Ho! Ho! Ho! The 14th Annual Holiday Writing Contest Is HERE!!!

⭐️Deck the Halls! ⭐️ Light the menorah! ⭐️ Fill the Kikombe cha Umoja! ⭐️

It’s time for the . . .

14th 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 Mystery!

  • The mystery must be central to the plot, but does not necessarily have to be solved – endings that leave you wondering who-actually-dunnit can be as fun as the satisfaction of a solved case 😊
  • It can be any kind of mystery:
    • – a puzzling situation
    • – something or someone gone missing
    • – something that mysteriously shows up
    • – a mysterious and/or unexplained event
    • – etc…
  • 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, Three Kings Day, 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 Sunday December 8th at 11:59 PM EST, and must be posted in the comment section of this, THE OFFICIL CONTEST POST, below. 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 posting, which unfortunately sometimes happens, you may email it to me and I’ll post it for you. Please put your entry in the body of the email and be sure to include title, word count, and your name. No attachments please!

The Judging: My lovely assistants and I will narrow down the entrants to approximately 12 -14 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 Mystery! – the rules state a Holiday Mystery story, so your story must be centered around a mystery 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 mystery 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.  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. (Please see note below!)
  • 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!

Also, please take note of something special about this contest’s prizes! The first 4 prizes on the list are being offered by writers who won, placed, or HMed in one of the contests on this blog and who now have published books based on their contest entries to show for it!!!

⭐️ Picture Book Manuscript Critique AND a Signed Copy of MERRY CHRISTMAS, DEAR MARS from Penny Parker Klostermann, talented author of 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? – as well as THERE WAS AN OLD DRAGON WHO SWALLOWED A KNIGHT (Random House 2015) and A COOKED-UP FAIRY TALE (Random House 2017) and the forthcoming SPIDER LADY: Nan Songer and Her Arachnid WWII Army (Astra/Calkins Creek 2025)

⭐️ Winner’s Choice of Picture Book Manuscript Critique from Author Kelsey Gross OR a signed copy of one of her Solstice Books: WINTER: A SOLSTICE STORY, the original version of which placed 6th in the 2020 Holiday Contest! more inspiration!, or SUMMER: A SOLSTICE STORY

⭐️ Winner’s Choice of a 30 minute Zoom Ask Me Anything from author Jenna Waldman OR a signed copy of one of her books: LARRY’S LATKES (Apples & Honey Press, October 1, 2021) (which tied for 4th in the 2018 Holiday Contest – more inspiration!!!), SHARKBOT SHALOM (Apples & Honey Press, August 1, 2021), or PURR-IM TIME (Apples & Honey Press, February 1, 2023) A PURR-FECT PASSOVER is due out from Apples & Honey Press on March 25, 2025.

⭐️ 30 Minute Zoom PB Critique and Signed Copies of PIRATE & PENGUIN (Page Street Kids, May 30, 2023) and PIRATE & PENGUIN 2 FEW CREW (Page Street Kids, September 3, 2024) from author Mike Allegra (who, incidentally, also had a 6-book Chapter Book Series published – the PRINCE NOT-SO-CHARMING books – which were inspired by the story he wrote for his 2nd place finish in the 2014 March Madness Contest! as well as a Highlights Magazine story based on a Fourth of July Contest entry called Harold’s Hat! – more contest inspiration!!!)

⭐️ Interested in Self Publishing? Author Kizzie Hutcheson Roberts will help you format a picture book for self-publication (does not include providing illustrations) (Can be saved until you’re ready – Kizzi will honor it down the road) Kizzi is the indie author of THE ELVES GO MARCHING (Elemental Ink, December 1, 2022), THE EGGS GO ROLLING (Learning Spark, February 16, 2023), and HARPER AND THE RAPTOR RESCUE (chapter book) (Learning Spark Educational Publishing, June 27, 2023)

⭐️ Signed Copy of LITTLE DREIDEL LEARNS TO SPIN PLUS A 30 Minute Ask Me Anything with Rebecca Gardyn Levington, author of BRAINSTORM! (Sleeping Bear Press, 2022), WHATEVER COMES TOMORROW (Barefoot Books, Mar 7, 2023), I WILL ALWAYS BE…(HarperCollins, 4/15/25 – Available for Pre-Order Now),  AFIKOMAN, WHERE’D YOU GO? A Passover Hide-And-Seek Adventure (Penguin/Rocky Pond, Spring 2024), LITTLE DREIDEL LEARNS TO SPIN (Scholastic, 9/3/24), WRITE HERE, WRITE NOW! (Capstone, 1/1/25 – Available for Pre-Order Now), FINDING FORGIVENESS (Macmillan/FSG, 8/5/25), SOME DAYS I’M THE WIND (Barefoot Books, Fall 2025), and LOOKING FOR LIGHT: A Shabbat Story (Macmillan/FSG, Fall 2026)

Sign up for Rebecca’s NEWSLETTER: http://eepurl.com/h2sK8X

⭐️ Winner’s Choice of Picture Book Manuscript Critique (fiction) or a signed copy of one of her books from Melissa Stoller, author of SCARLET’S MAGIC PAINTBRUSH (Spork 2018), READY, SET, GORILLA! (Spork 2018), THE ENCHANTED SNOW GLOBE COLLECTION (chapter books) (Spork 2017), SADIE’S SHABAT STORIES (Spork, 2020) and PLANTING FRIENDSHIP: PEACE, SALAAM, SHALOM

⭐️ Picture Book Manuscript Critique (non rhyming) from Maria Antonia, author of THE CHRISTMAS ELEPHANT (Paraclete Press, October 8, 2024) and the forthcoming BARNABY, THE RUNAWAY SHEEP (Paraclete Press, March 4, 2025)

⭐️ Winner’s Choice of Picture Book Manuscript Critique (rhyming) or a 30 minute Zoom Ask Me Anything from author Lori Degman! Lori is the author of COCK-A-DOODLE OOPS! (Creston Books, January 1, 2014), NORBERT’S BIG DREAM (Sleeping Bear Press, August 1, 2016), 1 ZANY ZOO (Simon&Schuster, July 20, 2010), JUST READ (Union Square Kids, March 5, 2019), LIKE A GIRL(Union Square Kids, August 13, 2019), TRAVEL GUIDE FOR MONSTERS (Sleeping Bear Press, April 15, 2020), and TRAVEL GUIDE FOR MONSTERS PART DEUX: A CANADIAN ADVENTURE (Sleeping Bear Press, April 15, 2023)

⭐️Winner’s Choice of Picture Book Manuscript Critique or a 30 minute Zoom Ask Me Anything from Kelly Conroy, author of YOU ARE MY EVERYTHING (Tiger Tales, November 5, 2024) and the forthcoming I SEE YOU IN THE STARS: A ZODIAC BOOK FOR BABIES (Familius 2025)

⭐️ A One-Hour Zoom with Feedback on a Picture Book Written in Rhyme or Free Verse from developmental editor Lou Piccolo! Lou Piccolo is an author, poet and developmental editor of children’s
literature based in France. When she’s not writing for the educational market or editing kidlit, she works as a contributing editor for GO English Kids magazine. She is also the owner of RHYME MADE EASY(er), a
skills-based resource for authors to revise, and practice their scansion and rhyme of children’s rhyming picture books, poetry collections and standalone poems. She is a graduate of Renee LaTulippe’s Lyrical Language Lab – Punching Up Prose With Poetry course and Making Picture Book Magic,

⭐️ Three 30-minute Get Unstuck Brainstorming Zoom Calls with author/editor Alayne Kay Christian! Have you taken your story as far as you can, but still feel like something is off or it’s not quite there yet? Alayne is offering mini-mentoring mixed with brainstorming to help you on your way to success! Alayne is the author of BUTTERFLY KISSES FOR GRANDMA AND GRANDPA (Blue Whale Press, 2008), SIENNA THE COWGIRL FAIRY: COWBOY TROUBLE (Blue Whale Press 2021), THE WEED THAT WOKE CHRISTMAS (Blue Whale Press, 2020), and AN OLD MAN AND HIS PENGUIN (Blue Whale Press, 2020)

⭐️ A 30 Minute Ask Me Anything Zoom Call with Barbara Kimmel PLUS a signed copy of her debut picture book, HANUKKAH HIPPITY HOP! Barbara is the author of HANUKKAH HIPPITY HOP (Kar-Ben Publishing, October 1, 2024) and the forthcoming PURIM POSSIBILITIES (PJ Publishing 2026).

⭐️ A Set of Julie Abery’s BABY DINO Board Books OR an ASK ME ANYTHING Session With Her About Writing Board Books. Julie is the author of more than a dozen books for children including picture books SAKAMOTO’S SWIM CLUB (Kids Can Press, May 4, 2021), THE OLD MAN AND THE PENGUIN (Kids Can Press, October 6, 2020), and YUSRA SWIMS (Creative Editions, February 26, 2020), as well as 8 board books in the LITTLE ANIMAL FRIENDS series and 4 board books in the BABY DINOSAUR series. Check them all out HERE!

