⭐️Deck the Halls! ⭐️ Light the menorah! ⭐️ Fill the Kikombe cha Umoja! ⭐️
It’s time for the . . .
13th Annual Holiday Writing Contest
~ for children’s writers ~
The Contest: Write a maximum 250-word children’s holiday story (children here defined as age 12 and under) about a Holiday Countdown!
- The countdown can cause emotion – anticipation, excitement, confusion, worry, dread or anything else
- Anything and everything can be counted down:
- – months, weeks, days, hours, minutes, seconds
- – people, animals, gifts, snowmen, fruitcakes, Christmas trees, candles, stars
- – things being hidden, wrapped, baked, purchased, handmade, eaten
- – people, animals, or items disappearing or being “picked off” one by one. . .
- – Think 5 little monkeys jumping on the bed, or 10 in the bed, or 3 wisemen, or 8 candles, or 8 reindeer or anything else with numbers for countdown inspiration.
- Anything goes – the more imaginative the better! 😊
Your story may be poetry or prose, silly or serious or sweet, religious or not, based on Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Winter Solstice, New Year’s or whatever you celebrate during the Holiday Season, but is not to exceed 250 words (I know! So much freedom after the Halloweensie Contest 😊 ) (It can be as short as you like (the judges will be grateful 😊 , you are welcome and encouraged to write shorter, but no more than 250! Title not included in word count.) The field is wide open! Have fun! The more creative the better! No illustration notes please. (And yes, if you feel compelled to submit more than one entry you may, just remember you’re competing against yourself!)
Post: Your entry should be posted between right now this very second and Friday December 8th at 11:59 PM EST, and must be posted in the comment section of THIS POST and include title, byline, and word count. This post 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 all the entries. 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 12 finalists. Due to the busy-ness of the holiday season, I am not going to hazard a guess as to exactly 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 Countdown! – the rules state a Holiday Countdown story, so your story must be centered around a countdown of some kind and it must be crystal clear that the story in some way relates to Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Winter Solstice, New Year’s, or whatever seasonal winter holiday you choose. Your countdown must be central to the story – not just an offhand mention/reference in a story about something else.
- 3. Quality of story – entries must tell a story, including a main character of some kind and a true story arc even if it’s tiny 😊 Entries must not be merely descriptions or mood pieces.
- 4. Quality of Writing: check your spelling, grammar, punctuation etc. If you’re going to rhyme, give us your best 😊 Overall writing quality and use of language are also important. Please proofread! 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. And in a contest of countdowns, you will want yours to stand out from the crowd!
- 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!!! How lucky are we to have such fantastic prizes from such generous kidlit professionals!
⭐️ Ask Me Anything Zoom Picture Book Manuscript Critique from Sandra Foreman Sutter, owner and “top gnome” at Gnome Road Publishing, and author of STAN’S FRIGHTFUL HALLOWEEN (Spork, September 2020) and THE REAL FARMER IN THE DELL (Spork, March 2019)!!! Not only will Sandra read and critique your manuscript, you will get to talk to discuss it with her!
⭐️ 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.
⭐️ Picture Book Manuscript Critique with 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 MERRY CHRISTMAS, DEAR MARS, September 3, 2024 from Macmillan/Godwin Books – a story that placed 2nd in the 2011 Holiday Contest! (How’s that for inspiring?) 😊
⭐️ Winner’s Choice of either a Picture Book Manuscript Critique (750 words or less) OR a signed copy of WINTER: A SOLSTICE STORY (Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books, October 10, 2023) (US addresses only) from author Kelsey Gross. WINTER: A SOLSTICE STORY was inspired by the 2020 Holiday Contest in which the original version of this book, a story entitled The Solstice Tree, placed 6th! (How’s that for more inspiration? 😊)
⭐️ Winner’s Choice of either an Ask Infowoman: A Library Consult 45 min. Zoom session to discuss questions on school visits or review of a school visit presentation (PowerPoint/slide deck) OR A Conference Proposal Consult, Kathy’s brand new service offering advice on writing winning conference proposals for NCTE, TLA, SCBWI, and other educational and library conferences. Regardless of where you are in your writing career – brand new or seasoned author – Kathy Halsey has a wealth of information to help you! From insight into what books school librarians need/want in their collections (which can help you target your writing for success) to helping you create an engaging school visit and all kinds of things between…and beyond… check out her website to see what this fantastic prize can offer you! Please visit her website to see her many, many qualifications!
⭐️ 20 Minute Coaching Session from Kirsti Call, multi-published author, book coach and life coach! Kirsti is the author of SMARTY ANTS, MOOTILDA’S BAD MOOD, THE BIG SCREAM, COW SAYS MEOW, COLD TURKEY, and THE RAINDROP WHO COULDN’T FALL, and she has a depth of knowledge and experience to help you on your writing journey and in your life. Together you can talk about where you are, where you want to be, and how to get you there!
⭐️ Picture Book Manuscript Critique (non-rhyming) from Kari Ann Gonzalez, author of HOW TO HATCH A READER (Gnome Road Publishing, August 15, 2023)
⭐️ Picture Book Manuscript Critique from Laura Jensen Bower, author of THE IMPOSTER (forthcoming from Gnome Road, March 5, 2024) and EMILY SNOOK, THE WORLD’S SMALLEST COOK (forthcoming from Little Gnome, Fall 2024)
⭐️ a first read-through recording package from children’s author and poet Sarah Meade, contributor to HOP TO IT: POEMS TO GET YOU MOVING (Pomelo Books, 2020!) where she will read aloud and record up to five PB manuscripts for one author (1,000 words or less each, fiction or nonfiction, rhyming or non-rhyming) so you can hear how your stories sound to someone who is unfamiliar with them on a first read-through! Very helpful and enlightening!
⭐️ Picture Book Manuscript Critique (non-rhyming) from Danielle Sharkan, author of SHARING SHALOM (forthcoming from Holiday House, Fall 2024) (X (formerly Twitter) @danirae)
⭐️ A Signed Copy of Jilanne Hoffman’s gorgeous A RIVER OF DUST: The Life-Giving Link Between North Africa and the Amazon. Jilanne Hoffman is the author of 2 board books, THE HONEY BEAR HIVE (Mudpuppy January 2023), HAPPY CAMPER (Mudpuppy January 2022), and A RIVER OF DUST (Chronicle Books, July 25, 2023)
PLUS A Copy of ALPHABEDTIME generously gifted by an anonymous donor (Thank you so much! You know who you are 😊❤️)
⭐️ Signed Copy of Winner’s Choice of One of Barb Seregi‘s Picture Books: THE TRUTH ABOUT HAZEL’S COOKIE (Hope Freelancing, November 23, 2017), OLIVER’S RATTLE (Barbara Seregi, October 19, 2022), or TOMMY AND THE GOOD NEWS SHOES (Bowker, October 24, 2023)
PLUS A Signed Copy of Candace Spizzirri‘s delightful FINLEY: A MOOSE ON THE CABOOSE (Gnome Road, April 18, 2023)
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! (Anyone who feels nice can start at the bottom of the list so that the later entries get read too! 😊)
1. Shivering With Excitement – Donna Kurtz
2. My Beastly Christmas – Paul Kurtz
3. Five Twinkling Stars Dancing On A Cloud – Susan Elizabeth Schipper
4. Ten Days For Sun – Vashti Verbowski
5. Juno’s Cookie-Dash – Angela Jelf
6. The Wrong List – Elizabeth Meyer zu Heringdorf
7. A Christmas Eve Countdown – Sue Lancaster
8.
9. Countdown To Joy – Mary Ann Featherston
10. Seeds – Mona Voelkel
11. And Then There Were None – Kelly Kates
12. Sweater Weather Is Better Together – Bridget Magee
13. 12 Nights Of Solstice – Janel Caverly
14. Midnight Kisses – April Berry
15. The Last Christmas Bow – Jodie Houghton
16. Zelda’s Christmas Capers – Kelly Clasen
17. Clues To Find Joy – Glenda Roberson
18. Five Sneaky Peeks – Lynsey Folkman
19. Countdown At The North Pole – Marty Bellis
20. First Minutes Of Christmas – Robin Currie
21. One Magical Christmas – Rose Cappelli
22. Pete’s Lump Of Coal – Michael Flowers
23. Reindeer Countdown – Lyn Jekowsky
24. One, Two, Three. . . Breathe In The Season – Michelle Lee
25. 12 Days Of Giving Back – Bev Baird
26. Counting Down The 8 Nights Of Hanukkah – Denise Seidman
27. The Perfect Tree – Elizabeth Volkmann
28. The Lost Letter – Lindsay Moretti
29. Mittens’ First Christmas – Julie Lerczak
30. Cookies For Santa – Barb Edwards
31. Ogres’ Solstice Snail Cakes – Leslie Degnan
32. Shine For Christ – The Masek Sisters (Jenna & Megan)
33. A Gift For Grandma – Amy Houts
34. Pip And Squeak’s Christmas Candle Countdown: An Advent Story – Stefanie Raszler
35. No Time To Waste – Katie Lee Reinert
36. Always Worth The Wait – Nicole Loos Miller
37. Five Days Till Christmas – Linda Staszak
38. On Christmas, We Skate – Jessica Russo
39. Jojo’s Fruitcake – Kristen Littlefield
40. Thanks Giving – Shariffa Keshavjee
41. Five Glass Angels – Laura Badami
42. Five Little Carolers – Sarah Meade
43. The Rockin’ Reindeer Show – Sarah Meade
44. Santa’s Reindeer Countdown – Carla Gullett
45. Final Five – Brenda Covert
46. Operation: Santa Trap – Tyler Ham
47. Until Then. . . – Reed Hilton-Eddy
48. Holiday Play – Tamara Gallagher
49. The First Christmas In Space – Dr. Anne Lipton
50. Christmas Countdown – Lori Himmel
51. A Very Special Advent Calendar – Jamie Donahoe
52. Ten Santa Cookies – Sharon Jackson
53. Countdown To Bethlehem – Nicole Frees
54. The Reindeers Day In The Toy Shop – Angel Gantnier
55. 10 Frozen Elves – Marta Cutler
56. Sprinkle’s Cookie Countdown – Daniella Kaufman
57. 10 Days Until Christmas – Leana Lee
58. Christmas In The Forest – Janet A. Bryce
59. Kitten’s First Christmas – Maura Lance
60.
61. The Christmas Rush – Jany Campana
62. Five Little Children – Maura Lance
63. Rudolph The Red Nosed Rhino – Kellie Tune
64. Holidays Countdown – Isabel Cruz Rodriguez
65. Cookie Contest Countdown – Jessie Raspbury
66. New Year’s Countdown – Jenna Daucunas
67. Willa Wonders Why – Karen Shakman
68. Duck Clark’s Quacking New Year’s Eve – Jim Chaize
69. ‘Twas The Night Before Bunny Christmas – Marta Cutler
70. The 12 YAYs Of Christmas – Ryann Jones
71. Slurpy Sam And The Slimy Slugs – Laura DeGrave
72. The Never-Ending Christmas Song – Sheri Bentley
73. The Just-Right Christmas Tree – Jessica Iwanski
74. And Now There Are None: A Tale Of Ten Christmas Ornaments – Jessica Iwanski
75. Eight Little Reindeer – Katrina Swenson
76. The Twelve Stops Till Grandma’s – Jill Dowmbrowski
77. Tiptoes – Helen Hauser
78. The Christmas House – Heather C. Morris
79. Can Time Really Zip? – Judy Caldwell Hughes
80. Polar Vision News – S. J. Barratt
81. Christmas Play Countdown – Krista Harrington
82. Countdown To La Navidad – Carmen Castillo Gilbert, PhD
83. Three Dozen Cookies – Elizabeth Thoms Charles
84. Goat’s Christmas Surprise – Jenny Crooks-Johnson
85. The Cookie Calamity – Katie McEnaney
86. Tree’s Long Dark Night – Katie Schwartz
87. The Santa Clues – A Holiday Detective Story – Melissa Borowicz Betrus
88. 77 Good Deeds – Nichole Stratton
89. Ms. Sunny’s Class Presents “The 12 Days Of Christmas” – Hallie Christensen
90. Light – Russell Wolff
91. The Last Time Santa Ate Sushi – Abigail Mumford
92. A Cup Of Flour, A Dash Of Salt, And A Sprinkle Of Hope – Colleen Murphy
93. Mr. Tweedy’s Christmas Trees – Colleen Fogarty
94. Tin, The Stressed-Out Elf – Joy Dickinson
95. Angel Wings Needed – Lauren N. Simmons
96. Don’t Wake Clara: An Eight Night Nutcracker Countdown – Lauren N. Simmons
97. Countdown To Bethlehem – Emmie R. Werner
98. Are We There Yet Santa? – Dierdre Laide
99. The Twelve Slimes Of Christmas – Kaitlin M. Sikes
100. It’s Tradition – Lynn M. Moore
101. Percy The Tree – Katherine Rea
102. The Elf Report: Olive The Dog – Maria Piñero Pope
103. 12 Magical Gifts – Maria Piñero Pope
104. A Winter Solstice Countdown – Sharon McCarthy
105. Oh Christmas, Where’d You Go? – Katie Mahood
106. Michiko’s Merry Mochi – Ellen Akemi Crosby
107. The Nice List – Jenna Griffith
108. Waiting For Christmas – Marty Findley
109. New Year’s Eve Flamin’ Candle Countdown – Patrice Lyle
110. Dora’s Hanukkah Parcel – Lori Dubbin
111. Three Days To Christmas – Susan Burdorf
112. The Snack Before Christmas – Teresa Traver
113. Operation Exhaustion – Jan Schwaid
114. Christmas Sock Countdown – P. J. Purtee
115. Lights Out!? – Nicole Garnett
116. Cookies For Santa – Julie Hauswirth
117. There Is. . . – Bru Benson
118. A Sense-ational Christmas! – Cezanne Bomba
119. One Light Out Of Many – Emily Rozmus
120. Devoted Drone Deliveries – Kim Collazo
121. Homes For The Holidays – Kelly Clasen
122. Five Magic Flights – Jen Keenan
123. A Merry Badgered Christmas – Sarah (Sezza) Hetu
124. But Why 44? Tish’s Chanukah Candle Question – Mara K. Lansky
125. Where Did All The Latkes Go? – Marla Yablon
126. Making A Miracle – Danna Zeiger
127. Zoey’s Tropical Christmas – Allison Gray
128. Santa And The Special Boys – Una Belle Townsend
129. Lost And Found: A Christmas Tail – Eleanor Peterson
130. Santa’s Mega Hot Chocolate – Alicia Meyers
131. Snowball’s Christmas Checklist – Kris DeCaro
132. December Holidays Count Down! – Jenna Grace
133. A Train, A Robot, And A Cookie Thief – Amy Martinez
134. Elf Olympics – Bri Lawyer
135. Countdown To Snow – Christina Shawn
136. Follow The Star – Judy Sobanski
137. 12 More Days Till Christmas – Thelia Hutchinson
138. Home For The Pawlidays – Jill Lambert
139. Paws For Concern – Bri Lawyer
140. The Christmas Cookie Countdown – Stephanie Flom
141. Push Pull Pop Ring – Lorraine McCown
142. The Best New Year Ever – Kiran Nair
143. The Naughty Kid Countdown – Tiffany Hanson
144. City Sights On New Year’s Night – Ashley Karges
145. Eduardo The Elf – Diana Lynn Gibson
146. This Party Stinks! – Abby N. Wooldridge
147. Seymour’s Countdown To Christmas – Sharon Korzelius
148. The Holiday Countdown Contest – Elizabeth Muster
149. Three Sugar Cookies On A Christmas Plate – Ashley Sierra
150. Kinda Naughty And Kinda Nice – Tracy T. Agnelli
151. A Too Tight Christmas – Becky Goodman
152. This Is The Year! – Eric Sondergeld
153. Do You Need Light? – Angelina Phelan
154. Woodland Whimsy – Lorraine McCown
155. A Race To The Stars – Susan Eyerman
156. The Last Cookie – Tracy Detz
157. Christmas In Wishville – Kendra Raubinger Chevalier
158. Christmas Eve Cookies – Mary Warth
159. Mrs. Claus Finds Joy – Nichole Stratton
160. Santa’a Rocket Sleigh – Lauri C. Meyers
161. A Chipmunk Christmas Eve – Dianne Borowski
162. Up Up Up, Down Down Down – Lmariekey
163. Cary’s Christmas Moment – Marjorie David
164. The Promise Of Christmas – Annette Bethers
165. Mama Says I Can Count Down To Christmas – Sally Yorke-Viney
166. Are We There Yet? – Melissa Rafson Friedman
Susanna Leonard Hill 
Shivering with Excitement!
