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. Elizabeth Meyer Zu Heringdorf says:
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    Elizabeth Meyer Zu Heringdorf's avatar

    The Mystery of the Untouched Snack

    Elizabeth Meyer zu Heringdorf

    250 words

    In the cold dawn a girl came rushing downstairs
    to a pile of promising-looking presents under the twinkling tree.
    “Merry Christmas!” she shrieked.
    She began to rip them open.
    Like always, each present was better than the next.
    But as she paused and looked around for more,
    something white and brown caught her eye.
    The milk and cookies were still there!
    Did Santa forget them?
    How could he have missed them?
    They were right in front of the fireplace.
    Had he come down the chimney at all?
    She peered up it.
    No red threads were hanging there from his coat,
    and no button was snagged on a jutting brick.
    She ran outside.
    No reindeer tracks on the roof,
    and no reindeer droppings in the snow.
    How did he do it?
    And as she stood there, puzzled, in her pink princess pajamas,
    she smelled the warm, keen scent of gasoline.
    But then Mom and Dad tapped on the window,
    and she ran back inside to show them all the loot.

    Meanwhile, at the North Pole,
    Santa was contemplating the night’s work.
    Those drones delivered all the gifts!
    I never even had to leave my chair.
    If the reindeer are sick again next year,
    I’ll use the drones again with a few changes.
    I’ll wrap mistletoe around the engines,
    and hang sleigh bells on the rotors.
    Plus, I’ll tie on tiny treat-transmitting tongs
    to bring the milk and cookies back to me!
    A snack, after all, is a terrible thing to waste.

  2. Anne Lipton says:
    Reply
    Anne Lipton's avatar

    The Case of the Christmas Conveyance

    by Anne Lipton

    (250 words)

    Oh, Christmas Eve is coming!

    The Sleigh Squad’s set to shine

    the chassis and the runners,

    the leather seats so fine.

    The elves depart to detail,

    to dust without delay.

    They slide the barn door open—

    but where is Santa’s sleigh?

    They snowshoe back to Santa

    to share the shocking news.

    Imagine his reaction:

    The tree lights blow a fuse!

    Poor Santa flees his workshop

    to check with Mrs. Claus.

    “Your cousin loves my cookies,”

    she says to elf applause.

    So Santa asks his cousin

    if he will take the case.

    Sir Unlock Merry Holmes-Claus

    adores a high-speed chase!

    Sir Holmes-Claus questions reindeer—

    renowned for naughty pranks—

    “We’re simply doing warm-ups

    in drifts and snowy banks.”

    “But what about that Rudolph?

    Why don’t I see him here?”

    “He can’t escape your notice.

    He must be in the clear.”

    Sir Holmes-Claus trails his suspect.

    tracks hoofprints in the snow,

    and through the fog and darkness,

    he spots a ruddy glow.

    Sir Holmes-Claus sneaks up softly,

    and to his eyes appear,

    a string of lights like berries,

    a herd of red-nosed deer.

    They shine in perfect order,

    a sharp and steady line,

    bright apples like their leader.

    Oh, how the stars align!

    Sir Holmes-Claus has his reindeer,

    or so he may well think,

    till Rudolph lifts his antlers

    and gives his fawns a wink.

    The sleigh lifts toward the workshop

    and paints the snowpack pink.

    “Our Christmas gift to Santa!”

    Twin taillights BLINK-BLINK-BLINK!

    Merry Christmas to all, and to all—a taillight!

  3. donna kurtz says:
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    donna kurtz's avatar

    Out-of-This-World Hannukah!

    by Donna Kurtz

    250 words

    “Mom, the lights went off!” I shout.

    She looks out the window. “Hannah, our neighborhood’s dark—I’ll call the electric company.”

    I groan. “It’s the last night of Hannukah. We can’t make latkes, spin dreidels, or look for Hannukah-gelt!”

    “Patience, please,” Mom says.

    I throw on my quilted jacket and run out into the snow. Josh Rosen trudges toward me, shining a flashlight.

    “I heard a big, mysterious bang,” he says. “Let’s check it out.”

    Down the street, a fallen utility pole lies in the snow. A huge, smoking crater is gouged into the empty lot behind it.

    “Wow!” I gasp.

    We peer into the deep hole.

    “A meteor?” I say.

    “No, it’s shiny and silver, like metal.”

    A hatch opens and a green man with a long beard, wearing a yarmulke, climbs out.

    He waves. “Happy Hannukah! Where’s the party?”

    “Er, there’s a big one at our temple,” I say. “But the power’s off.”

    “No problem.” He flips switches on a silver box.

    Lights in our neighborhood flash on.

    I take him to the party while Josh fetches his parents and mine.

    Josh arrives. “Hannah, where do you think he’s from?”

    “He’s our guest–it’s not polite to ask.”