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! 😊)

2024 Holiday Contest Entries!

  1. The Mystery of the Untouched Snack – Elizabeth Meyer zu Heringdorf
  2. The Case of the Christmas Conveyance – Anne Lipton
  3. Out-Of-This-World Hannukah! – Donna Kurtz
  4. Happy New Year! – Donna Kurtz
  5. Best First-Day-Of-Winter Ever! – Paul Kurtz
  6. Elfeena, Super-Detective – Paul Kurtz
  7. Smudge and the Missing List – Mona Voelkel
  8. Where’s Tiny Teddy? – Lyn Jekowsky
  9. Cookie Thief – Vicky Pao
  10. Winter Solstice Mystery – Elizabeth Thoms Charles
  11. Darkness Is Coming! – Amber A. Novak
  12. Gracie and the Christmas Tree Mystery – Rose Cappelli
  13. Sprinkle McGee, At Your Service – Emily Roberts
  14. A Gift From The Woodlands – Emily Roberts
  15. Christmas Mystery Magic – Laura Wippell
  16. Baby New Year Is Missing – Nancy Ferguson
  17. The Mystery of the Christmas Star That Lost Her Light – Susan Elizabeth Schipper
  18. Who Stole The Star? – Rebekah Hoeft
  19. The First Christmas Mystery – Jany Campana
  20. The Night Santa Went Missing – Melissa J. Miles
  21. If – Lynn M. Moore
  22. A Punny Thing Happened On The Way To The North Pole – Jessica Russo
  23. Where Is Baby Jesus? – Robin Currie
  24. Stray Shoes on St. Nicholas Day – Jessica Jenson
  25. No-els – Jessica Jenson
  26. Found: Puppy – Jessica Iwanski
  27. The Story of A Solstice Lost and Found – Elizabeth Volkmann
  28. What Is It? – Angel Gantnier
  29. The First Ornament – RJ Clarken
  30. The Day The Christmas Lights Went Out – Lauren N. Simmons
  31. The Lost Nutcracker – Katia M. Jesson
  32. The Enchanted Christmas Books – Dawn Hauptner
  33. The Solstice Sleuths – Karen Opp
  34. The Bell Tower Mystery – Glenda Roberson
  35. One Pair of Missing Snowshoes – XL – Katie Schwartz
  36. Mystery Gift – Susan Summers
  37. The Disappearing Act – Angela Steffen
  38. The Dreidel’s Message – Marilyn Wolpin
  40. Mouse’s Christmas Campaign – Susan Corry
  41. The Missing Mitten Mystery – Marty Findley
  42. Stella and the Santa Experiment – Lynne Marie
  43. The Cocoa Monster – Michael Kokozos
  44. Worm’s Party – Poupette Smith
  45. Mouse’s Missing Ingredient – Maryna Doughty
  46. A Chameleon Christmas – Sue Heavenrich
  47. Nursery Crimes – Webb Smith
  48. Imposter Santa – Maria Piñero Pope
  49. Something’s NOT Right In Gingerville Hills – Maria Piñero Pope
  50. The Missing Elf – Betty Lackey
  51. Santa, Is That You? – Maria Kim
  52. A Christmas Experiment – Isabel Cruz Rodgriguez
  53. The Truth About Santa – Anisah Polaris
  54. The Toyshop’s Dark Secret – Gayle C. Krause
  55. A Fruit Thief In Spruce Ridge – Julie Lerczak
  56. Little Helper – Susan Gleeson
  57. The 12 Days of Mystery – Cari Chamberlain
  58. ‘Twas the day before Christmas when a cat disappeared. . . – Jodie Houghton
  59. A Merry Mix-up – Thomas Christie (Age 8)
  60. The Dark Street – Linda Staszak
  61. Katie’s Secret-On-Secret Santa – Sharon McCarthy
  62. The Missing Jingles – Linda Staszak
  63. The Mysterious Glitter Tale Trail – Sharon O. Blumberg
  64. No ‘L’ – Betsy J. Bennett
  65. The Case of the Missing Milk and the Christmas Cookies – Patti Ranson
  66. Adira, Royal Detective – Lauren N. Simmons
  67. Jack’s Farm Stand – Shaunessy Sinnett
  68. A Most Perplexing Holiday – Amanda Fletcher
  69. The Dastardly Christmas Machine – Brian Gallagher
  70. Colonel Coal – Brian Gallagher
  71. Happy Jolabokaflod! – Jill Lambert
  72. Cash For Christmas – Shaunessy Sinnett
  73. Where’s Home, Tree Topper? – Shuba Mohan
  74. The Very Last Gift – Judy Sobanski
  75. Who Stole Santa’s Boot? – Meg Winikates
  76. The Baker’s Surprise – Marta Cutler
  77. Snowman Wishes – Sarah Ringgenberg
  78. Santa’s Belly Button – Christine Alemshah
  79. The Biggest Gift – Lisa Rowe Fraustino
  80. The  Chrusciki Thief – Lucia Lemieux
  81. Who Stole The Carrots From The Cookie Plate? – Marcia D. Williams
  82. Gone Nuts! – Tara Seahorn
  83. A Sneaky Christmas Eve – Trinity Clark
  84. Jingles’ Lost Bells – Amy LaMae Brewer
  85. The Nutcracker Detective – Ellen Crosby
  86. The Missing Star – Judy Caldwell Hughes
  87. Mysterious Crime At The North Pole – Mike Flowers
  88. The Maltese Latke – Jennifer Tarr
  89. Arctic Winter Solstice Mystery – Ian Rodrigues
  90. What Does Momma Want For Christmas? – Kato McNickle
  91. Molly and the Christmas Eve Mystery Guest – Sarah Meade
  92. New Year’s Magic – Sarah Meade
  93. Cymbalina, Crash! – Kato McNickle
  94. Who Ate The Christmas Pie? – P.J. Purtee
  95. Elf Encounters – Ryann Jones
  96. A Thousand Stars – Margaret Zotkiewicz
  97. The Best Present – Greg Beatty
  98. The Missing Beach – Carly Vester
  99. Oh No! It’s Missing – Dawn Renee Young
  100. The Present – Time McGlen
  101. Mrs. Claus Is Missing! – Nicole Garnett
  102. Santa’s Problem – Colleen Fogarty
  103. I Wonder – MIGRATINGMOOSE
  104. Clue’s For Christmas – Sarah (Sezza) Hetu
  105. Psychic Reader and Advisor – Toni Blackwell Rhodes
  106. Run, Run, As Fast As You CAN’T – Bri Lawyer
  107. Three Kings Day Eve – Maritere R. Bellas
  108. Merry Trickster – Lisa Lowe Stauffer
  109. Quest For The Christmas Treasure – Kimberly Howard
  110. Missing Christmas – Ashley Sierra
  111. Santa Is Missing! – A. C. Drouet
  112. Fruitcake Bandit – Lauri Meyers
  113. A Christmas Mystery In The Forest – Janet Parkinson Bryce
  114. Wet Christmas – Amanda Blaylock
  115. First Christmas Without Dad – Teresa Speranza Vargas
  116. Peppermint Bark – James Blaylock
  117. Did Santa Eat Jesus? – Sharon Korzelius
  118. How Eli Saved Christmas. . . Or Did He? – Lori Bonati
  119. Santa? – Elizabeth Etheridge
  120. Swayshing’s Journey – Nancy Riley
  121. Oplatki – Sherry Dubis
  122. The Twelve Cookies of Christmas – Angela Martinelli
  123. Matchbox Matched Potatoes – Lydia Richardson
  124. The Last Gift – Daniella Kaufman
  125. Where’s Rusty – Dianne Borowski
  126. Grub’s Holiday Surprise – Judie Offerdahl
  127. Who Stole Santa’s Cookies? – Una Belle Townsend
  128. A Surprise for Kwanzaa – Hope Gupple
  129. The First Christmas – Michelle S. Kennedy
  130. The Mystery of the Missing Candy Canes – Lorena Medina

1,083 thoughts on “Ho! Ho! Ho! The 14th Annual Holiday Writing Contest Is HERE!!!”

  1. Sarah Meade says:
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    Sarah Meade's avatar

    Molly and the Christmas Eve Mystery Guest 

    By Sarah Meade

    Word Count: 250

    Season’s greetings! 

    I’m Molly McYule. 

    Mom, Dad, Milo, and I’ve just arrived at my grandparents’ Christmas Eve Extravaganza! 

    “This year,” Grandma whispers, “there’s a special mystery guest.”

    “A Christmas mystery!” Milo and I high-five.

    “Care for a cookie?” Grandma asks.

    I spy a note on my napkin. “A clue!”

    The mystery guest wears festive attire.

    “Santa?” Milo says. 

    “Mrs. Claus?” I say.

    Grandma nods. “Plausible possibilities.” 

    Ding-dong!

    The mystery guest?

    “Hello!”

    “Woof!”

    Nope. It’s Uncle Charlie and his puppies.

    “Care for a candy cane?” Grandma asks.

    I spy another note. “Clue #2!”

    The mystery guest sounds like jingling bells.

    “Santa!” says Milo.

    “Mrs. Claus OR an elf,” I say.

    Grandma grins. “Sensible suggestions.” 

    Ding-dong!

    The mystery guest?

    “Hiiiiiiii!”

    Nope. It’s Aunt Abby, Uncle Paul, and ALL our cousins.

    “Care for cocoa?” Grandma asks.

    I peek underneath my cup. “Clue #3!” 

    The mystery guest has a red nose.

    “Rudolph!” 

    “An elf!”

    “Mrs. Claus!”

    “Santa!” 

     Grandma giggles.  “Such festive speculation!”

    Ding-dong!

    The mystery guest!

    Bells jingle from his huge shoes.

    His overalls are printed with poinsettias.

    His face is painted green, but . . .

    I’d recognize those twinkling eyes anywhere!

    “Grandpa!” we cry. 

    “You’re not Santa,” says Milo.

    “Or Mrs. Claus or an elf or Rudolph,” I say. “So . . . who are you, Grandpa?”

    He does a silly spin and taps his red foam nose. 

    “I’m the Christmas clown!” 

    Then he juggles candy canes! And tells jokes! 

    Milo, our cousins, and I give Grandma and Grandpa holiday high fives.

    “You two make every Christmas merry!” 

    Holiday Writing Contest & December 2024 News

  2. Sarah Meade says:
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    Sarah Meade's avatar

    New Year’s Magic

    By Sarah Meade

    Word Count: 242

    In the middle of 

    the New Year’s Eve party 

    while everyone

    laughed and danced,

    sharing memories 

    and making plans, 

    I sat by the window,

    watching the snow,

    writing in my red notebook,

    lost again in daydreams 

    of fairy tales and magic.

    Tap, tap, tap

    There was a knock at the door.

    I glanced around.

    No one else noticed.

    I set down my notebook

    and opened the door.

    But no one was there.

    Strange, I thought.

    I peeked out onto the porch . . .

    Just the swirling snowflakes 

    and the streetlight glow.

    I frowned, 

    then looked down.

    On our doormat

    sat a wrapped package.

    I picked it up,

    and hurried inside,

    chilled and excited.

    What could it be?

