⭐️Deck the Halls! ⭐️ Light the menorah! ⭐️ Fill the Kikombe cha Umoja! ⭐️
It’s time for the . . .
12th 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 Bad Guy – think along the lines of The Abominable Snow Monster (aka The Bumble), Heat Miser/Snow Miser, Burgermeister Meisterburger, the Winter Warlock, The Grinch, Scrooge, etc…, but make up your own – someone you can have some fun with! An elf who laces Mrs. Claus’s cookies with Argu-mint so that everyone who eats them starts fighting! A Candle Kidnapper who holds all the candles for ransom just before Hanukkah! A pair of zebra gangsters who dress up as reindeer, planning to sneak onto Santa’s team and then steal the sleigh and keep all the toys for themselves! A taciturn girl who is found responsible for removing lights and ornaments from all the village displays…but turns out to have brought them to the Nursing Home to cheer the residents. Anything and everything you can think up – the badder the better 😊
- Your bad guy can be human, animal, or any made-up creature you like.
- They can wind up punished, or redeemed, or they can escape to attempt their mischief and mayhem another day.
- They can be the main character or the antagonist, but they should play a significant role in the story.
- Their badness can be due to extenuating circumstances that make them sympathetic, or they can be just plain naughty! 😊
- We are aiming for lighthearted and entertaining so we don’t go down too dark a path – these are holiday stories for children, after all! – but you can be serious if you like as long as it’s not too grim!
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 must be posted between right now this very second and Sunday December 11th at 11:59 PM EST, and must be posted in the comment section of this post which will remain up for your reading pleasure until I post the finalists. There will be no regular posts (Tuesday Debut 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 (using the handy Contact button in the menu bar above or at susanna[at]susannahill[dot]com) 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. Please put CONTEST ENTRY in the subject line (the amount of email I get during contests is impressive and it is helpful to be able to see what’s what!)
The Judging: My lovely assistants and I will narrow down the entrants to approximately 14 finalists. Due to the nature of life at the moment I am not going to hazard a guess as to when the finalists will be posted – they’ll be up as soon as I can get them up.
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 Bad Guy! – the rules state a Holiday Bad Guy story, so it must be crystal clear that the story, including your holiday bad guy, in some way relates to Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Winter Solstice, New Year’s, or whatever seasonal winter holiday you choose. Your bad guy must be central to the story – not just an offhand mention/reference in a story about something else. Have fun creating your bad guy! Make him or her a real character whose wickedness we can enjoy 😊
- 3. Quality of story – entries must tell a story, including a main character of some kind and a true story arc. 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! A typo may be the difference between being considered and being set aside.
- 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 WOW!!! Do we have amazing, talented, and generous people in the kidlit community or what???!!!
⭐️ Rhyme & Meter Self Study Course – Renee LaTulippe Renée M. LaTulippe is the author of The Crab Ballet (Cameron Kids/Abrams, 2022) and Limelight: Theater Poems to Perform (Charlesbridge, 2024) and has poems published in many anthologies including No World Too Big, Night Wishes, School People, National Geographic’s The Poetry of US, One Minute Till Bedtime, Poems Are Teachers, ThankU: Poems of Gratitude, and A World Full of Poems.
⭐️ Ask Me Anything Zoom Chat with Sandra Sutter, author of THE REAL FARMER IN THE DELL (Spork, March 2019) and STAN’S FRIGHTFUL HALLOWEEN (Spork, September 2020) and the Owner/Publisher/Editor of Gnome Road Publishing)
⭐️ Picture Book Manuscript Critique (author, illustrator, or both) from author/illustrator Julie Rowan-Zoch author/illustrator or I’M A HARE, SO THERE! (Clarion Books 2021), illustrator of LOUIS (written by Tom Lichtenheld, Clarion Books, 2020) and illustrator of NOT ALL SHEEP ARE BORING (written by Bobby Moynihan, G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers, September 2022)
⭐️ Picture Book Manuscript Critique (written/Zoom) OR Ask Me Anything 1 hour session about author websites from author and website creator Stacy Jensen (stacyjensen.com – currently undergoing revision), author of BEFORE I LIVED HERE (coming Fall 2024 from Neal Porter Books)
Author and website creator Stacy Jensen
⭐️ Picture Book Manuscript Critique (fiction) from Melissa Stoller, author of SCARLET’S MAGIC PAINTBRUSH (Spork 2018), READY, SET, GORILLA! (Spork 2018), THE ENCHANTED SNOW GLOBE COLLECTION (chapter books) (Spork 2017), SADIE’S SHABAT STORIES (Spork, 2020) and PLANTING FRIENDSHIP: PEACE, SALAAM, SHALOM
⭐️ 30 Minute Ask Me Anything Zoom Chat AND Signed PB from Janet Johnson, author of HELP WANTED, MUST LOVE BOOKS (Capstone 2020), BRAVER THAN BRAVE (Capstone, July 2022), and A BAD CASE OF THE ALMOSTS (Capstone, December 29, 2022)
⭐️ Picture Book Manuscript Critique and Zoom Chat (especially STEAM) from Sue Heavenrich, author of 13 WAYS TO EAT A FLY (Charlesbridge 2021) and many nonfiction books for older kids.
⭐️ Picture Book Manuscript Critique from Penny Parker Klostermann, talented author of THERE WAS AN OLD DRAGON WHO SWALLOWED A KNIGHT (Random House 2015) and A COOKED-UP FAIRY TALE (Random House 2017) as well as the forthcoming SPIDER LADY: Nan Songer and Her Arachnid WWII Army (Astra/Calkins Creek 2025) and another as yet unannounced 😊
⭐️ Picture Book Manuscript Critique from Roxanne Troup, author of MY GRANDPA, MY TREE, AND ME (Yeehoo Press, March 6, 2023)
⭐️ Picture Book Manuscript Critique from Rosanne Kurstedt, author of KARATE KID (Running Kids Press, September 2019) and AND I THINK ABOUT YOU (Kids Can Press, September 20, 2022)
⭐️ 30 Minute Ask Me Anything with Rebecca Gardyn Levington, author of BRAINSTORM! (Sleeping Bear Press, 2022), WHATEVER COMES TOMORROW (Barefoot Books, Mar 7, 2023), I WILL ALWAYS BE…(HarperCollins, Spring 2024), and AFIKOMAN, WHERE’D YOU GO? (Penguin/Rocky Pond, Spring 2024)
⭐️ Ask Me Anything Zoom Chat and signed book from Cindy Schrauben, author of THIS COULD BE YOU (Cardinal Rule Press, April 2022) and the just announced HANK’S CHANGE OF HEART (scheduled for February 2025 from The Little Press)
⭐️ Signed copies of LISTEN (Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books July, 2021), COUNT ON US (Barefoot Books, September 20, 2022), and the new TWO DOGS ON A TRIKE board book (Harry N. Abrams, October 18, 2022) – 1 prize 3 books from author Gabi Snyder
⭐️ 15 minute AMA with Teresa Robeson, award-winning author of QUEEN OF PHYSICS: How Wu Chien Shiung Helped Unlock the Secrets of the Atom (Union Square Kids 2019), TWO BICYCLES IN BEIJING (Albert Whitman 2020), and the forthcoming CLOUDS IN SPACE: THE NEBULA STORY (scheduled for Spring 2024 from Candlewick/MIT Kids Press)
⭐️ A signed copy of SLEEPY HAPPY CAPY CUDDLES (Page Street Kids, October 18, 2022) by Mike Allegra AND a signed copy of DIWALI IN MY NEW HOME (Beaming Books, September 27, 2022) by Shachi Kaushik
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! 😊
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!
1. Old Man Santa’s Holiday Ruckus – Royal Baysinger
2. Dr. Basil Discovers The Wonders Of Christmas – Royal Baysinger
3. The Yuletide Pirate – Vashti Verbowski
4. The Humbug House – Heather Kinser
5. Ho Ho OH, The Tale of Dusty, Crusty and Musty – Susan E. Schipper
6. The Most Famous Chicken of All – Elizabeth Meyer zu Heringdorf
7. How The Elf Wrecked (Then Saved!) Christmas – Melissa Miles
8. New Year’s Resolution – Emily Durant
9. Ornament vs. The Jerkey Turkey – Mike Catalano
10. Milo The Miserable – Peter Rogers
11. Felix and the Christmas Tree – Deborah Foster
12. The Christmas Curmudgeon – Deborah Foster
13. The Evil Elf – Jim Chaize
14. The Christmas Sisters and the Tunnel Troll – Sarah Meade
15. Sally’s Bad Christmas – Sarah Meade
16. Manta-Claws – Laura Bower
17. Dr. Coal & The Gaggle of Geese – Kris DeCaro
18. The Christmas Tree Bandit – Christi Blevins
19. Stinky Baxter Reforms. . .Sorta – Marty Bellis
20. Who’s Been In The Bakery – Marty Bellis
21. The Candy Crook – Marta Cutler
22. ‘Twas The Climb Before Christmas – Laura Polasek
23. Mommy’s Winter Monster – Cindy Sommer
24. The Stockings Were Hung By The Chimney With Care – Katie McEnaney
25. Frankie – Linda Jacobs
26. Bumble The Bad, Bad Elf – Marty Findley
27. Sneaky Simon, The Sinister Sprite – Marty Findley
28. Please Santa – Susan VandeWeghe
29. Dimwit – Matthew Lasley
30. The Holidays’ Heist – Ryann Jones
31. The Christmas Dragon – Anne Lipton
32. Definitely-Nice-Nora – Jenna Elyse Johnson
33. The Salty Gingerbread Man – Patricia MacMillan
34. The List – Jill (P.J.) Purtee
35. Jingle Jail – Dwight Evans
36. The Santa Clauset – Dwight Evans
37. The Really Grumpy Christmas Elf – Kathleen MacEachern
38. The Christmas Cloud Team – Kelsey E. Gross
39. The Pinch – Emily Holewczynski
40. He Knows If You’ve Been Bad or Good – Colleen Murphy
41. Ryder The Elf Has To Go – Krista Legge
42. South Pole Shenanigans – Tiffany Hanson
43. Rudolph’s Comedy Roast – Jessica Milo
44. Reindeer Games – Nancy Derey Riley
45. The Most Horrible Christmas Monster – Jessica Strahan
46. One Last Christmas – Una Belle Townsend
47. Gingerbread Fred – Bridget Magee
48. The Noodle Art Turns – Stephanie K. Mena
49. The Rat King – Andi Chitty
50. The Snotgorgle – Brenna Jeanneret
51. Bad Box – Jennifer Lowe
52. Hanukkah Treasure – Melissa Rafson Friedman
53. Auld Lang Syne – Melissa Rafson Friedman
54. The Christmas Naughty List – Elizabeth R E
55. The Silver Dragon – Erik Ammon
56. Cookies For Gert – Rebekah Hoeft
57. Oh, Christmas Tree – Sarah Atherton
58. Dental Damage – Luce Williams
59. Diablo and the Fat Man Plan – Gale Strathdee
60. The Jealous Elf – Jill Lambert
61. Straightening Out Christmas – Laura Wippell
62. Comet, Another Red-Nosed Reindeer – Nicole Garnett
63. The Naughty Star – Rebecca Woodall
64. Elvis, The Reluctant Toymaker – Denise Seidman
65. Raccoon, Does Not Like Christmas – Janey Parkinson Bryce
66. The Grumbledy Bear’s Christmas – Deana Darmack
67. Gnome In My Home – Donna Kurtz
68. How The Kvetch Hijacked Hanukkah – Paul Kurtz
69. Soured Cream – Russell Wolff
70. Lily And Dora Are Best Friends – Ellen Reichman
71. Cats Against Christmas – Bri Lawyer
72. The Ice Dragon – Laura Hollister
73. The Snitch On The Shelf – Kelly Kates
74. The Christmastime Rhyme Crime – Jason Peterson
75. The Hannukah Hand – Sasha Harris-Lovett
76. Moose And The Mountain – Katie Brandyberry
77. The Christmas Tree Critic – T. Clarke
78. The Last Candle Standing – Marcia Berneger
79. Santa Ate His Veggies – Tarja Helena Navala
80. A Holiday Welcome – Sharon McCarthy
81. Oopsie Poopsie Christmas – Judy Caldwell Hughes
82. Grimble’s Grumble – Kellie Tune
83. The Revenge of Count Cursive – Linda Staszak
84. Christmas is Hiss-tory! – Ashley Sierra
85. Yeti Yell! – Lauri C. Meyers
86. NOT EVEN – a Mouse – Elizabeth Muster
87. How The Gift Stole Christmas – Lori Sheroan
88. A Wicked Christmas Bash – Katie Lee Reinert
89. It’s A Wrap! – Maria M. Sutanto
90. The Ornament Thief – Arlene Dowd
91. Cat Claus – Bru Benson
92. Silent Night Caper – Ally Piper
93. The Evil Gnome Cookie Jar – Mary Rudzinski
94. A Visit From Slush – Alex Price
95. Christmas Witch – Patricia J. Franz
96. Olive the Accidental Villain – Maria P. Pope
97. Santa and Little Pea Dickle – Sally Yorke-Viney
98. The Wrong Song – Joy Pitcairn
99. Bah! HumBUG! – Daniella Kaufman
100. Elf On The Shelf Says ‘No’! – Jaime Bree
101. The Revenge of the Gingerbread Man – Judy Valko
102. New Year’s Bandit – Mia Geiger
103. Meanie McGreenie – Sharon Jackson
104. The Case of the Missing Christmas Books – Lisa Lowe Stauffer
105. The Humbug Family Christmas – Amy LaMae Brewer
106. Solstice At Stonehenge – Fran Moldashcl
107. The Naughty List – Bevin Rolfs Spencer
108. Wolfish Christmas – Charlotte Roed
109. Elf’s Workshop Disaster – Laura Maney
110. ‘Nuff With The Nog! – Kari Ann Gonzalez
111. Pawprints In The Pie Crust – Marlee Fuller-Morris
112. Lulu and the Stolen Stockings – Susan Schwartz Twiggs
113. Sassy Cat – Rosemary Basham
114. A Neglected Elf’s Revenge – C. Louise Donovan
115. No Hanukkah Harry Hates Hanukkah – Lisa M. Horn
116. South Pole Santa’s Christmas Takeover – Alicia Meyers
117. Christmas On Planet Phlorp – Isabel Rodriguez
118. No Cookies For Santa – Andrew Fairchild
119.
