you Miss Pinecone. I wanted to give you a special gift for Christmas.”
Through the intricate snowflake designs, Lucy saw something surprising. Her desk was piled
with twelve wrapped gifts.
“Oh Miss Pinecone! Santa found me after all!”
So very sweet! Happy holidays!
Wow! The pressure did lead you to write a wonderful piece!
Such kindness! I think the pressure helped you craft a very heartfelt story.
Lucy is a lovely character! Her good attitude and selfless giving, despite hardship, is a good example to us all!
Well that was a pretty amazing story if it was written last minute. I would love to see Lucy’s snowflake. ❤
Fire and Ice
by Jyn Hall
wc: 249
“Fire and Ice Festival is a tradition!” Noelle burst into tears.
Nothing — absolutely nothing — was right this year. No wintry snow, no ice sculpture competition, no fiery chili cook-off. This move to California away from her friends was bad enough. But no Fire and Ice Festival?
Noelle pushed food around her plate, kicking the table leg. “It doesn’t feel like the holidays.”
“You’re still coming with us today,” said Dad. Her little brother, Chris, smirked.
Tonight her friends would celebrate on the other side of the country. Without her. She would even miss Lucia’s same old joke after finishing their chili, “That’s the fire. Now the ice!” And they would traipse through the snow, proclaiming their favorite ice sculptures and predicting the winners.
When they piled out of the car, Noelle scuffed her shoes on the sandy sidewalk, squinting at the too-sunny, too-hot-for-December day.
Chris sprinted past a sign: “Sand Sculpting Holiday Competition.”
Noelle’s eyes grew wide. Up and down the beach, breathtaking sand sculptures rose: an enormous pirate ship captained by Santa, a twenty-foot Hanukkah dreidel, an elaborate nativity scene, a Kwanzaa kinara with seven sky-high candles.
A smile dawned across Noelle’s face at a sculpture of Santa, Mrs. Claus, and elves relaxing around a bonfire. She snapped a photo for Lucia. “That’s the fire…” She looked around. “And the ice?”
Chris pointed to a distant shop.
“Snow cones!” Noelle squealed. “Race you!” Sand spraying, she sped off down the beach.
This is great, Jyn! I love all the different holidays you incorporated into the sand sculpting. Good luck to you!
Thank you!
Oh I love this! I’m so glad your character was able to find a new holiday tradition–I’d take a sandy beach right now…
Thank you! And omigoodness, me too. I am staring at the near-freezing rain out my window and dreaming of the beach…
Jyn, I love this story of celebration and change!
Thank you! Love that wording “celebration and change!” 🙂
I love this! Noelle and her situation are so relatable. And I am right with her in awe of those magnificent sand sculptures!
Thank you! Me too – how do they do that?! 🙂
Hi Jyn! I can’t relate. It is December 10th, and 79 degrees, and sunny here in San Antonio today! 🙂 Such a fun story, and I love that snow cones are their ice! HA! Thank you for sharing!
Thank you! I’m from San Diego, so the beachy, sunny Christmases (complete with decorating the tree to the Beach Boys Christmas album) are what I grew up with. Always dreamed of a White Christmas. Now I’m in Atlanta and we get icy, freezing SuperBowls, haha!
Love the Fire and Ice concept and how you threaded her love and nostalgia for the celebration into her new life. A culturally inclusive story.
Thank you! I love your phrasing of “threaded her love and nostalgia for the celebration into her new life.”
I love this piece! A move is often difficult, especially for young people, and it was sweet to see Noelle find a piece of home in her new place! Such a heartwarming, inclusive story!
Thank you! I moved a lot as a kid, so there’s a piece of me in Noelle.
Very cute and clever Jyn. I can relate to Noelle’s dismay as there is little sign of Christmas here in Florida, but I do get to go home to CT soon! I love the sand sculptures. The place where we often vacation has a competition with them, so great idea.
This was such a satisfying story and would be lovely to see illustrated!
Title: The Santa Spectacle
By Mary Catherine Amadu
Word Count: 250
Everybody knows about
The Night Before Christmas.
Papa cracked up
because he spotted Santa.
But do you know what, exactly, was so funny?
I do.
I’m Santa, a.k.a. Saint Nick,
or, as Mrs. Claus teases,
Saint “Nick of Time”.
I’m not the best at keeping track of time….
or laundry…or cookies…
organization’s not my strong suit.
Anyway,
there was more to that Christmas Eve
than meets the eye.
I had checked the list once,
and was heating some cocoa,
when Mrs. Claus stormed in.
“You’re moving slow as molasses!
It’s Christmas Eve!” she scolded.
“CHRISTMAS EVE?!” That wasn’t what the calendar said!
I peered at it again.
Holy night, she was right!
“UH-OH!”
I downed my cocoa,
squeezed into my suit,
and dashed to the sleigh.
One whistle, and away we flew!
Everything after that was a bit of a blur,
but I do recall glitter exploding in my face,
a wardrobe malfunction making me blush,
some suspicious tasting cookies,
and a beard-first collision with a snowman.