    Who was it for?

    I found a little tag, 

    but it didn’t have a name.

    It said instead,

    in perfect penmanship:

    Keep dreaming.

    I settled back in my seat,

    to open the gift,

    slowly and carefully,

    warming up again 

    in the cozy room.

    Inside the pretty paper 

    was a sparkling snowglobe,

    the most beautiful one I’d ever seen.

    A winter wonderland,

    full of evergreen trees

    and one young girl 

    all by herself,

    smiling and writing . . . 

    in a red notebook!

    I squinted,

    looked closer,

    and gasped.

    The girl looked 

    so much 

    like 

    me

    down to the small mole beside her left eye.

    As everyone counted down 

    to midnight,

    I shook the snowglobe,

    smiling,

    wondering, 

    making plans 

    to start the new year 

    with daydreams 

    and fairy tales . . .

    and magic.

    Holiday Writing Contest & December 2024 News

  3. katoagogo says:
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    katoagogo's avatar

    Cymbalina, Crash!

    By Kato McNickle

    250 Words

    A halo glows when an angel finds their shine. 

    Cymbalina’s halo hung like a cloud. 

    The great bell rang, calling the angels to assemble. 

    “I require something remarkable,” the Archangel Gabriel said. “It’s called cacophony and I will know it when I hear it.” 

    Each angel performed their finest sounds. 

    “Beautiful,” Gabriel would say. “Next?”

    Until all had sung or played or danced.

    “Is that everyone?” Gabriel squinted. “Who’s that with the storm cloud over her head?”

     “I have no talent to share,” Cymbalina pulled at her sleeves. “My playing breaks harps.”

    “Will you clap your hands together for me?” Gabriel asked.

    Klap-Zooey-Kabluey-Zoing!  

    “Come! We haven’t much time!” Gabriel said taking her hand and flying fast.

    Behind them swirled hosts of angels swathed in glory.

    “On my signal make all the noise that’s in you,” Gabriel said. 

    Her halo flashed a sparkle.                                                

    “Now, Cymbalina — CRASH!”

    With all her might, the stormy angel smashed her hands together. The cacophony tore the sky with splendor. Her halo began to glow.

    “Fear not!” Gabriel called into the night. “I bring you good tidings of great joy!” 

    His words calmed the shepherds tending their sheep. 

    “To Bethlehem!” 

    The angels arrived atop a stable. “See the child just born?” 

    The baby laughed. The joy in this laugh lifted Cymbalina skyward.  Her halo shone brighter than any star. 

    Cymbalina found her shine.

    Is there a brighter star twinkling, or sparks jumping in the hearth, or lightning dancing? It might be Cymbalina clapping her hands with joy.

  4. jillpurtee says:
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    WHO ATE THE CHRISTMAS PIE?

    by P. J. Purtee (Jill)

    243 words

    ’Twas the night before Christmas,

    when all through the house

    not a creature was stirring,

    except for a mouse . . .

    who hushed in the hallways

    and snuck like a spy

    to search for the thief

    who ate all the pie.

    Left nothing to speak of.

    Not one little slice.

    Left zilch for the children

    and nada for mice.

    No sign of the suspects.

    Not one little peep.

    No help from the children,

    who fell fast asleep.

    The search was a nightmare.

    The house was a mess

    with wrapping and ribbons

    (and more than you’d guess).

    He almost gave up,

    but what did he see?

    A footprint, a plate,

    and a fork by the tree.

    He followed the footprints

    past stockings and toys

    and presents and candy

    for girls (and the boys).

    Past swans and a partridge,

    the maids and the doves,

    the birds and the geese,

    (and a pair of old gloves).

    Past pipers and drummers

    and hens and gold rings

    and ladies and lords

    and a few favorite things . . .

    like ponies and kettles

    and whiskers on kittens

    and crips apple strudels

    and warm woolen mittens.

    He checked in the bedrooms.

    The bathrooms. The den.

    He sniffed something sweet

    in the kitchen. And then . . .

    He spotted the thief.

    ’Twas a man dressed in red.

    It was  . . .

    “You ate the pie!”

    “Yes, I did,” Santa said.

    “Happy Christmas to all,

    and to all a good bite.

    I baked you another.”

    Then drove out of sight.

  5. Ryann Jones says:
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    Ryann Jones's avatar

    Elf Encounters

    By Ryann Jones

    (Word Count 182)

    My elf is so mysterious—

    I need to solve this case!

    Every time I turn around,

    he’s in another place! 

    First, I put him in the fridge,

    then went to get a drink.

    To my surprise, there sat my elf,

    hot tubbing in the sink!

    I transferred Elf to somewhere sweet—

    inside the cookie jar. 

    Yet on our couch, with frosting stache,

    sat Elf with a guitar.

    I wrapped Elf up in all things string—

    an excellent design.

    But ho-ho-no! Elf found a way

    to zipline using twine!

    So, next I stuffed him in a box, 

    and went to use the potty.

    But THERE HE STOOD, dressed in his gi,

    prepared to fight karate!

    I tossed him in the garbage can.

    I couldn’t take the stress.

    Then dashed inside to find my mom,

    assuming she’d confess. 

    But in the hallway, I got tripped.

    On what, I bet you’ve guessed!

    That elf was back and squeaky clean.

    I’m freaked out but impressed!

    Mom told me that it wasn’t her

    who’d moved my Christmas elf.

    The only explanation is…

    my elf did it himself!

  6. Margaret Zotkiewicz says:
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    A Thousand Stars

    by Margaret Zotkiewicz

    192 words

    From an inky sky, lonely moon shines on a frosted, silent world.

    Swish! Jingle! Owls peer, deer ponder.

    Boots tread softly on glittering snow.

    Night unfolds, breezes whisper.

    Trees sway, shimmering in the moon’s fading beams.

    In a flash he appears, golden box cradled in gloved hands.

    Lonely moon sinks and bids farewell.

    Forest creatures gather close, quaking, trembling, waiting.

    Beneath a furry hood, glowing eyes twinkle.

    “Welcome, friends,” Kringle whispers.

    Creatures cram closer, shivers ruffling fur and feathers,

    Under a sky empty as dreamless sleep.

    “Come closer,” Kringle beckons with a smile.

    Twittering, tweeting, stamping, shuffling, they gaze,

    as his hands part, treasure gleaming.

    “To those who believe, the gift will appear.”

    Silence falls, quick as lightning.

    Creatures gaze at the golden box, opening, overflowing.

    “Rise! Rise! Rise!” Kringle chants.

    Dancing, swaying, leaping, flying,

    a thousand stars soar to their eternal home.

    Sky aglow, night settles,

    the forest and its family asleep in new stars’ light,

    as Kringle disappears into the heavens.  

    The sun rises, and the stars fade into slumber.

    Creatures awaken from dreams of a mysterious man and his golden box.

    And from somewhere beyond the sky, Kringle smiles.

  7. Greg Beatty says:
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    The Best Present

    Lots of people give presents at Christmas. Jane’s family gives presents, but they also play tricks. They wrap presents funny, they make silly tags for the presents, and they buy joke gifts. (If you ever meet them, check out their ugly socks competition. That was a good year.)

    This year, there was a mystery. In addition to the presents for Jane and her brother Jake and their parents and grandma, there was a present with a label that said, “The Best Present.”

    “Is that for Grandma?” Jane asked.

    Jake shrugged.

    “Dad?”

    Shrug.

    “Mom?”

    Shrug.

    “You?”

    Jake rattled the box. Something hard rattled around inside.

    “Don’t know.”

    “Me?” Jane whispered.

    “I. Don’t. Know,” Jake said. “I can’t even tell what it is.”

    “But what would the best present even be?” Jane asked.

    “My best present ever was the Christmas I got Snuggles.” Jake gave their 120-pound dog a squeeze. “He’s so soft.”

    “My best present was that year Aunt Sharon took that baking class,” their dad said. “We got the best mistake cookies.”

    “My best present when I found out I was going to be a mom,” grandma said, smiling at her son.

    “Mine too!” their mom said.

    “So, what’s in this box,” Jane said. “And who is it for?”

    “Open it,” Jake said.

    Jane tore the wrapping paper away, and opened the box, revealing a recorder that had captured all of their stories.

    “It’s for all of us,” Jane said. “But who is it from?”

    THE END

  8. Carly Vester says:
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    The Missing Beach

    by Carly Vester

    238 words

    The beach was missing on New Year’s Eve. The smooth pebbles that stretched for miles were hidden under the salty sea. 

    If it stayed like this, Quinn’s family wouldn’t have anywhere to watch the fireworks tonight!

    She peeked out the window while her baby sister napped. No beach. She checked again after lunch. Foamy waves curled, but still no beach.

    “Papa,” Quinn paused by her grandpa’s favorite squashy chair. “Will the beach be back in time for the fireworks?”

    He smiled, eyes crinkling. “You better keep an eye on it.”

    Quinn frowned. She was keeping an eye on it! Huffing, she tugged on her boots and jacket then raced down to the water’s edge.

    She squinted, unsure if the beach had changed. The waves rolled in and out as usual, but… maybe…

    Her heart skipped. With every wave, more and more pebbles seemed to show up. The tide might be going out! But would the beach be back in time?

    10… 9… 8… 

    The fireworks were starting!

    Quinn and Papa stood together, watching the fireworks sparkle above miles of glittering pebbles. 

    But something else caught her eye: a bumpy sea star, shimmering in the surf. 

    Quinn knelt, watching the waves gently lift then carry it back to the sea, like a shooting star drifting home. “I’ll make a wish for the new year, too,” she whispered.

    After all, the beach was back and a new year was waiting.

  9. Dawn Renee Young says:
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    OH NO! IT’S MISSING

    by Dawn Renee Young

    250 words

    Santa was bundled up ready for the long night ahead. Mrs. Clause handed him a bag of snacks. As he opened the door, he noticed his sleigh and eight reindeer were missing.

    He looked left. He looked right. He looked up. There was no sign of his sleigh. Reaching for his phone he texted Tinsel, his head elf.

    S –Tinsel where’s my sleigh?

    T -I packed and parked it outside your door.