120. Rudy, the Rude Nosy Reindeer – Tonnye Williams Fletcher
121. Santa’s Dragon Sleigh and the Silent Knight – Reed Ambrose
122. The Wicky Workers – Grace E. Jones
123. Grizwold, The Christmas Candy Grinch – Lucretia Schafroth
124. Santa’s Nightmare – Abby N. Wooldridge
125. A Christmas Catastrophe – Author Unlisted (SEAHORSECOFEEELEKTRA79018)
126. The Christmas Burglar – Annette Bethers
127. Moon Beams – Katie Schwartz
128. Naughty Nelly, Pampered Poultry – Armineh Manookian
129. New Year’s Eve Thieves – Julie Fruitticher Schroeder
130. A Bite Before Christmas – Josh Monken
131. Horace Vargus Stealer of Sweets – Sharon Korzelius
132. Simon Pie Takes The Cake – Judy Sobanski
133. Season’s Greetings – Sarah Marhevsky
134. Butchie Finds His Way – Patricia Corcoran
135. Holly Jolly Folly – Ally Piper
[136. Bad Elves – Jess Freeman]
Susanna Leonard Hill 
The Snotgorgle
By Brenna Jeanneret
WC 200
Have you ever heard of a Snotgorgle?
No?!
BLAST!
It goes like this.
Every year Garden Gnomes’ have a Blizzard Bash to welcome the New Year–blah, blah, blah.
They never invite me because–
You bite!
It was once and I thought he was a strawberry.
You’re destructive.
Yeah! I’m seven feet tall with claws for fingers.
And you’re snotty.
It’s my namesake. What do you want me to do? NOT pick my nose?!
Unfortunately, parties are my only weakness–don’t tell anyone!
So, of course, I go to their Bash every year. I can’t resist.
I make my famous Snot Stew.
Disgusting!
I’m careful not to smash any Gnomes.
Instead, you flattened the fairy lights, walloped the walnut roast, and burst the cider barrel!
And, in the spirit of the holiday, I only plunder part of their precious treasure–how else will they know how beastly I am?
Potting plants, that’s our treasure. Never mind the party–he uproots our home!
And how do they thank the world’s best party guest?
Ask me to leave–the nerve!
So, I give them their blizzard because–
I AM LEROY THE SNOTGORGLE–SNEEZIN’S GREETINGS!
Silly Leroy. He takes the bait every year.
Wow, I don’t want a snotgortle at my party! Fun story. Good luck!
Thanks so much, Nancy!
This is so silly, funny, and quirky– love it, especially SNEEZIN’S GREETINGS!
Thanks, Sarah!
Snotgorgle is such a GREAT NAME for a Blizzard Bash villain! I LOVE your description of Garden Gnome parties: fairy lights, a walnut roast and a cider barrel! VERY festive!
BAD BOX
by Jennifer Lowe
249 words
Nope.
I won’t do it.
I will NOT be opened.
Every Christmas, children mangle my wrapping, seize their toy, and toss me aside.
This year, I stay intact.
SCRINCH
SCRUNCH
I tighten the tape covering my corners.
Above, the pitter patter of slippered feet creeps down the hall.
I brace myself. Silent night is over.
“WHEEEEEEE!”
“SO MANY PRESENTS!”
Here we go.
“Some children don’t get any presents on Christmas morning,” Dad reminds Mila and Logan.
“Need coffee,” mumbles Mom.
But kids don’t care about coffee. Like a pack of wild hyenas, they dive in.
I stay hidden as one by one, gifts are tackled and torn.
Until…
“The last present!” Mila squeaks.
“There’s no name,” says Logan.
With wild eyes, brother and sister grab and rip. At least, they try to.
“What’s going on?” Mila squeals.
“This present won’t open!” Logan grumbles.
That’s right, kids.
SCRINCH
SCRUNCH
I clench my sticky seals and hang tight.
“BAD present!” Mila yelps.
“You are RUINING Christmas!” Logan shouts.
With one final heave ho, Mila and Logan yank.
RRRRIIIIIIIIPPPP!
Defeated, I tumble to the floor.
“What’s in it?” Mila asks.
“It’s…empty,” Logan answers.
Catching their breath, Mila and Logan survey their loot.
“Are there really kids with no gifts on Christmas?” asks Logan.
“Yes,” says Mom. “You are very lucky.”
“We could fill this empty box!” says Mila. “We have so many things.”
*******************************************************************
At the shelter, big smiles greet me.
SLIG
SLAG
I ease my creases.
I can’t WAIT to be opened.
Great perspective and such a sweet ending. Nicely done!
Thank you Nancy!
Great story Jennifer. I love the message ❤️
Thanks so much Rebecca!
What a thoughtful story with a unique POV. Nicely done!
Thank you Sarah!
I agree! Love the POV. I can imagine this character having a great new adventure.
“This present won’t open!” 😂
What an interesting POV and such a lovely message, Jennifer! I feel in the Christmas spirit after reading this!
This is FANTASTIC! Such BEAUTIFUL details throughout! Mom – “need coffee.” HAHA! As others have said, your POV work was PERFECT, especially as the box has such a different attitude at the end! You had a very believable climax as the children come to terms with the reality of others less fortunate. Very well done!
Cute, and very imaginative! Nice onomatopoeia. Love ‘silent night is over’! And super to very subtly sneak in the idea of thinking of others, along with your perfect last line! Good job!
Fantastic story, with a PERFECT message for the season. Great job!
ENTRY POSTED FOR MELISSA
Hanukkah Treasure
by Melissa Rafson Friedman
232 Words
Dreidel Battle at the Beach
$5/player
BYOD (Bring Your Own Dreidel)
My family, friends, and I were celebrating the last night of Hanukkah at the beach. The gelt glistened, and dreidels were oily from latkes and sticky from sufganiyot.
I spun and spun until finally I won!
While taking a brief brisket break inside, a ship suddenly appeared on the horizon.
The captain shouted, “Land Ho! Follow that menorah glow!”
“Aye Aye!” replied the crew.
“Remember, we’re lookin’ for gold!”
On shore, their sea legs were wobblier than a dreidel, but they needed treasure, so they wobbled on. They swiped the gelt, which smooshed and dripped.
“Blimey, we’ve been sabotaged!” the captain growled.
We returned to find our gelt was gone and followed the chocolatey trail to a pirate ship.
“Halt ye landlubbers! Where be the real treasure?” the captain demanded.
“Hanukkah isn’t about treasure you can hold. The real treasure is celebrating miracles and hope,” I said.
“We weren’t trying to be greedy. We just want to bring a little light to the kids back home,” the crew cried.
“We’ll, that’s a mitzvah!” I explained, “This Dreidel Battle at the Beach is for tzedakah, a mitzvah too. We would love to give you our tzedakah money.”
Tears sparkled like gold in the captain’s eyes.
As they sailed away, he shouted, “Thank ye matey’s for sharing the true treasure of Hanukkah!”
Aww, I love the ending when “tears sparkled like gold”. Such a great lesson, fantastic job!!
What a fantastic story! Such a nice ending. Nicely done!
I love your humorous pirate captain! “Remember, we’re lookin’ for gold!” As if you would EVER need to remind a pirate of that! LOVE IT! Such a beautiful lesson in the true meaning of Hanukkah! Very WELL done!
ENTRY POSTED FOR MELISSA
AULD LANG SYNE
by Melissa Rafson Friedman
248 Words
WHOOO, go the party horns!
“Let’s get this New Year’s Eve party started!” Cory cheers.
“Streamers?” Ivy asks.
“Check!” Cory replies.
“Cider? Balloons? Confetti?”
“Check! Check! Check!”
Grandma and Grandpa arrive just in time with delicious deep-dish pizza.
Suddenly, Grandpa spots them. “Ugh, party horns. I hate party horns,” he grumbles.
So, he hides them.
After dinner, Ivy wants to practice their countdown, but she can’t find the horns.
“Now what?” Cory cries.
Grandpa smirks.
“Paper towel tube?” Ivy suggests– too quiet.
“Teapot?” Mom suggests– too long.
“Bike bell?” Cory suggests– DING DING!
Thinking of all those high-pitched noises, Grandpa shouts, “Enough! I hid the horns. They sound like a hippo slipped on a banana peel and landed on an elephant’s foot!”
“How will we celebrate then?” They cry, running to the playroom.
Grandpa follows and finds them rummaging through toy instruments for a horn replacement. Cory finds a harmonica and notices initials he’d never seen before.
“MZR? Miles Zeke Rose. Grandpa, was this yours?” Cory asks.
“I used to be in a band,” he sighs, “I haven’t played since my hearing faded.”
“Try,” Ivy encourages.
Grandpa practices some toots and then– the most magnificent Auld Lang Syne, the popular New Year’s Eve song.
“WOW! This is better than horns, tubes, teapots, or bells!” Cory declares.
As midnight approaches, they count, “10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1– HAPPY NEW YEAR!”
They hug and dance as Auld Lang Syne plays– a smile behind the harmonica.
Another sweet story, Melissa! Best line, “WOW! This is better than horns, tubes, teapots, or bells!” Cory declares. Good job!
The perfect curmudgeon for a New Year’s Eve bad guy! I love the DING DING after the bike bell suggestion! So funny! And the last sentence is GOLD! Very well done!
ENTRY POSTED FOR ELIZABETH
THE CHRISTMAS NAUGHTY LIST
by
Elizabeth R E
Word Count 223
There, stuck fast to the wall in the hall,
the Naughty List grew fat and tall.
The names on the list were always the same;
Bob and Bill, Alice and Jane.
But, never, ever, Nate!
Nate was too busy keeping score,
of every infraction and unfinished chore.
He wrote up the names with a permanent pen,
and added a tick if they fouled up again.
Bob, Bill, Alice and Jane had enough of Nate’s nastiness
and gathered to plan.
“Let’s hide his pen,” said Bill nodding his head,
Said Bob, “he’d go get another.” So, that plan was dead.
“Why don’t we all go and rip up the list,”
said Jane with that cute little tinge of a lisp.
“He’d just start another, our miserable brother!”
And so, it was decided there was no way to change
their brother’s addiction to tattling names.
Bob and Bill, Alice and Jane,
knew they’d get nothing for Christmas again.
But there at the North Pole, Santa looked at the list.
Hmm, he sighed, a name has been missed!
Then when the sun, on a white Christmas morn,
rose over the chimneys and lighted the dawn,
Alice and Jane, Bob and Bill awakened to presents
stacked high like a hill.
But Nate found a notecard; Here’s your big lump of coal.
Tattling’s the naughtiest naughty of all!
Nate will have to leave it to Santa to decide who is naughty. Fun story! Good luck!
It’s good that Santa is there to check the list twice! Glad to see that Nate learned he wasn’t any better than his siblings! I nice reminder to us all.
The Silver Dragon
by Erik Ammon
249 Words
It’s their cows I like to eat, not the people.
They fear me, though, and that’s okay, I guess.
Who wouldn’t be afraid of a Silver Dragon?
All teeth, claws, and icy breath,
swooping down for their livestock.
I love grabbing cows during the Winter Solstice.
They always leave me two!
Do Humans know Silver Dragons also celebrate the Winter Solstice?
We don’t have grand feasts like they do, except for the cows they put out.
We gather high in the mountains,
talking, flying, and creating ice sculptures.
Sometimes I wish they didn’t fear us.
Maybe this year will be different.
On the morning of Winter Solstice,
I grab my cows, as always, but land closer than usual to eat.
When I finish, I walk towards the town.
I keep my wings tucked in, trying not to look so…Dragonish.
As I approach, the people flee, closing doors, shuttering windows- except for the curious.
I turn my back to them, spreading my wings, so they can’t watch.
I breathe out, ice piling on the ground, claws working furiously.
This is going to be the best sculpture ever!
When I finish, I turn towards the town.
I didn’t realize I’d gathered an audience, though from afar.
I chirrup as I rise, watching their reaction to what I’d made: a Dragon, and Human child, holding hand and claw, smiling, sparkling in the sun.
“Happy Solstice!” they yell.
“Happy Solstice,” I whisper into the winds.
Next Winter Solstice will be even better.
Sweet that the Silver Dragon isn’t such a bad guy after all. Love the ending. Good luck!
Thank you, Nancy! I’m happy with how it turned out. It’s something I may work into a longer piece.
Erik, I love the idea of a dragon creating an ice sculpture AND the open ending, which leaves the reader wondering how things will change by ‘next year.’ Well done!