    The man eats, plays games, chats with our Rabbi, and lights the last candle on the temple’s big gold menorah.

    After the party ends, we watch him fly away.

    Josh waves. “Think we’ll see him next year?”

    “Sooner,” I say. “He’s coming back for Purim and bringing all his relatives!” 

  4. donna kurtz says:
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    donna kurtz's avatar

    Happy New Year!

    by Donna Kurtz

    250 words

    Cheering people!

    Whirling noisemakers!

    Horns tooting!

    “YAY!” I shout. “My first New’s Eve at our downtown square–and I’m not sleepy!”

    “Zoe,” Mom says, “the crystal ball’s about to drop.”

    “TEN!–NINE!–EIGHT!–” the loudspeaker blares.

    “Mom, the ball’s not moving.”

    No sirens scream.

    No confetti flutters.

    No exploding fireworks light the sky.

    We wait and wait–the ball stays put.

    When we leave, everyone looks as disappointed as I feel.

    Our car-clock and my wristwatch are stuck at 11:59. “Really weird.”

    At home, I open my bedroom closet to hang up my coat.

    “EEE-YOW!” I shriek. “Who are you?”

    The man holds a scythe and an hourglass. His long, snowy beard shimmers over his flowing white robe.

    “I’m The Old Year,” he says.

    “And you’re hiding in my closet? Why?”

    “I snowboard, take cooking classes, and just started dance lessons. It’s a great life–no Father-Time Retirement Home for me.”

    I frown. “But if there’s no New Year, we won’t have spring flowers, summer at the beach, or beautiful fall leaves.”

    “True–”

    “And I won’t have birthdays or grow up and become a soccer champ, rock star, or super-famous scientist.”

    “Oh, all right,” he grumbles.

    FLASHH!

    He disappears in a brilliant burst of white light. His voice echoes in my head–

    “He’s all yours.”

    At my feet, a toddler plays with my baby brother’s dump-truck.

    “Are you the New Year? Guess I’ll be babysitting two kids for a while. Want a lollipop?”

    His little hand reaches out.

  5. Paul Kurtz says:
    Reply
    Paul Kurtz's avatar

    Best First-Day-of-Winter Ever!
    by Paul Kurtz
    249 words

    In the dark, Bertie Bunny squints at his watch. “I’m so late!” he groans, hopping up Sunrise Hill.
    At the top, rabbits from miles around face east.

    “Sorry,” Bertie says. “I overslept–”

    “Shush!” Reggie Rabbit hisses.

    “It’s Winter Solstice,” Harriet Hare says, “shortest day of the year. Silently, we watch Sun rising, remembering the old year and imagining the new one.”

    Everyone waits–and waits–and waits.

    “It’s still dark,” Bertie complains. “Where’s Sun?”

    “Late, like you,” Reggie grumbles.

    Harriet points at Bertie. “Go find Sun!”

    “Me?”

    Bertie crosses icy streams, pushes through thorny bushes, and climbs sharp boulders.

    “OWW! Sun, where are you?”

    Bouncy music and golden light pour from a cave.

    “What’s that?”

    Inside the cave, planet Mercury toots a saxophone, Jupiter plucks a bass guitar, and Mars bangs drums. Neptune drinks fizzy ginger ale with Uranus and Sun twirls Venus around the floor.

    Sun laughs. “Bertie, welcome to our Winter-Solstice-Eve Party!”

    Bertie raises his watch. “You should have risen an hour ago!”

    “Whoops! See you later, party-mates.”

    Bertie rushes Sun outside.

    “Thanks for finding me, Bertie. I owe you a big favor!”

    Bertie reaches the hilltop just as Sun peeks over the horizon.

    “See, I found Sun–”

    “Shush!” hiss all the rabbits.

    That evening–

    “How is tonight’s Winter-Solstice Party?” Venus asks, twirling Bertie around the cave.

    Bertie laughs. “Fan-tas-tic!”

    Sun’s golden smile shines. “Bertie, have more fizzy ginger ale and pretzels too—I’m paying for everything!”

    “Thanks!” Bertie cheers. “It’s the best first-day-of-winter ever!”

  6. Paul Kurtz says:
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    Elfeena, Super-Detective

    by Paul Kurtz250 words 

    My tiny legs trudge through heavy snow.

    “Ohh, I’m chief stable-elf and way late feeding my reindeer-friends. Tonight’s Christmas Eve–they need tons of food to fly Santa’s sleigh.”

    All their barn stalls sit empty.

    “What? My reindeer-friends are gone and the sleigh’s missing too–I’m in big trouble!”

    I hurry to the workshop.

    Santa stares at me. “Elfeena, anything wrong?”

    “Er, no.”

    I trudge back to the barn.

    “If Santa didn’t take them, who did?”