    S -It’s gone! 

    T -Oh no! I’ll check with the other elves and be over.

    S -Please hurry. We must stay on schedule.

                Tinsel checked with every elf. No one had seen the sleigh. What was he going to tell Santa?

    Tinsel’s wife, Garland had an idea, “I’ll go with you to the Clause’s house.”

    Tinsel and Garland arrived on their snow mobile. Santa and Mrs. Clause were standing in the front yard, devastated.

    “Children are depending on me,” declared Santa.

    “We’ll find it,” said Garland. “My Grandma taught me a poem a long time ago. It goes like this;  

    Sleigh, sleigh where can you be

     I need you tonight in order to flee.

              A silent plea, a whispered sigh,

              Where oh where can you possibly lie?”

    Santa repeated the poem. All at once out of the sky appeared Rudolph and the missing sleigh. Rudolph landed the sleigh at Santa’s feet. 

    “Where have you been and what is that on your nose?” asked Santa.

    “My new glasses! I needed a trial run.”

    Santa shook his head and smiled.

  10. Tim McGlen says:
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    THE PRESENT

    By Tim McGlen

    245 words 

                Addie pressed her nose against the cold living room window, her breath fogging the glass below her eyes.  During the night, someone had visited the snowman.  A trail of footprints in the snow traced from the woods to the snowman and back to the woods.

                Plus there was the hat.  A fine addition, she thought, a paisley knit of red and green that flopped back on the snowman’s head.

                But who?

                Bundled in her winter clothes, she exited the house into the backyard.  The chilly air nipped her nose.  She trod through new snow to the snowman and placed her booted feet into two of the footprints, slightly larger than her own.

                The snowman was taller than she, and she reached up a mittened hand to touch the hat.  Soft, but something solid underneath.  She lifted the hat.  A box wrapped in shiny silver paper with a red ribbon tumbled to the snow near Addie’s feet.

                She nestled the hat back onto the snowman’s head and bent to pick up the present.  For, surely, it was a present, wasn’t it?

                She weighed it in her hands.  About the weight of an egg or two.  The size of a teacup.

                With her teeth she removed her mittens.

                With chilled fingers she tugged away the ribbon.

                A crow cawed from the edge of the woods, startling her.

                She turned to look.

                And a staring Addie, and the snowman, and the mysterious present were forever etched in time.

  11. Nicole Garnett says:
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    Mrs. Claus is Missing!

    By Nicole Garnet

    Word Count: 250

    Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house…

    “Mrs. Claus! We need 20,612 more cookies!”

    “Mrs. Claus! The sleigh bells aren’t jingling.”

    “Mrs. Claus! My pants ripped!”

    “Mrs. Claus?”

    “Mrs. Claus!”

    “MRS. CLAUS!”

    “She must be here somewhere,” grumbled Santa.

    “It’s Christmas Eve! We NEED her!” insisted Elfie. 

    “Ho-ho-I know.

    Blitzen, did Mrs. Claus take one of the reindeer for a ride?”

    “No, sir. All here,” assured Blitzen. 

    “Oh, holy night! 

    MRS. CLAUS

    IS 

    MISSING!” shouted Elfie. 

    Santa, the reindeer, and elves searched frantically.

    “Ho-ho-HOLD ON! Let’s look for clues,” suggested Santa.

    “Found one!” 

    “Good job, Blitzen! What is it?” asked Santa.

    “A piece of…

    LINT!”

    “And that tells us…?”

    “Don’t know. She’s messy?”

    “Blitzen!”

    “Over here! Her cocoa’s C-C-COLD! Something terrible happened!”

    “Elfie, that’s mine…” muttered Santa. 

    “Ho-ho-oh no!”

    “What is it, Santa?”

    “It’s… it’s…

    HER Christmas sack! 

    She never leaves without it!”

    Wide eyes stared at the GLOWING sack.

    “Crackin’ candy canes,” gasped Elfie. “Wait… what’s in it?”

    “Only Mrs. Claus knows. It keeps the Christmas magic alive, and must always be with her,” answered Santa.

    “Fascinating,” whispered Blitzen. “Oh, Mrs. Claus… where are y–”

    “There it is!” squealed Mrs. Claus.

    “My dear! Where have you been!?”

    “Rudolph’s nose wasn’t shining. We rushed to the vet, but I forgot this!”

    “Thank goodness you’re back.”

    “We missed you!”

    “We NEED you!” 

    “Ummm hello! Anyone worried about me!?” blurted Rudolph.

    “Oh yeah… one reindeer WAS missing…” confessed Blitzen.

    “Okay, but seriously, what’s in the sack?!” begged Elfie.

  12. Colleen says:
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    SANTA’S PROBLEM

    By Colleen Fogarty       

    WC-249

    Santa’s merry elves were checking their lists and working non-stop. It was the day before Christmas. Hustling and bustling, they packed Santa’s sleigh to the brim. It was almost time to gather the reindeer.

    Down on Earth, people decorated their trees, wrapped gifts, sang carols, and watched the snow come down. It fell and fell and fell…by nightfall, the towns were adrift in hills of snow. Roads were closed. The wind howled. And then, the power went out!

    No Christmas tree lights. No streetlights. Time to light candles and fireplaces. How would Santa find their towns? No problem. Rudolph has a bright, shiny, red nose. He will light the way.

    But Rudolph had a problem. Rudolph had a cold. His nose was sneezing and sniffing and running. Rudolph’s nose was very red, but it was not bright, and it was not shining!

    Santa had a problem. How could he find the children’s homes? If Rudolph couldn’t guide the sleigh, what could?  Maybe Mrs. Claus had an idea. And indeed, she did!  “Aha, cried Santa. That’s it! Of course.”

    “Please bring me my phone and my list.,” he told his elf.

    “Round up the reindeer!” We’ve got a long night ahead.”

    Santa mounted his sleigh, pulled back the reins, and off they soared into the wintery sky.

     Estimated arrival: Main Street, Happyville. 3:05 AM.

    The children woke on Christmas and there, on the glistening snow, sleigh tracks from door to door.  Presents beneath the trees. How did Santa find us?

  13. migratingmoosegmailcom says:
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    I Wonder

    We slide the barn door open and creep in. “Do animals really talk at midnight?” I ask. We tried to spy on the animals last year and the year before that, but we fell asleep both times. This year we will succeed!

    Leo makes a straw pile and we hunker down. ”I’m cold,” Micheal says. Leo says, “It’s only one hour away.”

    I sit watching, wondering.

    The cattle chew their cuds. The sheep sleep in the corner. The horse stands in his stall. The cat sits up in the loft.

    “Why did we come so early?” Michael asks snuggling down into the straw. Leo cuddles in close. I climb up to the loft for a clear view.

    I wait. 

    And wait.

    I hear some shuffling and snoring from the straw pile. I decide I will stay awake.

    After what seemed like an eternity, I hear the animals moving.  

    The cat jumps down from the loft with a meow. The horse neighs and leaves his stall. The sheep awake with baaing and bleating. The cattle begin lowing.

    From my perch, it looks like all the animals are huddled together around a heat lamp.

    In all the commotion, did I hear, “Joy to the World”?

    Leo leaps up looking at his watch and yelps, “It’s too late!”

    “Not again!” Michael cries rubbing his eyes. I climb down from the loft. “Sorry we missed it again,” they apologize in unison.

    Or did I? 

    I wonder.

  14. Susanna Leonard Hill says:
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    ENTRY POSTED FOR SARAH

    CLUES FOR CHRISTMAS
    231 words
    by Sarah (Sezza) Hetu

    The last present under the tree was no bigger than a baseball. Inside was a note.

    To Maive and Fiona / Love, Dad / Follow the clues to find your special Christmas surprise. 

    “Guesses, please,” Dad said.

    “A unicorn,” Fiona said.

    “A bicycle,” I said. “What’s the first clue?”

    Clue One: Hot summer day? Find cool treats here.

    “It’s the fridge!” I said.

    “But we don’t eat unicorns,” Fiona said.

    The only surprise we found in the fridge was fuzzy and blue.

    “My sandwich,” Dad exclaimed.

    I opened the freezer door. “Score!”

    The second clue was taped to the ice cream. 

    Clue Two: It’s Fiona’s most magical shirt.

    Fiona ran to her bedroom and returned waving her unicorn shirt. A note fluttered out of the pocket.

    Clue Three: Let’s Create.

    “The art spot,” Fiona said.

    But the easel was empty and the art table clear.

    “Maybe it means creating with wood,” I said.

    We put our coats and boots on and crunched through the snow to Dad’s work-shed.

    Inside was an empty crate covered in red and green bows.

    “Where’s the unicorn?” Fiona asked.

    We heard barking in the backyard.

    “Oh,” Fiona said, “it’s a doggie-unicorn.”

    “Now where did that little guy go?” Dad scratched his chin.

    I scanned the backyard. Ah ha! “Look, a clue!” I pointed to pawprints in the snow.

    This was about to become the best Christmas yet….

    Woof!

  15. Susanna Leonard Hill says:
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    ENTRY POSTED FOR TONI

    Psychic Reader and Advisor
    (by Toni Blackwell Rhodes)

    Rebecca lifted a small white card stuck between the mailbox and the flag. Printed on the card in purple: PSYCHIC READER AND ADVISOR, DISCOUNT HANUKKAH SPECIAL, a drawing of a raised palm, and a number – 694-555-1294.
    Rebecca stood for a few minutes thinking, then dialed the number.
    “Psychic Reader and Advisor, how can I help you?” said the nasal voice, like they were holding their nose.
    “Uh,” said Rebecca. “There’s this boy at shul. His name is David . . .”
    “Ahhhh . . .” said the Advisor. “You want him to like you, right?”
    “That’s right!” said Rebecca, but all he thinks about is gaming, fantasy mapmaking, codes, and puzzles.”
    “OK,” said the Advisor. “Here’s what you do . . .”
    “Wait,” said Rebecca. “How much do you charge?”
    “The first advice is free, my dear,” said the Advisor.
    The next night at shul, Bridget helped the youth group light a menorah to celebrate the first night of Hannukah. Afterward, she handed Jonathan a sheet of paper.
    “Um, someone told me to write a message with lemon juice on this paper and give it to you,” said Rebecca.
    Jonathan smiled. “Just in case, I happen to have an extra candle and lighter.” He lit the candle, held up the paper, and moved the candle underneath. Words began to appear —
    I LiK U
    “I like you, too,” said Jonathan, speaking in a nasal voice as he held his nose.