Thank you, Marty! I’m curious what next year will bring, too. The dark fantasy lover in me doesn’t want it to be peace 🙂 But that would have been my original story…
I love the depth of your main character we glean from your POV work! So aware of the views of others: “who wouldn’t be afraid…,” “trying not to look so…Dragonish,” etc. And I love that this is an ICE dragon. Very well done!
Thank you, Royal! That’s a huge compliment (the depth) 🙂 I do love dragons and writing them into stories when I can.
Very creative, with surprises, a uniquer holiday. Well done, Erik.
Thank you, Jim! I was hoping the surprise would be enjoyable!
COOKIES FOR GERT
By Rebekah Hoeft
250 words
Last Saturday, something terrible happened.
George ate Christmas.
Not Christmas Christmas, because how could he? No, he ate the Christmas waiting on the table. The cookie Christmas. Cookies for our neighbor who only ever smiles (more like shows us her teeth) when we give her sweet treats.
I walked into the kitchen and noticed three cookies were missing.
“Mom!” I called. “We’re missing cookies.”
“I’m sure Daddy ate some. We have plenty. Let those finish cooling and then we’ll frost.”
An hour later, we knew they’d be ready. Except they weren’t.
They might have been, had they all still been there. There was one. Out of twenty-four.
“Mom, Daddy didn’t eat twenty-three cookies.”
She groaned. “Nooooo! I think–”
“George!”
Our piggy pug was under the Christmas tree, looking sicker than a dog.
“It’s Christmas Eve! There’s no time to make more,” I wailed.
“You frost it, I’ll walk George. Meet me outside.”
Knowing treats were the only way we’d found to butter up Gert, I made it look as pretty as possible, placed it in the fanciest box we had, and went with Mom to knock on Gert’s door.
“Merry Christmas, Gert,” Mom said. “Sorry there’s only one cookie. George ate the —”
“Buuurrrrrrrppppp.” George belched and looked up at Gert with a puggy smile.
Gert stared. Showed her teeth. Started to LAUGH. She pet George, said “Merry Christmas, little piggie” and shut the door in our faces.
We stared.
“She laughed. It’s a Christmas miracle!” I exclaimed.
“Arf!” George agreed.
Haha! Love George, the piggy pug. Fun story. Good luck!
Ha ha ha!! I think George needs to go to the veterinarian! I love how they celebrated Gert’s laughter, even though she closed the door on them. Great neighbors.
I LOVED this story! Such a strong opening that drew me right in! It reminded me of the old folks in our small town that my parents would always take us around to visit during the holidays! You captured the beautiful duality of rudeness and appreciation of some of the more spirited visits! well done!
Very sweet Rebekah! I’m a pushover for a story with a dog -bad, or good! And George was just being a dog, besides he was responsible for making Gert laugh! Super job!
Oh, Christmas Tree
By Sarah Atherton
(245 words)
Christmas is finally here!
It’s time for me to come out of the miserable storage space where I spend eleven months out of twelve.
I am the true symbol of Christmas and I bring peace to all mankind.
So why am I only allowed out once a year?
I love being decorated.
My branches look beautiful, my baubles are bright and my lights are luminescent.
But looks can be deceiving.
On the inside, I am selfish, spiteful and sly.
And someone is not welcome here…
It purrs precociously.
It meows mercilessly.
And it claws clumsily.
Look at it, lapping up all the attention.
“Hey, cute kitty.”
Huh! That lifeless lump of fur!
If only I could make it disappear.
“Shoo!”
Ah, that didn’t work.
“Booooo!”
Nope, it’s still there.
Let’s try this…if I can just lower my branch…
Boing! A bauble bounces but misses that cat by miles.
And now it’s playing with it.
“Hey! Kitty, we don’t play with the decorations. Aw, you’re so cute.”
That didn’t go to plan.
I’ve got it! I know just the thing to get rid of that cumbersome cat.
I’ll bide my time.
When the room is clear, I’m ready for action.
With a shimmy and a shake…
Baubles bounce and break into bits.
Tinsel tumbles and tangles.
The shining star shatters to smithereens.
What a mess!
Wait for it…
“Oh, you bad cat! Look what you did! Out you go!”
And just like that, peace is restored.
Ooh, clever Christmas tree! Such a great take, Sarah! Well done!
Thanks Andi!
Oh what a naughty Christmas tree. I like it! Good luck!
Thank you, Nancy!
Great Story Sarah 🎄
Thanks Becky!
Ha ha! Too cute! Lovely story.
Thanks for reading. I’m glad you like it!
Oooh, poor kitty! And what a fun Christmas bad guy. I enjoyed reading this, Sarah.
Thanks for reading, Sarah. Glad you enjoyed it.
I love the foreshadowing “I am selfish, spiteful and sly.” We should have known that “knotty” tree was up to no good! Well done!
Ha! Thank you very much for reading.
Dental Damage
by Luce Williams
(247 words)
Every kid down in Kidville liked Christmas a lot,
But the dentist of Kidville most definitely did NOT.
She hated all holidays, knew what they meant:
Kids would get candy everywhere that they went.
She tried to be gentle, she tried to be nice:
“Desserts damage your teeth, you ought to think twice!”
But nobody listened (or nobody cared);
The dentist just fumed with her perfect teeth bared.
The longer she stewed, the angrier she got,
And wickedly concocted a sugar-free plot.
She created a magnet, no North/South Poles here,
It attracted all sugar, from far and from near.
Under cover of darkness, she crept up to a house,
Sucked out all the candy, hushed as a mouse.
She’d brought a large bag, which she filled at top speeds
As she flossed through the streets on her anti-plaque deeds.
She hauled chocolates and candy canes back to her lair.
Collapsed at the door, and then through the air
Heard a voice from afar, a dad to his son,
“You may have a sweet, but only pick one –
“You’ve been to the dentist 5x this year
No more cavities from you, my dear.”
The dentist sat up with a start at these words.
Cavities were business, at minimum two-thirds.
What a fool she had been, a more dastardly thought
Would be “Give out free candy,” then watch the teeth rot.
She threw open her bag, spilled treats down the street;
For drumming up business, holidays can’t be beat!
Bahahaha, this is fantastic! I loved “flossed through the streets” and “watch the teeth rot”. Such a funny ending, great job!!
Brilliant 👏
Thank you!
Oh no! What a dastardly dentist and her tooth rot plot. Good job!
Oooo, I like “tooth rot plot” 🙂
This is so funny! Now that’s bad!
Haha, thanks!
So funny! Love it!
hahaha! Hilarious! Great rhyme and a wonderful villain! Great story arch for such a short amount of words.
This dastardly dentist tale is so fun! I love all the dental-related language throughout and the dentist’s epiphany at the end. Great rhyme as well. Best of luck in the contest!
Clever wordplay throughout. I LOVED the “no north/south poles here” for a special Christmas-destroying magnet! A believable resolution for a villain whose business is “at minimum two-thirds” cavity-based! Well done!
Diablo and the Fat Man Plan
By Gale Strathdee
250 words
Diablo smiled. Evilly, of course. So evilly, a dandelion that had the misfortune to be nearby, wilted at the mere sight.
The world’s most tyrannical snail gleamed pretty pastel pink in the late winter’s sun. A tragic miscalculation while dying his shell blood-red may have left him “pretty-in-pink”, but Diablo knew it was what was on the inside that really mattered, and nobody’s insides were as evil as his.
The cause of his evil good humour was ‘the plan’. A plan that would bring victory in the generations old war with those pesky slugs. He had top-secret intelligence. This very evening, an old fat man and his wet deer would pass by with a magical flying sleigh. A sleigh that Diablo would convince him, potentially fatally, to donate to the mighty snail army.
Four hours later, Titan, the massive snail that Diablo had ‘volunteered’ for this slightly suicidal mission, lay pressed against the taut elastic band that would ping him to glory.
Suddenly, a “HoHoHo” rang out overhead. With a mighty twang, Titan was launched arcing through the air, landing plop right beside the fat man!
“Hello little fellow,” the man said. “What present do you want?”
Titan tried to remember what Diablo had told him. What was it? World domination? Or perhaps…
“A teddy bear!” Titan pronounced.
Seconds later, Titan, aided by some magical pixie dust, floated gently back to the garden. He gazed at the cuddly teddy. “Oh wow,” he thought, with spectacular inaccuracy, “Diablo will be pleased!”
Diablo is such a villainous BAD GUY, “volunteering” poor dimwitted Titan. The exchange between Santa and Titan is GENIUS! A fun Christmas Snail Tale!
Funny! Evilly funny:)
The Jealous Elf
[To the tune of Up on the Housetop]
WC: 249
Up on the housetop, old St. Nick
slipped and fell. That roof was slick!
Christmas Eve he’s home in bed.
Mrs. Claus drags out his sled.
Ho Ho Ho! What do you know?
Ho Ho Ho! She says, “I’ll go!”
Can Mrs. Claus make reindeer fly?
She grabs the reins and waves goodbye.
Hidden near the sack of toys,
Elf sits scowling, makes no noise.
“Time to halt this Christmas flight.
I should drive this sleigh tonight!”
Oh, No No! Such bad luck!
Oh, No No! Sleigh is stuck.
Elf bent a runner, it won’t glide.
What will Mrs. Claus decide?
She plugs into Rudolph’s nose,
warms the runner till it glows.
Good to go in no time flat.
Elf won’t get away with that!
Ah Ha Ha! Reindeer guffaw.
Ah Ha Ha! Watch it thaw.
Mrs. Claus sure knows her stuff.
Grounding her is proving tough.
WHOOSH! She’s off at breakneck speed.
This departure must succeed.
Naughty Elf just snipped the sack.
Toys start spewing out the back!
Oh my my! Presents fly.
Oh my my! Kids will cry!
Christmas gifts are lost in space.
Jealous Elf is a disgrace!
Mrs. Claus won’t play his game,
calls the reindeer out by name.
They reverse to find each one.
Gift disaster is undone!
Fa La La! “Look who’s here!”
Fa La La! “Can I steer?
Santa promised me his seat.”
Mrs. Claus croons, “Aww, that’s sweet.”
She tells Elf to take her place,
but holds the sack…just in case.
Wow, I couldn’t help but sing it! So great!!
Thank you for reading and commenting. I’m glad you liked it!
Well done, Jill! You had me singing along. That Mrs. Claus is as awesome as the elf is naughty! Love it!
Thanks so much, Nancy!
You are having us all sing-along! And it worked really well. I like how kind and resourceful Mrs. Claus is. I chuckled at the ending. Well done and good luck!
I appreciate your kind comments, Colleen!
I had to sing it too, Jill. So much fun! Love how Mrs. Claus saves the day!
Thank you, Sarah. Best of luck in the contest!
So clever! I’ll be singing this version now . . .
Thanks so much!
Wow!!! I don’t know how you do it each time. This is so clever using the the tune of the song, in rhyme, and a full story. You are so talented, Jill. My 4yo was standing next to me so I sang it out loud. He was saying back-and-forth ☺️. Such a great job. Good luck!
Thank you, Ashley! You made my day with your son’s swaying to the song! I’m glad you both enjoyed it!
Love this Jill, this will be the new classic, all readers are going to be singing this! Besides great meter and rhyme, the rhythm is perfect! Cute all the way through!
Thank you, Katie! That means so much coming from you, since your meter and rhyme are the best!
Fantastic Jill!!! You NAILED it! I love that you did a song AND a superb story all in under 250 words. Great job!
Thank you, Michelle. I appreciate all your support!
Such MASTERFUL work, Jill! You did amazing changing up the refrain! I LOVE that you ended with Fa La La! So festive! Two lines in particular mark this as a Christmas Classic for me, “she grabs the reigns and waves goodbye” and “Mrs. Claus sure knows her stuff!” And the toy-spilling scene was particularly animated! FANTASTIC!
Thank you for reading and commenting, Royal!
Fa La La and Sis boom ba! This is a wonderful Christmas Romp as Mrs. Claus and Jealous Elf gets the job done!
Thanks for reading and commenting!
Straightening out Christmas
By Laura Wippell
230 words
Carols floated through the air,
Biscuits cooled on a tray,
It was the first week of December,
The twins swore they glimpsed a sleigh!
But the Christmas tree was missing!
They dragged it up from the basement.
The twins hung ornaments, grinning,
Small hands pondered perfect placement.
“Grandma’s bauble on this branch,”
“Hoist me up, so our golden star will gleam!”
But while the twins untangled fairy lights,
The Christmas tree plotted its evil scheme.
Waiting until the last bauble was hung,
It began its dastardly, leafy thrash!
The tree shook its branches with all its might,
Ornaments rained down with a jingling CRASH!
“Oopsie!” the Christmas tree smirked.
“I simply couldn’t bear the weight.”
Determined, the twins tried twice more,
But the tree shuddered with a mean, lopsided gait.
“It’s no use, we have to find another tree!”
“Where? That’s an impossible assignment!”
But then Uncle Ben strode in and declared,
“Hey, that tree could use an alignment!”
His chiropractic hands got straight to work,
A tug on a branch made a delightful CRACK,
The Christmas tree rustled and groaned in relief,
“All better! Your trunk was just out of whack!”
Christmas was saved! The tree was adorned,
Uncle Ben dished out directions along with mince pie:
“Take the tree out of its box to stretch every so often,”
Delighted, the twins sang, “We’ll have Christmas again in July!”
This was so ORIGINAL! Very fun! And I like that it works as a possible origin story for Christmas in July!