    I spot reindeer-footprints and sleigh-tracks trampling the snow.

    “Yikes! The tracks disappear–they flew!”

    My eyes search harder.

    “Hey, gingerbread-cookie crumbs–I’ll follow them.”

    Fetching a flying-drone from the workshop, I harness it to my shoulders.

    “It’s someone’s Christmas gift–they won’t mind if I test-fly it.”

    BUZZZ–

    We lift off.

    BUZZZ–BUZZZ–

    The crumb-trail leads to a tall, snowy mountain.

    “They flew into that huge ice-cave.”

    I zoom inside.

    “ROARRR!”

    “AIEEE! Ice-Monster!”

    The snowy giant swats at me.

    BUZZZ–BUZZZ–

    Weaving and swerving, I zip out the cave’s other end.

    “Whew!”

    The cookie-crumb trail leads into town.

    Santa’s sparkly-clean sleigh is parked at QUICKIE-CARWASH.

    “Is that Ms. Claus eating gingerbread-cookies?”

    I land beside her.

    “The sleigh was filthy, Elfeena–I flew it here for a good washing. Want a cookie?”

    “Um–no thanks.”

    The harnesses of frolicking reindeer jingle!-jangle! inside the carwash.

    “The reindeer needed baths, too.” Ms. Claus smiles. “Santa has a wee cold—want to fly the sleigh with me tonight?”

    “Yess!” I shriek, giggling. “This is my Best Christmas EVER!”

  7. Mona Voelkel says:
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    SMUDGE AND THE MISSING LIST

    By Mona Voelkel            (243 words)

    Smudge, the mining elf, pulled her train into Santa’s Workshop,

    ready to label each lump of coal with a naughty child’s name.

    But the Naughty List was missing!

    Smudge hurried to her friends.

    “Has anyone seen the Naughty List?”

    “No!” pawed the reindeer.

    “No!” sang the elves

    “No!” shivered the snowpals.

    Time was running out! It was almost Christmas.

    Just then, Santa came out of his office.

    “There has always been a Naughty List…,” he began, rubbing his chin,

    “but listen to this letter I just received:

    ‘Dear Santa, Will I ever be nice? Always trying, Timmy.’

    When I read this, I knew I had to rip up the Naughty List.”

    Santa held up a piece of coal.

    “I’ve been keeping a secret. When I was a boy like Timmy, I found this coal in my stocking one Christmas. It really hurt my feelings. I want Timmy and all children to know Santa sees their niceness, even when they make mistakes.”

    An elf piped up, “Santa, if you were naughty, how did you get nice?”

    Santa chuckled, “That’s a story for when our work is done! But a ‘naughty’ child today could become Santa tomorrow. So, no more coal in stockings!” 

    Everyone clapped, except Smudge. No more Naughty List meant no more jobs for mining elves.

    “Now that we need toys for every child, I’ll need all the toymaking help I can get!” Santa winked at Smudge.

    Everyone cheered, Smudge most of all.

  8. lynjekowsky says:
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    WHERE’S TINY TEDDY?

    By Lyn Jekowsky

    (234 words)

    My tummy tingles. Dad plans to haul the Christmas decorations down from the attic today. I can’t wait to see my favorite ornament, Tiny Teddy, wearing his gold-trimmed red vest. I always hang him front and center on our Christmas tree. I spend hours laying on the floor in front of the tree admiring him and whispering my thoughts as the multicolored tree lights blink.

    Oh no! He’s not in the ornament box!

    I  scrounge through every tub of decorations. He’s nowhere! It’s not Christmas without Tiny Teddy.

    This calls for an all-out search.

    Did he tumble out in the attic? The whole family investigates. No, not in the attic.

    Did I sneak him from the tree last year so he wouldn’t be stuffed in the ornament box?

    I search my room and spy something red and gold in my stuffed animal basket.

    Not Tiny Teddy.

    Where could he be? I remember tucking him in to his place in the ornament box when we took the Christmas tree down last year.

    Tears dampen my cheeks. It will be a sad Tiny Teddy-less Christmas.

    We set up our beautiful artificial Christmas tree, and open all the branches.

    Squished against the trunk in the middle of the tree is a small red and gold object.

    Is it. . . ?

    I pull out Tiny Teddy. After a fluff and cuddle, I hang him front and center.

  9. Vicky Pao says:
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    COOKIE THIEF

    By: Vicky Pao

    Word Count: 244

    Last Christmas, someone stole Santa’s cookies. 

    I will not let that happen this year!

    Last year, I snuck downstairs after my bedtime to see if Santa had arrived. 

    There were no presents under the tree.

    As I headed back to bed, I saw that Santa’s cookies were missing.

    I had to do something!

    So, I grabbed some fortune cookies and left it on the plate.