by Donna Kurtz
250 words
“Elflene,” Ms. Claus says, “here’s my list of supplies for our Christmas party. Please take the reindeer and buy everything.”
Wowee! I’ve always dreamed of driving Santa’s sleigh!
“Giddy-yap!” I flick the reins—
JINGLE—JANGLE!
My reindeer team whisks the sleigh into the air—
“Yippee-ki-yay!”
I read my list to Mr. Grocer.
“For baking—
Twelve sacks flour,
Eleven pounds butter,
Ten pints honey,
Nine scoops chocolate chips,
Eight cups nuts,
Seven boxes raisins,
Six packets spices.
And for decorations—
Five rolls of ribbon,
Four baskets of pine cones,
Three bundles of holly,
Two sprigs of mistletoe,
One tree with roots to plant after Christmas.”
“I don’t have a rooted tree,” Mr. Grocer says.
“What!”
He hands me an elf-sized shovel. “You can borrow this.”
Outside, a pine tree towers over me like a bristly, green mountain.
“Brrr—I’m so cold!”
Shivering hard, I shovel a thimble-sized clump of snow over my shoulder.
“This will take forever!”
JINGLE—JANGLE!
I look at the reindeer.
“You want to help? Tee-rrific!”
I unharness my team.
Snow flies as they dig with hooves and antlers.
“Tim-berr!” I shout.
KAA-THUDD!
“Yippee-ki-yay!”
At the party, I feed each reindeer Christmas cookies.
“Great work, teammates!”
Ms. Claus hugs me. “Elflene, you and the reindeer helped make this our Merriest Christmas ever.”
“Gee, thank you!”
“Our New Year’s Eve party needs a tropical theme,” Ms. Claus says. “Would you all please fly to Miami for coconuts, pineapples, and palm-frond hats?”
“Miami in December?” I shiver with excitement. “YIPPEE-KI-YAY!”
This is so cute Donna! Love how you’ve included the countdown with the shopping list, and “Yippee-ki-yay!” had me grinning 🙂
Elflene had quite a task to accomplish. I see lots of illustration possibilities with this clever holiday countdown story.
I love how you incorporated the countdown!🌲
Clever and charming! Your story is a joyful and imaginative sleigh ride through the excitement—and effort—of holiday prep.
This is delightful, Donna! The New Year’s Eve party sounds amazing, too!
So much fun! Love how you included the countdown and “Yippee-ki-yay!”
Donna, great countdown and love how you got Miami into the story!
Genius! A grocery list for the countdown.
What a masterful use of the language! This one has PRIZE written across it! Good luck!
Fun to read Donna, and very imaginative!
My Beastly Christmas
by Paul Kurtz
224 words
Ten birds on my window sill
shiver in the winter chill.
Opening the window wide,
I invite the flock inside.
Nine mice tap my frosty pane
to escape the sleet and rain.
All rush in and squeak with glee,
scrambling up my Christmas tree.
Eight cute bunnies join our crew,
grateful for warm shelter too.
Smiles bloom on each fluffy face
snuggling by my fireplace.
Seven otters, smooth and sleek,
join us from the icy creek.
Swimming in my tub, they play—
Bet they splish-splosh-splash all day!
Six gray possums cross my rug,
choosing corners warm and snug.
Possomlets in mommies’ laps
cuddle close for winter naps.
Five skunks join the party next—
other critters look quite vexed.
White-and-black like snow and ink—
Sure hope they don’t squirt and stink!
Four fierce badgers make their way,
growling while they roughly play.
Mice, skunks, bunnies join the fight—
Yow! Things aren’t going right!
Three moose charge into my space,
wreaking havoc in the place!
Each beast’s bigger than a tree—
Yipes! There’s no room left for me.
Two huge bears stomp on my floors—
Both let out ferocious ROARS!
I pass treats around the place—
Happy critters lick my face.
One me cooks a giant feast
for each welcomed bird and beast.
Merrily, I hug each guest—
Christmas with friends is the BEST!
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
This is adorable. I love all the personality each crew of critters has.
Paul, I love the crowd of visiting friends. A favorite line,”white-and-black like snow and ink…”
So much furry action! This would be so much fun to illustrate – nice work, Paul!
This poem is a wonderfully warm and fuzzy Christmas hug!
This story is so fun and delightful! I love it and I can definitely envision it as a board book or picture book that I’d want on my own bookshelf.
Such fun! Love everything about it.
I love the progression you use as you countdown – reminds me of our family gatherings 😅
This is so charming! I can imagine it as a book already!
I love this! Definite kid appeal. Heck, I’d love to experience this now! Interesting that you chose “beastly” for the title when the content is so cute. Caught my attention.
Paul, this is picture book ready! I enjoyed how each animal got bigger as the story counted down!
I had a big ol’ smile on my face reading this . . . especially the otters swimming in the tub.
You got my attention. I would love to have all those animals in my house. Love this, White-and-black like snow and ink—
Sure hope they don’t squirt and stink! You have to make this a picture book. There’s so much fun and chaos going on. Kids would go crazy reading it. I would for sure, and we adults are the gatekeepers for our todders.
What a fun Christmas rollick in the forest!
What a fun story! I love the characters! 🎄
Five Twinkling Stars Dancing on a Cloud
By Susan Elizabeth Schipper
WC 169
Five twinkling stars dancing on a cloud
One jumped down and was so proud
She saw something that made her smile
Could it be a sweet little child?
Four twinkling stars dancing on a cloud
One jumped down and heard something loud
She wasn’t sure if she was right
Could it be sheep baaing in the night?
Three twinkling stars dancing on a cloud
One jumped down and saw a crowd
Gathered round a stable on a hillside
She wondered what could be inside.
Two twinkling stars dancing on a cloud
One jumped down and saw three wise men bowed
Before a manager littered with straw
She saw that they were filled with awe!
One twinkling star dancing on a cloud
She jumped down and joined the crowd
This little star shone so bright
Indeed, this was a very special night!
Five Twinkling stars now as a chorus sing
“Glory to the new born king”
One bright light to show the way
Peace on Earth this first Christmas Day!
A beautiful Christmas retelling of Five Little Monkeys. I love your “stars dancing on a cloud” and ending musical twist.
Thanks for reading and commenting!🌟
A beautiful Christmas story, “Indeed, this was a very special night!” Also playful and one children will understand.
This is beautiful, Susan! Love the ending stanza too!
Thank you , Sarah!✨️
Beautiful rendition of the Nativity – love how you incorporated the stars in place of the angels in the end. Bravo!
Thanks so much, Lindsay ! So happy you enjoyed reading it!✨️
The visuals for this are so sweet!
Thanks so much!!! 🎄
What a wonderful bedtime story! Good luck!
Thank you, Elizabeth! It was a fun story to create. 🌟
Beautiful, Susan! Using the stars jumping down from a cloud. Curious little darlings. There are so many beautiful entries here. Thank goodness I’m not a judge.
Thank You! I agree, I’m glad I am not a judge! 🌟
TEN DAYS FOR SUN
by Vashti Verbowski
250 words
As the people of Earth celebrated the winter solstice with candles and tiny lightbulbs, Sun felt left out. So, the planets gave Sun a surprise…
On the first day, Mercury spun out a song.
My Sun, my star, you light up Space.
You draw me in with your embrace.
On the second day, Venus erupted with ribbons.
Your rays reach out and keep me warm,
For you, I’ve made a sulfuric storm!
On the third day, Earth lit up its atmosphere.
My planet grows because of you.
You make me sparkle, green and blue.
On the fourth day, Mars wrote a poem.
My love is like a red, red rose.
With every orbit, my love grows.
On the fifth day, Jupiter sent balloons.
I’m one big planet, filled with gas.
But you, dear Sun, are full of class!
On the sixth day, Saturn juggled rings.
My rings are lovely, they gleam and glow.
With you, so bright, we steal the show!
On the seventh day, Uranus told a joke.
I’m odd, lopsided, a silly nut.
They say I’m big, a giant… butt!
On the eighth day, Neptune carved an ice sculpture.
I’m made of ice, I’m super cold.
But you, you’re fire. You shine like gold!
On the ninth day, Pluto gave its heart.
So far away, you pull me in.
My heart is yours, through thick and thin.
On the tenth day, Sun beamed.
Thank you, planets, I love you all!
Now spin with me, we’ll have a ball!
What an original take on a Christmas countdown! STEAM tie-ins are lovely!
As a former first-grade teacher, this is a book we’d all love.
STEM-tastic! I love how each planet’s love letter to the Sun tells us something about them.
This is so much fun and so unique and educational– and my daughter laughed out loud at the Uranus part!!
This was so much fun to read! Educational, hilarious and great rhyme and meter. Well done 😊
Wonderfully clever and fun!
Oh, I love this so much. Beautiful.
Impressive! This has a nice balance of pros and rhyme. I hope you build this into a picture book.
This is wonderful! Great lesson “revolving”around the planets! 🪐🌍
So original! Fun with Stem.I’m sure teachers would love to read this book and discuss it with their students. Beware of Pluto though, poor darling isn’t considered a planet anymore, sigh. Good luck! Love this.
I absolutely love this! From beginning to end this was a great read— you managed to pack originality, STEM and a winter holiday all into exactly 250 words. Well done!
Juno’s Cookie-Dash
By Angela Jelf
246 words
Juno, the Husky Pup,
Loading up his sleigh,
With ten delicious presents,
Hip, hip, hip, hooray!
Off dashes Juno,
With the gifts his mother made,
Ten Christmas Cookies,
To share at Pup Parade.
Zigging and a-zagging,
With those home-made treats, divine,
Watch out, there’s a snowy hedge!
Now there’s only nine.
Speedy little Juno,
Hopes he won’t be late,
Up jumps a hungry fox!
Now there’s only eight.
Eight delicious cookies,
Mmm, they smell like heaven,
Watch out, there’s a patch of ice!
Now there’s only seven.
Poor little Juno,
In a dreadful fix,
Down swoops a Snowy Owl!
Now there’s only six.
Just keep going Juno,
What a crazy drive,
Watch out, there’s some reindeer!
Now there’s only five.
Down a hill zooms Juno,
Faster than before,
Watch out, there’s a snowball fight!
Now there’s only four.
Four tasty cookies,
Spicy as can be,
Watch out, there’s a greedy goose!
Now there’s only three.
Just three cookies left now,
What will Juno do?
Yikes, there’s a snowdrift!
Now there’s only two.
Nearly there now Juno,
The Parade has just begun,
Watch out for that garland!
Now there’s only one.
Just one Christmas cookie,
Juno don’t despair!
Not a lot for all his friends,
But still, he’ll gladly share.