THUMPITY-THUMP!
When I finally bounded down Papa’s chimney,
I was quite the spectacle.
Not only did my eyes twinkle but…
that cocoa made me
need TO TINKLE!
I tried to signal Papa for help.
I winked.
I twisted my head,
and as I was twisting…
something fell off my hat!
MY GLASSES!
When I put them on,
the reason for my mistakes became crystal clear.
“HO HO HO!”
It was a good belly laugh,
until I realized I still needed the potty.
“UH-OH.”
Lol! 😂👍
This is so cute
Haha, poor Santa! I loved “holy night–she was right!” Such a great line.
Some excellent word play, “Holy night” and “Beard-first collision!” I love that you say Santa isn’t organized, now it makes sense why he has so many helpers!
Ha ha!! Oh Santa!! And of course Santa needs to go potty; why didn’t I think of that? Thanks for the fun read.
Word Count: 248 A JARRING CONTEST
By Bru Benson
During Christmas, as far as Kevin could remember, Mr. Leyman’s candy storefront window had a clear glass jar as big as a watermelon filled with striped balls, for the store’s annual “HOW MANY PEPPERMINT BALLS ARE IN THE JAR?” contest. The sign said, “Whoever guesses the closest without going over, will win $50. One guess per customer.”
“Gosh,” ten-year-old Kevin said to his fourth-grade friend, “I want to win. That’s a lot of money.”
“And candy too,” said Mia.“If my measurements are right, the radius and the orbital mass exceed the imperfections in each candy ball by one eighth.”
“What?” Kevin said.
“It means precisely 643 peppermint balls are in the jar,” the math wizard said.
For the past two years, Mia won.
Kevin wasn’t even going to try.
“Not winning wouldn’t be the worst Christmas gift I ever received,” Kevin said,” My older brother, Buzz, gave me a large wrapped box every year with bows and ribbon. All I found inside was wadded-up toilet paper; no real present at all. At least the outside looked good.”
He paused.
“THE OUTSIDE LOOKED GOOD,” Kevin repeated then smiled.
Three weeks later, Mr. Leyman opened the jar in front of everybody. He turned it upside down. Peppermints fell out rolling around and then a big wad of newspaper from the middle tumbled out.
“My little secret,” Mr. Leyman said.
The only person this year not going over is… Kevin.
“Way to go,” Mia said
“Thanks to Buzz,” Kevin replied.
Aha! Thinking “inside” the box gave the needed clue this time….clever story!
Thank you.
Very clever! I enjoyed reading this.
Thank You. I’m glad you enjoyed the story.
Oh, that’s so tricky and clever! I love Mia’s funny calculations and how Buzz ended up helping Kevin in the end.
Thank you.
Mia the math wizard is a spectacular character! Her opening conversation with Kevin is some GREAT writing! Even her simplified version made her sound like a math wiz! Great job!
Thank you. It’s my tribute to Professor Erwin Corey from the 1960’s-1970’s.
I recognize those names!! Kevin and Buzz from HOME ALONE?? And each is true to their character, but Buzz would probably be disappointed if he knew he helped Kevin win. LOL
Thank You. My Christmas nod to John Hughes.
EVERYTHING
By Sandhya Acharya, Wordcount 246
The gingerbread-house decorating contest was about to begin.
Veeru was supposed to win it this year. Amma had promised him.
But Amma left without keeping her promise.
Bump!
Bump!
The other children rushed past.
The gingerbread pieces were disappearing.
“Go on,” Appa nudged Veeru, “I’ll help.”
Veeru filled his tray.
The aroma from the gingerbread swirled in the air.
Veeru breathed it in.
“Mmmmm…” Appa breathed it in too. “Ginger, cloves, cinnamon. It smells just like…
“Amma’s chai,” whispered Veeru.
Appa’s eyes crinkled as he smiled.
“Yes,” he said, “it does.”
They smeared the buttercream and shaped the walls together.
“Amma’s chai was special, wasn’t it?” asked Appa.
Veeru nodded.
He remembered the thump-thump in the kitchen as Amma pounded the spices for her chai.
Once, when Veeru asked her what was in it,
“Everything!” she replied.
It was time to decorate.
“What would you like on your house?” Appa asked.
Veeru’s lips curved into a smile.
“Everything!” he replied.
Sprinkles poured
….a bit too much,
glitter flew
….all over the place,
candy-canes covered,
coconut flakes showered,
chubby marshmallows melted on their fingers and hair,
and before the judging could even begin – the roof caved in with the weight of gum-drop candy – Veeru’s favorite.
Veeru didn’t win the contest.
But later, at home,
as he sat in the kitchen listening to the
thump-thump of the pestle as Appa pounded spices for their chai,
Veeru felt like he had won something even better –
Everything.
What a lovely story!
Oh, this is lovely. I love your use of repetition to tie ‘everything’ up in a beautiful package. Best of luck!
This is wonderful Sandhya. Again, you tap into the senses so well, making me feel like I’m there with Veeru! Well done:)
I love the thump thump of the pestle and the aromatic spices bringing cherished memories of Amma to Veeeru’s recollection. A beautifully nostalgic holiday for a young boy!