I must have missed this comment in the Christmas madness! Thank you so much for your kind words, Royal, and a huge congrats on placing! Very well deserved!
Comet, Another Red-Nosed Reindeer
By Nicole Garnett
Word Count: 250
Hi, it’s me, Comet. Santa’s second favorite reindeer.
We all know who his favorite is.
Rudolph.
The.
Red.
Nosed.
Reindeer.
(Like that’s unique.)
Rudolph says we used to laugh and call him names.
That was one time.
Rudolph says we didn’t let him play in any reindeer games.
That was two times.
I’m always taking a backseat to Rudolph.
I want to guide the sleigh and feel the wind in my face. . .
. . .not smell Prancer’s “wind!”
Plus, Rudolph’s not the only reindeer with a red nose!
That’s right…
We ALL have red noses—they’re full of blood vessels! (Like, actually).
His nose may “shine the brightest.”
But, what if it didn’t?
“Hey Rudolph, want to play a game?”
“Yes! I love games!”
(Of course he does. Fool.)
“It’s called ‘Guess the Smell.’ Put this blindfold on, take a whiff and guess what it is.”
“Ready? Smell this.”
“Ooh chocolate!”
“Good.”
“Next.”
“Peppermint!”
“Yes.”
“Last one. Get closer… I’ll help…”
“Woah! You pushed my nose in it.”
“Whoops-a-daisy.”
“What was that?”
“Black ink.”
“Oh no! It’s Christmas Eve! Is my nose still glowing red?”
“No. But, I’ll guide the sleigh.”
“It’s not that eas–”
“Rudolph, if you can do it, I can do it.”
Well, I guided the sleigh. We only crashed three times.
Santa says Rudolph gets his job back next year. . .
. . .and I’ll be in the back so he can “keep an eye on me.”
Whatever– the strongest reindeer should be in the back.
I’ll just need a nose plug.
Haha, clever Comet! I loved the “Prancer’s wind” part, well done!
Haha! Thanks Andi! No one wants to be behind anyone’s “wind.” 😉
This was really fun! Such great character work with Comet! And it was hilarious that Comet was unabashedly prideful to the end. “The strongest reindeer should be in the back.” Very FUNNY!
Thanks so much Royal!!! I’m so glad you enjoyed the unknown side to Comet 🙂 I appreciate the feedback!
I just kept reading wondering what was going to happen, I knew something was! Fun story, Comet was conniving, but Rudolph got his position back in the end, as it should be! Very cute!
Haha thanks so much Katie!! I appreciate the comments! 🙂
The Naughty Star by Rebecca Woodall
(242)
“There’s nothing for me,” complained Aster, as she checked the presents in the sleigh. “But I’m the star of the show. Santa never gets me a present.” The little star had an idea. “If I pretend they have been stolen, I’ll get a reward when I find them.”
Aster hid the presents in the reindeers’ stables and climbed back to the top of the tree.
“Ho! Ho! Ho!” boomed Santa.
“Oh Santa,” said Aster. “All the presents have been stolen.”
Santa looked at the little star and raised his eyebrow. “Oh, really? Who took the presents?” Santa asked, his eyes glancing at the stables.
“I don’t know,” Aster lied.
“I can tell who’s been naughty,” said Santa.
Aster huffed. All she wanted was a present so, if Santa knew she had been naughty she might as well be really bad. “It was me who took the presents. I shine at the top of the Christmas tree and make it look perfect but you don’t thank me with a present. Well guess what, I won’t be sitting on the tree anymore and I’m going to take all the presents.”
Aster ran towards the stables but Santa caught her. He lifted her back on to the top of the tree and held her in place with his emergency sticky tape.
“Nooo!” cried Aster. “I want a present.”
Santa put a tiny piece of coal on the tree. “Only nice stars get presents,” he chuckled.
Poor Aster, I hope she learned her lesson. Santa knows who’s been naughty. Good job!
Thanks Nancy ☺️
Naughty Aster! You can’t outwit Santa! Lovely story, Becky.
Poor Aster!! Nice work.
I love your omniscient Santa, glancing at the stables. So sad that Aster decided to be really bad, instead of coming clean! A great lesson for us all to be truthful!
Elvis, The Reluctant Toymaker
By Denise Seidman 250 word
Elvis, an uncommon elf, had dreams that didn’t include toymaking. His goal was to be a singing superstar. He wore his hair slicked back in a pompadour and sequins on his pointy shoes.
Santa’s Talent show occurs once a year. Elvis wanted to win so his name would be engraved on the stars atop of all the trees of the North Pole.
“I’ve got to practice,” Elvis complained, “but we’re so busy there’s no time to rehearse.”
Then he had an idea…
“If I jam the conveyor it will halt toy production,” Elvis said, putting a toy block on the belt. He rushed to the auditorium to sing. There was a thud as the toys backed up and fell down. But…
Brock retrieved the block.
Back to work, Elvis glued all the tools together. No elf could work! But Sue cleaned off all the glue so the tools could be used again.
Elvis chuckled evilly as he hid all the paint cans the elves needed. The rest of the elves searched frantically until…
Ann found them.
Brock, Sue, and Ann played instruments but had no singer. Elvis sang but had no music. They said,”Elvis, if you promise not to stop toy production, you can join our band. ”
Elvis nodded. “If we work together we can make the toys in time and still have time to rehearse.”
The others agreed. They appeared together and won the talent show. From that day on, Elvis was a better singing toymaker and teammate.
Love that there is an elf named Elvis! What a nice story of working together and not needing g to be naughty. Nicely done!
Elvis the Reluctant Toymaker just BEGS to be illustrated! Such a fun character idea! I’m glad it worked out for everyone in the end!
Raccoon, Does Not Like Christmas 250 words
By Janet Parkinson Bryce
“Aah, my favorite time of year,” said Raccoon, it’s Christmas Time!” “He, he.”
“I’ll break the ornaments, I’ll chew the branches, I’ll take the Kiddies’ presents.”
He clapped his paws and stretched his claws. This was going to be fun.
“He, he.”
The animals got the tree ready. “That tree is tall,” said Bunny.
“It is,” said Grandpa Rabbit. “Look out, the tree is tilting.”
Raccoon ran to help. Grandpa Rabbit thanked him.
A certain feeling started to grow inside Raccoon.
Raccoon waited for night time. He watched the animals decorate.
He shook his head. He couldn’t destroy that beautiful tree.
Raccoon walked away.
The next night Raccoon had a plan to steal the presents while the animals worked.
“He, he, it’s time.”
He grabbed the presents.
“What are you doing?” asked Bunny
Raccoon didn’t know what to do.
The meanness boiled inside him.
Raccoon had no control. He looked at Bunny and growled.
Raccoon took the presents and whoosh he was gone! “He, he.”
That night the animals sang Christmas songs.
They danced all around.
“Why are they so happy?” thought Raccoon.
Raccoon walked home.
He stared at the presents, stacked to the ceiling.
He remembered helping with the tree, the decorating, and the friendships.
The feelings of kindness and helpfulness grew bigger inside Raccoon.
He started singing, he grabbed the presents, and ran to the tree.
Raccoon spread the presents underneath the tree. He said, “I’m sorry, please forgive me.”
Bunny hugged Raccoon. All the animals cheered.
I’m glad Raccoon learned that nice was so much better than naughty. Sweet! Good luck!
Thank you.
You did such excellent work introducing Bunny and Grandpa Rabbit. That scene was particularly animated! I also liked how you laid the groundwork for Racoon’s change of heart early on. Very well done in so few words!
Thank you.
ENTRY POSTED FOR DEANA
The Grumbledy Bear’s Christmas
by Deana Darmack
word count: 239
The Grumbledy Bear’s Christmas
©Deana Carmack 2022
“Christmas is coming,”
Whispers the air.
“Christmas is coming,
But what do I care?”
Says the grumpy, old lumpy, old grumbledy bear.
“Christmas means nothing to me!”
“Christmas is coming!”
Lark says to the bee
“Christmas is coming,
But what’s that to me?”
Says bear as she scratches her back on a tree.
“Christmas means nothing to me!”
“Christmas is coming,”
Whoop cranes overhead.
“Christmas is coming.”
“I heard what you said!”
Says bear as she wanders in search of a bed.
“Christmas means nothing to me!”
“Christmas is coming,”
Says deer to the hare.
“Christmas is coming;
There’s frost in the air.”
“Stop pestering me!” snaps the grumpy old bear.
“Christmas means nothing to me!”
“Christmas is coming,”
Sing stars up above.
“What does it matter?
I’ve no one to love,”
Cries grumbledy bear to a grey turtle dove.
“Christmas means nothing to me!”
“You’re powerfully wrong,”
Bear heard a squirrel say.
A Baby was born
That long-ago day,
Who changed the whole world in a wonderful way.
Christmas is special to me.”
Christmas was coming;
So, out in her den
Bear curls up to sleep,
Waking up now and then.
“I’m lonely and sad now,” she sighs to a wren.
“Christmas brings nothing for me!”
*****************************************
“Something has happened!”
Bear wakes to the morn.
That sweet Christmas day,
Her babies were born!
Now, all through the woods, you hear mama bear say,
“Christmas means ‘wonder’ to me!”
This is fantastic! So magical. Love it!
Wow, I LOVE the line “grumpy, old lumpy, old grumbledy bear!” It contains such beautiful rhythm. And what a LOVELY ending! So sweet!
This is such a lovely story Deana! I had goosebumps at the end. Each stanza flows beautifully, a joy to read. Your rhyme scheme is consistently done in every stanza, not easy to do. Loved your repeating last line, that changes at the end, to a perfect positive ending. Great job! One of my favorites -probably my most favorite!
ENTRY POSTED FOR DONNA
Gnome in My Home
by Donna Kurtz
219 words
First, I set out a yummy treat
Which Santa Claus might like to eat,
Then hide behind our Christmas tree
To see what St. Nick’s brought for me.
“That jingling—are there sleigh bells near?
Hooray! I bet St. Nick is here!”
A shadow fills our fireplace.
“He’s smirking? It’s not Santa’s face!”
I read his cap. “It’s Gnasty Gnome—
The pint-sized troll’s sneaked in our home!”
I watch the wicked pixie lift
And shake a box. “Hey, that’s my gift!”
He slides my gift across the floor
And scoots like lightning through our door.
I plunge into the snow outside—
“You crook! There’s no place you can hide.”
I squirt our rubber garden hose
And freeze the thief from nose-to-toes.
Inside our house, I thaw the gnome.
He sobs to Mom, “I’ve got no home!”
“I live in ditches, stumps of trees,
And shiver with each icy breeze.”
Mom’s tears fall hard—“There’s just no way
I’ll put you out on Christmas Day.”
He stays for lunch and supper too,
Then walks our dog, picks up her poo,
And when he drags in firewood,
Mom smiles. “I hope you’ll stay for good.”
Dad laughs. “You’ll have a brother, son.
He’ll share your room—won’t that be fun?”
The smirking gnome shoots me a wink—
I’m CHRISTMAS-PIXIE-PUNKED! I think.
Haha! Very clever. Fun rhyme and love the ending! Good job!
I particularly like the resourceful young man freezing that Gnasty Gnome from nose-to-toes! What a wickedly clever BAD GUY! Well done!
ENTRY POSTED FOR PAUL
How the Kvetch Hijacked Hanukkah
by Paul Kurtz
250 words
Though Hanukkah brought joy and cheer,
The Kvetch despised it more each year.
“This noise and fun must stop right now—”
Kvetch smirked. “—I know precisely how!”
A windmill ran the tiny town—
Kvetch jammed the gears and shut it down.
He did it quick, not thinking twice,
His kvetchy heart was cold as ice.
The town’s lights flicked off one-by-one—
“This ends their nights of joy and fun.
No TV’s, cellphones, microwaves—
Their homes are dark and cold as caves.”
Again Kvetch scanned the streets below,
From each home’s windows came a glow.
He sneered and kvetched—“What can that be?
I want them grim and cold like me.”
He quickly crept down Latka Lane,
And peeked through a cracked window pane.
A girl smiled back. “Hi, I’m Eve Gold—
“Please come inside, you look so cold.”
Kvetch slowly schlepped into the room—
A bright menorah pierced the gloom.
Eve’s father grinned—“Friend, we’re not through,
There’s still one candle left for you.”
Kvetch took the shamash, shining bright,
And set the final wick alight.
The candle’s flame shot like a dart
And melted Kvetch’s cold, hard heart.
Kvetch laughed and danced, his tears flowed fast—
“My heart feels soft and warm at last!”
He set the broken windmill right,
Once more the tiny town blazed bright.
Kvetch found the town square jammed with folks—
He dined, sang, danced and told bad jokes.
“My heart is filled with joy and cheer—
I LOVE that Hanukkah is here!”
From bad guy to glad guy! Nicely done. Good luck!
Latka Lane, such a PERFECT name for a street in a Hanukkah tale! I LOVE that all Kvetch really wanted was for a heart to be soft and warm! Dining, singing, dancing, telling bad jokes…the consummate holiday guest! Very well done!
ENTRY POSTED FOR RUSSELL
SOURED CREAM
By Russell Wolff
250 words
The food in the fridge cheered for Potato and Onion. It was time to make latkes.
“Have a grate Hanukkah!” said Pickles. Everyone groaned.
“Where’s Sour Cream?” asked Applesauce.
Sour Cream shoved through, wearing sunglasses and a “Born Sour” t-shirt.