Gran comes to the rescue,
Pops something in the sleigh,
Another special Christmas treat,
Freshly baked that day!
Juno feels so happy,
Can’t believe his eyes,
A great, ginormous plummy pie!
Oh, what a sweet surprise!
I loved your clever word play like “zigging and a-zagging” and tagging along on Juno’s journey to the Pup Parade.
Thank you so much Anne! Your story was truly out of this world in every sense! So original and unique – I learned so much! Very well done.
What an adventure for Juno. And all ended well and sweet for Juno.
So much fun! I love all the action during the cookie countdown, as well as the super-sweet ending.
Thank you so much Sarah! I so enjoyed reading your stories too Loved all the references to the wonderful Christmas Carols in the first – and the peaceful ending was perfect. Then the Rockin’ Reindeer story was full of noise and onomatopoeia – so much fun!
What a great word: a-zagging.
Love the ‘greedy goose.’
The visual of the snowdrift is fun.
Thank you Jill! 🙂 Such a fun story prompt.
It’s so cute how you incorporated a puppy husky into the holiday theme…and I love all of those hungry critters along the way!
Thank you so much!
Great countdown and Gran saved the day.
Thank you so much Eleanor!
The Wrong List
Elizabeth Meyer zu Heringdorf
240 words
‘Twas the night before Christmas.
And throughout Santa’s shed
Half the reindeer had COVID
And lay sick in bed.
Plus, the sleigh was quite broken.
So Santa and elves
Built a Christmas-style rocket
To ride on themselves.
“We’ll fly and fling presents.
I just need to find
The long list of the children.
Rudolph, would you mind?”
The beast donned a mask
And sprang back to the rear.
But the list that he found
Read “Milk, raisins and beer.”
‘Twas then that he realized −
And here was the twist −
Mrs. Claus went out shopping
And took the wrong list!
“Well, go out and find it!”
Screamed Santa. “And run!”
Rocket countdown’s beginning!
You’ve got until ONE!”
Ten: So poor Rudolph
Sped off on four paws
Nine: To the market
To find Mrs. Claus.
Eight: Not by candy.
Nor in the drink zone.
Seven: So, he sped
To the store microphone.
Six: “MRS. CLAUS!
COME QUICK TO AISLE NINE!”
Five: She came huffing.
“Here’s yours, you’ve got mine!”
Four: With the list,
And not thinking before,
Three: He crashed up
Through the roof of the store!
Two: He kept leaping
Straight up to the rocket
One: And gave Santa
The names from his pocket.
The rocket took off.
It shot straight into Heaven.
With the list that was saved
From the 7-Eleven.
“Good job!” Santa yelled,
From the cold stratosphere.
“You did it again!
You saved Christmas this year!”
I had anxiety for Rudolph during your countdown! Well done, Rudolph, saving Christmas under so much pressure!
Thanks, Lynsey! (So did I.)
The Wrong List was a hoot to read. I love “With the list that was saved from the 7-Eleven.
What fun, Elizabeth! You had me at reindeer with COVID hahaha
Thank you, Laura!
You build such delightful suspense with your countdown, and it is gratifying to see Rudolph rescue Christmas in a whole new way.
This story really made me chuckle! I loved all the actions at the 7-Eleven. So much fun!
Love this countdown – very clever!
Hahaha . . . Mrs. Claus took the wrong list.
My favorite line: Mrs. Claus, come quick to aisle nine.
Thanks, Jill (Who hasn’t run through the 7-Eleven in a hurry?)
What a fun story! ❤️💚
OMG, what a mess, but Christams saved on time by Rudolph. I usually make a list for food shopping and leave it a home. I can relate. An innocent mistake on part of Mrs. Claus.
Thanks, Eleanor! (admittedly, hard to mix up since one list is long and the other short, but…artistic license!)
haha! The list mix-up was clever and fun!
A Christmas Eve Countdown
By Sue Lancaster
Word count 150
TEN cheeky Christmas elves, wrapping in a line,
One gets all tangled up, now there are…
NINE restless reindeers, waiting by the gate,
One’s feeling sleepy, now there are…
EIGHT tree-top angels, haloes sent from heaven,
One has toppled over, now there are…
SEVEN sacks bulging, filled with toys and tricks,
One’s tumbled off the sleigh, now there are…
SIX magic snowmen, looking so alive,
One has started melting, now there are…
FIVE wind-up robots, on the workshop floor,
One’s walked into the wall, now there are…
FOUR candles burning, by the Christmas tree,
One flame has fizzled out, now there are…
THREE cookies waiting, milk and carrots too,
One’s taken by the dog, now there are…
TWO excited siblings, having lots of fun,
One has fallen fast asleep, now there is…
ONE Father Christmas shouting “HO! HO! HO!”
Sat aboard his stacked-up sleigh, now it’s time to…
GO!
Your catchy rhyme and meter and imaginative imagery carry us beautifully along to Christmas Day!
LOVE this! So many fun Christmas details, and I like the unexpected countdown element– nice twist!
Sue, your countdown story was so catchy and painted such an enjoyable panorama of Christmas sights and delights. Great job!
this is so much fun, well done!
Fantastic countdown Sue! So funny and festive!! Well done:)
I like how you wrapped the lines for the countdown. I wasn’t expecting the sentence to continue and found it to be a pleasant surprise.
What a fun read, Sue! I love the thyme and the images of Christmas 🥰
Nicely done. Great cheeky elves! Action and fun images to boot.
Great countdown, Sue.
Anne, your poems are always fun to read. I love your take on the ‘countdown’. Nice job!
Whhoooppps! Meant to say, Sue! Sorry about that!
While many of you in North America might not appreciate the references, I hope you enjoy my festive story set in Australia, where Christmas weather is HO… HO… HOT! Thank you Susanna for providing such a fun prompt that inspired me to create a story I never would have written otherwise!
Countdown to Joy
By Mary Ann Featherston
Word Count – 249
Ginger’s kindergarten teacher announced, “Okay class, when you come back from Christmas break, your assignment is to tell us the meaning of joy.”
Only six days until Christmas. Will Ginger find joy by Christmas?
She looked under her bed.
In the living room.
In her toy box.
But no joy.
December 20th – Her dog Lizzy bounced into the room chasing her tail. Ginger giggled and giggled.
December 21st – While visiting her Nana it began to snow. She twirled around and around, opened her mouth, and caught snowflakes as they silently floated down.
December 22nd – Ginger made snow angels and built a snowman. Afterward, Nana served hot chocolate.
December 23rd – Ginger and Momma baked cookies. What fun it was to decorate and have cookies with milk.
December 24th – Ginger and friends visited and sang Christmas carols to the residents at a local Veterans Home. It made her heart feel warm inside.
December 25th – On Christmas day Ginger woke early and ran to the living room. Her eyes became as big as apples, for under the Christmas tree were presents for the whole family. Later Nana, Papa, aunts, uncles, and cousins all came to dinner. Oh, what fun!
The next day Ginger thought about joy. In the last six days, she had giggled at Lizzy, visited Nana, caught snowflakes, made snow angels, built a snowman, drank hot chocolate, baked cookies with Momma, visited the Veterans, and best of all celebrated Christmas with family.
Yes, Ginger had found joy.
So sweet, Mary Ann!
Thank you!
I love how Ginger literally looks for joy, only to find it once she gives it away.
Thank you so much!
Love Ginger’s sweet and joyful story!
Thank you!
This reminds me of the book LOOKING FOR SMILE. Hmm . . . I wonder if Cricket magazine would be interested in publishing this [hint, hint].
Thank you!
Your story warmed my heart! I especially love the message and how the story builds to that resonating last sentence!
Thank you!
Mary, readers will relate to Ginger’s joy.
Thank you!
Finding joy in simple things, well done!
Thank you!
Seeds
by Mona Voelkel
204 words
In 1943,
I am the seed
that flew around
until I found my ground.
For the past eighty years,
I am the Norway Spruce,
under the sun and the stars of Vestal, NY,
growing eighty feet tall.
Since 1995,
I am Erik Pauze,
Rockefeller Center’s head gardener.
I spotted the tree.
In the summer of 2023,
I am Jackie and Matt McGinley,
who donated the tree soaring over their home,
so all could enjoy its splendor.
On November 9th, 2023,
I am the team
who cut down the 12-ton tree,
and delivered it to Rockefeller Center.
On November 11, 2023,
I am the first spike,
hammered in by Jackie and her daughters,
staking the tree in its new home.
On November 30th, 2023, at 9:57 PM,
I am the 50,000 lights and a Swarovski star,
newly lit on the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree,
shining for millions.
In January 2024,
I am the crew and the carpenters
who take down the tree,
and mill it into 4″ x 6″ planks.
In 2024,
I am the Habitat for Humanity volunteers
who use the planks
to build a home.
In 2024,
I am the family
that move into that home,
and finally find their ground.
Nice dose of Christmas nonfiction here! I didn’t know that Rockefeller Center trees got recycled into planks. Very cool!
I was amazed when I found out, too! Thanks for your kind comment, Brenda!
I loved your non-fiction take on this challenge, Mona! Well done! ~Lauren
Thanks so much for commenting and your kind words, Lauren!!!
Terrific chronological take on a Christmas countdown!
Thanks, Anne, for reading and for your kind words!
Beautiful! I love that I learned something interesting from your lovely, lyrical story.
Thanks so much, Sarah, for reading and for your kind words!
Love the circular nature of your story. Nicely done!
Jamie, thanks for noticing that and for your kind words!
Wonderful incorporation of nonfiction into this contest! Captivating and wonderful presentation with your succinct word choice and imagery! So well done!!
Elizabeth, thank you so much for reading and your very kind words!!!
Such a clever non-fiction countdown!
Leslie, thank you so much! I appreciate you reading my story and your kind words!
Love this true story about a special tree Mona! And the countdown, from when the tree began, to when the tree still gives back in the end is a wonderful story, thanks for telling it so well!
Katie, thank you for taking the time to read and comment! I am so happy you like it! I’m going to see that tree today!
I LOVE this!
Jill, thank you so very much!!! I appreciate you taking the time to read and your kind comment!
I love the perspectives circling this tree! And the twist(s) at the end bring such an emotional conclusion. Really well done!
Russell, thank you so much! “Perspectives circling this tree” is such a lovely phrase! Thanks for taking the time to read and comment!
Wow, this is brilliant, Mona! I adore nonfiction children’s books, especially when they can take an interesting topic and bring in a heartwarming touch. I would love to see this as a published book to read to my kids! 😊 Wonderful job!
Jessica, thank you so much for your very kind and encouraging words. I so appreciate you taking the time to read and comment!!!
Mona, I’ve often wondered about the magnificent trees selected for all to admire. Informative. Thank you.
I have been a lifelong New Yorker and never knew about the story behind the tree until I was researching for Susannah’s contest. Thanks for reading and commenting
Wow1 You’ve done your homework. Great non fiction for the holiday season.
Thanks so much, Eleanor Ann!!! Thanks for reading and for your kind comments! Since I grew up in NY, I was amazed to learn how little I knew about the tree:).
With climate change we must save our trees. it’s very important.
Would love to see this as a full PB. Such neat info! Well done!
Dear Michelle,
Thank you so much for the kind words and for taking the time to read and comment. You made my day! All the best, Mona
And Then There Were None
Kelly Kates
WC: 249
Four little elves sat on the shelf, keeping their eyes on the Jones children, making sure they were behaving and staying off the naughty list. But the elves quickly decided it wasn’t much fun being tattletales.
One morning, three elves woke to discover the fourth was gone, leaving a note. “I’ve found a shoemaker who needs my magic and skills more than these sweet children. I’ve always been good with my hands and can’t wait to get to work.”
Another week passed watching the children feed their dog, clean their rooms and help fold laundry. Two elves returned from scouting out a new hiding spot to find another note, “I’ve decided to join my cousin, the leprechaun, in painting rainbows and hiding gold. I’m excited to put my creative gifts to use!”
A week later, one elf returned from making sure the children brushed their teeth before bed. His partner was nowhere to be found. The message read, “The Tooth Fairy said she’s almost been caught several times. I’m so good at sneaking around, I said I’d help with her secret missions.”
The lonely elf sighed. Spying didn’t feel like a good use of his talents. Surely, Santa would understand. “These children have worked so hard to be helpful and kind.I need to come to your workshop to help make more toys for them and all the others like them.”
Soon, he was happily humming and hammering. Of course, tinkering and testing was much more fun than tattling.
I enjoyed this immensely, Kelly! So much fun!
Thank you so much!
This is delightful, Kelly! That last line is perfection.
Thank you! And I was so excited to see your name in the Halloweensie mentions!
Thank you!
I like these elves. Well done. Nice story.
Thank you so much! I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Kelly, thank you. You wove in many familiar tales and the elves all had more to offer than being tattletales
Thank you so much for your kind comment!
Different and fresh, IMO. Good luck.
I am so glad you liked it. Thank you!
Too cute! I love all the ‘other careers’ the elves ended up with! Certainly more fun than sitting on a shelf. LOL
Thank you so much!
Sweater Weather is Better Together
by Bridget Magee
119 words
Mrs. Clause reads the forecast:
RECORD LOW TEMPS EXPECTED:
WORST SNOWPOCALYPSE EVER –
ENTIRE WORLD AFFECTED.
“Snowpocalypse on Christmas Eve?
While Santa’s out delivering?
He and his reindeers need protection
or else they’ll end up shivering.”
5 hours to takeoff,
she springs into action.
Clickity-Clack, knitting needles fly,
her focus beyond distraction.
4 hours to takeoff,
her needles now a blur.
Swishity-Swhoosh, yarn unrolls,
she revels in the whirr.