I like that you don’t tell us what happened to Amma. And I love the memories of Amma’s thump-thump in the kitchen.
It’s so fun how their plans for the snowman morph from classic to crazy! Good thing they can think outside the box!
Heartwarming! I enjoyed the combination of cultures!
I love how Jonathan and Sabrina are creative problem-solvers! And who knew that Santa could lasso a snow cloud—this is such vivid imagery. Great story, Susan!
ENTRY POSTED FOR EVA
Similarity Despite Diversity
By Eva Felder
(239 words)
The Holiday Season was fast approaching, and the excitement could be felt everywhere.
The school Principal was brainstorming a special Project for the children. After many ideas ended up tossed in the recycling bin, she knew exactly what to announce over the loudspeakers that day.
“Good morning fabulous students, I need your total attention: Our Holidays Project this year is a Contest. The entire School will participate, you are going to work individually, each class will have three winners and the prizes are a total secret.”
“In the last five years, our school has been culturally enriched by kids original of many countries. Diverse festivities are taking place throughout our everchanging community. Your assignment is to interview as many schoolmates as possible and inquire about holidays celebrated in each home.”
“Explore with great precision each element: Name of the Holiday, history, symbols, customs, music, gifts, food. Once you gather all the information, compare and contrast all the celebrations. The key concept is how much affinity we have with others. The Title of the Contest is: Similarity Despite Diversity. You have three weeks to complete your task and turn in your Project, to the library.”
“Good luck to all of you, be on cloud nine, and always be exceptional researchers.”
All participant enjoyed the Contest, learned a lot, and developed new friendships. The Mayor of the City gave the prizes to the winners.
This wonderful Contest was covered by all the News.
This sounds like a wonderfully enriching contest!
What a beautifully inclusive holiday contest! I LOVE stories that draw awareness to the similarities between all of the collective holidays.
This should be an activity engaged in by students in every school. There is so much diversity and yet so little shared.
Before COVID, and hopefully again soon, my school hosted an annual Holidays Around the World event! Any family could set up a table, dress in their traditional garb and display their cultures icons while serving the food of their holiday. This type of competition would be such a fun activity to add to the festivities! Great story!
O Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree
by Becky Goodman
232 words
After Thanksgiving, the contest begins.
Participants enter unwittingly, yet strive day and night, to achieve one brilliant win.
Families work together. They strategize, tinker, and create.
But when the deadline approaches, few homes achieve the greatness they imagined…
Few understand their mightiest opponent:
The Toddler.
Three feet high and weighing as much as a large turkey, the toddler’s ability to destruct is 100:1, proportionally to her size.
Adults mistake the toddler’s round, merry belly and stubby limbs for cuteness, until they’re used against THE LARGEST OBJECT EVER INTRODUCED into her home:
The Christmas Tree.
This beacon of hope turns into a mountain of mayhem. At first, families react in small ways – moving ornaments, and hiding the pointy, weapon-ready ones.
This is STAGE 1: REDISTRIBUTION.
In the Merriweather household…
STAGE 2: BLOCKADE, begins.
Joy, 11, watches her parents gate off the tree. “Stop!” she calls, as the toddler scales the wall.
Joy organizes…
STAGE 3: BYE-BYE BALL ORNAMENTS
and
STAGE 4: TREE ON A TABLE.
When her parents finish
STAGE 5: THE TREE IS OUTSIDE,
tears fall from her mother’s eyes. “I just wanted…”
Joy runs upstairs, grabs the cat post, and brings it into the family room. She strings lights, gathers small stuffies, and secures them onto perches. Joy picks up the toddler and asks her parents to come see.
They enter STAGE 6: ACCEPTANCE.
They all laugh and embrace. “It’s beautiful.”
So clever, real, and funny!
HAHAHAHA! I love your voice–sounds like the narration of a nature show. I can just see the illustrations, too. Well done and best of luck!
I love this! Such a fun read. And how true… these tiny tots can be the “mightiest opponents!”
Oh that Toddler! So cute, relatable, and funny!
Haha, oh my! The scientific description of the toddler is hilarious! And I LOVE the line “This beacon of hope turns to a mountain of mayhem!”
Fantastic humor, and relatable for families with toddlers!
We have reached the stage where all breakable ornaments are at the top of the tree! Great observations and account of the havoc a toddler can wreak on a Christmas tree!
That’s way too true and terrifically funny! lol!
ENTRY POSTED FOR PHOEBE
Solstice Wars!
Phoebe Browning
Word Count: 250
Mindy and Janet were the best of frenemies.
Until the day their teacher asked who can create a Winter Solstice celebration.
Mindy and Janet’s hands shot up in the air. “I can!” they exclaimed in unison.
“I celebrate Dongzhi for solstice and make traditional foods with my family,” Janet said.
Mindy replied, “I decorate trees with food for the animals and welcome the light.”
Mindy and Janet stared at each other.
“How about we both create a celebration and see which the class likes better. The winner will be crowned Solstice Queen,” Janet challenged.