  16. Bri Lawyer says:
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    Run, Run, As Fast As You CAN’T

    by Bri Lawyer

    (237 words)

    Sugarplum Bakery in the North Pole

    emanates smells of delight.

    Freshly baked gingerbread cookies are pulled

    then stored on a tray for the night. 

    The cookies awake in the morning and cry,

    “Something is terribly grim!”

    Crumbs now replace where a leg used to be.

    Gingie is missing a limb!

    Snappy’s red button was nibbled right off!

    Mapelton’s nowhere in sight!

    Cinnamon’s icing was licked from his face! 

    Crumble is bearing a bite!

    “How could this happen? The shop had been closed!”

    Cookies interrogate staff. 

    “How come dear Nutmeg is covered in milk, 

    and Crunch is now broken in half?!”

    “Don’t look at us! We’re confused just like you!

    We’ve never been through this before.”

    Sunlight shines dimly, revealing a clue–

    hoof prints right there on the floor! 

    They call for the reindeer to enter the shop

    to question if they are to blame.

    Blitzen looks guilty and lowers his head.

    “It’s true, it was us,” they exclaim. 

    “Carrots are yummy, but nothing compares

    to gingerbread cookies’ sweet flavor.

    Nobody thinks to bake goodies for us, 

    only for Santa to savor.”

    The bakery staff said, “We know what to do!

    Head to the kitchen to bake!”

    They mix up some carrots with cinnamon spice—

    out comes a fluffy new cake.

    The reindeer all gather to try a small bite;

     joy replaces their grief.

    “Dear cookies, you’re safe—our new love’s carrot cake!”

    The cookies all sigh with relief!

  17. mrbellasgmailcom says:
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    Three Kings Day Eve – the grass dilemma

    by Maritere R. Bellas w/c 250

     “It’s Three Kings Eve Day!” I shout jumping out of bed.

    Time to prepare for The Kings and the camels to arrive.

    (Just like for Santa and the reindeers…Except grass is what the camels eat. And that is what we must get!).

    Mami is busy talking on the phone. 

    Grabbing the cereal and milk, I wait…(im)patiently.

    I tried to catch her attention but no luck.

    Tugging at Mami’s skirt, she frowns.

    “I need a shoebox. To get grass for the camellos, the camels.”

    “Ah, me olvidé.” She said she forgot and hands me a shoebox.

    My friends are already outside.

    They are not smiling…

    Marla tells me there is no grass at her house.

    Camila says, “Not at mine either.”

    And Enrique is nodding the same.

    NO

    GRASS?

    ¡NADA!

    All the front yards are covered with snow. ¡UGHHH!

    “We must find grass somewhere!!” I shout.

    Peer into the neighbors’ backyards, I see…Nothing.

    The park?  Nope.

    The baseball field? ¡NADA!

    What are we to do?

    Sullen faced, my friends and I had a grass dilemma.

    Until….

    “Let’s find out what else the camels eat??” I yell.

    Running inside, we ask Papi if we can use the computer.

    There in big bold letters…. Camels eat CAKES!

    “Mami!!!!”  I shriek.

    Later that night…on the way back.

    The camels’ pace is much slower.

    “Too many yummy cakes,” says Melchior.  

    “I am quite stuff too,” Caspar said. “It was a good night!”

    The Three Kings laugh. ¡ALELUYA!

  18. LLStauffer says:
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    Merry Trickster

    By Lisa Lowe Stauffer

    247 words

    On December 23rd, a new elf reported for duty at the North Pole. Razzi was tiny, even for an elf. He couldn’t reach the workbench, strained to lift cartons, and swept up only a coughing fit.

    Jingle, the head elf, pointed to shelf out of the way. “Watch and learn from there.”

    “Hummph.” Razzi mumbled as he climbed up, ticked off he’d come all this way only to watch.

    The next morning, Santa’s reading glasses were mysteriously missing.

    Mrs. Claus and Jingle couldn’t find theirs either.

    Razzi leaped down. “I’ll find them!”

    He searched the kitchen.

    Mrs. Claus held a recipe at arm’s length. “How much sugar?”

    “This much,” Razzi said, leveling off ingredients.

    He searched the library.

    Santa struggled to check his list twice. “Who’s been naughty?”

    Razzi pulled out a red pen and got to work.

    He searched the barn.

    Jingle squinted at a row of jars. “Which combo is right for flying?”

    Razzi cheerfully mixed up the reindeer chow.

    On Christmas Eve, Santa sampled Mrs. Claus’ cookies—and quickly reached for his cocoa.  “My dear, I believe you confused salt for sugar!”

    When he climbed into his sleigh, it held only coal. “Was everyone naughty this year?”

    As the sleigh soared into the sky, trailing behind were puffs of sparkly purple reindeer farts.

    “Oh my!” said Jingle. The elves giggled.

    In the morning, Razzi was gone. On the mantle were the missing glasses and a note.

    No one puts THIS elf on a shelf!

  19. Susanna Leonard Hill says:
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    ENTRY POSTED FOR KIMBERLY

    QUEST FOR THE CHRISTMAS TREASURE
    By: Kimberly Howard
    w.c.- 250

    I looked inside my stocking and what did I find?
    A mysterious note, a magical kind!

    It called to me, this message from the North Pole,
    with curiosity, I unraveled the scroll.

    As I read, my night clothes lit with arctic glow,
    The note, it seemed, had powers to bestow.

    It spoke of a quest, a journey so bold,
    a lost treasure, or so I was told.

    So, I set off on this adventure to Christmas Town,
    Nestled where peppermint sticks grow year-round.

    Scarf, hat and checkered gloves dangle on the stand,
    With new magical glasses tightly in my hand.

    Through blizzards and snowdrifts, I bravely went,
    determined to find what this mystery meant.

    Oh, the wonders I saw, the creatures I met,
    The North Pole, a realm I’ll never forget.

    I tickled penguins, who giggled with glee,
    friendly snowmen, who offered me tea.

    But the treasure, it seemed, was elusive still,
    I searched high and low, with skill and will.

    Then, under the shimmery curtain of light,
    I found a chest, gloriously bright!

    I opened it slowly, with eager delight,
    And inside, oh what a magical sight!

    Not gold or gems, but a message so true,
    it read, “The treasure was always you.”

    With a smile, I realized the journey’s true gift,
    The adventure itself, a thrilling uplift!

    So, with a mind full of tales, and a heart full of joy,
    I returned home, a story more precious than any toy.

  20. Ashley Sierra (@AshleySierra06) says:
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    Missing Christmas

    by Ashley Sierra

    247 words

    Ivy crosses out December 24th on her calendar.

    “Tomorrow’s Christmas! I can’t wait for presents . . . Whoops!”

    The calendar falls and the pages scatter across the room.

    “Yawn. I’ll fix it in the morning.”

    The next day, Ivy jumps out of bed and shouts,

    “Merry . . .”

    “Happy Mother’s Day!” says her sister, Eve. “What did you get Mom?”

    “What?” says Ivy. 

    “April Fools!” says Eve.

    “Huh? It’s Christmas,” says Ivy. 

    But Eve skips off.

    Ivy heads to the stairs. 

    “American flags on the handrails instead of Christmas garland? Why are there half-eaten Easter eggs on the plate and not Santa’s cookies? Those aren’t stockings, they’re Valentine’s Day boxes! The tree is a . . . giant turkey? But it’s Christmas!” 

    “Happy Halloween!” says Mom, hopping on her witch’s broom.

    ”I’ll not rest, ‘till I have me gold!” says Dad, tipping his Irish cap.

    “It’s Christmas!” says Ivy. “What’s going on?” 

    “Happy New Year!” Eve says.

    Pop! She pulls a confetti popper. 

    Ivy races to her room and slumps on the floor. She picks up the December page from her calendar.

    “This proves it’s Christmas!”

    Ivy puts the calendar in order and hangs it back up.

    Knock, knock.

    “Are you coming down?” asks Mom. “It’s Christmas!”

    Ivy pauses. “Really?”

    She dashes downstairs. Dad and Eve are sitting next to the tree.

    “Everything’s in its place! It IS Christmas!” says Ivy.

    “Ready for presents?” asks Dad.

    “Yes!” says Ivy, unwrapping a red rectangular one.

    “A new calendar! I can’t wait to hang it up!”

  21. Mona Voelkel says:
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    Oh, I love the creativity of your mystery story. It is hilarious and so well done how you captured life with all the holidays mixed up. Such a fun story to read aloud!!! Congrats, Ashley!

  22. adrouet says:
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    SANTA IS MISSING!

    by A.C. Drouet (word count: 249)

    Yes, yes, I know what you’re thinking…

    How could I lose a big guy in a gaudy red suit?

    Well…

    I DON’T KNOW!

    I checked the kitchen.

    (He really likes cookies, you know.)

    No Santa!

    I checked the bathroom.

    (Yes, Santa goes potty!)

    No Santa!

    I checked under the bed.

    (Hey! You never know!)

    No Santa!

    So, Santa’s sleigh sits here, ready to deliver presents to nice boys and girls but… NO SANTA!

    WHAT ARE WE GOING TO DO?

    You don’t mind missing out on presents this year, do you?

    WHAT! YOU DO?

    Well, that’s just great.

    I mean, we could probably get them to you in January. Or maybe March.

    June at the latest. I promise!

    NO? YOU WANT SANTA? TONIGHT?

    WELL, SO DO I, KID!

    But wishing isn’t going to make the big goober appear.

    Unless…

    Are you thinking what I’m thinking?

    OF COURSE YOU ARE!

    You’re a GENIUS!

    Now just look at that star right there and hold your arms up in the air…

    YES, YOU HAVE TO HOLD YOUR ARMS UP!