    Christmas morning, I discovered Michaela, my Elf-on-the Shelf, perched on my presents. 

    I saved Christmas!

    But this year, I’m going to catch the Cookie Thief.

    Three days before Christmas, I armed my motion-sensor camera.

    Bzzz!

    The cookies were missing and…

    Something had unplugged the camera cord!

    The next day, I baited glue traps.

    Rip!

    The cookies had vanished.

    The glue trap sported a tuft of fuzz.

    Game on.

    On Christmas Eve, I laid a piece of wood against the side of an empty paint bucket.

    I placed my cookies inside the bucket and set a lid to fall.

    Thunk!

    “Now I’ve got you!” I cried. 

    I expected a critter moving around, but I saw Michaela lying on the bottom.

    A note stuck out of her pocket.

    Dear Wendy,

    Michaela has been hiding your cookies to help Santa stay on his diet.

    Yours,

    Mrs. Clause

    I chuckled as I prepared Santa’s snack; a handful of baby carrots with a cookie hidden underneath.

    I cradled Michaela in my arms as we drifted off to sleep.

    I had caught my Cookie Thief.

  10. bethsbiblio says:
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    Winter Solstice Mystery

    by Elizabeth Thoms Charles

    Word count: 219

    High in the Rocky Mountains, the pika family prepared for the Winter Solstice Festival, celebrating the shortest day of the year. They scrubbed. They cleaned. They all sang songs, except toddler pika who napped.

    Merry pika twirled in her light as a feather ball gown that grandma had stitched out of spider webs and decorated with berries just for her.

    “Where is my ball gown?”

    “Let’s take Christmas seed balls to packrat,” said grandma.

    “Why? He is such a grouch. Maybe he stole my gown,” Merry said.

    “Now. Now. Let’s not make false accusations,” said grandma.

    “Thank you for the seed ball. Would you like some of my gold and aquamarine candy wrappers and a little drum for the toddler?”

    “Thank you,” said grandma while Merry scowled.

    “Where is my ball gown?”

    “Here is a replacement,” said grandma.

    “Oh, you sewed it out of the gold and aquamarine candy wrappers. It’s beautiful. Quite sparkly.”

    “But, where is my original ball gown? OH. There it is. Wind blew it to the top of that boulder. Look. A hungry sparrow nibbles the berries.” Merry solved the mystery.

    The pika family ate, danced and celebrated the Winter Solstice with packrat.

    Beginning tomorrow, each successive day will be longer.

    Pika – a small mammal which does not hibernate and lives in the Rocky Mountains.

  11. Amber A. Novak says:
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    DARKNESS IS COMING!

    By Amber A. Novak

    (250 words)

    Muskrat and Beaver were scampering through icy December snow when a sign blocked their way.

    Be Aware! The Darkness Is Coming!

    “Isn’t darkness always coming?” Muskrat asked. “Every night?”

    “Unless it’s already night,” said Beaver.

    Suddenly–

    A flash of fur

    A scribble of pen

    And after a blink. . . 

    A word had been added to the sign.

    Be Aware! The DARKEST Darkness is Coming!

    “What does ‘DARKEST darkness’ mean?” asked Muskrat. “No moonlight?”

    Beaver shrugged. “The moon disappears once a month. That’s nothing out of the ordinary.”

    Suddenly–

    A flash of fur

    A scribble of pen

    And after a blink. . . 

    Be Aware! The DARKEST LONGEST Darkness is Coming!

    “Longest?” Muskrat said. He looked at Beaver. “Why are your eyes closed?”

    “I’m making the LONGEST Darkness,” she answered. “I will close my eyes for hours and Be Aware.” 

    “How are you aware?” asked Muskrat.

    “I listen. I smell. I can’t see, but I hear the little chewing mouths of insects and smell Squirrel’s stash of pine nuts.”

    Muskrat closed his eyes, too. “I hear icicles dripping. I smell wet leaves.”

    Eyes closed, the two friends crept around the sign and slowly felt their way to the pond, smelling and listening to the forest.

    “What a nice sign,” Beaver said. “Being aware is fun. This is a great day.”

    “Speaking of this great day,” said Muskrat, “We should remind everyone that Winter Solstice is here. We can all sleep in tomorrow.”

    “Right!” agreed Beaver. “Let’s make a sign. How should we word it?”

  12. rosecappelli says:
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    Gracie and the Christmas Tree Mystery

    by Rose Cappelli

    Word Count: 238

    Gracie hop-skipped to Thompson’s Tree lot, silver coins jingle-jangling in her pocket. This year she had permission to buy her very own Christmas tree. She wanted one plenty big enough to fill her bedroom window with twinkling light.

    On the way, Gracie spotted her neighbor leaning into an iron kettle.

    “Hey, Mrs. Murphy. What’s up?”