“You mean Dongzhi Queen”, Mindy countered.
Solstice dawned.
Mindy handed out garlands of popcorn and dried apples, and bird feeders covered in seed and peanut butter to hang on the trees.
After they did, Mindy led them in singing…
“Oh Solstice Tree, Oh Solstice Tree
How lovely are your branches.”
Back inside, Janet passed out dumplings in warm soup and sweet rice balls.
Then Janet recited:
“Clouds fell away at this dawn; the day would be longer since then. Warmer and warmer, as night turns to be shorter.”
As the class slurped their soup, Mindy gave out lanterns for home.
“Time to vote on which celebration was better”, the teacher announced.
Mindy burst out, “Wait, I love Janet’s traditions. She should win!”
“No, I love your traditions. You should win!” Janet exclaimed.
“Great job girls, you’re both winners!’, the teacher announced as the class cheered.
The girls looked at each other and giggled.
“Yes, we are!!!”
I wouldn’t be able to choose a winner between these two lovely celebrations either!
I love learning about holidays I’m not familiar with! It was fun hearing the different ways Mindy and Janet both celebrated Winter Solstice.
And we are the winners for being able to read about both of these traditions! Thanks for sharing!
Wow, I thought I knew nearly all of holidays but I learned a new one! Thanks and it was fun to read too!
Gingerbread Surprise
by JC Kelly
250 Words
‘Twas the night before the Holiday Gingerbread House contest, and Hank was frantically decorating his masterpiece.
When Mom yelled “Almost bedtime,” Hank worked even faster.
Mixing bowls piled up in the sink. Everything was sticky with icing.
Gingersnap the cat scampered around, licking up bits of candy that dropped on the floor.
Flour dusted everything, making it look like it had flurried inside the kitchen.
Just as Hank placed the last candy cane, Mom yelled, “Time for bed.”
His house was perfect. The icing was straight. Each candy carefully placed. But, the kitchen was a disaster. Hank promised he’d clean it after school.
In the morning, Hank had to rub his eyes — was he seeing things? What happened to his perfect gingerbread house? Why was there a small hole in it?
It almost looked like a mousehole. Hank peered through, and was shocked to see something INSIDE. He was scratching his head when Mom yelled “Hurry, the bus is coming.”
When it was time to judge the houses, everyone gathered around Hank’s, amazed at the surprise inside. There was no competition. Hank was the clear winner.
When Hank brought home his gingerbread house with the first-place ribbon, he asked Mom, “How did you get that surprise inside, after I made the house?”
“What surprise?” asked Mom as she squinted through the mousehole, shocked to see an intricately decorated cat-shaped gingerbread cookie inside the house.
Suddenly they both noticed Gingersnap, licking flour off his paws. Grinning like a Cheshire cat.
Ooohhh, I love the hint of magic and the dark ending! Well done.
I like the idea of a gingerbread cookie inside a gingerbread house. Why don’t more gingerbread houses contain hidden treasures?
Ha ha!! Not the surprise I expected, but a great one at that!
I was so relieved Gingersnap didn’t ruin the house entirely I didn’t see the end coming! Nicely done!
Squirrels Christmas
By: Charlotte Boyer
250 Words
“IT’S HAPPENING!” I yell.
The air has a chill, and I see the first tree tied to a vehicle.
It’s Christmas.
Time for the best annual contest.
While humans find cheer in church and gifts, we squirrels find joy in their decorations.
It started when my uncle thought acorns were in a Santa’s sleigh.
We found him; hat draped over his face.
Uncle Earl as Santa. It was PRICELESS. And thus began our annual contest.
Who can find the best decorations to become part of?
Judges select a winner during our Christmas demonstration. Every year Billy wins.
I start my search early.
Nothing.
I see Billy. “Hey,” he says, “I found my decoration, it’s the best ever.”
HOW IS THAT POSSIBLE!?
I get up earlier the next day, but nothing can beat whatever Billy has.
I do this for weeks.
Wake up, dash around, nothing.
Maybe I should give up. Then, like a dream, I see a helicopter with elves. I rush to claim it.
Today’s the day! As I get to my spot, the decoration isn’t there. The squirrel committee will be here soon, and my entry IS GONE!
The judges turn the corner and the ground beneath me grows. My decoration! It’s inflating! I grab on. Then, something snags me, propelling me into the air and SPLAT, into the house.
As I come to, they’re crowing me. I WON! They liked my dedication to the act. From now on though, I’ll play it safe and be a judge.
Haha, what a clever idea! I can really see this as a picture book.
haha! What a fun story with a surprise twist at the end! Good luck to you!
I love the concept of squirrels celebrating Christmas! I’m glad to see that weeks of desperate dashing allowed the narrator to find the winning decoration!
Squirrels need to celebrate the holidays with contests as well! I like the twist of the inflatable. Thank goodness he survived being propelled into the air!!
How did you ever come up with squirrel point of view? That’s adorable!
The Holiday Contest
By Denise Seidman
WC=244 Words
.