“Good gelt, Cream,” said Applesauce. “Have you… GONE BAD?”
“Oh, I’m bad alright. I’ve been back here so long my expiration date must be from the ‘80s.”
“You can’t go out there like that,” said Applesauce. “You’ll ruin the latkes.”
“That’s the point, Sauce. You’re a favorite snack year-round. Me? They dip their latkes on Hanukkah, but the rest of the year? Bupkis. I’ll give them a dip—and a bellyache—they’ll never forget.”
“I can’t let that happen.”
Applesauce lunged but slipped on some schmutz.
“Too bad, Applesplosh! Nothing can save the latkes now.”
A hand reached for Sour Cream.
“Take me instead!” cried Soy Sauce.
“That’ll never work,” Sour Cream sneered. “Soy Sauce with potatoes and onions? Feh!”
Soy, Applesauce, and Sour Cream were whisked away.
The food in the fridge ripened with anticipation.
Finally…
Applesauce and Soy returned, drained but happy.
“They loved me!” Soy said.
“It’s a new tradition!” said Applesauce.
Sour Cream looked sheepish.
“Sorry I was such a sourpuss earlier. I wasn’t expired after all, and they tried me with berries, too!”
“That’s great,” said Applesauce. “Let’s stick together from now on.”
“Deal! Mind if I bring a friend?”
Gefilte Fish shoved through, wearing sunglasses and a “Passed Over” t-shirt.
Applesauce sighed. “Matzah mia…”
Haha! When condiments go bad! Very funny and punny. Love it!
WOW! Such an AMAZING introduction to the character Sour Cream! This was hilarious through and through! MASTERFULLY done!
ENTRY POSTED FOR ELLEN
Lily and Dora Are Best Friends
Ellen Reichman
250 words
Lily and Dora Are Best Friends
Every Christmas, Lily does NOT like Dora. That’s because Dora and her family celebrate Christmas and Lily and her family do not.
Lily always felt left out at Christmas time.
Dora asked Lily if she wanted to help decorate her tree.
Sipping hot cocoa with Christmas music playing in the background, Dora and her mom showed Lily how to place ornaments and streamers on the tree.
When no one was looking, Lily stole an ornament.
Her dad noticed the ornament bulging out of her pocket.
“Did Dora give you this?” he asked.
“No,” she answered meekly. “I took it.”
“Why?”
it’s not fair that the whole world celebrates Christmas, and we don’t. It makes me mad!”
Her dad smiled. “I felt that way too when I was a kid; but I love Hanukkah and how beautiful a holiday it is.”
“Stealing is never ok,” he said firmly.
“I know,” Lily said, as they walked back to Dora’s house.
“I’m sorry,” Lily said as she handed back the ornament.
But Dora wasn’t angry.
“Do you want to know a secret?” Dora asked.
“I always wished I celebrated Hanukkah. I love your menorah and celebration for eight nights.”
“I never knew,” said Lily.
“I have an idea,” she added.
“How’s about I help decorate your tree and you come for Hanukkah to help with the candle lighting, share our potato latkes, and play dreidel games?”
That made them both happy.
Lily and Dora are best friends.
Aww, both girls learned something about each’s holidays. Very nice!
A great slice-of-life story to show children that differences are beautiful! I love the good example set by Lily’s understanding father! And such a sweet ending!
Cats Against Christmas
By Bri Lawyer
236 Words
“This is the 9,653rd house that has left me cookies with no milk!” Santa pouted, growing thirstier with every home.
“Muahahaha! It’s working.” Smirked the cat while wiping milk from his whiskers.
With a push of a button, the cat reported to the C.A.C. (Cats Against Christmas). “Santa is losing momentum!” Cats everywhere rejoiced. And why wouldn’t they? Year after year, humans got new pets for Christmas and forgot about the old ones.
Santa must be stopped. The cat sent a message, ”Keep drinking ALL the milk!”
As the cat curled up to sleep, proud of a job well done, he heard a soft meow from under the Christmas tree. Oh no. His worst nightmare was coming true.
But the humans hadn’t discovered the new varmint yet. It must be disposed of before they wake up.
He opened the gift to dispose of the evil creature coming to steal his humans with… the softest cinnamon striped fur and sparkling amber eyes he’d ever seen. His heart beat fast. He couldn’t breathe. He had never seen a cat so beautiful in his life. She poked her head out and licked his cheek. Maybe, just maybe, there was room in his house for another cat after all.
The old cat removed his C.A.C badge and put it away for good. Next year, he will leave an extra large glass of milk for Santa.
Very cute! Nothing like a beautiful kitten to soften an old cat’s heart. Good job!
Ahh this is adorable! Great job!
What a clever BAD GUY organization! And what a fun redemption story for your hardened C.A.C. agent! I would love to see him pick up the badge again next year to save Christmas as a double agent!
The Ice Dragon
By: Laura Hollister
250 Words
Eirwyn Yale was the snottiest ice dragon in Wales. His heart was cold, his paws were bare. His nose dripped icicles in the cold mountain air.
He couldn’t breathe fire to warm his abode not to toast marshmallows or make a chimney explode.
From warm bricks in bed to drinking loads of hot tea, nothing worked to warm him and all that tea just made him have to pee… and pee.
One day he had an idea. He would creep down the mountain under cover of night and steal everything warm in sight.
He started with mittens, blankets, and clogs, nabbing even the sweaters off little dogs, until not a warm piece of clothing could be found and the children’s cold sniffles were heard for miles around.
Eirwyn soon regretted his thieving, returning everything, although he continued sneezing.
He fell asleep, not a snore did he peep. Yet, the people of town learned what he did. They wanted to help him, they wanted to give.
They gathered round to decorate his home from rafters to ground. There were stockings and logs popping merrily in the fire. There were chestnuts and fruitcakes stacked higher and higher.
When he opened his eyes, Eirwyn was surrounded with cheer, the greatest gift of all? A hand-made quilt large enough to cover him from snout to rear.
That night Eirwyn curled under his blanket snug for the first time not by the quilt alone but by the warm feeling he got by sharing his home.
I’m glad Eirwynn had a change of heart and the townspeople showed him some kindness. I love the last line. Nicely done!
Eirwyn is lucky to have such kind and understanding neighbours! Nothing warms the heart so much as sharing with others! I love the closing festive scene you built in his home!
Thank you so much for your comment. =) I had a lot of fun with Eirwyn.
ENTRY POSTED FOR KELLY
The Snitch on the Shelf
Kelly Kates
(word count 234)
Everyone was excited when the elf first appeared on the shelf, with his festive striped socks and sweet smile.
Every morning, the kids raced to find where he was hiding.
But quickly they found out that Jingle loved to tattle.
He kept a detailed list of who’d been naughty or nice.
He ran to snitch to Santa any chance he could get.
He saw everything!
His list kept growing longer and longer.
He smirked seeing Ella swallowing her calendar chocolates all in one day.
He peered disapprovingly at Alex peeling off paper and peaking at a present.
He snuck up on Anna sucking whip cream, straight from the can.
He nabbed mom nibbling on the cookies saved for Santa.
He crept up on the kitty climbing the Christmas tree.
He caught Dad cursing while he put up the lights.
He detected Uncle double dipping and Auntie caroling off-key.
He busted the dog barking at the harried mailman.
He gaped at Grandma, regifting the gloves from the neighbor.
He spied on Grandpa spilling his coffee on the couch and blaming the dog.
Everyone got a bit edgy and the holiday spirit slipped away.
Then, one morning, Jingle disappeared.
The kids cautiously looked around and let out a relieved sigh.
Freely, they all celebrated, each in their own style.
And everyone seemed to sleep better that night.
All was finally calm and everyone’s dreams were bright.
What a tattler! But . . . what DID happen to Jingle? Hmm? LOL! Fun story!
I LOVE your list of the ENTIRE family’s naughty behaviour! Even the cat and dog! So VERY funny!
THE CHRISTMASTIME RHYME CRIME
by Jason Peterson
(250 words)
It was Christmastime –
And everyone everywhere wanted to rhyme –
From stories to poems and cards to carols,
The rhymes were all flowing like cider from barrels!
But one huge rhyme-hater, he cringed at the sound,
As each vapid verse did echo around.
He connived and conspired; schemed and he planned
To steal every rhyme from this word wonderland.
He swiped the word “mouse” and replaced it with “rat.”
The “creatures not stirring” sure didn’t like that!
He took the word “sleigh” and swapped it with “sled.”
The “jingle bells, jingle bells” clanged on instead.
He grabbed all the words that rhymed with “snow”
And cast each of them to a fire down below.
After they melted, he formed foul phrases,
So each lovely “snow” rhyme became bad-news blazes!
But one little girl witnessed what he was doing.
She crept up behind him as his plan was brewing.
He stole a huge “JOYS” that was rhyming with “TOYS”
On a sign for donations to girls and to boys.
“Stop, there!” she said, and he froze on the spot.
The sign in his hand showing that he’d been caught.
“Why are you taking these wonderful rhymes
That add so much *joy* to these holiday times?”
The man sat down slowly with tears in his eyes,
As the “JOYS” slipped down too between his heaving cries.
“My name is WOLF SILVER,” he said, finally.
“I’m taking these rhymes
And committing these crimes
Because no words – NOT ONE – will rhyme with me!”
Poor Wolf, he needs to meet Bulb Orange! LOL! Very fun! Good luck!
What a lovely clever idea!
So creative! Great ending.
I LOVE how he was REPLACING the words instead of just stealing them! SO funny to think of replacing mouse with RAT, etc! Very well done!
ENTRY POSTED FOR SASHA
The Hannukah Hand (242 words)
By Sasha Harris-Lovett
“It’s getting to be winter,” said Pink Candle. He trembled.
“Remember last winter? When they got Greeny?” Orange Candle swallowed hard. She remembered how the Big Hand had snatched Greeny, clamped him in the menorah, then lit him on fire. Greeny had melted into a waxy puddle.
All the candles remembered.
Suddenly, the drawer flew open.
“Run! Hide!” yelled Blue Candle.
The Big Hand reached in. “Now, where did I put those Hanukkah candles,” said the Big Voice.
The Big Hand lifted the napkins. White Candle rolled out of the way.
The Big Hand tugged on a roll of masking tape. Pink Candle crawled behind the pens.
The Big Hand pulled out a deck of cards. Blue Candle ducked under the dog leash.
“There’s so much junk piled in here, I can’t find anything,” said the Big Voice.
A Little Hand poked in the drawer. Yellow Candle nudged a flashlight into the Little Hand.
“I know!” said the Little Voice. “Hannukah is the Festival of Lights … Let’s use flashlights instead!” The candles held their breath.
“Flashlights? But it’s Hannukah! We always light candles.”
“Please?” asked the Little Voice. “We can flash it once for each night.” Yellow Candle and Orange Candle clasped hands nervously. They heard the Big Voice sigh.
The candles peeked out to see a single beam of light illuminate the room. The Big Voice and the Little Voice sang the Hannukah prayers.
Inside the drawer, the candles cheered.
Love the candles’ points of view! Big hand and little hand, very clever. Good luck!
So horrific, what happened to Greeny! Very well done having them hide behind all the different odds and ends in the “junk drawer!”
MOOSE AND THE MOUNTAIN
Katie Brandyberry – 250 WC
KA-RACK! KA-BOOM! KA-BANG!
New Years Eve fireworks lit up the mountain.
“OOOOH! AHHHH!” The crowd cheered.
“Boooo! Blahhh!” Moose sneered.
It used to be just Moose and the mountain.
That was before—CRAAAASH!—the machines built,
CREEEEAK!—the hanging chairs began to move,
and—ZOOOOOM!—the humans with sticks on their feet arrived.
Moose did NOT like sharing his mountain…
especially on New Years Eve.
This year, Moose had a plan.
More like… a resolution.
“The humans that are skiing soon will be FLEEING!”
Moose dug holes.
He built ramps.
Then he left some… gifts.
Moose’s bellow sounded more like a giggle as he surveyed the scat dotting the mountain.
The next morning,
“AHHHHHH!”
“WAHHHHH!”
“GROSSSSS!”
But, the humans kept coming.
Moose grunted.
He stomped.
Finally, Moose charged.
An announcement blared. “Moose spotted! Stay clear!”
“HA!” Moose grunted, satisfied.
The mountain was silent…
except for a yelp.
There, beneath the trees, was a tiny human, terrified.
If Moose wanted his mountain back, this human had to go.
He scooped her up and dashed downhill.
“OOOOH! AHHHH!” The crowd cheered.
“Boooo. Blahhhh,” Moose sneered…
until he heard talk of, “A hero.”
Moose? A hero?
Why… yes. Yes he was.
That’s when Moose made a new New Years resolution.
No more holes. No more ramps.
No more being a party pooper.
The humans made resolutions too.
They greased the creaky chairlift.
They traded loud fireworks for silent sparklers.
They even left gifts… of apples.
All in honor of Moose and his mountain.
##
Nice story! Glad moose stopped being a party pooper! And the the humans found a way to live and play together. Nicely done.
Great premise! Love all the onomatopoeia, and the tense moment where the moose finds the child. This is fun to read. Good luck to you!
I love this story, Katie! What a super title, premise, and satisfying ending. I love the humor throughout, the snappy pacing, and sound words too. Nicely done!
So fun! I love the resolutions on both sides!
Moose is a DELIGHTFUL main character! Very fun conflict and a great resolution!