    “I’m collecting donations for needy families.”

    Gracie’s heart tugged. She jingled the coins in her pocket.

    Plenty, she thought. Gracie dropped a handful in the kettle.

    Outside Mr. Owen’s market stood a box marked “Food Drive.” Gracie remembered how her tummy rumbled if she forgot to eat breakfast, but she always had plenty to eat. Gracie purchased peanut butter and a jar of jam to drop in the box.

    At the tree lot, Gracie offered Mr. Thompson the last of her jingly-jangly coins.

    “Hmmm,” he said. “How about this one?”

    The little tree was as scrawny as Gracie’s skinny legs. She knew it wouldn’t even reach the windowsill, and it certainly wasn’t strong enough for twinkling lights. Yet…

    “OK. Maybe it just needs someone who cares,” said Gracie.

    She trudged home, dragging the tree behind her.

    Each tug…heavier.

    Each step…slower…slower.

    Each breath…harder…harder…harder.

    “What’s that you’re dragging, Gracie?” called Mrs. Murphy.

    Gracie turned. Her heart swelled. Someway, somehow, the tree had grown…

     …plenty big enough to fill her bedroom window with streamers and stars that glowed in the moonlight and twinkled in the sunlight.

               

               

     

  13. Emily Roberts says:
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    Sprinkle McGee, At Your Service 

    By Emily Roberts

    Word Count: 250

    The snow was falling in a hurry when my friend, Christmas Carol, called my bell phone, asking for help. “Christmas Curmudgeon has struck again,” she gasped. “He’s hidden the golden tree,” she continued. 

    The tree was the top prize at Santa’s elves annual X-Mas games. I made my way to the scene to offer my services as the North Pole’s top detective. There was a riddle scribbled in the snow: 

    The clues will come in threes. 

    Start with my favorite trees.

    “Prickly Pear Trees!” I shouted. “Those are on Reindeer Road.”

    Carol and I made our way down Frosty Mountain to the prickly pear forest. Before long, I spotted the second clue: 

    Visit Figgy Pudding Lane.

    Find the biggest candy cane. 

    We hurried across town. Right away I saw a snowman, as tall as a tree, holding a giant candy cane and a note. It read:

    One last clue, and the game is done.

    Find the tree, and then you’ve won.

    I looked around at the trees, but I didn’t see a golden one. Just then, a breeze blew the snowman’s hat off, and, sticking out the top, were golden branches. 

    “The tree!” we yelled. We started digging, and before long, we’d uncovered the missing prize. 

    We returned the tree to the X-Mas games just as Santa’s elves were about to begin. They were so grateful they invited me to participate, which I gladly accepted. 

    Sure, the Christmas Curmudgeon would strike again. But for today, we enjoyed our Christmas together. 

  14. Emily Roberts says:
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    A Gift From The Woodlands

    By Emily Roberts

    Word Count: 250

    Christmas Eve was just settling into dusk when I noticed the missing garland. 

    “Mama?” I called, peering out the window. “Did you take down all the garland?” I asked. 

    She laughed and shook her head. “No, why?” she replied. 

    “Well, it seems to all be missing,” I reported. 

    I put on my coat and grabbed a flashlight as I headed outside to inspect. My breath seemed to freeze as I left the warmth of the kitchen and stepped out into the evening. I scurried to the fence to find that indeed every piece of garland was gone. I searched the ground, finding only paw prints. They seemed to dance across the snow. 

    “An animal must have taken it,” I whispered. 

    The snow crunched under my boots as I followed the prints across the covered field. Just as tracks vanished into the forest, I saw it – a fox’s burrow. I knew not to get too close. 

    “Wild animals do wild things,” Mama always says. 

    I watched from a distance as the kits slept soundly, nestled in our garland. And then I saw the mama fox, sleeping on a pile of cold leaves. She was curled in a tight ball as if she were holding in the warmth. I turned towards home, and I knew what to do. 

    Early on Christmas morning, I peered outside. The pieces of garland I’d left on the ground the night before were gone. In their place was a Christmas gift-  the dancing paw prints of nature. 

  15. Laura Wippell says:
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    Christmas Mystery Magic 

    By Laura Wippell

    103 words 

    Some say it’s the tears of Sasquatch, who sobs a stream of regret down his frosty slopes after appearing yet again on Santa’s naughty list. A

    Number of people are convinced it’s the feathers of seven swans-a-swimming and six geese-a-laying. Those poor birds become awfully ruffled at ten lords-a-leaping, eleven pipers piping and twelve drummers drumming – WHAT A RACKET!

    Others believe it’s Mrs Claus sprinkling icing sugar on her freshly baked Christmas cookies. Save some for us please, Santa!

    We might never know what it is, only that when it lands on our tongues, it feels like a tiny tingle of Christmas magic.