Tyler grew excited when he saw the red flyer. He read it and nodded. The prize was an hour-long shopping spree. He could get a lot of stuff for himself and the pediatric wing of the hospital. Ty, a recent patient, knew the kids on the wing would love to get toys and games.
Ty had an idea. He asked his classmates and the school staff how they celebrated the holidays. This is part of what he wrote.
Light plays a part in many holidays people celebrate. African American light the kinara for Kwanzaa, Jewish people light the menorah for Hanukkah, Christians used to light candles on trees and around their home. Hindis celebrate Diwali with candles. Muslims light candles for holidays but it’s not part of the celebration. Most of these holidays are celebrated in December. Light chases away darkness, at least for a while.
Papers were collected and the wait was on. Some kids wrote lists of what they would get in the shopping spree. Ty just sighed glad he entered
After a few days the teacher said, “Class, the voting committee was very impressed with your writing but one entry stood out. “Ty , can you please come up? You’re our winner.”
The classroom erupted in applause and Ty went to the front. “I decided that since you all helped me, we should share the prize.
And he did help both the school and the hospital with games and toys for all.
Tyler is a winner for sure! What a generous spirit he has.
Ty has reminded us of this sweet message. Light drives out darkness. Our lives, a generous and thoughtful spirit, can be that light! Good luck, Denise! Thank you for sharing.
I like that Ty draws awareness to the similarities between all of the collective holidays. A good reminder to spread kindness and generosity during the holiday season and throughs the year!
I like being reminded how light plays a part in many holidays. And Tyler was definitely a bright light for his community. Well done.
I liked how you introduced some other holidays and how they have light in common. Ty is a very likable and big-hearted character!
We should all be a little more like Ty!
What a creative contest concept, Kathryn! And, great use of tension and anticipation to a very satisfying ending!
Thank you! We’re having a mailbox contest in our neighborhood. So it was on my mind.
The Witch’s Gingerbread House
By Lauri Meyers (250 words)
Aggie never won the Gingerbread House Contest. That witch Thelby always attracted the plumpest, cutest children for her Winter Solstice feast while Aggie sipped cold carrot stew. She needed this year’s prize. With the Electric Cauldron 3000, she’d have HOT carrot stew!
She baked her gingerbread walls over a bonfire, like mum taught her, then built a cozy cottage.
She peeked at Thelby’s two-story mansion. “Aww, frog legs!”
Aggie planted cactus outside to welcome the children. Thelby poured a chocolate pudding pond with a cake diving board. “Aww, drat rats!”
Aggie shivered in the cold, thinking about that new cauldron. She spied on Thelby for inspiration.
Red licorice covered the house. Thelby hung taffy windows with gummy shutters. A candy cane chimney puffed cotton candy smoke. Marshmallow icicles melted from the chocolate bar roof.
“Well, spicy spells! I could win.” Aggie giggled. “Candy is icky. Kids love… VEGETABLES!
She covered the walls with carrot logs, added sliced zucchini windows, and hung green bean shutters. She stacked pickles into a chimney. Ranch dressing icicles dripped from the tomato slice roof. She added a celery slide for after feast fun!
The kids looked at her house in confusion, then headed toward Thelby’s.
“Enjoy your carrot stew, Aggie!” Thelby sneered.
Aggie stood up for herself. “What’s your winter solstice feast?”
“Plump children!”
“Wizard whiskers! You EAT the CHILDREN?!” Aggie yelled. “I’m a vegetarian.”
The kids came running to Aggie’s gingerbread cottage.
And she enjoyed eating hot carrot stew with the cutest, plumpest children.
Oh my gosh, this is too funny! Love your descriptive language and the clever premise.
Aggie’s curses are hilarious! I like how completely oblivious she is, as to what children love. It’s no wonder she had failed for so long at attracting them to her house!
So funny and clever, Lauri!
Ha ha! Smart Aggie and smart children!
I love the rivalry between Aggie and Thelby. And that twist ending!! Great job! Best of luck, Lauri!
EXCELLENT surprise ending! LOL!
ELF RIVALRY (242 WC)
By Michelle S. Kennedy
‘Twas right before Christmas and all through the shop
A contest was brewing that no one could stop!
Elf Tinker had bragged that his toys were best.
But Winkle asserted, “HA! Surely you jest!”
“Just look at my trains!” said Tinker with pride.
“They’re made to perfection that can’t be denied!”
Then Tinker continued, “Come see for yourself.
They’re better than yours— because I’M the best elf!”
“Well gaze at my trucks!” replied Winkle with spite.
“At least mine have wheels ‘cuz their lug nuts are tight!”
They squabbled and quibbled but wouldn’t agree…
“Let’s have a challenge and then we will see!”
A rivalry match was about to begin!
The other elves watched them to see who would win.
The first event started. They stuffed and fluffed bears.
Their workmanship suffered— with needed repairs.
“Strike one! Neither wins if the job’s not precise.”
Lead Elf told them both: “Broken toys won’t suffice!”
The next match was better. They got in a groove.
But still there were oodles of room to improve.