3 hours to takeoff,
her stitches continue to grow.
Floofity-Floof, fibers fluff,
her rhythm doesn’t slow.
2 hours to takeoff,
her mission nearly complete.
Snippity-Snap, finishing touches,
“This’ll definitely trap the heat.”
1 hour to takeoff,
Mrs. Claus is ready to reveal.
“Voilà-Tada, a Santa-Reindeer-SLED-TER!
An all-in-one sweater…with curb appeal.”
If I could only knit that fast! Fun story!
Thanks, Jamie! Me, too! ❤
The action in this is hilarious. Thanks for this!
Thank you! I appreciate your kind comment. ❤
I love the countdown of ….hours to takeoff! Wonderful onomatopoeia for a fun read-aloud.
Thank you for your lovely comment. 🙂
Floofity-Floof, fibers fluff, quite the magician in such little time.
Ha, ha, yes, Mrs. Claus has magic wands, uh I mean, knitting needles. Thanks for your comment. 🙂
haha! Sled-ter! I love it! So CLEVER!!!
Thanks, Michelle! I love me a silly pun. ❤
Wow! Mrs. Claus was extremely industrious! What a great creation.
12 Nights of Solstice
Janel Caverly
206 words
On the first night of solstice, the dark night gave to me
a hoot owl in an oak tree.
On the second night of solstice, beneath the old oak tree,
2 cottontails.
On the third night of solstice, beneath the old oak tree,
3 red fox.
On the fourth night of solstice, up in the old oak tree,
4 flying squirrels.
On the fifth night of solstice, crawling up the old oak tree,
5 porcupines.
On the sixth night of solstice, near the old oak tree,
6 bears-a-breathing (slowly).
On the seventh night of solstice, beneath the old oak tree,
7 mice-a-mingling.
On the eighth night of solstice, beneath the old oak tree,
8 snakes-a-snuggling.
On the ninth night of solstice, beneath the old oak tree,
9 wolves-a-prowling.
On the tenth night of solstice, beneath the old oak tree,
10 coyotes howling.
On the eleventh night of solstice, up in the old oak tree,
11 turkeys roosting.
On the twelfth night of solstice, above the old oak tree,
12 bright stars shining,
11 turkeys roosting,
10 coyotes howling,
9 wolves-a-prowling,
8 snakes-a-snuggling,
7 mice-a-mingling,
6 bears-a-breathing,
5 porcupines,
4 flying squirrels,
3 red fox,
2 cottontails,
and a hoot owl in an oak tree.
Good night!
So much fun. The countdown at the bottom was a hoot to read! 😉
Ha! Thank you!
Well done. I hope you do something with this!
Thank you! Your words are encouraging.
Delightful, Janel. I love the setting around the oak tree. Ending with “Good night” is perfect.
Thank you!
Nice take on the 12 days of Christmas. Extra points for mentioning animals.
Midnight Kisses
By April Berry
200 words
TEN!
The ball begins to drop, and I glance at everyone playing cards around the kitchen table. Who will kiss me at midnight?
NINE!
Not Mommy. She has Daddy.
Not Uncle Gil. He has his new boyfriend.
EIGHT!
Who will be my someone? Wolfie chases me as I jog down the hall to my bedroom.
SEVEN!
Not Teddy. She has Flopsy.
Even Adventure Ace and my other action figures have someones – my Barbies.
SIX!
Maybe my someone is in the living room. Not now, Wolfie! Let go of my pantleg! I don’t want to play tug-of-war.
FIVE!
Wolfie! Let go! I shake him off and tumble into the room where I find Granny… already asleep on the sofa.
FOUR!
I run faster and faster from room to room – looking for someone, anyone. Wolfie barks and darts all around me.
THREE!
Leave me alone, Wolfie! Get out of my way! I don’t have time for your games.
TWO!
Oh no! Oh no! I haven’t found my someone. I slump to the floor, then…
ONE! HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Tackle! Lick, lick, lick, sluuuurp! Wiping dog slobber from my face, I laugh and hug my pup’s neck.
Thanks for the midnight kisses, Wolfie!
My favorite is SEVEN! I lol’d at the Adventure Ace and Barbie line. 🙂 I also like how this one focuses on NYE.
Love this sweet New Year’s Eve countdown story. You did such a great job building tension which made the happy ending so satisfying. Congrats!
Well done, April! I enjoyed reading your story! ~Lauren
I visualized this in slow motion. Well done! Love the slurp at the end.
Aww, so cute!
Good job! Wolfie is the best!
Aww I love this countdown, April! So sweet!
Hi, April, I also love number SEVEN. Timely, too. The ending was perfect, sluuuurp!
Dogs are our best friends. Well done!
So cute April! 🥰
This is so cute! Gotta love those doggy kisses!
The Last Christmas Bow
By Jodie Houghton
190 words
10 excited Christmas bows,
Waiting in a line.
Purple’s plucked with tender love.
That makes… 9.
9 cheerful Christmas bows,
All hope they’ll decorate
The biggest present – here it comes!
Now there’s… 8.
8 sparkling Christmas bows,
Shining bright, like heaven.
“Such a special gift needs gold!”
That makes… 7.
7 joyful Christmas bows
Arrange their twirls and flicks.
Pink’s ecstatic to be picked.
Now there’s… 6.
6 dancing Christmas bows:
Wiggle, jiggle, jive.
Silver’s hoisted way up high.
Now there’s… 5.
5 eager Christmas bows;
A roaring dinosaur!
Green is snatched. “Your colours match!”
Now there’s… 4.
4 desperate Christmas bows
All plea: “Pick me! Pick me!”
Orange gets his Christmas wish.
That makes… 3.
3 hopeful Christmas bows.
The present chugs, ‘Choo-choo!’
Midnight blue – this train’s for you!
Now there’s… 2.
2 worried Christmas bows.
Waiting isn’t fun!
A hand swipes white right out of sight.
That leaves… 1.
1 lonely Christmas bow
Cries a single tear:
“Maybe I’m not good enough
For this wondrous time of year.”
But then a voice says softly,
“I saved you purposely,
’Cos you deserve pride of place…
Atop the Christmas tree!”
Jodie, your story was very creative and so cute. I love what happens to the last bow at the end. I think that we have very similar writing styles and I hope to touch base with you on Twitter. 🙂
Hi Sharon. Thank you 🙂 And thanks for looking me up – it’s great to connect with more writers!
Pink tickled me . . . ecstatic . . . hahaha. I’m a sucker for a surprise ending.
Thanks Jill 🙂 I’m glad it made you smile 🙂
The Last Christmas Bow packed a lot of fun and joy in only 206 words.
Thank you 🙂 190 words too – I’ve just manually recounted! 🙂
1 lonely Christmas bow
Cries a single tear:
“Maybe I’m not good enough
For this wondrous time of year.” Lovely!
Thank you 🙂
Zelda’s Christmas Capers
Kelly Clasen
223 words
If Santa has a naughty list for pets,
our cat Zelda is probably on it.
Since the Christmas countdown began,
I’ve been on my VERY best behavior.
Zelda has NOT.
On Monday, Zelda
catapulted off the couch,
climbed up the front door,
and clawed a glossy ball
off our Christmas wreath.
“Stop, Zelda. STOP!”
On Tuesday, Zelda
jumped on the counter,
nabbed a warm cookie,
and dashed off in a whirl
of fur and sparkling sugar.
“Yuck, Zelda. YUCK!”
On Wednesday, Zelda
snuck into the tree,
snatched a candy cane,
scattered the ornaments,
and scampered away.
“No, Zelda. NO!”
On Thursday, Zelda
zig-zagged through
the pile of presents,
pounced on a silver bow,
and plucked it right off.
“Shoo, Zelda. SHOO!”
Now it is Christmas Eve,
and I’m keeping
a close eye on Zelda.
A VERY close eye.
Pitter.
Patter.
MEOW!
Oh no.
Why is that wacky cat
going into my bedroom?
Pitter.
Patter.
PURR.
Why is she weaving
around my legs like this?
Purr.
Meow.
YOWL!
Why is she squeezing
down under MY bed?
Rumble.
Purr.
PURRRRR.
“What’s this, Zelda?”
Zelda’s stolen treasures
sparkle in the lamplight.
“All this, just for me?”
Zelda presses her
silky face into my palm.
“Aww, Zelda. AWWW!”
Zelda tucks in beside me,
and we listen for jingling bells
and stomping reindeer
until we drift into dreams.
Love this, Kelly! I want a cat named Zelda!
Ha! Thank you. My daughter has a “May May” who carries candy up to her room all the time, but I like the name Zelda better myself. 🙂
This is so cute, Kelly! I love your use of imagery and alliteration!
I love cats, Kelly! And I love this! So fun.
Thank you! 🙂
What a great opening line! I think Zelda just moved onto the ‘nice’ list.
Thank you!
Just loved this story!!! Your opening line is absolutely perfect. Hooks you right in. 😊 great job!
Thank you, Jessica!
Oh, that Zelda! A sweet ending.
Aw shucks! What a sweet kitty!
Clues to Find Joy (250 words)
by Glenda Roberson
Five days before Christmas in Kringleton Creek.
Momma Jingle writes clues for a holiday seek.
Her goal is to end all the fuss and the muss—
the children have fought since they got off the bus!
The clue for Day 5’s made of glitter and glue:
KIDS, LOOK IN THE OVEN FOR CLUE NUMBER TWO.
They run to the kitchen and laugh all the way.
This clever new game takes the boredom away!
There’s cookies like snowflakes with frosting in blue,
and an envelope saying: Day 4–The Next Clue:
THE BASEMENT CONCEALS SOMETHING RED-RIBBON TIED!
It’s a basket with pieces of puzzle inside!
They put it together, and scrawled ‘cross the top:
DAY NUMBER 3 YOU MUST GO TO DAD’S SHOP!
Next day on the workbench, a box full of cheer.
It’s brimming with shiny new Christmas-tree gear.
They string pretty lights and hang trinkets galore,
then throw so much tinsel it covers the floor!
The kids scan the next note and then leap to their feet:
TO THE POND ON DAY 2 FOR A WINTERY-TREAT!
They discover new ice skates and practice with glee,
and locate the next clue attached to a tree.
YOU’VE COUNTED THE DAYS NOW FROM 5 DOWN TO 1.
FIND A TRUNK IN THE MORNING, AND THEN YOU’LL BE DONE!
They score Christmas-themed PJ’s and new slippers, too
And thank their smart momma for each clever clue.
The kids worked together — no fussing in sight,
bringing calm and sweet joy to this Christmas Eve night.
Momma Jingle is a rock star! I love the scavenger hunt theme. Very creative!
Thanks so much! I did this for my kids one year, when they had presents to big to wrap. It led them to the garage. Not a multi-day event, though.
So sweet-and in rhyme too! Such a clever way to bring all the kids together.
Thanks so much!
I love it, Glenda! It came out so delightful and fun– and I love that they started the story fussing (because I relate to this very much) and ended up joyful and calm on Christmas Eve.
Thanks, Sarah!
Love it!
Thanks, Maryanne!
Kringleton Creek . . . what a great name! I bet you are good at limericks.
Thanks Jill! A brother and little sister peeked at their presents last year, and prepare do it again, thinking their parents had no idea. It’s hilarious because the parents prank them. And it’s narrated by the little sister, who makes up a lot of words, tells funny stories, and is a quite a character.
Thanks Jill! I’ve not written any limericks in a long time.
Whoops! Posted a comment meant for someone else (a story)
Glenda, you are Mamma Jingle! Really well done. I can see the tinsel covering the floor.
Awww, thanks so much! Had so much fun doing this years ago, and a lot of fun writing about it. Except for writing in rhyme properly is so ding dang hard!
FIVE SNEAKY PEEKS
by Lynsey Folkman
240 words
Five little presents
tucked beneath the tree.
Each is softly pleading,
“Take a peek at me!”
Five days ‘til Christmas.
I’m sure that it’s okay
to sneak a peek at one
while everyone’s away.
Peel back the paper
enough to let me see.
Slyly slip it back
beneath the Christmas tree.
Four days ‘til Christmas
and no one is around.
I shake a little present
and listen to the sound.
Do I hear a rattling?
Perhaps I’ll have a look,
then quietly put back
the package that I took.
Three days ‘til Christmas.
I give a gift a sniff.
I smell a sweet aroma–
a yummy chocolate whiff?
It IS a chocolate bar!
I take a little lick,
Now rewrap the bar–
I must return it quick!
Two days ‘til Christmas.
A gift bag calls my name.
I hope inside I’ll find
A puzzle, book, or game.
Remove the tissue paper.
Take a tiny glance.
Carefully replace it
while there’s still a chance.
One day ‘til Christmas.
One more gift unknown.
I think it’s likely best
to leave this gift alone.
But the wrapping’s too inviting!
This gift will feel excluded!
I sneak a final peek
to make it feel included.
No days ‘til Christmas!
At last I can enjoy
every gift I previewed–
each awesome treat and toy!
Five. . .pairs of undies?
I drop the gifts and shriek!
Santa must have seen
each time I snuck a peek.
This is really funny–and so relatable! Well done!
Thank you, Kelly! I was too much of a rule-follower to ever peek at my presents, but like every kid I was still tempted.
Excellent meter and rhyme! I love it—it’s very similar to a chapter book I just wrote!
Thank you, Glenda!
I’d be curious to hear more about this chapter book. . .
Thanks Lynsey! It’s about a little girl and her mean older brother, who plan their 2nd present-peeking mission, because they think their parents never knew. Wrong! The parents prank them! Funny as heck! The little girl, makes us words, tells hilarious stories, and gets into all kinds of trouble.