  16. Nancy Ferguson says:
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    BABY NEW YEAR IS MISSING

    Nancy Ferguson

    242 words

    The nursery is silent.

    Empty.

    Where’s Baby New Year?

    Father Time looks under the bed.

    No Baby New Year.

    His heart pounds,

    There’s no new year without her.

    He digs through the closet.

    No Baby New Year.

    He cannot fail!

    He remembers his panic from 366 days ago. (It was a leap year, you know.)

    Is Baby New Year scared, too?

    Where’s she hiding?

    Time’s running out!

    Silence… the Grandfather clock in the hallway isn’t ticking!

    He runs to the clock door.

    She’s curled inside, quiet as a mouse.

    His shoulders relax.

    “Oh my, Baby New Year. Are you afraid?”

    A sniffle.

    “Come out, tell me.”

    Father Time resets the clock,

    Tick Tock,

    and gathers Baby New Year in his arms.

    “What if I can’t do it?

    What if my sash falls off?

    What if I drop the hour glass?”

    Father Time says,

    “I promise to give you everything you need.”

    Baby New Year rests her head on Father Time’s shoulder,

    Peace swaddles her.

    Hope fills her heart, leaving no room for fear.

    His wisdom fills her head.

    A golden glow surrounds them.

    11:59.

    Time to go.

    The clock chimes the first stroke.

    Father Time adjusts Baby New Year’s sash and top hat.

    They stand at the ball room entrance.

    “You are ready, Baby New Year.”

    At the last stroke of midnight Father Time hands her the hourglass… and disappears…

    Fearless,

    She arrives!

    Fireworks, cheers and kisses

    Welcome Baby New Year 2025.

  17. seschipper says:
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    The Mystery of the Christmas Star That Lost Her Light

    By

      Susan Elizabeth Schipper

    WC 250

    When Christmas time is near, the ornaments who are fast asleep in the attic begin to stir. Ornaments of all shapes, sizes and colors wriggle out of their wrappings and begin preparing for their special spot on the Christmas tree.  Glittering balls and diamond shaped decorations all were getting ready for their big day! Finally, Star begins to find her way out of the wrappings that kept her safe all year! Each part of Star was shiny! The ornaments gathered around her, excitedly waiting for her sparkling display of light to begin. They waited and waited and waited! No shine, no light, no sparkle! Star mysteriously lost her light!

     At that very moment, the decorations heard footsteps on the attic stairs and the gleeful chattering of the family approaching to gather their treasures. They inspected each ornament.  All were perfect except Star. How did Star mysteriously lose her light? Star was tossed aside.

    Tearfully she climbed to peek out the attic window. As she gazed at the nighttime sky, a bright light appeared whispering to Star, “Follow me!” Star bravely followed the light without any brightness of her own.

    Star realized she was soaring through the sky! Although startled to be flying, she courageously followed the light.

    Suddenly, she heard the most beautiful sounds! Choirs of Angels singing, Shepherds were joining them. Star beheld an awesome sight. The light led her to a stable from long, long ago! Now, Star was shining brighter than ever above the newborn Baby Jesus!

  18. Rebekah Hoeft says:
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    WHO STOLE THE STAR?

    By Rebekah Hoeft

    250 WORDS

    The door was shut. Windows closed. No fireplace. No way for anyone to get inside the mice’s cozy cottage without being noticed.

    *     *     *     *     *

    On their porch, Babs and Bink drank cocoa. They watched the stars and snow twinkle. When they went inside, everything seemed as it should. The woodstove warmed the room. The Christmas tree, decked in lights, gingerbread ornaments, and popcorn strings, glowed in front of the window. Their supper, roasting in the oven, smelled delicious. 

    But then Babs squeaked, pointing to the tree. “Where’s our star!?”

    “Maybe it fell?” Binks wondered.

    The mice scampered around the tree.

    No star.

    Babs slumped into her arm chair. “We worked so hard. The star was our masterpiece.”

    Bink nodded. “It still is! We’ll find it, Babs.” 

    The two mice sat staring at their tree. Bink pulled a cookie from her pocket, nibbling while thinking about the mystery of the missing star. She muttered to herself. “A thief? But how? Elves? Santa? Too soon.” 

    Babs looked at her sister. She blinked. “Bink?”

    No response. Bink munched, lost in thought. Silvery sprinkles stuck to her whiskers.

    “BINK!”

    Bink jumped.  “What!?”

    “Whatcha eating?”

    “Oh. A cookie. You know eating helps me think. I’m gonna solve this mystery.”

    “Where’d you get it, Bink?”

    “Hmm? Oh. From my pocket. I found it before we went outside.”

    “Found it? Where?”

    “On the floor by— BABS! Our star! I found it!”

    Babs laughed. “Yes, you did. Case closed… as long as you don’t eat any more of the decorations!”