“Strike two!” said Lead Elf. “The paint’s chipping on these!
So, please be more careful.” he said with a tease.
The last round then started but Tinker was stuck.
His screwdriver broke. For Winkle— what luck!
The contest was over. Poor Tinker sat brooding.
But Winkle looked over, “I’m sorry we’re feuding.”
This whole thing is silly so don’t be distraught.
Your train is the best and I’m sorry we fought.”
Love the win of two friends who realize that friendship is the most important prize!
This was so fun to read! A fun story with perfect rhythm and rhyme!
Such a fun poem with a great friendship theme.
“At least mine have wheels ‘cuz their lug nuts are tight!” made me giggle. 🙂
And this was my favorite couplet:
“The first event started. They stuffed and fluffed bears.
Their workmanship suffered— with needed repairs.”
Well done!
Aww, so cute Michelle! An awesome rhyming story and great idea to have elves have a toy-making contest. Good luck!
Michelle, a fun concept with a sweet ending! Love some of those end rhymes: brooding/feuding, distraught/fought, best/jest, precise/suffice! Nicely done. Good luck!
Awww, friends at the end…love it! Nice story, great flow, and complete at the WC we were given, that part always surprises me! Way to go Michelle!
Yay for Winkle for apologizing and putting an end to the feud! You’ve created a completely relatable friendship story within the elves workshop setting–the awesome rhyme and meter were the cherry on top! It’s wonderful, Michelle!
Such a great message that friendship beat winning any contest! Nice job!
I love to see the Christmas elves take pride in their work! I’m glad Winkle was willing to recognize the abilities of Tinker and end the feud.
Aww! Love your characters Tinker and Winkle. Glad to see that they made up in the end!
What a fun story that ends with an important reminder about the power of friendship!
This has fabulous illustration potential! What a fun contest to watch!
Dream Big, Little Pip!
By Sally Yorke-Viney
WC=250
Twas the night before Christmas and though it looked tame
The elves were preparing their holiday game,
The gifts were all wrapped and now it was time
To stack up the presents and see who could climb?
The fastest one up, would tie up the sack,
Round the mountain of gifts behind Santa’s back.
Now, Pip was the littlest elf at the Pole.
Custodial elf, knee high to a troll.
He cleaned up the workshop, under chairs and the table.
He did what he could, cause he knew he was able,
He worked out so hard, while the other elves slept.
He vaulted and cartwheeled, he jumped and he leapt!
For he had a dream that he couldn’t be beat,
And the big day arrived for each elf to compete.
But none of them got to the top of the pile
And Pip announced shyly, but then with a smile
“ I think I can climb it” He said to the crowd,
And the other elves laughed and said, Not allowed!”
With one giant leap though, he hit the pile running
Grabbed onto a ribbon, and swung. It was stunning!
At one point he teetered and he heard the crowd gasp
They’re rooting for me, and he tightened his grasp.
As he got to the summit, his heart skipped a beat
As he saw Santa’s face and he said with a squeak.
Santa, I’m here, but I must say I’m nervous
I’m Pip Squeak the Elf, totally at your service!
Looks like we both had the idea of writing a rhyming, elf story using the ‘Night Before Christmas’ cadence. LOL Your story is so active and fun! I can totally picture it in my head. Good luck to you!
Thanks Michelle I tried writing it in prose and it was almost 400 words! Yikes! I will look for your manuscript!!! Happy Holidays to you and yours!
So cute and fun!
My favorite stanza:
Now, Pip was the littlest elf at the Pole.
Custodial elf, knee high to a troll.
Love it!
Awww, yay little Pip! I was engaged throughout the whole story!
Oh thanks so much… I wanted to add more characters and obstacles but oh the troublesome word count! Thanks for reading it through!!
Imaginative way to incorporate the rhythm and meter of “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas” into your own elf story. No downtime here…your story flows nicely, and I can so see the illustrations in this. Love it and good luck!
Thank you so much! I tried to make it visual! I wanted to expand this story with additional foibles but ran out of “word” room! LOL
I love the premise of a race to the top of the present pile and your active descriptions of Pip’s antics! This story would make a wonderful animated cartoon and would be tons of fun for an illustrator. Great job, Sally!
Thanks Jill, I so appreciate your comments. I would love to do something with this little piece somehow!
Sweet and clever! Your rhyme of slept and leapt is—adept! I love seeing how Pip’s hard work pays off as well as the reveal of his full name at the end.
Oh Anne, thank you for your word play! It’s just a little story that is dreaming big!! LOL
I love Pip’s name and character. I was rooting for him to succeed! Nice rhyme and meter!
Judy thanks so much… years as a kindergarten teacher had me talking in rhyme, even at home, LOL! I think there is a Pip in each of us!
I LOVED the description of Pip Squeak the Elf as “knee high to a troll!” And I was happy to see that all of his hard work and dedication paid off in the end!
Thanks R. Baysinger! It’s persistence and belief in ourselves that helps us succeed!