Fun story! My brother once unwrapped my other brother’s Toblerone one Christmas Eve, at the whole thing, put the packaging back in the wrapper and put it back under the Christmas tree! 🙂
He put back the empty Toblerone–what a legend! My story was inspired by my brother who thought he was being sneaky unwrapping and re-wrapping a Lego set. Little did he know that my mom saw him do it, and she swapped the Legos with underwear just before Christmas. I think our brothers could be friends 🙂
Haha – I think they’d get on! 🙂
Lynsey, this is hilarious all the way through!!!
Thanks Susannah!
This is very funny! I can’t stop thinking about the licked chocolate bar that got wrapped back up. Eww! LOL!
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed my story, even if I grossed you out a little. But don’t worry–I’m sure no one has licked the chocolate bar that you’re getting for Christmas!
Kids would certainly see themselves in this story. And they would laugh at the underwear for sure!
This is so cute and funny. Very creative!
Sneaky peaks and a lick too! I love this.
Five Sneaky Peeks is a great title. I agree kids and adults will relate to the temptation of peeking. Playful story.
Love this curious kid countdown with such a funny ending!!! Fantastic read aloud!
This is absolutely adorable and totally relatable! Good luck!
hahah! Yep- totally me as a kid!
COUNTDOWN AT THE NORTH POLE
Marty Bellis
202 wc
5 shiny stars blink on to signal
Christmas eve is here.
4 elves load up the sleigh with gifts
of holiday good cheer.
3 reindeer grumble as their alarm
lets out a shrill beep-beep.
2 others cover up their ears,
while the rest stay fast asleep.
1 jolly Santa Claus . . .
Wait! Where’s Santa?!
5 helpful penguins volunteer
to check on old St. Nick.
4 bouncy bunnies pounce on sleeping reindeer.
“Wake up! Quick!”
3 roly-poly polar bears
help Santa don his suit.
2 tiny mice add polished touches
to each big black boot.
1 jolly Santa Claus . . .
Wait! Where’s Santa now?!
5 chewy gooey sticky buns
slide into Santa’s tummy.
4 slabs of apple pie are next.
His lips smack. “Ummm, so yummy!”
3 mega cups of coffee.
“Make them strong, please, Mrs. C.”
2 mittened hands clap loudly.
“Now I’m ready as can be!”
1 jolly Santa greets his team,
and boards his loaded sleigh,
scans his pre-flight checklist twice.
He can’t afford delay.
The North Pole folk and critters cheer.
“It’s time!” Excitement mounts.
Santa clears his throat and then . . .
begins his countdown count.
“5, 4, 3, 2, 1! We’re on our way –
to make sure children everywhere
have fun on Christmas day.”
I love the “mega cups of coffee” that Santa needs for his big night!
We all need some this time of year! Thanks for commenting.
I giggled at the reindeer grumbling at the alarm – cute story Marty!
Thanks, Laura!
This was a lot of fun Marty! Well done and good luck!
Thanks so much, Colleen!
You are welcome!
My two favorite parts:
Imagining the mice shining the shoes made me giggle.
Santa’s countdown at the end. Great job.
Thanks for taking time to add your comments, Jill!
Marty, how I enjoyed the missing Santa. It was a shift in the middle making this a special story.
Thank you so much, Lyn!
Love the missing Santa angle!
Thanks so much for commenting!
First Minutes of Christmas
by Robin Currie
(67 words)
Ten doves cooed from overhead.
Nine cows shared their manger bed.
Eight mice heard the baby cry.
Seven shepherds watched nearby,
Six bright angels sang with joy.
Five lambs gamboled to the boy.
Four tall camels gobbled hay.
Three kings trekked from far away.
Two folks whispered, “Hush-a-bye.”
One star glittered in the sky.
Now, pray for children everywhere,
That they may rest in love and care.
Well done! Your meter and rhyme are spot on.
Amen! 🙂 Lovely story
Love your word choices. The whole piece is so succinct. Lovely.
A very nice story to be only 67 words. Good job!
Lovely. I hope you submit this somewhere.
A wonderful message in only 67 words. Strong verbs like gamboled and glittered added to the charm.
One Magical Christmas
by Rose Cappelli
244 Words
One magical Christmas the Bunny Family decided to decorate the evergreen that grew outside their burrow.
“Let’s make it a countdown! There’s five of us and I’m the oldest,” explained Daisy. “I’ll fashion five decorations for the tree, then so on down the line. Rosie, you’re the youngest. You’ll add just one.”
“But what can I make?” asked Rosie.
“Don’t worry,” said Daisy. “You’ll think of something.”
Rosie wanted her decoration, the final one, to be extra special. That night she gazed at the sky’s brightest star, wishing for an idea.
On the fifth night before Christmas, Daisy hung five perfect pinecones sprinkled with snow and glittering like gold on the tree.
On the fourth night before Christmas, Violet dangled four goldfinch feathers on the tree. They danced and swayed in the gentle breeze.
On the third night before Christmas, Pansy placed three heart-shaped pebbles streaked with berry juice love on the tree.
On the second night before Christmas, Tulip wrapped the tree in two shimmery garlands of spider silk, sparkling like starlight.
On the night before Christmas, the bunnies gathered for one more decoration. They waited and waited. Rosie didn’t know what to do, until finally…
…she reached up into the starry sky and pulled down her wishing star. Rosie proudly placed it on the top of the tree, reflecting the wonder and magic and joy of all the decorations.
“Thank you, Rosie,” said Daisy. “You gave our tree the perfect final touch.”
Well done, Rose! Delightful story.
Beautiful!
Love your creative countdown story about a bunny Christmas, especially the richly descriptive language and the lyrical ending. Congrats!
Nice descriptions of the decorations, and enjoyed the flower names of the bunnies.
I like everything about this. The selection of ornaments from nature is lovely. I bet you could create a picture book around that wishing star for the tree topper.
This is such a sweet story, Rose! Nicely done!
Rose this is a magical story! I see the tree in all of its silent solitude with the bunnies gathered around. Thank you for painting a beautiful story picture!
Your star shines bright, Rose. Sweet story! 🙂
Pete’s Lump of Coal
by Michael Flowers
168 words
300 million years until Pete gets his lump of coal,
it’s still a mix of gooey plants inside a muddy hole.
200 million years until the big surprise for Pete,
the plants are slowly changing from the pressure, earth, and heat.
100 million years until Pete’s stocking gets a pour,
the coal is underground beneath a roaring dinosaur.
200,000 years until Pete learns if he’s been nice,
the coal is waiting peacefully while mammoths trudge through ice.
One hundred years until Pete’s gift falls out and rolls around,
the lump of coal is mined from deep beneath the rocky ground.
Just fifty years until Pete learns he’s earned a lump of coal,
the lump is put in storage at the planet’s northern pole.
The second Pete receives his coal, he whoops a mighty cheer:
“Wa-Hoo! That Santa read my list!! I’ve been so good this year!”
The minute after Pete’s surprise, he shows his mom and dad.
“This present traveled all through time! Best gift I’ve ever had!”
Oh my goodness, Michael! As a science teacher, I have to say this is excellent. Well done!
What a great story – love the twist on the gift of coal!
Clever countdown!
This is such a clever, humorous, and fact-filled nonfiction countdown story. As someone who was threatened with finding a lump of coal in my stocking, I really enjoyed your story and found the ending surprising and satisfying. Congrats!
Very creative. I love the twist at the end!
Awe this is great Mike!
What a fun and informative read! I really enjoyed this and I know kids would love this, too!
Fantastic story Mike!!!
Winner for the longest countdown!
This is so delightful, Mike! Every kid is going to be asking for coal after reading this!
Oh, Mike, this ‘lesson’ was so nice. I bet you are the only person who counted down from 300 million . . . and in 168 words!
What a great idea. I never considered a nonlinear count down and the surprise ending is perfect.
Love the STEM countdown and the fact that a kid WANTS coal… What a great spin!
REINDEER COUNTDOWN
By Lyn Jekowsky
178 Words
It’s 8 days ‘til Christmas,
8 reindeer converge
to see if I’m ready
for St. Nick to emerge.
Rudolph’s the leader
makes sure tasks are done.
Keeps eyes on cute Cupid,
she’s a tricky one.
The next day, the 7th,
Donner sings to the crew.
Will Santa need chimney
or door to fly through?
Now 6 days ‘til Christmas.
On the roof Prancer clicks.
Oh, No! Chimney’s blocked,
she texts elves to come quick.
Reindeer elves fly along
with their tiny tool kits.
They unbrick the chimney
to ensure Santa fits.
On day 5 before Christmas
Dasher checks on the stockings.
He repairs any tears
so toys won’t start dropping.
4 days until Christmas,
Dancer twirls with a grin,
to check if they’re outlets
to plug media in.
3 more days, almost there,
Comet’s weather forecaster.
Christmas Eve will be foggy,
Rudolph guides Santa faster.
2 days before Christmas,
tomorrow’s the party.
Cupid gallops in
to make Santa’s snack hearty.
Day 1, it’s Christmas!
reindeer fly out of sight.
A dream visit from Santa,
who calls out “Good night.”
Hahaha . . . a reindeer who texts.
Thought I would bring them up to date.
Great twist on Rudolph and so up to date! Fun.
Love your modern fun reindeer countdown poem and how each reindeer has a job!!! So fun!!!
One, Two, Three … Breathe in the Season
Michelle Lee
154 words
Lights flash in every shop window –
white, green, red, blue, yellow
like exploding stars.
So many elbows, so many swinging bags, so many carts in the way.
Jingle-jangle!
Jangle-jingle!
Ring-clang!
Bells, bells, bells!
My head pounds.
My heart pounds.
Drum drum drum.
Christmas blares.
Christmas crowds.
Even the doors
go round and round.
Mitten to mitten, I clutch my mother’s hand.
At last
around the corner
we stop to breathe in cold, crisp air.
One.
In.
Then out.
We follow the snowflakes
floating above our noses.
Two.
In.
Then out.
We smell the hot chestnuts and chocolate
steaming from the cart across the street.
Three.
In.
Then out.
We go.
Our boots slush on the shoveled sidewalk.
Our scarves soften the wind.
We breathe.
One. In, then out.
Two. In, then out.
Three. In, then out
until the world is soft and silent
and I am safe in the candleglow of home again.
You do a good job arousing our senses.
Thank you, Jill!
I love that you wrote from a child’s height; I remember all those bags and elbows at my eye level. Very nice last two lines.
I appreciate your comment, Lorraine. Thank you so much for reading!
Michelle, I really love this. It speaks to all ages. I felt this way as a kid and still do as an adult. Using a countdown story to help quell holiday anxiety and teach us how to enjoy the small everyday beauties is brilliant!
12 Days of Giving Back (231 words)
Gram can’t give back this year, so I will. 12 days of giving back. I’m gonna leave something for someone or do a good dead and make everyone happy, just like Gram did.
On the first day, I’ll give a plateful of cookies I made with Mom, to each of our neighbours.
On the second day, I’ll walk my Aunt Tricia’s dog. She needs a break.
On the third day, I’ll give hats and mitts to the shelter.
On the fourth day, I’ll put money in the Salvation Army collection bucket. My piggy bank is full.
On the fifth day, I’ll shovel Mr. Jenson’s driveway.
On the sixth day, I’ll sing Christmas carols with my friends at the senior’s home. downtown.
On the seventh day, I’ll leave a toy in the big bin for the toy drive.
On the eighth day, I’ll leave some books at the library for their gift exchange.
On the ninth day, I’ll donate food at the food bank.
On the tenth day, I’ll give cards to our favourite helpers.
On the eleventh day, I’ll play with my cousins, to help my aunt.
On the twelfth day, I’ll add an ornament to the Christmas tree in the town square, with a message to my Gram. “Thanks Gram. I love you.”
I can’t wait to see all the happy faces. Merry Christmas to everyone. Giving back is awesome!
Kudos on a wonderful theme of giving at Christmastime, with the lesson that even a child can do it!
I have a feeling your Gram was special. Bitter sweet. Missing Gram, yet heartwarming.
Bev, this is lovely in so many ways. Very inspiring and conveys what’s most important, in a fun and engaging way.
Great! Things that children can do. Love it!
Counting Down the 8 Nights of Hanukkah
Denise Seidman WC= 98
Hanukkah fun is almost done:
9 candles, burning out of sight
On this last and eighth Hanukkah night
8 candles, spinning dreidels, right
On the seventh Hanukkah night
7 candles, enjoying Sufganiyot bites
On the sixth Hanukkah night
6 candles, celebrating the Maccabees’ fight
On the fifth Hanukkah night
5 candles, remembering the people’s plight
On the fourth Hanukkah night
4 candles, latkes fried right
On the third Hanukkah night
3 candles, give off light
On the second Hanukkah night
2 candles, burning bright
On the first Hanukkah night
0 candles tonight
Hanukkah starts tomorrow night
A candle countdown is perfect for this story.
Thanks so much, P.J.!
Elizabeth Volkmann
(250 words)
THE PERFECT TREE
“Julian,” Mama said, “it’s time for you to choose the Christmas tree.”
She handed Julian his watch.
“Only 60 minutes until sunset.”
“I can do it,” Julian said. “I’ll find the perfect tree!”
He dashed out the door.
First, Julian stopped at a stout spruce.
“Perfect!”
Squirrel scampered under the branches.
“Perfect for storing my acorns beneath.”
Julian agreed. It was perfect for Squirrel.
Julian checked his watch.
“Fifty minutes.”
Next, he stopped at a fine fir.
“Perfect!”
Chickadee alit upon a branch.
“Perfect for protecting me from winter winds.”
Julian agreed. It was perfect for Chickadee.
“Forty minutes.”