    Now can we continue? Yes? Well then, repeat after me:

    Christmas star so warm and bright,

    Grant me what I wish tonight.

    Santa in his sleigh so bright,

    Bringing presents through the night!

    POOF!

    YOU DID IT! YOU MADE SANTA APPEAR!

    (I should put him on the naughty list for vanishing like that!)

    Anyway…

    Thanks for your help, kid, but you know what to do now, right?

    Yup…

    GO TO BED!

    (And Merry Christmas!)

  23. Lauri Meyers says:
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    Fruitcake Bandit

    By Lauri Meyers

    250 words

    Bits of berries? Crunchy crumbs? Who chewed on the fruitcake?!

    Isn’t that festive blob just for show? The tradition is NOT eating it.

    Only someone who has never tasted gingerbread men and sugar cookies would make such a disastrous mistake. Could it be Judy?

    “Gaa bah!” she says. Nah, she doesn’t have teeth yet. Although, she does nibble her toes.

    I see a clue! The garland has fallen. The suspect must be tall.

    “Did you eat the fruitcake, Dad?”

    “I would never eat Mom’s fruitcake,” Dad says. “Because it’s too pretty…not because it tastes like nutty cardboard.”

    Whoosh!

    I feel a breeze! A walnut is whisked away. Whoever snatched it must be fast.

    “Spike, were you a naughty boy?” But his chihuahua legs can’t even reach the lowest hanging ornament.

    I lay a trap of candy cane crumbles on the floor and listen. Without a single crunch, a raisin disappears. Whoever ate it must have flown.

    Santa?! But Christmas is still a week away.

    Squeak!

    I hear a clue! Whoever ate the fruitcake is squeaky.

    “Don’t look at me,” Mom says. “LOOK AT THAT!!!”

    A little bat swoops over to the wreath.

    “He must live in the Christmas tree,” Dad says.

    “Grrrrr,” Spike growls.

    “Ba ba!” Judy babbles.

    “What a cute fruit bat!” I say. “Can we keep him, please?”

    “He would be cuter…outside.” Mom carries the fruitcake to the porch. The Christmas bat flies out.

    “Won’t you miss your fruitcake?” I ask.

    Mom laughs. “No one eats fruitcake, silly.”

  24. authorjanetparkinsonbryce says:
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    A Christmas Mystery in the Forest

    By Janet Parkinson Bryce   WC 247

         Christmas in the forest is usually a beautiful time. But this year, strange things started to happen.

    Squirrel knew something was wrong. “Oh No! The berry wreaths are missing from the houses.”

    “Hey,” cawed Raven, the candy canes and the Christmas star are missing from the Christmas tree!

    “What is happening?” Squirrel asked.

    “Beats me,” said Raven.

    “We need the detectives, said Squirrel.

    Squirrel jumped onto Raven’s back and soared off to find the Detectives. Raven rang the bell at the Bear, Mouse, and

    Groundhog Detective Agency.”

     Squirrel entered the office. “Hello,” she called.

    Bear looked up from his work, “How can we help you?”

    Squirrel explained the problem.

     “We must look for clues.” Said Mouse.

     “We start right now!” said Groundhog.

    The three detectives followed Squirrel and Raven to town, looking for clues. The detectives discovered footprints, tail prints, and broken trees.

    “These clues don’t match any animals,” said Groundhog.

    “Follow the footprints,” said Bear. Suddenly, Bear stopped and sniffed the air. “Smoke” yelled Bear this is dangerous!”.

    “We’re going to warn the animals,” Squirrel said, leaping onto Raven’s back and flying towards town.

         The footprints led the Detectives to the middle of the forest. They observed a Creature munching popcorn near a campfire.

    “Who-o are you?” asked Mouse.

    “I’m The Christmas Dragon,” grinned Dragon.

    Dragon stood and stretched opening his wings. The detectives froze. “What do we do now?” Whispered Groundhog.

    “We get out of here,” whispered Bear. “RUN!”

    The Dragon laughed and swallowed a Christmas berry wreath.

    • Sue Heavenrich says:
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      I love that the bear smells smoke (good old Smoky Bear…) and that there’s a wreath-munching dragon. Though, to be honest, I didn’t think dragons ate green things (pine boughs, broccoli, kale…)

      • authorjanetparkinsonbryce says:
        authorjanetparkinsonbryce's avatar

        Thank you for reading my story. It wasn’t going to be a dragon. I had another animal in mind but the dragon was more unexpected.

      • authorjanetparkinsonbryce says:
        authorjanetparkinsonbryce's avatar

        Thank you Jill Purtee. So nice of you to read my story. When I can see the pictures in my imagination I know the story has possibilities.

  25. Marilyn Wolpin says:
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    Thanks – my mom always “hid” the gifts on the attic stairs. I stretched that childhood memory into this tale.

  26. Amanda Blaylock says:
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    Wet Christmas

    By: Amanda Blaylock

    127 words

    DRIP. DRIP. Slurpy slip.

    Hurry through the hall.

    Christmas morning’s here at last!

    I slide but I don’t fall.

    SPLISH. SPLASH. Down I dash.

    Water soaks each stair.

    Why is everything so wet?

    It’s soggy everywhere!

    FLIP. FLOP. Soppy sop.

    Over to the tree.

    I stare at all the presents,

    surprised by what I see!

    All wet. Yep, you bet.

    Every single one!

    But I see the mystery

    has only just begun!

    Oh no! Where’d they go?

    All my lovely work!

    All the presents that I made

    were taken by some jerk!

    Where? How? Tell me now!

    They were all around!

    I search the whole house looking

    but not a one is found!

    Here, there, Everywhere!

    None are in their place!

    Three hundred perfect snowballs

    now gone without a trace!

  27. optimisticd396080380 says:
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    FIRST CHRISTMAS WITHOUT DAD

    By Teresa Speranza Vargas

    (249 words)

    Christmas was three days away.  Tommy wedged deeper into the sofa.

    Mom held out a tree decoration.  “Not even one ornament?”

    “No.”

    Mom sat down.  “I don’t feel like doing things either.  But…I also feel like Dad’s still here.  If we look and listen, maybe we’ll pick up on messages he’s sending us.”

    “From heaven? That’s creepy.”

    “Yeah, I guess.  But it helps me feel a little bit better.”

    The next day, Mom reached into her purse and pulled out a red paper heart.  “Tommy, did you make this?” 

    “No…Maybe it’s a message from Dad!”

    At Christmas Eve breakfast, Mom said, “Someone drew a toothpaste heart on my bathroom mirror.  Know anything about that?”

    “Nope!  Maybe it’s another message from Dad!”

    At bedtime, Mom tucked Tommy in. 

    “My pillow’s lumpy!”  Tommy sat up and lifted his pillow.  Underneath was a rock with a heart painted on it.  “It’s a message from Dad!  Here, Mom.”

    Christmas morning, Tommy hugged his mom.  “Thanks for all the nice stuff!  Sorry, but I didn’t get you anything.”

    “You gave me the hearts!”

    “You knew?  I wanted to cheer you up.”

    Mom kissed his forehead.  “Thank you.  You did.”

    They laughed and snuggled on the sofa, gazing at their sparkling Christmas tree. 

    Mom pointed.  “Where did that ornament come from?”  She crossed the room.  “I’ve never seen this gold snowflake before!”

    Tommy bounded over to the tree.  “The snowflake has hearts.  That…was not me!”

    They stared at it, cheek to cheek and whispered, “Dad.”

  28. Amanda Blaylock says:
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    PEPPERMINT BARK

    By: James Blaylock

    249 Words

    Oh, what has become of my peppermint bark?

    It must have gone missing some time in the dark!

    I tackled my brother and forced him to tell.

    But his only defense was to squirm and yell!

    I threw rocks at my sister and pled my case.

    But she threw them back. Hit me right in the face!

    I snatched-up the dog and looked deep in her mouth.

    But with no signs of cocoa, my hopes all went south.

    I went to my mom and I threw a great fit.

    But she said, “Enough! Now just calm down and sit!”

    I swiveled away and I ran out the door.

    But SMACK! I hit Santa! And shook to my core!

    I looked up at Santa as he peered back down.

    But right away noticed, he wore a large frown.

    I knew without doubt I had been very bad.

    But Santa reached out and said, “Have a seat, lad.”

    I knelt to confess my mistakes from the day.

    But my senses awoke; On his lips… chocolate lay!

    I sniffed at the air and a scent filled my nose.

    A candy cane smell from his breath there arose.

    I leapt to my feet and said, “Sir, I must go!

    There’s something I’ve realized! My family must know!”

    I hurried back in and my family came round.

    I said I was sorry and told what I’d found.

    So, what has become of my peppermint bark?

    I think Santa stole it sometime in the dark!

  29. Sharon Korzelius says:
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    Did Santa Eat Jesus?

    By Sharon Korzelius

    Word Count: 250

    This year I had a plan.

    A Sneak-Downstairs-In-The-Darkness-To-Scope-Out-The-Tree-While-Everyone-Slept plan. I wasn’t going to wait until 7:00 AM to open presents like last year. Older sisters, am I right? 

    We have this thing in our family. Mom calls it the Incarnation Celebration. I call it Expectation Exaggeration. We can’t open our presents until we sing “Happy Birthday” as a family in front of our crèche. 

    When I tiptoed past the nativity scene on my way to the tree, I could not believe what I didn’t see.

     Jesus was missing! 

    I personally placed Baby Jesus next to the plate of cookies. It was Santa’s job to put him in the manger. The big guy might be the ultimate gift-giver, but he knows who the ultimate Big Guy is.

    Santa had been here. The milk was gone. The cookies were toast. 

    Was Santa so tired from all his Christmas Business he tossed Jesus back with a snickerdoodle or spritz? Did he mistake the Christ Child for a gingerbread man? 

    Was that speck on the plate a sprinkle or a toe?

    No Jesus meant no presents. I had to see my sister’s face when she opened my gift.

    Yes! She would know what to do. 

    I slipped inside her room and shook her awake.

    “Santa ate Jesus!” I said.