Sally, I love the rhyme… and of course, Pip Squeak the Elf!!! 🎅🙂
Thanks so much S.E.! And I love your emojis! I find it hard not to rhyme sometime!
This is a well-told story of perseverance. I love your account of Pipsqueak’s training and eventual success. Also, great job with your rhymes!
Thanks Colleen, I did so want it to be that “stick-to-it-tiveness” sort of story! I love to rhyme, I love word play! Thanks again!
Me too!!
I would love see more adventures featuring Pip Squeak! Super fun!
Thanks so much Ingrid and thank you for all that you write. You’re inspiring me to go forward with this little character!
An Extraordinary Elf
By: Becky Kimbrough
249 words
Elliott studied the sign and grinned:
Santa’s Spectacular Snow Day!
Greatest Gift Wrap!
Swiftest Snowballs!
Tallest Tower of Tasty Treats!
“An elves’ day of holiday contests,” said Elliott. “Maybe I can win them all!”
The other elves laughed.
“Your efforts are always over-the-top, Elliott. You are exceptionally…extra. Remember when
you overflowed the whipped cream machine?”
I’ll show them. Elliott frowned.
Whoosh! He raced to Snowball Stadium.
“My extra-icy snowballs are super-speedy.”
Fling! Zoom! Crash!
“Ice-packed snowballs are too swift,” Elliott sighed.
Whoosh! He dashed to Christmas Kitchen.
“With extra fudge and frosting, my treat tower will be the tallest!”
Elliott’s tasty tower shot up in no time.
“Just one more brownie.” He balanced precariously.
Wobble, wobble, crash!
“What a mess!” Elliott’s lip quivered.
“But there’s still time for gift wrapping glory.” He dragged an enormous bag of glitter to Gift
Wrap Grotto.
Phew. Elliott huffed.
Beep! Beep! Beep!
The contest ended as he arrived.
“Oh no! I didn’t win a single contest.” Elliott sniffled.
“Don’t cry, Elliott,” said Santa. “We added an extra contest this year. The Over-the-Top
obstacle course is starting now.”’
Elliott looked up to see Reindeer Games Racetrack strewn with glitter, ice, and walls of fudge.
“Gobs of glitter? Slippery snowballs? Foothills of fudge? I’ve been practicing for this contest all
along!”
Whoosh! With ten speedy scrambles, ten careful climbs, and ten jaunty jumps, Elliott zoomed
through the course in two minutes!
“Ho-ho-ho! Our winner is Elliott, an extraordinary elf,” Santa bellowed.
Elliott’s grin was extra-wide.
Oh! I love Elliot and his escapades. This was so fun to read and I can just see the illustrations!
Seems like that obstacle course was just made for Elliot! Fun story!
I love the names “Snowball Stadium” and “Gift Wrap Grotto!” I could relate with Elliott wanting to place just ONE MORE brownie on his Tower of Tasty Treats. I’m glad all of his mishaps ended up helping him in the end. Life OFTEN seems to work out that way.
Ha ha!! Way to train without knowing Elliott. Seems like Santa knew just what he was up to!
It’s fun how his mishaps are what lead him to victory! Love it!
Perfect title for a perfect elf! So glad Elliott was able to pull it out in the end! You had us rooting for him from the beginning! Well done. 😀
Jasmine Jingletoes and the Christmas Stocking Contest
By Brenda Covert (248 words)
Jasmine Jingletoes added a dab of glitter and held up the stocking.
“Dazzling!” said Dreamy MacTwinkle.
“Stunning!” said Cedar Sparkleshins.
“Thanks!” said Jasmine Jingletoes.
“Perfect!” said Joy Gingersnap, the elf arts manager. “Are you ready to compete?”
Jasmine nodded. “Christmas stocking art is my favorite!”
She read the door sign aloud. “Christmas Stocking Stuffing Contest.” She tugged at a curl. “This can’t be the right place, Joy. Where is the stocking art contest?”
There was no art contest. Jasmine clutched her elf hat and cried, “I’m an artist! I haven’t practiced stuffing stockings. What should I do?”
Her friends gathered around. “You can figure it out!” Dreamy said.
“You can do this!” Cedar added.
Joy handed her a candy cane. “Study the items for the stocking. Think about what makes sense to go in first, second, and third.”
A red stocking lay on the table beside a box.
Santa stood in front of the contestants. “On your mark, get set, and … go!”
Inside the box, Jasmine found a cocoa bomb for making hot chocolate. Beside it was a peppermint stick, a tub of slime, and a pet rock turtle! The other elves stuffed the items into their stockings. Jasmine picked up the stocking.
After thinking, Jasmine put in the heavy turtle, then the slime, and last the cocoa bomb. She slid the candy stick down the side. The final touch was to add her candy cane.
“Nice touch!” Santa grinned. “It looks like we have a winner!”
What a fun entry! I love all of the creative elf names.
Thank you! I borrowed Jasmine’s name from my daughter. At Christmastime, she becomes Jasmine Jingletoes, complete with real, curly-toed, jingle-belled elf boots, to spread Christmas cheer in our community!
This is such a unique premise for a contest, and I absolutely love your character names! Best of luck!