  19. Jany Campana says:
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    The First Christmas Mystery

    By Jany Campana

    Word Count: 160

    One chilly morning, the Little Drummer Boy woke to find his drumsticks missing! He searched under the hay, around his drum, and even turned over his bongos. Nothing.

    “I need my sticks to play for the baby king.”

    He hunted for clues. Oh, tiny prints in the snow. They led to a group of sheep. “Have you seen my drumsticks?” The sheep just baaa-ed and nibbled the frozen grass.

    Next, he spotted feathers nearby. Looking up, he noticed a bird. “Have you seen my drumsticks?” The bird only squawked and pecked at bugs.

    “I can’t play music without my sticks.” Then the boy heard a giggle. He peeked and found a little lamb beating a rock, with his drumsticks!

    The boy smiled. “You want to make music too?” This gave the boy an idea.

    That night, the Little Drummer Boy played his drum, joined by his new lamb friend, playing the bongos.

    Their lullaby was so sweet, the baby cooed.

  20. melissajmiles1 says:
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    The Night Santa Went Missing

    by Melissa J. Miles

    232 words

    On Christmas Eve, NORAD’s radars steadily tracked Santa. BEEP, BEEP, BEEP.

    Shortly before midnight, something went terribly wrong. POOF!

    Santa’s blinking dot disappeared from their screens.

    “We’ve lost him,” Major Smith reported.

    “Impossible!” shouted Colonel Brown. “We’re the North American Aerospace Defense Command. We’ve never lost Santa Claus!”

    They ran diagnostics,

    double-checked satellites,

    and consulted weather reports.

    Everyone panicked, imagining scores of devastated children waking up to no presents.

    But nothing they tried worked. Santa had simply vanished.

    At midnight, Colonel Brown said miserably, “We’ll have to notify the president.”

    President Shah’s voice was filled with alarm. “What a disaster. Christmas is ruined. I’ll let the real boss know.”

    At the North Pole, Mrs. Claus received the news. “Ma’am, we’ve lost Santa.”

    “I’m pretty sure I have the answer to this mystery,” she replied. “Give me a moment.”

    She sighed and called her husband. “Okay, you win the bet. You evaded NORAD. Have all the cookies you want.”

    Out rang a jolly, “Ho, ho, ho!”

    “Don’t ho, ho, ho me, mister. You’ve panicked the entire world. Stop cloaking your sled. I won’t put you on that New Year’s diet.”

    Moments later, a soft BEEP, BEEP, BEEP broke the silence of the control room at NORAD. When Santa’s dot reappeared on Major Smith’s screen, cheers erupted.

    In the night sky, Santa slipped his cell phone back into his pocket and patted his belly.

  21. Susanna Leonard Hill says:
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    ENTRY POSTED FOR LYNN

    IF…
    Lynn M. Moore (WC 238)

    SWISH-SWISH-WISH. Three sisters pranced like reindeer through fluffy snow to mail a letter to Santa.
    “If Santa brings us a gigantic chalkboard, I’ll draw Santa wearing cowboy boots!” giggled Lena.
    “I’ll practice writing my name,” said Annie.
    “If we get a chalkboard,” said Carla, “I’ll be the teacher!”
    As snowflakes swirled, they belted out for all the world to hear, All I want for Christmas is a great-big chalkboard, a great-big…
    WHOOOSSHED. A gust of wind blew their letter topsy-turvy. They scrambled over snowbanks, but it soared higher and higher. Lena jumped as high as her hope but couldn’t reach the letter. Carla and Lena boosted Annie up, but…
    CAW-CAW! A bird plucked the letter and disappeared!
    “NOOOO!” sobbed Annie.
    Carla hugged Annie, “Let’s go home. Mama is baking Swedish pepparkakor cookies.”
    Back home, a spicy-sweet goodness filled the kitchen.
    “We don’t need a chalkboard,” said Carla, “I can still be the teacher and teach you everything!”
    “We have paper and markers,” said Annie.
    “A great-big chalkboard is better,” sighed Lena.
    In the quiet of Christmas morning, they slipped out of bed!
    “Oh!” They clapped.
    “Santa did bring the chalkboard,” said Lena, “it’s as big as Annie!”
    “How did Santa know?”
    “Did Santa hear us singing?”
    “Where’s the chalk?”
    They poked around the presents and behind the couch, but no box of chalk.
    They dashed to the window. There between Santa’s sleigh tracks, were three boxes of chalk.

  22. jessicarusso3aa16a5fb1 says:
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    A Punny Thing Happened on the Way to the North Pole

    By Jessica Russo

    Word Count: 237

    Only days ’til Christmas,

    and everything’s all wrong!

    Santa Claus is missing!

    Oh, where could he have gone?