    She rolled over with a Snort Snore. That’s when I saw it. Baby Jesus under her pillow! She planned on sleeping even later this year! Talk about Gratification Determination!

    Nice try, Sis. Nice try.

  30. loristory says:
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    HOW ELI SAVED CHRISTMAS … OR DID HE?

    by Lori Bonati 250 words

    Eli, the Clarks’ elf on the shelf, woke with a start, almost fell from his perch above the kitchen cupboards, and caught himself in the nick of time. Sitting up, he straightened his cap, peered at the 24 checkmarks on the December kitchen calendar, and sighed.

    It was Christmas Eve! He knew he should be excited, but he was nervous instead. He had an important job tonight. He needed to save Christmas.

    He’d been with the Clarks ten years, first in the old house, now in this new one (which smelled like paint). He loved being their elf, but this year was different. Their new house didn’t have a fireplace, so how could Santa get down the chimney?

    Eli had been worrying about this ever since he’d been lifted from his box, carried through the living room, and placed on his new shelf. He hadn’t heard the Clarks discussing it, so he decided to take matters into his own hands. If only he’d had a chance to practice his skills, he thought.

    Tonight, after bedtime, he’d have to try. He’d jump down to the counter, swing to the floor from a dish towel, run to the living room, open the front door, run back, climb up to the counter (using drawer handles as footholds), climb the curtains (hoping they wouldn’t rip) and pull himself up to his perch.

    But would he make it back before the Clarks woke up? He hoped so!

  31. Susanna Leonard Hill says:
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    ENTRY POSTED FOR ELIZABETH

    SANTA?
    by
    Elizabeth Etheridge (247 words)

    “Off to bed,” said mama after dinner. “ If you don’t get to sleep Santa won’t come.”  So, I ran upstairs, put on my pajamas, washed my face, brushed my teeth,  and combed my hair.  I didn’t want to look like a scruff for Santa. I climbed into bed and closed my eyes. But do you know what I couldn’t close? I couldn’t close my ears! Mama and Papa were playing music and I could hear singing. I pulled on my woolly hat, nope! I stuffed socks in my ears, nope! I held pillows over my ears, nope! I opened the door and called down, ‘QUIET!’ My aunties and uncles were dancing and singing and laughing. Didn’t they know Santa wouldn’t come if I wasn’t sleeping? This was disastrous! I closed the door and jumped back into bed. I tossed. I turned. I snuggled down. I tried everything to get to sleep, but nope! I recited poems. I sang lullabies. Santa wasn’t coming to our house.

    ‘Oow!’ 

    Wait, what was that? I peeked out of the window. 

    ‘Umph!’ 

    Two coal black eyes peered back at me. ‘Santa?’

     A gloved hand waved. I waved back. I watched as Santa in his bright red suit scurried up the tree by the side of our house. Wait, why are his eyes black and why is his sack empty? That’s not Santa! After the police hauled the notorious Santa Burglar away I ran upstairs, jumped back into bed, and fell fast asleep.

  32. Nancy Riley says:
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    Swayshing’s Journey

    By Nancy Riley

    247 words

    Swayshing watched the night sky. A sound, so soft, whispered to her. What is that? she thought.

    “I must find it,” she said. She raced away to find the sound. Stars seemed to whiz past her. She stopped when a wanderer crossed her path.

    “Did you hear the sound? she asked.

    “I thought I heard something, but it was too far away,” he replied.

    “Thank you,” Swayshing said and hurried on.

    “Ah lay,” she heard. So quiet, but she thought she knew which way to go.

    She flew as fast as she could. She met more wanderers, but none seemed to know where to find the sound.

    “Hurry,” she heard. “Hurry!”

    Swayshing knew where she was headed. Past Mangala’s red rock home. Near Luna’s place she heard, “Loo yah.”

    Luna called to her. “Can you hear it?”

    “Yes, a song,” she replied. “I will find it!”

    “I think it’s coming from Erde’s place,” said Luna. “Let me know when you find it.”

    “I will. Thank you,” said Swayshing.

    Swayshing spotted Erde’s lands. From the darkness a song spilled from a tiny building. “Glory to God in the highest.”

    “Am I too late?” she cried. “I can’t see!”

    “No,” replied a host of angels. “Shine your light.”

    Swayshing swung her tail across the night sky. Her rays shone upon a stable. Inside a mother rested with a newborn son in her arms. Joy filled Swayshing’s heart and she blazed in the sky for all to see the miracle.

  33. Sherry Dubis says:
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    OPLATKI

    By Sherry Dubis

    249 Words

    Karol tugged on the church door.  “I’m here for the Christmas wafers. Any left?” 

    “You’re in luck!”  the organist smiled.  

    Karol admitted, “I sorta snooped in the envelope with mysterious writing and broke the wafers!  Babci said I had to replace them before the first star appears tonight!”

                “This mystery writing’s Polish. Sorry. These didn’t get blessed.”

    “Blessed!? Babci didn’t mention that! Now what?”

    “The priest prays like he does for the food baskets, but he’s taking a break before tonight’s services. Simply, explain what happened. Your mother will understand.” 

     Karol protected the envelope inside a holiday tin. He hung his head. “Thanks for your help. Merry Christmas.” 

    “Merry Christmas.”

    As Karol passed the park, a laughing sledful of priest flew out of the sunset and landed at Karol’s feet.

    “Father!” he pleaded. “Bless this for Mama?”

    “Easily done!” The priest gave the blessing right there on the sidewalk! Karol sprinted home. Everyone gathered around the table laid with food, a white cloth, fancy dishes, and hay. Karol held up the envelope. 

    “I’m sorry I broke your no peeking rule, and the special bread. I got more and the priest blessed it. Merry Christmas.”  Babci slid out a white wafer and offered it to Mama who broke it, as Babci accepted a piece of Mama’s bread. All exchanged pieces of wafer, hugs, and well wishes. 

    Karol cried, “All that just to break them?”

    “Child, on Christmas Eve all that is broken is mended. Oplatki means ‘bread of love.’” 

  34. Angela Martinelli says:
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    The Twelve Cookies of Christmas 

    By Angela Martinelli 

    WC 241

    ‘Twas twelve days till Christmas when Christopher baked

    a dozen cookies all frosted and caked.

    He set them aside for his Christmas Eve friend,

    for giving is what St. Nick recommends.

    He wrapped them in foil and tucked into bed, 

    but when morning arrived, he was missing shortbread!

    Eleven left! Then the star disappeared!

    Ten cookies left! It was worse than he feared!

    When the peanut blossom and brownie were gone

    he missed gooey chocolate. How could this go on?

    “Who’s eating the cookies?” he asked with a frown.

    He had nine, now eight, and was feeling quite down.

    Then he found gingerbread smashed on the ground. 

    “Seven left! I must turn this around!”

    He positioned a camera, high on a shelf;

    the thief plucked the pinwheel, quick as an elf.

    Six cookies remained! He must solve this crime soon!

    But by morning he found a munched macaroon.

    Five cookies left! Then the linzer was licked,

    the pizzelle chewed to bits, the chocolate chip chipped! 

    He went from five to four, from three to two.

    With the snickerdoodle snatched, what could he do?

    On Christmas Eve it was getting quite late

    when he placed one last snowball with care on a plate. 

    As he went off to bed, he heard a small munch.

    He saw a young mouse who was snacking, crunch, CRUNCH!

    “Oh dear,” Christopher said, “You want something to eat?” 

    Then he shared his last morsel of holiday treat.

  35. Lydia Richardson says:
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    Title: Matchbox Mashed Potatoes

    By Lydia Richardson

    Word Count: 248

    There’s a bright green Matchbox car in the mashed potatoes.  

    Grandma looks wide-eyed at the spoon.  

    “What…is…that?!” She says as she straightens her glasses.

    Kate gulps a bite of ham without chewing.  

    Ceci covers a giggle with a hand sticky with honey.

    James exclaims, “Mine!” And leans on his booster seat to grab it. He licks it half-clean and begins “vroomming” it on his plate.  

    Mom and dad look at each other.  

    “Why is there a car in the mashed potatoes?” Mom’s voice is steady and straight, like a toothpick striking a cheese cube.  

    At first, no one speaks. 

    “Welp,” Grandpa chuckles. “James must have tossed it in while he was playin’ earlier.” 

    “Nope!  That’s not what happened.” Ceci crosses her arms. 

     Everyone waits.  Even James stops his “vrooming” and looks at Kate.

     “It was going to be a present for James.”  Kate begins. “We wrapped it in a green paper napkin and put it under the tree.” Kate continues. “Then we started making a barn fort for our horse stuffies. We needed something green to use as grass.”

    “Kate ripped the napkin so hard the car flew to the ceiling and BANG! Hit the fan!” Ceci shouted. “It bounced right off the ham!” Ceci smacked the ham. “And ker-plopped in the mashed potatoes!” 

    The grown-ups’ jaws dropped. 

    “Mine!” James broke the silence and gave the car a messy kiss.  

    “Well,” Kate shrugs. “I guess James likes his present.”  

    We all laugh as we dig into our dinner.

  36. Daniella Kaufman says:
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    The Last Gift
    By Daniella Kaufman
    Word Count: 249

    The sleigh was parked. The sun had set.
    But Christmas wasn’t over yet.
    A gift remained for Santa’s elves.
    The last of all upon the shelves.
    Mysterious and wrapped just so—
    What could it be? They had to know!

    The gift was stamped with Santa’s seal.
    “Don’t Peek!” it warned in curly teal.
    So Holly hugged the box and swayed
    to listen to the noise it made.
    Her pointy ears picked up the sound—
    THUNK. THUNK. THUNK.
    “I think a doll is rolling ‘round!”

    Up next came Tinker, tools in tow.
    He eyed the gift and chimed, “I know!”
    He flipped the box to analyze
    dimensions, weight, and ribbon size.
    New noises sounded each rotation—
    KER-PLUNK. KER-PLUNK. KER-PLUNK.
    “Conclusion: Mugs for elf hydration!” 

    Last came Jingle, bold and spry,
    a glint of mischief in his eye.
    He spun the box atop his thumb.
    Rap-tappy-tapped it like a drum.
    Then pressed the present to his ear—
    CLICK-I-TY. CLICK-I-TY. CLICK-I-TY.
    “A thousand blocks! The answer’s clear!”