The Christmas Tree Critic
By T. Clarke
242 words
The man by the tree
had a very long nose.
His pointy bright shoes
must have hurt all his toes.
He stood with crossed arms,
his lips pinched up tight.
He sneered at our tree.
Leaned left and then right.
He struck an odd pose
to judge where it lacked.
He squinted and stared,
stepped forward and back.
He tapped a glass bulb,
“It’s peeling and faded
It just looks so old.
Its finish abraded.”
“Two blues in a row.
It sits somewhat slanted.
It’s sparse on one side.”
He paced as he ranted.
My mom loves that bulb,
with its crackled brocade.
Dad likes the blue lights
His favourite shade.
His hands wave around,
“This tree’s not designer,
There’s uneven spaces,
The trim could be finer.”
“It won’t win a prize
And won’t get my vote.”
The Christmas Tree Critic
put on his tweed coat.
“Well, we like the tree
and think it’s just right”.
said my mom with a wink,
“It’s merry and bright.”
My dad spoke up then
and smiled at the tree,
“Perfection is boring,
and not meant to be.”
I caught the man’s arm
and gave him his gift
“For judging our tree,
and making it swift.”
“For me? Are you sure?
How thoughtful and kind.”
I laughed when he said,
“I won’t change my mind”.
“New specs for my eyes?
They fit like a glove!
Your tree needs no prize,
it shines with your love.”
Nice rhyme and fun story. Seems like there’s always a tree critic, when all they need to see is the love. Nicely done. Good luck!
Such a sweet ending! Excellent job with your rhymes.
Awww…love this, and the last line is heartwarming! Super rhymes and meter, very cute! Best line after being given a gift, “I won’t change my mind’! Way to go!
Glad to see a Tree Critic acknowledge that there is more to the season than a perfectly trimmed tree! You described him and his judging SO WELL! Excellent work!
THE LAST CANDLE STANDING
By Marcia Berneger
250 words
“I bet the red candle burns the longest.” Tammy pointed to the seventh candle in the menorah.
“The blue one will be the last to go out,” said Robbie. “It’s the best one.”
Shamash sat in the box with the remaining candles. “How can I be the last one standing when I light all of you first? I’ll never be the best one.”
“Look!” said Tammy. “The pink candle’s winning.”
Shamash curled its wick into a tiny ball. “That’s it. I’m done!”
He hopped out of the box and rolled off the table.
“Where are you going?” asked a green candle. “What will happen tomorrow, when the kids need you?”
But Shamash didn’t listen. It rolled under the couch.
The next day, Tammy set eight candles in the menorah. Robbie searched the box. “It’s empty. We have no Shamash candle.”
“Ha!” said Shamash. “Let’s see what they do without me!”
“We can’t light the candles without the Shamash!” cried Tammy.
Shamash peeked from under the couch. “They’ll just have to find a new way to light them.”
“If we can’t light the candles, we can’t celebrate.” Robbie’s eyes filled with tears. “No latkes, no dreidel game…and no presents!”
“We need the Shamash!” shouted Tammy.
Shamash couldn’t believe it. “They need me?” It rolled out of its hiding place.
“Look!” cried Tammy. She scooped up Shamash and placed it into the menorah. “Our hero!”
“You’re the best candle ever!” said Robbie.
“You heard him!” Shamash stood tall. “The best candle ever!”
Very cute. Sort of like the Day the Crayons Quit. Nice job and good luck!
How sweet that Shamash was appreciated after all! The conflict was very believable! It sounds EXACTLY like something kids would be arguing over!
SANTA ATE HIS VEGGIES
by Tarja Helena Nevala
228 words
Santa’s toe was swollen huge, just like a big goose egg.
And it was painful every time, old Santa moved his leg.
The ache made Santa cry and shout. He was a grouchy grump.
He hollered “Every kid this year, will get a small coal lump!”
“I won’t be jolly, kind, or quick! I won’t greet ho ho ho!”
“This Christmastime I’ll take a break and help my ailing toe!”
And so, it was just as he said, kid’s letters piled up high.
Santa did not work at all. He did not even try.
He laid around and ate more sweets. His toe got bigger still.
Dear Mrs. Claus was worried sick. She called for Doctor Chill.
“Ah ha! Oh my! Oh dear! So red! — Now can it really be?”
“It truly does look like it is, a bout of gout to me.”
The doctor said the toe was sick of food that was too rich
She gave Old Santa’s toe a squeeze, and it began to twitch.
“EEE-owww!!” cried Santa. “Help me! I’ll make the switch today!”
“I’ll change my eating habits. I’ll change them right away”
Dear Mrs. Claus was ready, she had the cookie plate,
already filled with veggies, and healthy food that’s great.
Soon Santa’s toe was better, his mood a jolly sight.
His sleigh packed high with presents; he flew on Christmas night.
Turning Santa into the bad guy, great idea. Fun rhyme. I’m glad Mrs. Claus had the remedy. Nicely done! Good luck!
Thank you for your kind comment. I truly appreciate you.
Too funny 🙂
Thank you, Laura.
As Nancy already mentioned, SO CLEVER making Santa the BAD GUY! It really was SO HUMOROUS seeing Santa so grumpy being sick! For some reason it reminded me of Fred Flinstone! VERY animated, and well done!
Thank you, Royal. I truly appreciate your kind thoughts.
ENTRY POSTED FOR SHARON
A Holiday Welcome WC 250
By Sharon McCarthy
Miss Raccoon attended mass faithfully outside St. Francis Church, since the people did not welcome animals.
When the chorus sang, she whistled along.
When the people prayed, she acknowledged her blessings.
And when the priest prepared the host, she gobbled berries.
During Christmas Eve Mass, a toddler wandered outside.
Miss Raccoon didn’t know what to do, so she took the baby’s hand and knocked on Squirrel’s tree for advice.
“Don’t touch him! People spread diseases!”
Squirrel dived into her tree.
She shook Opossum’s bush for more advice.
“You’re harboring a criminal! People pollute!”
Opossum rustled back under the bush.
She hollered down Rabbit’s hole for final thoughts.
“It could be a trap! People poison animals!” and popped into his hole.
The baby clung to Miss Raccoon as she snuck around the church.
“What shall I do?”
The gleaming starlight disclosed an animal and human nativity admiring baby Jesus.
“What a welcoming place!” said Miss Raccoon.
She removed the baby Jesus from the manger and settled the toddler in.
The church doors bolted open.
“My baby! Help! He’s with a raccoon!” screamed a lady.
Miss Raccoon darted away.
“It’s a miracle from St Francis!” shouted the priest.
On Christmas Day, Father held mass outside. He summoned the creatures before the sinful people. “Please forgive us. We are all equals in God’s eyes. Join our celebration!”
Miss Raccoon paraded out with the animals marching behind. They marched until all the people accompanied them into the church, where God welcomed them all.
Truly a Christmas miracle. Lovely. Good luck!
I love that the animals are just as judgemental and prejudiced as people! Miss Raccoon is a sweet main character! Her seeking of advice from the other forest animals had all the tenderness of The Hundred Acre Woods! Well done!
ENTRY POSTED FOR JUDY
250 Words
OOPSIE POOPSIE CHRISTMAS
By Judy Caldwell Hughes
Mistletoe’s green leaves and red berries look like woodland’s Christmas ornaments, and people kiss under it. But, beware! The name means “poop twig.”
Hawk heads from her mistletoe nest in the tulip tree. Berries bounce onto me, Phineas Finch.
Scrunch. Crunch. Munch. Cardinal feasts. When finished, he goes.
Oopsie. Poopsie. Plop. Splot.
Like a bull’s eye; sticky, seedy poo splatters on me!
After a chilly splash to get rid of the goo, I can’t resist eating the washed-off seeds.
Oopsie. Poopsie.
My seed-filled doo-doo douses squirrel, plus the compost on which he dines. “Watch where you do your number two!” Squirrel scritches.
Oopsie. Poopsie. He poops, too.
Hawk heads home. I doze.
Christmas Eve stars sparkle the sky as bear and racoon munch the seed-sprinkled compost.
Oopsie. Poopsie.
Bear steps on racoon’s deposit. Like gum on a shoe, seeds cling to her paws. Soon bear sniffs honey and clambers up a nearby tree. She scoops, licks and smacks honey. Some seeds stay stuck there.
Later skunk climbs the same tree to dine on bees. With his sticky claws he scrapes out seed-dotted honey, too.
Oopsie. Poopsie. Skunk leaves a seedy deposit.
Christmas Day dawns.
Puppy-dog digs through skunk’s doo-doo. Soon puppy yowls in pain and squirts seedy, soupy poopie.
Oopsie.
Meanwhile below my tree, finch friends flock to feast on seeds with me.
Hawk flies.
My friends flutter and scatter.
In the commotion:
Oopsie. Poopsie.
Covered again.
Steal a kiss below mistletoe at your own risk!
Oopsie! Poopsie! Plop. Splot.
Fun wildlife lesson. Beware the oopsie poopsies!
An eye-opening tale of mistletoe customs in the wild! Such a clever and detailed journey for the seeds to make!
ENTRY POSTED FOR KELLIE
Grimble’s Grumble.
By Kellie Tune @FableFiddler
249 words
Elf Grimble worked hard in her Christmas knitwear
to hoard the best toys and then say there’s none spare.
“I don’t want to add these to Santa’s huge sack.
But he’ll check his list and then make me repack”.
So Grimble considered should she steal the list?
“I need to do something but it may be missed.
I could change his findings to naughty from nice.
He won’t even notice when he checks it twice.”
She scribbled and scrawled so the ‘nice’ list reached none.
Then set off to play in the limited sun.
But Santa did notice and started to worry
He called out to Grimble and told her to hurry.
He said with no nice kids there may be a riot
Their folks must need rest, and more moments of quiet.
“We’ll load up the sleigh with ear plugs and bubbles,
pack toys to bring respite (a break from their troubles)”.
So Grimble reluctantly repacked the coal
and gifts to help parents assert their control.
As Santa watched over elf Grimble worked hard
As presents were left with the elf’s calling card
On Christmas at lunchtime to Grimble ‘s surprise
A bubbly feeling began to arise.
Wrapped up in a card was a huge lump of coal.
With writing that said “may this warm up your soul”.
Poor Grimble felt bad she gave adult’s control.
She started the sleigh with a new festive goal.
She flew ’round the world delivering toys.
That gave kids control through the power of noise.
Funny! Best line, With writing that said “may this warm up your soul”. Good luck!
WOW! What a beautiful insight that coal is an invitation to warm one’s soul! That Santa sure knows what he’s doing!
Happy Holidays Everyone!
THE REVENGE OF COUNT CURSIVE
By Linda Staszak
250 words
In a snowy cave near the North Pole, Count Cursive smirked.
Tonight he’d get even with Santa for never bringing him anything on his list.
And Santa wouldn’t know until it was too late.
He flipped switches and twisted knobs on his remote control, and eight reindeer-robots took jerky steps.
He snuck them to Santa’s sleigh and just had time to fasten their harnesses before Rudolph and Santa arrived.
Count Cursive ducked out of sight as the sleigh took off.
Oh no! He forgot to make a Rudolph-robot.
Rudolph headed toward their first stop, but the remote-controlled robots were steered in a different direction.
Rudolph pulled.
Santa tugged.
The sleigh jerked and lurched and then…
it landed at the cave.
Count Cursive sneered. “Unload everything—it’s mine.”
Santa frowned. “I remember you. You never left a list—or cookies.”
Count Cursive fumed. “I always wrote my list in cursive and left it with the cookies.”
“Think back.” Santa touched his head.
They remembered, like watching a video…
Santa came down the chimney.
A cookie plate was covered with crumbs.
No list.
Crumb-faced dog Charlie sat by the tree.
“Charlie ate it!”
Santa nodded. “I always left something for you.”
Count Cursive’s head drooped. “I’m sorry. I thought it was because we’re not supposed to use cursive.”
Santa chuckled. “I can read anything. Now let’s get my reindeer. I’m running late, so I need a helper tonight.”
Count Cursive—now just Joey—beamed, and this time the sleigh left for real.
Haha! Love the idea of Count Cursive! Too bad he didn’t realize that Charlie ate the list so long ago. Fun story!
EXCELLENT work with Rudolph and Santa struggling against the robot reindeer! Very animated! Count Cursive’s redemption story is sweet! I’m glad he was quick to leave the years of disappointment behind when he realized it had all been a mistake!
248 words
CHRISTMAS IS HISS-TORY!
by
Ashley Sierra
There was one thing Koko hated more than the mouse under the floorboard.
“Christmas,” she meowed. “The most a-paw-ling time of the year.”
Koko’s owners, Midge and Joe, were always busy. She felt fur-gotten.
“I can’t cat-ch their attention,” Koko hissed. “It’s ALL Christmas.”
Baking cookies.
Decorating the tree.
Building gingerbread houses.
Caroling. Lights. Presents!
The most inFURiating part . . .
“Ugh, that elf. They look for him every morning,” Koko growled. “And not me.”
Koko was mew-serable and felt claw-ful.
“I will destroy Christmas. And they’ll be mine!”
On Christmas Eve . . .
She swatted stockings, sipped Santa’s milk, and clawed the presents.
Next, Koko jumped into the tree.
She knocked the lights off with her nose.
Took down tinsel with her tail.
Pummeled the ornaments with her paws.
Then Koko CATapulted onto the mantel. She s-t-r-e-t-c-h-e-d and knocked the elf into the fireplace.