Soon, Julian stopped at a pretty pine.
“Perfect!”
Deer nibbled at the soft needles.
“Perfect for a snack when the snow is deep.”
Julian agreed. It was perfect for Deer.
Julian checked his watch.
“Thirty minutes and no perfect tree for me.”
Julian searched.
The sun dipped.
Tired and weary, he rested on a log.
“I guess I can’t do it after all.”
A bitter breeze rattled the trees.
An old branch, pecked full of holes, dropped to the ground.
“Or maybe . . .”
Julian raced back along the path.
“Fifteen minutes!”
He stopped at the pretty pine.
Snip! Snip!
At the fine fir.
Snip! Snip!
At the stout spruce.
Snip! Snip!
“Five minutes!”
Julian bounded towards home.
Once inside, Julian potted the old branch.
One by one he placed the snipped boughs of spruce, fir, and pine into the pecked holes.
“Perfect!” Mama whispered.
Julian agreed. “It’s the perfect tree for me.”
This is very good!
Heartwarming!
Clever and lovely!
Elizabeth, I love your story and the its vibrant language. I loved being introduced to the different trees and animals as they find their perfect tree and thought your ending was so creative and satisfying. Congrats!
Thank you, Mona! 🙂
So sweet, Elizabeth. Your story reminds me of “Mr. Willowby’s Christmas Tree”–one of my favorites!
Julian and Charlie Brown would get along great. Julian put others first. Nice.
I do have a soft spot for that Charlie Brown tree! 🙂
I love how you show the importance of the trees to all of the animals and Julian’s clever way of solving his problem. Precious story.
The Lost Letter
By Lindsay Moretti
243 Words
The boy scribbled his wishes on my page. He seemed eager to get me to a place called “The North Pole.” He sloppily sealed my envelope, placed an elf sticker in the upper right corner and sent me off.
I traveled the world while the humans tried to find The North Pole. Try as I might, they couldn’t get it right! I was a lost letter.
With five days until Christmas, I watched whales leap from the ocean instead of reindeer bouncing through evergreens.
With four days until Christmas, I ventured to the land of pyramids and sand instead of a snowy wonderland.
With three days until Christmas, I heard the drumming of Niagara Falls instead of elves hammering in a workshop.
With two days until Christmas, I shivered with penguins in Antarctica instead of enjoying hot cocoa with Santa.
The twinkling of the Rockefeller Christmas Tree was wonderful, but my address was worn and the elf sticker frayed. I began to lose hope the boy who sent me would get his Christmas wishes. And then, a girl picked me up.
With one day until Christmas, she placed me in a mailbox marked “Letters for Santa.”
Christmas Day finally arrived, and so had I. A jolly chill filled the air with sounds of reindeer clicking and hammers hammering.
“Looks like you’ve seen some places,” Santa said to me as he sipped his cocoa.
If only you knew, Santa…but you probably already do.
I love this take on the prompt. I’m a sucker for personification.
Thank you, Jill! 😊
Well done Lindsay! This sounds like it could be Santa’s favorite letter.
Thank you, Jill! That letter is well traveled, just like Santa would be I think ☺️
You had me at the title! So happy the letter made it – just in the ‘nick’ of time 🙂
I see what you did there ☺️ I’m glad I could hook you with the title-thanks for reading!
Mittens’ First Christmas
by Julie Lerczak
249 words
There once was a little black furball with snow-white paws.
Mittens was her name, and mischief was her game.
December had arrived and Mittens hid, watching as her family prepared for Christmas.
Ben hung one sprig of mistletoe in the hallway.
Mom polished two golden angels in the dining room.
Maya added three wisemen to the manager.
The mailman delivered four festive cards.
Tonya tied five beautiful bows to packages.
Grandma baked six sugar cookies for Santa’s plate.
Sylvie taped seven shimmery stars to the refrigerator.
Amos arranged eight candy canes in a jar.
Dad draped nine greenery garlands over the windows.
And Grandpa tossed ten rows of tinsel onto the tree.
For weeks Mittens carefully tiptoed and sniffed around the decorations and considered climbing the twinkling tree.
At last, Christmas Eve arrived. Everyone placed gifts beneath the tree, including one for Mittens.
While everyone slept, Mittens’ nose began to twitch. Her package smelled divine!
She frenziedly ripped into the package. Aha– a tiny felt mouse!
Mittens pummeled, licked, and chomped it until suddenly, the room whirled, her eyes swirled, and BA-ZZING… Mittens went WILD!
Later, everyone awoke to open their gifts. Imagine their surprise finding:
Ten trails of tinsel
Nine lopsided garlands
Eight crushed candy canes
Seven scattered stars
Six crumbled cookies
Five unraveled bows
Four crinkled cards
Three missing wisemen
Two fallen angels
One mangled mistletoe
And Mittens in the Christmas tree!
That was the year Mittens’ family learned you should never give kittens catnip for Christmas.
I love cats, and this is such a fun story! (I wrote a cat story as well, if you want to look it up…)
Thank you, Brenda! Your story is wonderful.
Thanks, Julie! Christmas kittens have a special place in my heart. 🙂
I love how everything came undone in such a sweet and funny way!
Thank you Vashti!
I should have seen it coming (great opening paragraph). I bet Mittens had fun!
Thank you, Jill.
BA-ZZING… Mittens went WILD! I LOVE this!
Aww, thanks, Michelle.
COOKIES FOR SANTA
By Barb Edwards
249 Words
Ten baked cookies stacked on a tray.
They’re for Santa on Christmas Day.
Nine carrots lay near the cookies, too,
Treats for Rudolph and the reindeer crew.
Santa won’t mind if I taste one,
Just to check if the cookies are done.
Max, my dog, begs for a few.
So, I toss him a carrot to chew.
Nine cookies plus milk in a cup,
Mmm, so tempting, I could eat them up.
Max loves carrots and reindeer do, too,
He begs for more. What should I do?
A carrot for Max, a cookie for me,
That’s still eight cookies under the tree.
Freshly baked cookies smell like heaven.
I eat another. That still leaves seven.
The chocolate chips melt in my mouth right away.
They’re gooey and chewy and yummy that way.
I eat one more cookie and leave Santa six.
Max crunches a carrot; he slobbers and licks.
A cookie for me, a carrot for Max,
Five cookies left with five carrot snacks.
Eight tiny reindeer plus Rudolph make nine!
If I break five carrots in half, we’re fine.
Max gets the extra carrot to chew.
I eat three cookies and leave Santa two.
I jump into bed feeling proud of myself,
Leaving the goodies near the tree on a shelf.
Christmas day there’s a cookie by the tree,
With a note from Santa, a thank you to me.
“Tim, you are thoughtful, and it shows that you care.
I left you one cookie. I wanted to share.”
I wonder if Tim is a wee bit embarrassed about eating so many cookies. Or maybe he learned a lesson from Santa’s note. 🙂
Love, love, love the ending.
Aw! Can’t outdo Santa! LOL
Ogres’ Solstice Snail Cakes
Leslie Degnan
239 words
“Hooray!” shouts Mabel, jumping up and down as she reads the invitation.
Dishes tumble off the shelf and the house shudders from her exuberance.
“Careful Mabel. You don’t want to start another earthquake.”
“But Oscar, the villagers never invite Ogres to a celebration!”
“They never invite Ogres because we used to eat their children.”
“But we’ve changed. Besides, we’re the only two Ogres for miles around.”
“The Solstice celebration is in five days! This invitation says to bring holiday a food.”
“Then we’d better start planning.”
Five days before the Solstice, the Ogres try to make,
A tasty, tadpole egg nog.
Four days before the Solstice, the Ogres change their mind.
No tadpole nog,
But a batch of deep-fried earth worms.
Three days before the Solstice, the Ogres think of sweets.
No tadpole nog,
No deep-fried worms,
But snotty-frosted, toe-jam filled cupcakes.
Two days before the Solstice, the Ogres reconsider.
No tadpole nog,
No deep-fried worms,
No snotty frosting,
But a stack of slimy, Solstice snail cakes.
One day before the party, the Ogres finally make,
Slimy Sols-tice snail cakes!
They add the tadpole eggs,
The batch of fried worms,
Snotty frosting too,
And stir them altogether with the snails.
On the day of the party, the Ogres pat-a-pat,
Chunky snail cakes!
Add a fist of herbs,
Fry the patties crisp,
In loads of smoky lard,
And pile them on a mossy, wooden plate.
“The villagers will love these!”
Creative countdown story with wonderful world-building! Bravo!
Thanks Mona. It was fun to write.
I had to laugh a the line why Ogres never get invited. It was so funny, I kept going back to it to read it again and again . . . and I laughed every time.
Thanks Jill. So happy to hear my Ogres made you laugh!
Shine For Christ
A Christmas Story Countdown
By: The Masek Sisters (Jenna Masek Gray and Megan Masek Holland)
Word Count: 247
Once upon a special night,
God asked for Star to shine so bright.
Star obeyed, was faithful and good.
She shined her light as bright as she could.
From up above, she looked around,
And saw TEN sheep on the ground.
Angels appeared. Star counted NINE.
They sang praises to God, Glory to the Divine.
Star watched as EIGHT shepherds hurried away,
After the angels said a Savior was born that day.
The shepherds walked towards Star’s shining light,
To the town with SEVEN inns that were all full that night.
SIX of the innkeepers told Mary and Joseph, “no.”
But the other had room in a stable to go.
Star shone down on that stable,
guiding the shepherds there.
They were greeted by FIVE cows and other animals gathered near.
The shepherds approached the manger, and they knelt down,
By the FOUR swaddling cloths,
instead of The King’s crown.
THREE wisemen were coming,
Star could see.
She thought to herself, “Are they following me?”
And the wisemen arrived with frankincense, myrrh, and gold.
Kneeling beside the TWO parents, a sight to behold.
Star watched as their gifts were presented to the ONE,
Who is named Jesus Christ and is God’s only Son.
Star felt so honored that God asked her to shine,
Her light upon the true Light- from whom all life comes, the Vine.
It’s now your turn to be like Star!
Jesus says, “Be the light.”
Be faithful and obey,
Pray and shine bright!
Lovely countdown to the true meaning of Christmas!
The 1st line sets the mood. How nice sisters wrote this together.
Love this Biblical countdown! Very well done! ~Lauren
You had me at your title! Yes, Jesus is the reason for the season!
A Gift for Grandma
By Amy Houts
250 words
On December 1, I start thinking about Christmas gifts. Grandma doesn’t even look up from her photo album when I ask her what gift she wants.
“I have everything I need,” Grandma says.
I love Grandma living with us, but she’s been different, quieter.
I could draw her a picture, but I always draw her pictures. I want to give her a special gift, something to cheer her up.
With 20 days until Christmas, Mom and I go shopping. Grandma likes dark chocolate, vanilla lotion, red roses, but I don’t find THE gift.
With 15 days to go, I feel nervous.
Then I have an idea! When Grandma’s napping, I take her photo album. Mom tells me who all the people are. Then I tell Mom my idea to invite them to visit Christmas Day. She loves it!
But we have to wait until Dad’s Zoom meeting is over so they can discuss it.
I help Mom email invitations.
With 10 more days to go, Mom and I bake cookies. Funny how the countdown changed. Now it’s fun!
With five more days until Christmas, I decorate my room. The house looks extra shimmery. Grandma will be so happy!
Two more days, but uh-oh, it’s snowing!
By Christmas Eve, the snow is piling up.
On Christmas Day, Mom’s phone dings. I see texts with sad face emojis. My Christmas surprise is ruined!
Suddenly, I have an idea. “Can we Zoom?” I ask.
The best gift is seeing Grandma smiling and laughing.
Amy, I love the kindness and resilience of the main character. This is such a relatable countdown story with so much heart.
Thank you for your kind words, Mona.
This story has a true arc . . . even with the crisis near the end. Well done. I have a feeling Grandma got exactly what she wanted for Christmas.
Thank you, Jill, for taking the time to read and comment on my story, “A Gift for Grandma.” I agree—Grandma got what she wanted!
I love the structure of this countdown and the kindness featured. Well done, Amy! ~Lauren
I am smiling! Thank you, Lauren!
Pip and Squeak’s Christmas Candle Countdown: An Advent Story
246 words
By Stefanie Raszler
Pip stared under the tree.
Not one bag or box with a bow.
“When’s Christmas? Where are my presents? Wait, what’s that?”
Squeak said, “It’s an advent wreath—a Christmas candle countdown! Each week before Christmas, we’ll light another candle to celebrate Jesus and the gifts he gives us.”
“The first is HOPE.”
“I hope I get a big block of blue cheese!” Pip squealed.
“Or…we can share the hope of Jesus,” said Squeak.
“The second is PEACE.”
“I want a “piece” of cheesecake!” said Pip.
“Or…maybe we can be peacemakers…even when it’s hard.”
“The third is JOY.”
“Ahhh, joy is cheddar, feta…mozzarella!” Pip sang.
“Better is the joy Jesus brings,” said Squeak.
“The fourth is LOVE.”
“I. Love. Cheese!” Pip shrieked.
“Really? I’d never guess. Jesus asks us to spread his love.”
“Right,” Pip thought as he twisted his whiskers.
Week after week, Squeak lit another candle.
And Pip practiced sharing hope, peace, joy, and love. At home. At school. Even in the cheese shop. Soon, his heart warmed and bubbled…like melted Monterey Jack.
On Christmas Day, Squeak lit them all, including the CHRIST candle in the middle. Their bright beauty beamed.
Pip stared under the tree. There were bags and boxes with bows. He found one with his name on it. Pip grinned. It smelled like blue cheese. But Pip was most grateful for the gift of Jesus. He bowed his head, folded his paws, and whispered, “Thank you.”