    When Santa called, “The wait is through!
    Unwrap the present saved for you!”
    the elves rejoiced and rushed with glee
    to open up the gift to see 
    a doll? Or mugs? Or blocks? No! It’s . . .
    GASP. GASP. GASP.
    a chocolate Santa!! . . . cracked to bits.

    “Oh deer! Snow way!” The three elves cried.
    But Santa winked and soon replied,
    “Ho-Ho! I see this tasty treat
    has been prepared for us to eat!”
    The elves all grinned and shared a bite.
    The final gift of Christmas night.

  37. seahorsecoffeeelektra79018 says:
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    Where’s Rusty
    Dianne Borowski
    WC 235

    Jimmy loves Christmas. He likes the presents, the food, the stockings which hang on the mantle and most of all he loves buying his dog, Rusty, a new collar every Christmas.
    This Christmas Eve Jimmy’s friend, Tom, invited Jimmy for dinner.
    “Can I go Mom?” Jimmy asked.
    Mom said, “Yes but Dad will pick you up in two hours so you can be with us tonight,”
    When Jimmy left Rusty barked and barked.

    When Dad picked Jimmy up from Tom’s house he seemed upset.
    “Dad,” asked Jimmy, “what’s wrong?”
    Dad pulled over and parked the car.
    Dad said,” Rusty is missing. He got out and ran away.

    Jimmy didn’t know what to say.
    “Dad,” said Jimmy as tears trickled down his face, ” Rusty is my best, best friend.
    What am I going to do?”

    Dad and Jimmy rode around looking for Rusty.
    Then Dad said, “Jimmy, we have to go home. It’s Christmas Eve. Mom and your sisters are waiting for us.”

    When they got home Jimmy went to bed. When he woke up on Christmas morning he heard scratching at his bedroom door. Jimmy opened the door and there was Rusty. Rusty jumped up and down until Jimmy grabbed him and gave him a big hug.
    “Rusty,” Jimmy said, “You found your way home. This is the best Christmas ever!” said Jimmy.
    Then they went downstairs and Jimmy put Rusty’s new collar on him.

  38. Judie Anderson Offerdahl says:
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    GRUB’S HOLIDAY SURPRISE (250 Words)

    By Judie Offerdahl

    “Have you seen, Grub? She isn’t anywhere.”

    “Really?” Grasshopper replied. “I saw her earlier, Termite.”

    “I searched her house and her favorite spots.”

    “Did you call her?”

    Termite blushed. “Oops!”

    Grasshopper called. No answer. “Strange. She normally picks up.”

    “See! Did she say anything earlier?”

    “Hmmm…she was excited to bake Christmas cookies and go caroling tonight. She said her voice seemed high for her solo, but that her holiday surprise would fix that.”

    “She’s never gone. Maybe she’s been grubnapped!”

    Grasshopper laughed. “No. She’s probably just charging her phone. Let’s go to her house.”

    Grub didn’t answer when they knocked.

    “See!”

    “Hmmm. She sometimes wears headphones,” Grasshopper said. “Let’s look inside.”

    They peeked. No Grub, but…

    The backdoor was open!

    Termite gasped. “That’s NOT like Grub! She WAS grubnapped!”

    “Unlikely. I’ll go to the pond. You go to the park. Meet back here with or without her.”

    Grub wasn’t at the pond. When Grasshopper returned, Termite was alone and shaking by the window. “Look!”

    Grasshopper looked. A beetle was baking.

    “THE GRUBNAPPER! HE’S WEARING GRUB’S APRON BACKWARDS JUST LIKE HER!”

    Termite covered his mouth. Too late!

    The beetle flung the front door open. “Welcome! I was about to call.”

          Termite trembled. “About…the…ransom?”

           “What?”

            “You know what, Grubnapper! Where is Grub?” Termite asked.

              “Grubnapper?”

              Grasshopper stared at the beetle…could it…yes!

    He smiled. “This is Grub, Termite!”

              Grub giggled. “Yes. I went from larvae, to pupa, to this,” Grub said. “This is my holiday surprise. I metamorphosed today!”

  39. Una Belle Townsend says:
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    Who Stole Santa’s Cookies?

    Una Belle Townsend

    215 Words                                                                                                        

    Who stole Santa’s cookies from under the Christmas tree?

    It wasn’t my little brother, Jim, and it certainly wasn’t me!

    It wasn’t an elf dressed in red, nor pretty Sleeping Beauty,

    It couldn’t have been Farmer Tim, or even an owl named Hooty.

    Bowser the dog and Evie the cat saw or heard no one,

    But when we looked at the cookie plate, we discovered a single crumb.    

    That wasn’t much of a clue, you see, and who would leave only a crumb?

    Maybe it was an overstuffed mouse, by the name of Henry Plum.

    We searched the house for Henry. Then we saw he’d left us a trail

    Of tiny crumbs both left and right leading up to a silver bell.  

    Dad reached for that shiny bell, and rang it loud and clear

    Which scared poor old Henry, who decided to disappear!

    No one knows where Henry went, he might be near your house.

    So, beware of a mouse who steals cookies, ‘cause he’s a mean, old louse.

    We made it up to Santa, though, and filled his plate once more,

    With chocolate candy, nuts, and fruits, and cookies—five dozen or more! 

    He shared then with his reindeer, each and every one,

    Then thanked us all, jumped in his sleigh, and continued on.

  40. hopegupple says:
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    A Surprise for Kwanzaa

    Hope Gupple 

    248 words

    Red, black, green and gold colors decorated our table. Corn, apples, and bananas surrounded a wooden kinara with seven tall candles.

    “Mama, can I light the candles tonight?”

    “Yes! Are you ready for our karamu feast? We have a special guest coming.” 

    My heart raced, and my stomach jumped. 

    “Who Mama who?” I didn’t wait for her answer. I ran to my room to see if my freshly painted gift for Mama was dry. I carefully wrapped it in a decorated brown paper bag.

    The doorbell rang. A loud voice with a hiss bellowed down the hall. I knew it well. Pop Pop had a few teeth missing so he hissed when he talked. He brought sweet potato pie. 

    The doorbell rang again and again. Neighbors came with food, gifts (Zawadi) and laughter. Our house quickly filled up, but I didn’t see a special guest. 

    Mama stopped the music. 

    “Welcome and thank you for coming to our first Kwanzaa celebration. Habari Gani? Nyles, are you ready to light the candles?”

     I looked around. I still knew everyone there. 

    “Mama aren’t we missing someone?”

    “No, not some-one,” she giggled. 

    My big brother walked into the room with a bag. Something was moving inside.

    “Happy Kwanzaa little Bro!” He reached into the bag. Two furry ears popped out. It was the cutest puppy I ever saw.

     “Is this the surprise guest?” I shouted. “ Can I keep him?”

    Mama smiled and lifted the unity cup and everyone shouted,

    “Harambee! Harambee! Harambee!”

  41. Michelle S Kennedy says:
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    THE FIRST CHRISTMAS (246 WC)

    By Michelle S. Kennedy

    Donkey loved winters in the meadow with his besties, Bunny and Bird. Each day was full of frosty fun! But sometimes, Donkey would get distracted…

    “The special day is coming soon. We need to be ready,” said Bird. Bunny nodded. Donkey daydreamed.

    Then one day, while Donkey was busy making snow angels, Bunny and Bird heard a voice, “Come.” So, they went, leaving Donkey behind…

    Hours passed before Donkey noticed anything amiss. “Yoo-Hoo! Bunny? Bird? Where are you?”  Panic set in.   

    He made his way to the towering tree that stood amid the meadow to ask Owl if she’d seen them.

    “Well,” said Owl. “See those tiny tracks?” Scanning the horizon, she stretched out her wing and pointed north. “They trail that way. Follow them to find your friends.”

    Donkey thanked Owl, and pursued the impressions in the white, powdered plain.

    The prints lead him through a trail that took him into town…

    “Ah! There you are! And just in time. The others are waiting for you. Come.” 

    Cautiously, Donkey followed the figure silhouetted by the now moonlit sky. A solitary shining star guided them.

    There, towards the edge of the tranquil town was a manger. And nestled next to a trough were Bunny and Bird, quietly watching over a—baby.

    Donkey blinked, looking at his friends in bewilderment.

    “Today IS the special day. The Christ child has been born,” they whispered.

    “I’ll never be distracted again!” said Donkey tearfully.

    His friends smiled. “Merry CHRISTmas, Donkey.”

  42. Susanna Leonard Hill says:
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    ENTRY POSTED FOR LORENA
    (received on time)

    Mystery of the Missing Candy Canes
    206 words
    Lorena Medina

    Every Christmas, in Snowy Village, people wonder if the mystery will ever be solved. The mystery of the missing candy canes.

    Town mayor, Wendy, started a Christmas tradition five years ago. She crafts a Christmas area with a decorated ten-foot pine tree.

    To the right of the tree, Wendy creates a Christmas carnival. The Carousel is made from cupcakes and cookie horses. The Ferris wheel is made from gingerbread, decorated with red and green gum drops and white icing.

    To make it even more festive, candy canes line the walkway towards the carnival.

    Every year candy canes go missing on the first night. Some nights only one or two go missing. On other nights three or four go missing. But no one ever sees who takes them…and no one ever admits eating them.

    The only clues are cookie crumbs left on the walkway.

    This year Wendy secretly installed a camera in front of the candy canes. The next morning there were five candy canes missing! When she checked the camera, the video showed the candy canes there. Then, the lights went out and back on. The five candy canes had disappeared. She replayed it again and heard a soft bell jingling.

    Was it Santa all along?

    • lmoore77e8a9b988 says:
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      Lorena, your opening sentence sets the plot! I enjoyed reading the paragraph where some nights only a few candy canes goes missing and other nights more are missing. Lynn

      • Lorena says:
        Lorena's avatar

        Awe thanks Lynn! I truly appreciate it. It was fun and exciting to see where the story went. Happy Holidays! Lorena

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