“Oops. It was an accident,” Koko snickered with a wink.
Koko crawled into her bed, feeling paw-sitively purr-ideful.
“Christmas is hiss-tory! I’ll have Midge and Joe again!”
On Christmas morning, Koko rolled over to admire the cat-astrophe, but . . .
“Christmas came back! How?”
Crunch.
She stepped on a note.
Dear Koko,
I was happy to help you clean up. My gift to you. Merry Christmas!
Sincerely,
Murphy (the mouse under the floorboard)
“Arrgh. That mouse is . . .”
“Merry Christmas, Koko!” Midge and Joe said.
“Meowy Christmas!” Koko cried. “They didn’t fur-get me!”
“Look what we got you,” Midge said.
“Not an elf costume! You have to be kitten me!”
Ashley, this story is simply punderful! So fun, funny, and clever. And I LOVE that last line. I also like the mouse’s name and your hilarious title. Nicely done!
Thanks, Sarah! Your feedback and suggestions helped make this story possible.
Ashley, you’ve done it again! I was grinning all the way through, just for the pun of it! So sweet of Murphy to clean up Koko’s mess. Best of luck in the contest!
I’m glad you enjoyed it, Jill. I always appreciate you taking the time to read my stories and leaving supportive comments.
Very punny! Practically purr-fect in every way. I giggled all the way along. Good luck!
Thank you for reading, Nancy. I am glad you enjoyed it. It was fun to write.
This is such a fun story! I was smiling with every line. Very clever puns and humor!
I LOVE that you had Murphy (the mouse under the floorboard we had all nearly forgotten about) save the day! He is SO kind! Despite Koko’s naughtiness. OR did he repair her glorious Christ-mouse destruction just to mouse with her? Maybe Murphy isn’t such a Mice-guy after all….
Thanks for reading! I like to leave that mystery to the reader and where their mind goes first. Ha! Great puns.
Yeti Yell! (212 words)
By Lauri C. Meyers
Yeti awoke from a hundred year nap
And heard from his cave a repetitive TAP.
Was it a narwhal horn banging on ice?
Maybe a rabble of tap dancing mice?
“YETI YELL!”
He discovered a barn with the source of the noise:
Hammering elves with a pile of toys.
To stop the elves’ racket, he’d have to attack!
He pounded his fists on a giant red sack.
“YETI YANK!”
He pulled down their tree with its sparkling stuff.
He tore apart teddy bears tossing their fluff.
He gobbled up cookies and drank all the cocoa.
He stomped on the dishes, but OUCH little toe, no!
“YETI YOWL!”
He flopped on the fallen tree, snuggled its skirt.
Santa appeared, “This poor yeti is hurt.”
They bandaged his booboo and soothed his distress.
He blushed through his fur when he surveyed his mess.
“YETI YODEL!”
Yeti got busy with fixing his wrongs
(for the yodels of yetis are magical songs.)
The tree flew back up, and the sack was re-fluffed,
Cocoa was poured, and the teddies were stuffed.
“YETI YAWN…”
They read him a story, and tucked him in tight
Under the Christmas tree’s twinkling light.
They got back to work while he started to nap,
Falling gently to sleep to the tappity tap.
This story is so much fun, Lauri! I love the YETI refrains and Yeti’s satisfying character arc.
Very cute! Love the yeti and his reactions. So creative. Nicely done!
Hodor meets Groot in this delightful poem! I love how your amazing alliteration and clever word choices mimic the tapping of the elves and give Yeti such a clear voice in just a few words.
A WONDERFULLY surprising revelation of the elves busy at work! I LOVE the line “bandaged his booboo!” So FUN to think of what the future holds for Santa, the elves, and their friend, the magical Yeti! Well done!
This is wonderful, Lauri!! The rhyme is great, and poor Yeti is such a wonderful (bad guy!) character! Well done!
NOT EVEN – a Mouse
By Elizabeth Muster
WC 247
‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house. Not a creature was stirring, except NOT EVEN – a mouse.
NOT EVEN gnawed each strand of lights on the tree until the room went dark.
He pulled at the tinsel until it was a slithering silver snake on the floor.
He nibbled every cookie until there was only a pile of sprinkles – including several brown ones.
When NOT EVEN heard a thump from the chimney, the fur on his back bristled.
“Ho, ho,” said the bearded man in a red suit. “It looks like you, NOT EVEN, are on my naughty list this year.”
In the palm of his white glove, Santa lifted NOT EVEN until the two were eye to eye.
“It’s not fair,” said the mouse. “Mother gave my brother Georgie a whole buttery spritz. I got nothing. If I can’t have anything for Christmas, nobody should.”
“Ho, ho,” said Santa. “Could your mother have carried two cookies all by herself?”
NOT EVEN shook his head.
“Georgie is a sickly little mouse, isn’t he?” asked Santa.
“Yes, Santa.” NOT EVEN’s whiskers twitched.
“Did Georgie need that cookie more than you?” Santa patted NOT EVEN gently.
“I suppose.” NOT EVEN drooped his head. “I need to fix this.”
NOT EVEN hopped down and scampered towards the kitchen. Santa followed, gathering bowls and ingredients. NOT EVEN found the spatula.
And on that night before Christmas, all through the house, a creature was stirring: NOT EVEN, a mouse.
This is so clever! I love NOT EVEN, a mouse. Sweet story!
Naughty NOT EVEN! I’m glad Santa gently showed him why he was wrong to get angry and helped him make it right. Very nicely done!
A wonderfully transformative and ingenious Christmas story that gives voice to the overlooked and under-appreciated NOT EVENs among us.
I LOVE your depiction of Santa, who lovingly instructs the wayward NOT EVEN, and spends time baking with him to make things right! A beautiful redemption story!
How the Gift Stole Christmas
by Lori Sheroan
(248 Words)
Grandpa was visiting for Christmas. He and Joey would bowl, shop, and look at Christmas lights.
Joey gave Grandpa their special “fist bump handshake bear hug.” Grandpa gave Joey a cell phone.
“Now we can FaceTime anytime,” Grandpa said.
Joey was hooked.
He browsed the Internet and downloaded apps.
Next morning, Joey’s phone beckoned him with its alarm. Instead of shopping with Grandpa, Joey texted friends and played online games.
At the bowling alley, Joey tweeted and Tiktokked. He didn’t notice Grandpa’s strike and forgot to do their celebratory fist bump. On the drive home, the only lights Joey saw were those flickering from his phone screen.
Christmas morning dawned, and the phone was still the star. Joey barely glanced at his other gifts. That night, when the celebration was over and everyone was in bed, Joey received a text from Grandpa.
“I’ve missed you this Christmas.”
It was the same text he sent to Joey on Mom’s phone last year when he stayed away because of Covid. Now he was in the guest room down the hall, but Joey had been too wrapped up in the phone to spend time with him.
Joey powered his phone off, got out of bed, and walked to Grandpa’s room.
“I’m sorry,” Joey said. “I like my new phone, but I LOVE you. Can we FaceTime tomorrow…without our phones?”
“Absolutely,” Grandpa said and held out his fist. Joey skipped the fist bump and handshake and went straight for the bear hug.
So glad Joey learned when to power down. Such a sweet ending.
Your title is spot-on, and I love how Grandpa and Joey look to each other to build a close relationship despite a generation (and technology) gap.
WOW! Such a GREAT Christmas story of our times! I particularly LOVED your title and the line “Christmas morning dawned, and the phone was still the star!” SO GOOD with the repeated text from Covid Christmas! And a picture perfect ending you set up from the very beginning. Masterfully crafted, Lori!
You made me cry. I wish every kid, and adult, with a phone or tablet, could read this story.
ENTRY POSTED FOR KATIE
A Wicked Christmas Bash
by Katie Lee Reinert
243 words
Once upon a Christmas time,
Rumpelstiltskin thought,
“Why should Santa have such fun
while I’m left here to rot?”
“I’ll throw a Wicked Christmas Bash
for every bad guy friend.
We’ll swap some gifts and have a blast,
and fix our story’s end.”
He knew just what he had to do
and so he grabbed the phone,
inviting all his villain friends
to gather at his home.
He hung some blood red stockings
and sharpened candy canes.
Baked some gingerbread boys and girls
with iced on little chains.
When the night arrived at last,
they gathered round the table.
Each one anxious for a gift
that would rewrite their fable.
The Big Bad Wolf unwrapped his first
and couldn’t help but drool,
as he beheld his very own
hunter detecting tool.
Next the Evil Stepmother
unwrapped the folded creases.
With her brand new sledge hammer,
she’d smash glass shoes to pieces.
Then the Witch picked up her gift
with lots of bows (she loved them).
Let Hansel and Gretel try to shove
her in a microwave oven!
Another Wicked Witch came next,
this one was from the west.
She’d get that girl and her dog too,
this raincoat was the best!
When Rumpelstiltskin unwrapped his,
he found duct tape all rolled,
to tape his mouth closed nice and tight
and leave his name untold.
And so the night was a success,
full of villainous laughter.
Hopeful that they’d finally get
unhappily ever after!
So fun! I love your gift ideas for the villains!
Wow! How creative with all the villains getting their way! Brilliant! Good luck!
Such CLEVER gifts for all the BAD GUYS, especially the Wicked Witch of the West and her new raincoat! I particularly liked “fix our story’s end” and “finally get unhappily ever after!” Such a GREAT fairy tale mashup! LOVED it!
It’s A Wrap!
by Maria M. Sutanto
249 words
Glitter-toes and Sugarplum were in charge of wrapping presents in Santa’s workshop. They felt unappreciated and unimportant.
“Bah! Wrapping paper isn’t important,” Glitter-toes pouted.
“Bows, glitter, and sparkly papers! They just get ripped up and tossed aside anyway,” Sugarplum agreed. “Let’s show’em what wrappers can do!”
As Santa left the workshop to prepare the sleigh, Glitter-toes and Sugarplum wreaked havoc on the other elves. They poured glue on Buddy and sprinkled glitter on him.
They snuck into the kitchen to wrap Chef Elf with a thick red ribbon, rolling him round and round, topping him with a sparkly bow. “Look at what we can do with ribbons!” Glitter-toes giggled.
They devoured the gingerbread houses and tied up boxes of cookies with double knots (so they are extra hard to open!).
Glitter-toes and Sugarplum glued together candy canes to make a pepperminty sled and rode it down the hill until WHOOMP! They collided against Santa’s sleigh and broke their candy cane sled.
They snuck into the mound of presents and hid in Santa’s sleigh, tagging along for the ride to deliver Christmas presents.
On their journey, Glitter-toes and Sugarplum peered through their super-telescope from the sleigh. They saw families admiring the decorations and bows on the presents they wrapped. The fancy wrapping papers and decorations were the first things the families saw! Babies and pets loved playing with the wrapping papers and gift boxes that they chose.
Glitter-toes and Sugarplum returned to the North Pole, feeling warm, tired, and… thankful.
Wow, that is quite an adventure! Love their names! So fun.
I love that Glitter-toes and Sugarplum were able to feel appreciated! An excellent resolution to their feelings of frustration!
The Ornament Thief
By Arlene Dowd
250 words
It is such an exciting time for Andrew and Brandon. The Christmas tree is decorated and filled with memorable ornaments. Just when they thought they couldn’t get more excited, Doug the Elf appeared.
Every day they were amused at Doug’s antics. But then Andrew began to notice ornaments were starting to disappear from their tree. He was wondering where they were going, and one night he decided to stay awake to find out.
In the middle of the night, Andrew saw Doug taking an ornament and going outside. He tried to follow him without being noticed. Then, to his surprise, he saw Doug going into Sarah’s house down the street.
Andrew peeked inside Sarah’s window and saw Doug putting the ornament on Sarah’s tiny Christmas tree. It was then he noticed his missing ornaments, all dangling on Sarah’s tree.
Andrew ran back to his house as quickly as he could.
When Doug came back to the house, Andrew confronted him. Doug explained that there was an Elf shortage at the North Pole and he was assigned to both houses. He explained that Sarah’s family was not as fortunate as Andrew’s family, and he was trying to help make Sarah happy. He admitted he was wrong and didn’t want to get fired by Santa.
Andrew thought about the situation for a few minutes. Then he filled a box with more of his ornaments for Sarah. As he handed the box to Doug, he said everyone deserves to have a merry Christmas!
So sweet. I’m glad Andrew helped Doug fill Sarah’s house with Christmas cheer. Good luck!
A great reminder that we can all lend a helping hand spreading Christmas cheer, because Elf shortages happen all the time! A beautiful sentiment!
Title: Cat Claus By Bru Benson
Word Count: 243
“Put the tree here in front of the window so the neighbors can see it,” Mom said,
“I’ll get the lights and ornaments so we can start decorating.”
“Evil,” MoMa said, shaking her finger at Mom. “You’re asking for trouble, our first real Christmas tree since I moved in here together. Keep a watchful eye out for him.”
“Who?” Jessi, her six-year-old granddaughter, asked, smelling the tree’s pine scent on her sticky hands.
“Cat Claus,” MoMa warned.
“Who is Cat Claus, Santa’s helper?”
“Helper indeed, the past years, both of you didn’t have to worry. Spring, summer, or fall, you didn’t see him at all. But this winter, during Christmas time, when real trees have sparkling lights, silver glitter, and glass ornaments, he appears. Then Whoosh, off he goes.”