Cute advent story, so “cheesy” – teehee!
Thank you, Brenda!
What a great choice for names!
I loved the banter back and forth . . . such good character building in so few words. Nice message, too.
Thank you, Jill!☺️
Precious advent story! I love it! ~Lauren
Thank you, Lauren!
You had me at piece of cheese. Very clever way to bring something serious in with something funny. I loved the back an forth and how Pip evolved to folding his paws reverently. Beautiful!
Oh, thank you, Lorraine!
Aw! So sweet! I’m glad Pip finally realized what was important! Great message!!!
Thank you, Michelle!
No Time to Waste
By Katie Lee Reinert
Word Count: 204
The elves all scurried to and fro
to finish preparation.
One elf working endlessly
at each and every station.
Time was ticking quickly by,
they really had to hustle.
There was no time for cramping feet
nor tired and aching muscle.
Shine the reindeer hooves and bells,
then quick, load up the sleigh.
Santa Claus would be there soon
and must be on his way.
The final gift was packaged up,
the last red ribbon curled.
The time had come for Santa’s sleigh
to zip around the world.
The elves lined up to say farewell
as Santa climbed aboard.
The checklist done, the presents packed,
no detail was ignored.
With one last wave and jolly laugh,
the time had come to go.
Santa gave the reins a tap
and called out “ho ho ho!”
They clapped their hands and cheered, “Woo hoo!
We got it done on time!”
Without delay, the elves began
to form a conga line.
“Start the countdown!” one elf called.
“We have no time to waste.
Santa Claus will soon be back.
It’s party time, post haste!”
“When he returns, the work begins
for next year’s expedition.
But till he’s back, we boogie down
as if it is our mission!”
Ah, those elves! Very cute ending!
Love the complex rhyming words you picked. And the partying elves!
Amazing!! Such a fun story! It makes me ready for Santa to come.
Spot on rhyme and meter and a fun and funny story, too!
Katie, you have done a really good job with your rhyming story! And your ending is perfect!
Such a fun rhyme!! Well done!!
Always Worth the Wait
By Nicole Loos Miller
(246 words)
Rosie and Birdie snipped another link from their countdown chain. It felt like forever ago that they’d pasted the twenty five pieces of paper together.
“Only three more days!” They squeaked in unison. “We’re not ready!”
They painted pictures of reindeer and snowmen to hang on the walls.
“So he’ll know we’re excited,” explained Rosie
“So he’ll see we’ve been thinking about him,” added Birdie.
Their parents grinned.
“Two more days!” Rosie and Birdie screamed the next day. “We’re not ready!”
They cleaned their rooms and organized their shelves.
“So he won’t trip on anything,” explained Birdie.
“So he’ll feel comfortable and at home,” added Rosie.
Their parents beamed with pride.
“One more day!” Rosie and Birdie’s eyes grew wide.
They rolled and cut out sugar cookies, decorating them with care.
“So he’ll have a sweet treat,” said Rosie.
“And won’t go hungry,” added Birdie.
Their parents wiped crumbs from their chins with a wink.
That night, the girls snuggled under their blankets. “We’re ready,” they whispered. “He’s going to be so surprised.”
In the morning, glistening snow covered their neighborhood.
“It’s beautiful,” said Rosie,
“But will he still be able to make it for Christmas?” Birdie asked quietly.
Their mom smiled, a gleam in her eye.
Just then, the front door opened. Rosie and Birdie threw their arms wide:
“GRANDPA!” they shouted with glee, wrapping him in a big hug.
“My girls!” He replied, with a tear in his eye. “You’re always worth the wait.”
I love this, Nicole! The ending was a sweet surprise. Well done!
I love these sweet sisters, their contagious anticipation, and that delightful twist at the end!
I liked how the children’s anticipation grew. They were excited about Grandpa’s arrival instead of presents, presents, presents . . . love that.
Nice twist Nicole! Lovely!
Thank you Susanna! This is always so much fun.
FIVE DAYS TILL CHRISTMAS
By Linda Staszak
248 words
I really tried to be good this year, but…
Five days till Christmas…
It was cookie day! I got frosting—and sprinkles—in my hair. And on the dog. And the floor. And a wall.
Mom sighed.
Four days till Christmas…
I thought it would be fun to swing on the garland Mom hung around the porch. I didn’t know it was just decoration.
“Zack,” Mom said, “you’re going to ruin Christmas.”
Three days till Christmas…
I HAD to slide on the icy sidewalk. But I probably should’ve waited until I wasn’t carrying plates of cookies for the neighbors.
Two days till Christmas…
My sister dared me to jump over a pile of presents. I slipped and crashed into the tree. Mom said a bad word.
One day till Christmas…
Mom told me to clean stuff up for company. I said, “No.” Out loud.
Oops.
I’m pretty sure I saw smoke shoot from Mom’s ears.
Zero days till Christmas…
Here I am, sitting on the stairs in the middle of the night.
Colored lights are glowing, and the prettiest cookie is waiting for Santa—who won’t be coming.
Whoa…
Santa burst out of the fireplace!
He grabbed the cookie and then saw me.
I blinked back tears. “I ruined Christmas.”
Santa chuckled. “As long as you have a good heart, everything’s fine.”
He grabbed his bag. “I have a lot to do tonight, so you’d better get to bed. But remember—don’t talk back to your mom anymore.”
My pleasure, Linda! So glad you enjoy it! 😊
I love this kid.
I think I know him! Thanks for reading.
This made me laugh. Especially: I said, “No.” Out loud.
Oops. So relatable!
Thanks!
ON CHRISTMAS, WE SKATE
By Jessica Russo
Word Count 249
Dear Santa,
Christmas isn’t for another 28 days, but I had to tell you something. I will not be home this year! We’ll be in Florida, visiting Grandma. Her address is… never mind, you already know!
Extra good,
Millie McAlister
Dear Grandma,
15 days until Christmas! I packed extra socks just like you asked. Do I really need 10 pairs?
Overly socked,
Millie
Dear Dad,
Christmas is in three days! Mom told me not to pester you since you’re on your way, but HURRY UP, PLEASE! Grandma says that on Christmas, we’re ice skating, making snow angels, and having a snowball fight!
Future snowball champ,
Millie-Moo
Dear Florida Weather Man,
Only ONE day until Christmas, and NO snow in the forecast! Grandma has lived here her whole life and has always gone ice skating, made snow angels, and had snowball fights on Christmas! She wouldn’t lie, so better fix your radar!
Snow-ready for Christmas,
Millie McAlister
Dear Diary,
BEST Christmas ever! It didn’t snow, but we still went skating…in the house…on PAPER PLATES! Then we made indoor snow angels with a WHOLE BAG OF FLOUR! When Grandma dumped it on the floor, I almost fainted. The best part of all was when Grandma hit me on the head with my own rolled-up socks for A SNOWBALL FIGHT! We played in the snow all day and it never melted away. I can’t wait until next year because ON CHRISTMAS, WE SKATE!
Sock-snowball champion,
Millie
What a great story idea, Jessica! I could hear my own kids’ voices in Millie from the year we spent Christmas in Florida. I love the uniqueness of each letter and how, despite being written to a different person, each contributed to the plot.
Thank you so much for reading and your thoughtful message, Carla!
Truly original!
Thank you for reading, Jamie! ❤️
I love this! What a fun Grandma 🙂
Thank you for reading and replying, Nichole!
Clever idea! I love all the various ways Millie signed her letters!
Thank you! I really appreciate you reading! ❤️
That’s a pretty great grandma! And a super fun story!
Thank you so much, Jess!
I love everything about this: the letters, the personalized pet-name in the signature, and the story. Well done.
Thank you, Jill! I really appreciate that kind feedback! I had fun writing this one.
Oh, oh, oh . . . and I love the title.
So creative! Love the sockball to snowball conversion.
Thank you, Lorraine!
ENTRY POSTED FOR KRISTEN
Jojo’s Fruitcake
By Kristen Littlefield
250 Words
On Christmas Eve, Mama handed Jojo four warm slices of fruitcake, wrapped in a snow-white cloth.
“I have so much to do,” said Mama.“Please take this fruitcake to Granny.”
Jojo frowned. She adored visiting Granny, but didn’t want to miss seeing Santa.
If I fly as fast as Santa’s reindeer, Jojo told herself, I will be home in time to put out milk and cookies.
She hadn’t gone far when Jojo spied her friend Wren, struggling to close a window.
“It won’t budge,” said Wren, shivering. “And the wind whistles through the crack.”
Jojo handed Wren the snow-white cloth.“Will this help?”
Wren stuffed the cloth into the gap and grinned.
Well, thought Jojo, Mama’s cake may be cold, but at least my friend is cozy.
Further down the path, Jojo met the Teaberry Triplets.
“Jojo!” they called. “Help us build our snow fort!”
“Sorry,” said Jojo. “I have to get to Granny’s.”
The triplets’ faces fell.
Jojo handed them each a piece of fruitcake. “Here, have a snack while you work.”
The children hugged Jojo tight.
Well, thought Jojo, Mama’s cake may be smaller, but at least it spread some joy.
Finally, Jojo arrived at Granny’s house. But when she gazed down at the almost-empty plate, Jojo’s heart sank. One piece of frozen fruitcake? What would Mama say?
Suddenly, the door flew open.
“Fruitcake!” cried Granny. “What a perfect treat for Santa!”
That night, Jojo and Granny set the fruitcake next to a glass of milk.
And waited.
Jojo has a warm heart. And so does Granny; she gave her fruitcake to Santa.
ENTRY POSTED FOR SHARIFFA
Thanks Giving
Shariffa Keshavjee
“Caring is sharing.” Ayla always says.
This thanks giving she would like to give an orphan puppy a home. She saw a lovely hazel colour one at the pound. Head on its paws looking quite forlorn.
Ayla lost Sheeba the dog, last month, her heart is so sad. So,Hazels heart must be sad too,caged in the pound with her brother.
Ayla negotiated with the family. Ayla said we need an Alfa female and Hazel is one. Alfa males don’t fit into our compound.
. Ayla’s case was strong and sound. She received many votes.
So she is making the house super safe for Hazel.
A warm Thanks Giving for a lovely puppy. Ayla dreams of it all day a Maasai basket awaits. Ayla’s heart of excitement awaits too.
Do you think Ayla’s wish will come true?
A Thanksgiving gift for the puppy?
Or a Xmas puppy for Ayla?
A puppy for Christmas. I hope it cheered up Ayla.
ENTRY POSTED FOR LAUREN
Five Glass Angels
By Laura Badami
153 Words
Five glass Angels
Carefully placed on display,
Mom’s favorite Christmas decorations
For this holiday.
I should have listened to mom
When told not to play ball,
Because I knocked down one angel,
I caused it to fall.
I quickly picked up the pieces,
But my head struck the tree.
Crash! It smashed into the display,
Now four angels are three.
Three glass angels on display.
I should have slowed down and tied my right shoe,
Then I wouldn’t have tripped.
Oops! Now there are two.
Two glass angels on display,
I need to calm down and stop all this doom,
If only I did
I wouldn’t have stepped on the broom.
The broom hit the lamp,
That fell and shattered everywhere.
In the dark I couldn’t see,
And my arms swung in the air.
There is now one glass angel
Out on display.
I hope mom will forgive me
On this Christmas day!
I bet her mom does forgive her. I bet that last one goes high on a shelf next year.
Five Little Carolers
By Sarah Meade
Word Count: 137
Five little carolers singing in the snow.
“Joy to the world! The Lord has come . . . ”
Then one has to go!
Holly jolly, jingle bells.
Merry Christmas, fond farewells.
Four little carolers singing in the snow.
“Hark! The herald angels sing . . .”
Then one has to go!
Holly jolly, jingle bells.
Merry Christmas, fond farewells.
Three little carolers singing in the snow.
“Angels we have heard on high . . .”
Then one has to go!
Holly jolly, jingle bells.
Merry Christmas, fond farewells.
Two little carolers singing in the snow.
“O Little Town of Bethlehem . . .”
Then one has to go!
Holly jolly, jingle bells.
Merry Christmas, fond farewells.
One little caroler singing in the snow.
“Siiiilent night, ho-o-ly night . . .”
Then she too has to go . . .
No little carolers singing in the snow.
Christmas Eve is quiet now
Beneath a starry glow.
Cute! It kind of reminds me of that song the kids sing in The Sound of Music, as they go off to bed. Fun!
Sarah, such a fun and rhythmic holiday countdown! Love the repeating refrain!
Thanks so much, Mona!
Wow! You worked in some classics here.
Thanks for reading!
Hi, Sarah,
The repeated refrain rolls of the tongue. The snippets of songs certainly reminds of my childhood.
Thank you very much! I love Christmas carols. 🙂
This is adorable, and the ending is wonderful – really wraps it up (if you’ll excuse the pun.) Good luck!
I love this!
Thank you, Maryann!
I love how you incorporated Christmas Carols into your countdown! Nice job, Sarah!
What a sweet mashup between Five Little Ducks and Christmas carols! So fun, Sarah!
THE ROCKIN’ REINDEER SHOW
By Sarah Meade
Word Count: 166
Ho ho ho! Grab a cup of hot cocoa!
It’s time for the ROCKIN’ REINDEER SHOW!
Nine reindeer start to rock!
Dasher and Dancer thump on the drums.
Pa-rum-pum-pum-pum!
Pa-rum-pum-pum-pum!
Prancer and Vixen ring-ring the bells!
Jingle, jangle!
Jingle, jangle!
Comet and Cupid hit the rhythm sticks.
Clicka-click!
Clicka-click!
Donner and Blitzen bang the cymbals.
CRASH!
CLANG!