Thank you! I appreciate you!
Fun story! I’m glad Jasmine discovered she was also a talented stocking stuffer, too!
Thanks, Judy!
As many others have said, I love the names of your elves! I think it is sweet how supportive they are of Jasmine as she has to step outside her comfort zone!
Thanks, Royal!
I like how you changed up the contest and thereby made Jasmine have to find some resilience to be successful. Well done.
Thank you! Life throws us curveballs, and we have to find a way to handle them. 🙂
So true!
Yes! This is a challenge- every year! Fun story!
Thank, Ingrid! The biggest challenge to not to make the stocking so heavy that it falls; ooops!!!
ENTRY POSTED FOR JUDY
Let There Be (MORE!) Lights
by Judy Carey Nevin
66 words
“This is the year we’re going to win, Honey. I can feel it. I can just feel it! Go ahead—plug us in!”
Pop.
Fizzle, fizzle.
Pop.
“Daddy, will Santa be able to find us without any lights on the trees?”
“Mommy, how will Santa find us if there aren’t any lights on the houses?”
“Mommy! Daddy! Will the light on Rudolph’s nose be broken, too???”
I hope Rudolph’s nose continued to shine. I can imagine that kids would worry about that when lights go out.
Short, but sweet! I have a feeling Santa will find this house just fine.
Cute! I like how the child thinks Rudolph’s nose “light” might be broken, too. 🙂
I love how quickly it escalated from being just the lights on their trees to the lights on the “houses!” The poor neighbours! Very funny and enjoyable!
Those must have been some pretty powerful fuse to blow out the lights on the tree and the house! I love that the child fears even the light on Rudolph’s nose has been broken as a result of the outage.
Oh no! Not Rudolph’s nose! What a challenge!
LAUGHING ALL THE WAY
By Samantha Gassman
Word Count: 242
Ever since his dad died two Christmases ago, Jared couldn’t imagine entering the town’s sledding contest. He and his dad had been four-time “Jingle All the Sleigh” team winners. But now, it was too much to bear. Other kids with their dads giggling, throwing snowballs. The hiss of his solo sled sliding over the snow reminded him of all the silent nights without his dad. So, when his Uncle Gary asked if Jared would compete with him, his uncle was met with a slamming door.
Inside his room, Jared flopped onto his bed, tears heavy behind his eyes.
“Isn’t this supposed to get easier?” he asked the photo of him and his dad next to his bed. He closed his eyes and tried to bring forward as many details as he could from the last contest. But he couldn’t remember his dad’s twinkling brown eyes in the Christmas lights, or the sound of his contagious laugh.
“I’m losing you,” he whispered.
Then, from the kitchen, came a familiar chuckle. He sprung up and cracked open the door.
Could it be?
But it was just his uncle and sister joking around. Jared plodded into the living room.
“Will you go with me?” Jared asked.
“Sure, buddy,” his uncle replied.
As Jared and his uncle glided down the freshly powdered hill, Jared closed his eyes. And if he listened closely, and opened his heart, he could hear his dad’s laughter on the cold wind.
Samantha, I could feel Jared’s grief. Such a heartfelt story.
Oh, this is just beautiful. Your last line is pure gold.
Such a beautiful story. I especially love the image at the end.
So much heart
Aw! Samantha! I bet there is a lot of ‘Jared’s’ out there this holiday season. Such a sweet story. I am glad he found happiness in remembering his dad at the end. Good luck to you!
Such a poignant story. I loved the last line.
A beautiful exploration of grief, love and hope! Jared’s insights are poignant and the resolution is heartwarming!
I am so glad Jared was able to open his heart up to his uncle, letting the memories of his dad come back to him as well. Very touching story. And I love the name of the contest.
Poignantly told tale of living through grief. It’s heartbreaking and yet beautiful. Well done.
Thank you everyone for your kind words and comments! Best of luck to you!
How completely original! And what wonderful illustration opportunities!
Thank you Ingrid! A bunch of colorful birds in the snow might be a really pretty illustration. I wish I was an illustrator!
I’ve thought this many times! But I will settle for being a wordsmith. 😊
Lots of fun and ingenuity in so few words! I love that Jonathan and Sabrina won the prize through their own agency before Santa lassoed the cloud. Making snow friends for their snowmen was an extra sweet touch. Great work! Good luck in the contest.
I could really feel Jared’s sorrow. So nice that he found a way to capture those memories again.
Loved that Santa “Lassoed” a snow cloud! 🎅🙂
I’d love to see all these mailboxes. Love your word choices. What a wonderful story!
Thank you, Nancy!
Such a fun image of all the birds on the mailbox! What a clever idea!
Thank you so much!
I would love to see Jonathan’s snowperson with its green wig and sparkly glasses. And not only were they able to build, but in the process they managed to clean up the leaves in the park!!
Original and innovative! I love how the children improvised a practical solution and how you added a magical twist at the end!
Beautiful story — my favorite line was “like ornaments falling from the sky”. I could just see it happening. Good job.
Thank you, Sarah!