That night, up from the basement, something creeps and sneaks on silent cat paws up to the tree. Glitter is gobbed. Then coughed up again. Popcorn strings catch on cat claws and pull around, then snap. Candy canes are licked with wrappers still on.
Cat Claus is here.
Batting at ornaments while climbing the tree, crashing round glass clutter the floor. Up he goes to the top, swaying back & forth, this way and that. Cat Clause’s cat claws cling to the bark as the falling shining star with the tree ends up sideways. Then Whoosh, Cat Claus, MoMa’s cat, takes a small catnip box ornament off the tree and runs away, happy and safe.
Oh, bad kitty! He will certainly end up on Santa’s naughty list! But MoMa should know better than to put catnip on the tree! Lol! Fun story!
Thank You. Christmas tree topplings are a ritual here at the house with our six cats.
I can’t decide if the BAD GUY is Cat Claus for creating the mayhem, or MoMa for egging him on with that catnip ornament! Well done!
Silent Night Caper
By Ally Piper
249 words
On a silent night not so long ago
Tiny paws shuffled across the snow
Night stretches long this time of year
As we wait for the “all clear”
“No whispers. No talking.
‘Lest we wake the walking!”
Not a light could be seen on this darkest of nights
“Stand at the ready, we move at first light.”
Our mission was clear,
to protect all we hold dear.
We must capture the sun
What else could be done?
All is calm, as dark as can be
Here we go…on the count of three
ONE
The glow in the distance grew
Turing the dark into a nice shade of blue
TWO
As the golden rays of the sun broke through
We readied our nets, we knew what to do.
THREE
Leaping from trees and all around
We pounced on the sun and pinned her to the ground
At once we presented our case,
The leaves have all fallen from the trees
The warm days replaced with a cold breeze
The darkness stays late and returns early
We knew the sun could fix this, surely
We pleaded for the sun to stay a bit longer
“Don’t go. We need you. You make us stronger.”
“Oh my dear ones,” the sun exclaimed as she broke free.
“The seasons are the reason for me staying away,
but soon my time with you will grow again each day.
Its time to nestle down in your dens and sleep tight
During this long winter’s night.”
Very clever trying to stop the winter solstice! Very creative. Good luck!
Thanks Nancy!
Very nice. Great pacing and creative
A wonderfully fantastical tale, capturing the sun! Excellent tension-building as they wait for the critical moment!
Wow! Well done! Great tale of the sun! 🙂
The Evil Gnome Cookie Jar
I’m the Christmas cookie jar
My fame has spread wide and far,
But this year I hold a grudge
No more peppermint and fudge.
They better watch out, they better not cry
This year their cookies will taste dry
I’ll change the sugar into chalk,
Each bite will taste like bathroom caulk.
My hat will have no jelly smeared
Or powdered sugar in my beard,
No cookies in, no cookies out.
I hope they scream. I hope they pout.
No snicker doodles nor ginger breads,
Or frosted, sprinkled Santa heads.
I’m done with goodies and all the cheer,
I say bah humbug for this year!
They’re mixing salt, eggs, and flour,
The place gets hotter by the hour!
Stir the batter and scoop the dough
Open the oven and in they go!
Dozens of cookies cool on the plate
My evil plan can hardly wait!
The cookies come one by one,
Now it’s time for my bad fun.
Some cookies in, some cookies out,
I don’t hear screams- just a shout.
Small hands caress my beard and cheek
My grumpy gnomish heart goes weak.
A little one stands on tippy toes
And plants a kiss upon my nose
Some cookies in, some cookies out
He made my Christmas without a doubt.
What a wicked cookie jar! I like it! Best line, I’ll change the sugar into chalk,
Each bite will taste like bathroom caulk.
Glad he got the love he needed. Giid luck!
Such a funny idea! To make the cookie jar the BAD GUY. It always DID seem to get dirty around Christmas time with all the different types of cookies. I can see why it would be upset! I really liked your altered/repeated refrain. Some cookies in, some cookies out. Excellent!
Great idea! I also like the ” Some Cookies in, Some Cookies out!” 🙂
A Visit from Slush by Alex Price (Word Count 112)
I wonder if you’ve wondered
On bright and snowy days
Why it can’t just last forever
Why it has to go away
The answer’s rather simple
Of why it turns to mush
It’s because of a nasty villain
Who’s simply known as Slush
He sees the children playing
And thinks that it’s a crime
Then quickly uses magic
To fill the snow with grime
Your white and pristine snowman
With his buttons, scarf and hat
Will quickly turn to sludge and muck
And his toppling head will splat
So when your playing in the snow
Your fun will be a rush
Because waiting around the corner
Is the mean and nasty Slush!
Slush is a dastardly bad guy. Fun story. Good luck!
Bravo on the rhyme!
oops… posted it in the wrong spot -lol
Bravo on the rhyme!
The wicked Slush! Ruining many a perfect snow sculpture! Particularly like the line “will quickly turn to sludge and muck!”
Title: CHRISTMAS WITCH by Patricia J. Franz
Word Count: 204
With Halloween just a one-night affaire, Little Witch moped. There was no one to scare. No spells! No spooks! It wasn’t fair! Christmastime already?
Her ghost friends had stowed away their whites. The neighbor-bats had lined their windowsills with lights. And the skeletons? They were a silly fright, delightedly dressed in ugly Christmas sweaters.
For mischief-makers, this was treason! Christmas was for merry-makers. Little Witch twitched and thought… Why not squeeze in one more trick?
So, on Christmas Eve, while elves stuffed Santa’s shiny sleigh and reindeer practiced fly-aways, Little Witch cast a spell…jamming Santa’s GPS!
Around the world, parents fretted. Children worried. The forecast called for snow flurries. Tech and software experts scurried. If they hurried, could they code an answer? Fingers flew. Keyboards tapped. They worked all night to build an app.
But Santa is an old-school chap. He just laughed and pulled out a map! No spell would stop St. Nick.
Little Witch knew she’d been had. She threw up her hands. She was tired of being bad. So, she traded her black for Christmas plaid and joined the merry-makers.
You see… Santa’s magic is goodwill. And he’ll keep spreading it until hope and kindness fill the world, even Little Witches.
I’m glad the little witch git tired of being bad. I love that Santa’s magic is goodwill. Such a lovely thought. Nicely done!
I LOVE the visual of Little Witch putting on Christmas plaid to join the skeletons with their ugly Christmas sweaters! Such a fun little band of Halloween/Christmas misfits you put together! Well done!
Olive the Accidental Villain
by Maria P. Pope
250 words
I didn’t mean to ruin Christmas. Let me explain. You see, this was my first Christmas, and I had a lot to learn…
It all started with the tree. I thought, how weird, to put a dog bowl under a tree?! I lapped it up, mmm extra piney! “No, Olive!!!” Whoops, not for me!
They got me new balls, so sparkly and shimmery! I didn’t know why they were stuck to the tree. A quick yank and CRAAAAASH!!! “No, Olive!!!” Uh-oh, I don’t think those were for me.
The stockings were hung by the fireplace and I was pretty sure the bone-shaped one was for me. I ripped it open and… “No, Olive!!!” There was no treat.
I did find some treats in little bowls around the house. Red and green, so delicious! “No Olive!!!” Oh boy, I felt sick. Nothing a trip to the vet couldn’t fix.
The presents were set under the tree. I can’t read, so I opened them all! “No Olive!” Can you believe it? Not even ONE for me!
Christmas Eve, they had a big party. I jumped on the table ready to feast. “No Olive!!!” Surprise, surprise. No food for me.
At night, I just couldn’t sleep. I HATED Christmas and they all hated me!
That’s when I saw HIM, all big and jolly! I couldn’t believe it! I wagged my tail and stayed really quiet. He patted my head and said, “Ho-ho-ho, good girl, Olive,” and put out a bone just for me.
So fun for the new puppy. This is our puppy’s 2nd Christmas and we still put the tree up on a card table because he can’t be trusted. Love the ending. Good luck!
Thanks so much! It was a fun story to write. I know she’s a good girl…at heart 😉
Such WONDERFUL misunderstanding! You make it all seem so logical! I LOVE it! Favorite line “nothing a trip to the vet couldn’t fix!” Fun narrative voice from Olive’s POV! And a GREAT ending! Leave it to Santa to see into all our hearts! Well done!
Thanks so much Royal! I had a lot of real life inspiration!
Sally Yorke-Viney Word Count:249
Title: SANTA AND LITTLE PEA DICKLE
P. Dickle was not a happy elf!
He was short. His outfit was green and everyone else’s was red and white.
And his name wasn’t glittery, like Sprite or Sparkle.
The other elves laughed at him and called him Little Pea Dickle.
Little P. got angrier every day.
Of course, he loved Christmas with the trees, presents and songs.
But there was one thing he could just not stand, Candy Canes!
They were taller than him. They were red, white and sweet. He was not!
He was going to get rid of them all!
Little Pea hatched a plot to jump in Santa’s bag of presents. At every house
he would drop each candy cane into the tree stand filled with water. Dissolved!
All went well, until he dropped the first candy cane in the water. Splash!
“Elf Dickle, what are you doing?”, whispered Santa.
“Destroying Candy canes” he squeaked, “They’re red, white, tall and sweet! I’m short, green, brown, and in a sour mood!”
“Candy canes are symbols for love and Saint Nick! A Christmas tradition!
Little Pea looked sad, but Santa grinned. “Would you like to be a new Christmas tradition?”
“Yes!” cried P. Dickle.
Santa touched his nose and P. Dickle’s!
Instantly, the little green elf changed into a sparkly green ornament, more than three inches long.
“Now” said Santa, “You’re a Christmas tradition! You are the Christmas Pickle.”
And Little P. Dickle curved himself into a smile and nestled in the tree until Christmas morning!
So that’s where the Christmas pickle started! Cute story. Nicely done.
Thanks Nancy! I appreciate your feedback!
Such a CLEVER plan to destroy the candy canes by dissolving them! I love how honest Elf Dickle was! I love how you had Santa touch his nose to work his magic! Well done!
Thank you Royal! Love reading your entries every time you participate!
So cute and unique, Sally! A great explanation of how the Christmas Pickle came to be. Best of luck in the contest!
Thanks Jill same to you!!!
Title: THE WRONG SONG by Joy Pitcairn
Word Count: 213
The carolers were caroling,
And Mo—convinced he knew each song—
Opened up his mouth to sing,
And shouted all the lyrics wrong.
“Boys of the world,
The Lord has gum!”
An uncle turned and shook his head,
An aunt shot Mo a steely glare.
The grandmas “tsked” and grandpa huffed,
But if Mo heard, he didn’t care.
“Clark the hairy, old angel sings,
Christ is born, the New York King.”
The carolers were quite annoyed,
They tried in vain to shut Mo down.
They shushed and hushed to no avail
As Santa Claus flew into town.
“Deck the halls with bras of Holly,
Bra-la-la-la-LA, la-la-la-LA!”
While Mo was lost in cheery song,
The sleigh descended on the town.
And Mo sang boldly, so sincere,
“Santa Claus is wearing…a GOWN!”
The singers gasped and felt assured
Poor Mo had earned a lump of coal.
They watched to see if Claus would snap,
Offended in his jolly soul.
As Santa Claus surveyed the crowd,
He asked them, “Do you hear it?”
They shook their heads; he laughed and said,
“Well that’s the Christmas spirit!”
Then Old Saint Nick joined Mo in song.
He bellowed each and every word.
A goofy mix of right and wrong,
A Christmas carol quite absurd.
“Frosty the slow man…”
The lyrics made me laugh, so funny!
Hahaha! Bras of holly! Very cute. Glad Santa was a good sport. Good luck!
I love that the Mo was “convinced he knew each song!” Very clever! And I love your loving depiction of Santa who would sing right along!
Bah! HumBUG!
By Daniella Kaufman
Word Count: 236
Young Mae holds Christmas stockings by
the fireplace aglow.
“Why do we hang these up each year?
Hey, Daddy, do you know?”
“I do,” he whispers through a grin
while pulling Mae aside.
“These stockings are protection from
the greed of Christmas Clyde.”
“The what of who?” She’d never heard
of such a festive foe.
“The giant centipede,” says Dad,
“who lives below the snow!
He sneaks and eats the Christmas sweets!”
Dad pauses for effect.
“Our cookies, yes, but presents too
and pine trees flocked and decked.”
“He’ll gobble gifts?! He’ll chomp our tree?!”
Mae hides a box and bow.
“Don’t fret!” says Dad. “Without his socks–
he hates to crawl through snow.
Each Christmas season grown-ups swipe
the stockings from his den.
So, bah! that humbug, Clyde, will stay
inside his burrow then.”
“We hang them up so Santa sees
he’s safe to roam the night.”
Dad winks at Mae whose eyes go wide
and twinkle extra bright!
“So cool and brave!” says Mae. “You took
his mistle-toesie wear!
Next year, I’m coming too and we’ll
save Christmas as a pair!”
“You will?” asks Dad, impressed. “You’d face
this villain centipede?”
“Of course!” says Mae. “Can’t turn away
when Christmas is in need.”
“You’re right. . . except. . . I made him up. . .”
Mae gives her Dad a hug.
“I guessed! Did you forget?” She laughs.
“You run from every bug!”
Haha! Love the ending. Dads are great doe coming up with clever stories. Very cute!
Hahaha such a cute ending! I love the fact that dad runs from every bug! Christmas Clyde sounds terrifying! I’m glad he doesn’t exist. Now that I’m a grown-up, I would hate to have to sneak into his lair.