Rudolph taps the triangle.
Ting!
Ho ho ho! What do you know?
Dasher and Dancer gotta go-go-go!
Seven reindeer remain.
Jingle, jangle!
Jingle, jangle!
Clicka-click!
Clicka-click!
CRASH!
CLANG!
Ting!
Ho ho ho! What do you know?
Prancer and Vixen gotta go-go-go!
Five reindeer remain.
Clicka-click!
Clicka-click!
CRASH!
CLANG!
Ting!
Ho ho ho! What do you know?
Comet and Cupid gotta go-go-go!
Three reindeer remain.
CRASH!
CLANG!
Ting!
Ho ho ho! What do you know?
Donner and Blitzen gotta go-go-go!
One reindeer remains.
Ting!
Ho ho ho! What do ya know?
Red-nosed Rudolph’s gotta go-go-go!
No reindeer remain.
What do you know?
Too much hot cocoa right before the show?!
This entry rocks my socks off, Sarah! Good luck.
So musical!☺️
What a rockin’ good story, Sarah! The ending made me giggle
Thanks so much, Laura!
Wow! Sarah, I love your musical countdown story and think kids of all ages would have so much fun acting this out! Congrats!
Love that you worked “Pa rum pum pum pum” (and all the other sound effects) in there and the little twist at the end was very funny!
Two fantastic entries!?! You write with such rhythm and your stories are full of holiday spirit! Well done!
Thank you so much for these very kind words, Vashti!
I’d go see them play live. It didn’t take me long to realize they are percussionists (so was I).
Love that, Jill! Thanks!
Oh, what jolly fun to read aloud! And I did, bouncing in my desk chair.
How are you able to write two great stories?
Thank you so much for these kind words!!
Terrific story for reading to a crowd of kids or just one! I love the sound effects. Good luck with this one too!
Another fun entry! Love the onomatopoeia and so will young readers. I can see this as a novelty book with buttons to push. Very creative, Sarah!
Love your rollicking rhythm and raucous humor, Sarah!
ENTRY POSTED FOR CARLA
SANTA’S REINDEER COUNTDOWN
By Carla Gullett
Word count: 249
It was Christmas Eve.
Santa’s sleigh was packed.
“It’s time to go!” Santa said. “But where are the reindeer?”
Santa looked around.
“Are they here?”
“Are they there?”
“I can’t find them anywhere!”
Then…
ZZZZZZZZ
There were eight in bed!
And Santa said,
“Dasher! You can sleep on Christmas Day.”
So Dasher dashed out to the sleigh.
There were seven in bed.
And Santa said,
“Dancer! You can sleep on Christmas Day.”
So Dancer danced out to the sleigh.
There were six in bed.
And Santa said,
“Prancer! You can sleep on Christmas Day.”
So Prancer pranced out to the sleigh.
There were five in bed.
And Santa said,
“Vixen! You can sleep on Christmas Day.”
So Vixen veered out to the sleigh.
There were four in bed.
And Santa said,
“Comet! You can sleep on Christmas Day.”
So Comet charged out to the sleigh.
There were three in bed.
And Santa said,
“Cupid! You can sleep on Christmas Day.”
So Cupid crept out to the sleigh.
There were two in bed.
And Santa said,
“Donner! You can sleep on Christmas Day.”
So Donner dove out to the sleigh.
There was one in bed.
And Santa said,
“Blitzen! You can sleep on Christmas Day.”
So Blitzen bounced out to the sleigh.
There were none in bed.
And Santa said…
“Where’s Rudolf?”
Santa looked around.
“Is he here?”
“Is he there?”
“I can’t find Rudolf anywhere!”
Then…
Bump! Oomph! CRASH!
“RUDOLF!!!”
“Santa! Where have you been? It’s time to go!”
I love the image of all them in the bed.
Oh, those sleepy reindeer! I’d loved to see the illustrations.The repeated refrain includes children and strong verbs such as veered, crept and pranced add to the charm.
Final Five
by Brenda Covert
237 words
Jasmine Jingletoes hurried to the toy testing room, arms laden with toys. It was time for the final five toy tests!
The door swung open. “Here, Oxford! Here, Leo! Come, Fluffy and Sneakers! Now, Sally Calico! The countdown is on! Five tests to go before the midnight ride!”
The elf sat the toys on the table at Station Five. Were the toys breakable? Sally Calico sniffed them before deftly pushing each one over the edge. No breaks!
Station Four was on the floor. With clean white paws, Sneakers poked buttons. Toys beeped, spun, and played music. Perfect!
Leo leapt up from Station Three to chew, claw, and kick the toys! The toys stayed intact, thanks to the elves that made them!
At Station Two sat the biggest cat in Jasmine’s care. Fluffy sat on the toys one by one. None of the toys burst under Fluffy!
The final test came at Station One. Oxford, a master toy tosser, tossed toys higher than the elves were tall! They bounced but did not break. Whew!
When all the toys passed that final test, Jasmine Jingletoes gave a cheer. “One and done! Let’s go!”
Packing elves rushed in, scooped up the toys, and raced for Santa’s sleigh.
Jasmine pulled five toy mice from her pocket. “Great job, cats! These gifts are for you!”
The cats pounced and did what cats do best: pushing, poking, tossing, clawing, and sitting.
Meowy Christmas!
Dear Brenda, I loved your characters and their jobs! Such a creative countdown story with the perfect ending!
Thanks, Mona!
Clever story! “Meowy Christmas!”
Thanks! I love cats, but especially Christmas cats!
I love your story, Brenda. So clever!
Thanks so much!
I can see the insert in the toy box now: Examined by toy #2. Fun.
I mean: Toy #2 examined by Cat #3.
Operation: Santa Trap
By Tyler Ham
WC: 250
“T-minus 10 minutes till midnight,” I whispered into one half of our drugstore walkie talkie set. My younger sister, in position behind the couch in our living room, on the receiving end. “Copy that!” she replies.
I was perched near my bedroom window, binoculars skyward, waiting for a visual. Santa would be here soon, and we were going to catch him.
“Nine minutes” I followed. We had devised a simple lasso style trap near the chimney. When Santa sets foot in that trap, my sister pulls from behind the couch and bingo, he is ours!
“Eight Minutes – Are you in position?” I ask. “Roger that,” she says, through static-filled airwaves.
No sightings yet. Be patient.
I scan the surroundings. Is that a red light I see? Rudolph? An airplane? I can’t take any chances.
“Five minutes – go to radio silent!” No reply. Good. She is listening.
The ticking of our hallway clock represents the heartbeat of the evening.
Three minutes. My palms are sweating.
Two minutes. My stomach is twisting
One Minute. I can barely take it – forcing myself to stay put for just a moment longer!
MIDNIGHT! The clock gongs and I rush down the hallway, sure to finally – after all these years – SEE Santa.
But what’s this? All I see is my sister, behind the couch, asleep.
I turn and find a pile of new presents under the tree, and on top a note reading “Better luck next year -Santa.”
Next year, Santa. Next year.
I love this so much, Tyler! Clever and sweet.
This was so much fun. I love the dialogue choice of words.
I love your Operation: Trap Santa holiday countdown story, especially how you included spy accessories like walkie-talkies and the “roger that” lingo. So clever and so fun!
So cute… My son and his neighborhood buddies did a lot of plotting and planning on their walkie talkies back in the day.
ETNRY POSTED FOR REED
UNTIL THEN…
By Reed Hilton-Eddy 186 words
Just 10 more sleeps! Until then…
We can craft a colourful countdown clock.
Just 9 more sleeps! Until then…
We can grab skates to glide and slide.
Just 8 more sleeps! Until then…
We can spin the dreidel by soft Menorah light.
Just 7 more sleeps! Until then…
We can sing songs – some silly others sweet.
Just 6 more sleeps! Until then…
We can create cookies with chocolate chunks to crunch with hot cocoa.
Just 5 more sleeps! Until then…
We can sip cinnamon cider on the darkest night near the crackling yule log fire.
Just 4 more sleeps! Until then…
We can slip on a suit and sail on a sled.
Just 3 more sleeps! Until then…
We can gather garlands of greenery to greet holiday guests.
Just 2 more sleeps! Until then…
We can package presents with pretty paper and wrap it with ruby ribbon.
Just 1 more sleep! Until then…
We can set a star that shines bright on top of our tree, covered in baubles and lights.
No more sleeps!
We can finally hold each other in a humongous holiday hug.
I like the repetition: Just X more sleeps! Until then . . .
Holiday Play
Tamara Gallagher
WC: 250
5 days until my school holiday play
I may not be the lead
But I’ll be the best sheep
Annabelle will be the best sheep you’ll ever see!
I’ll baa baa the loudest
Amongst the flock
The play will be a fantastic feat
day 4, my mom is the costume designer of the play
so, I get to see what she made
every costume made is more beautiful than the next
the gown Mary will wear to give birth to Jesus
will be seen across the entire auditorium
day 3, the director announces
we have a great surprise for the students and the audience
we will chose someone from the play
no matter what role they played
to be the star of the day
day 2, swiftly approaches with anticipation
my cheeks hurt from all the smiling I’ve done
during practice I strutted on the stage
baa baa I screeched loudly
the performers giggled as my screech echoed across the auditorium
day 1, the curtains open
the star of Bethlehem shimmered in the sky
the three wise man beards dragged on the floor
Witnessing the birth of the Lord
What a magical scene
they showered Him with gifts
I baa baa’d the loudest, everyone giggled
the crowd reached beneath their seats
a snow globe of the baby born in the manger
Was the gift they received
I was chosen as the star
the applause roared across the auditorium
We wish you all a Merry Christmas and goodnight!
My favorite part: I’ll baa baa the loudest.
Thank you 🥰
The First Christmas in Space
by Dr. Anne Lipton
(250 words)
10…
Ten orbits round the Earth’s moon,
Apollo 8 would weave.
Ten verses from the Bible,
they read on Christmas Eve.
9…
Apollo 9 would launch next—
named “Gumdrop” for its shape—
a tiny lunar capsule,
wrapped in a bright blue cape.
8…
Apollo 8 would lead off
to see the first Earthrise.
Its astronauts rejoicing,
the whole world in their eyes.
7…
Seven years the countdown
to meet the challenge set:
“To go to the Moon”*—and soon—
that daring goal was met.
6…
Apollo 8 had six days
to take their lunar peek.
To go to the Moon—and back—
in less time than a week!
5…
Saturn V, their rocket,
the boost to keep their pace.
Five earthly years would pass until
the next Noel in space.**
4…
Four food groups fueled the pilots.
Those NASA elves could bake!
Turkey, trimmings, and—of course!—
a wetpack of fruitcake!
3…
Three crew flew the mission:
Frank and Jim and Bill.
Borman, Lovell, Anders.
To Earth, they sent goodwill.
2…
Two minutes was their message,
two days to reach home base.
1…
One Earth they had discovered
along their lunar race.***
They left no flag or footprint,
yet led a merry chase.
3, 2, 1, and liftoff to…
the First Christmas in space!
*President John F. Kennedy, Address to Rice University on the Nation’s Space Effort, September 12, 1962, Houston, Texas.
** Skylab space station, 1973.
*** “We went to the moon… and discovered the Earth.”–Astronaut Bill Anders.
Anne, you know I love this science-filled entry (history, too—but science rocks!). Clever and unique.
Thanks, Glenda!
Anne, I love your fact-filled and creative nonfiction countdown for the first Christmas in space. I so enjoyed learning so many new things about the space missions, including finding out about the fruitcake! So cool!
Thanks, Mona!
This is so clever, educational, and delightful! Nicely done, Anne.
Thanks, Sarah!
I love your scientific take on stories, Anne! With extra backmatter this would make a lovely PB. So clever
Thanks, Laura!
Out of this world Anne! Looks like we both wanted to celebrate Christmas in space:) I love all the space facts too!
Thanks, Vashti, my Space Sister!
You took this prompt and came up with something special. I enjoyed reading this. Hahaha . . . a fruitcake wetpack.
Thank you!
Btw, Apollo 8 really was supplied with a wetpack of fruitcake.
What a unique take. I’m dying to see visuals on this one (particularly making Christmas dinner in a space capsule kitchen – that would be a challenge)! Good luck!
Thank you!
CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN
by Lori Himmel
183 words
Seven days ‘til the fun begins!
Our favorite time of year.
Grampa hangs the candy canes.
Christmas is almost here!
Six days ‘til the fun begins!
A season bright and clear.
Gramma sews the Santa hats.
Christmas is almost here!
Five days ‘til the fun begins!
A season filled with cheer.
Sister stirs hot chocolate.
Christmas is almost here!
Four days ‘til the fun begins!
Our favorite time of year.
Brother bakes the gingerbread.
Christmas is almost here!
Three days ‘til the fun begins!
A tradition held so dear.
Auntie breaks the toffee bark.
Christmas is almost here!
Two days ‘til the fun begins!
A season bright and clear.
Uncle’s stacking firewood.
When will Christmas be here?
One day ‘til the fun begins!
Our favorite time of year.
We look and look for the perfect one
Christmas is almost here!
There it is, our Christmas tree!
Standing tall and wide,
Papa saws it back and forth.
“Hip-hip hooray!” we cried.
The tree is lit, the stockings hung
Our favorite time of year.
We sing Jingle Bells and Silent Night.
Christmas is FINALLY here!
Love it, Lori!
I can picture every stanza.
Love your festive family countdown, Lori! It is such a fun read aloud! Each of your snappy stanzas painted such a lovely holiday picture in my mind!
Thank you, ladies, for reading my story! It was fun to write since this is similar to what our family does each year. We just don’t have as much family nearby. 😦
I love the sense of family you created with each new participant.