    Five Christmas mysteries

    need to find an answer!

    Starting with what’s wrong

    with the reindeer known as Dancer.

    In the rain for far too long,

    now he’s feeling dizzy.

    No one wants a RAINDEER

    that’s sneezing and all frizzy!

    After some alfalfa soup,

    he snored a mighty snore.

    Now that he is up to snuff,

    time for problem four.

    The cookies are like crackers,

    too crispy and too thin.

    Neglectful elves forgot the eggs.

    They didn’t get put in!

    A brand new batch is no big deal.

    An easy recipe.

    No need to EGGS-aggerate!

    Time for problem three.

    The candy canes are ruined.

    They’re really quite a sight!

    More like candy triangles,

    but none of them are RIGHT!

    The lead technician elf

    knows exactly what to do.

    A simple glitch is quick to fix!

    Time for problem two.

    The naughty list was not checked twice!

    Was it checked at all?

    Naughty kids mixed in with nice?

    Which elf made that call?

    The guilty elf was gaming.

    Just trying to have fun.

    Turn off HoHoHoBlox!

    Time for problem one.

    Christmas cannot happen

    without the fella we call Santa!

    Is he feeling sick?

    Or stuck in traffic in Atlanta?

    Do you hear what I hear?

    Santa’s back and all is well!

    Hallmark misprinted, SANTLA.

    He went to tell them all NO-EL!

  23. robincurrie1 says:
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    Where is Baby Jesus? (125 words)

    By Robin Currie

    Where is Baby Jesus? A Sheperd’s Mystery!

    There were so many new babies in Bethlehem on Christmas night. Where is Jesus?

    Is Jesus in the desert?

    Bleat! Baby camel.

    Is Jesus in the field?

    Baa-baa. Newborn lamb. Where is Jesus?

    Is Jesus in the big barn?

                Hee-haw. A baby donkey!

    Is Jesus in the dog pen?

                Woof. New puppies! Where is Jesus?           

    Is Jesus in the nest?

                Tweet. A bird just hatched!

    Is Jesus in the stable hay?

                Squeak. Teeny, little mice! Where is Jesus?

    Is Jesus in the stall?

                Moo. A calf!

    Is Jesus in the basket?

                Meow. Oh – tiny kittens! Where is Jesus?

    Is Jesus in the manger?

                YES! Here is baby Jesus, and he is fast asleep. Good night.

  24. jjensonfamily3 says:
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    Stray Shoes on St. Nicholas Day

    By Jessica Jenson

    Word Count: 221

    “It’s morning!” Olivia, Jen, and John shout.

    They dash to the door for the shoes they left out.

    Two sneakers, two slippers, two fluffy snow boots

    Stand in a straight line on the frosty front stoop.

    St. Nicholas came in the night with some treats

    And filled up their footwear with gold-covered sweets.

    The kids squeal with joy at their chocolate coin loot,

    But wait just a minute! There’s Daddy’s work boot!

    And Mommy’s high heels are strewn out in the street!

    And aren’t those the loafers for Great Grandpa Pete?

    Hey! Grandma Kim’s clogs are sprawled under the car!

    And someone’s right flip flop is stuck in the yard!

    But where’d those shoes come from? Who put them out there?

    “We only put ours on the stoop, Mom! We swear!”

    “We’ll find out who did it! Let’s scavenge for clues!”

    “We’ll solve the case of the mysterious shoes!”

    “Aha! Here’s our first clue! These heels have teeth marks!”

    “Another! We found a gnawed stick from the park!”

    “And here’s a clawed paw print embedded in frost!”

    “And look! The bone chew-toy we all thought was lost!”

    The culprit comes bursting from out of a bush,

    With floppy brown ears and a tail-wagging tush!

    It’s Jolly, their puppy! She wanted to play

    With shoes of her own on Saint Nicholas Day!

  25. jjensonfamily3 says:
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    No-els

    By Jessica Jenson

    Word Count: 250

    ‘Twas the day before the elementary Christmas concert. Emily swished snowy white paint across blue paper. Her sore throat meant she couldn’t sing, but she was happy to help by painting the scenery. Emily absolutely loved to be helpful.

    The rest of the choir marched onto the stage. They opened their music books as Miss Carol, their music teacher, sat at the piano and began to play their first song.

    “Deck the ha-s with boughs of ho-y!” the children sang. “Fa ah ah ah aaaah ah ha ah aaaaaah! ‘Tis the season to be jo-y! Fa ah ah ah aaaah —”

    When they had finished with a flourish, Miss Carol shuffled her music and frowned. She looked at Emily, painting snowflakes nearby. 

    “Did that sound right to you?”

    Emily nodded. The choir sounded better than ever to her.

    “Let’s try the next song,” said Miss Carol. 

    “Si-ent night, ho-y night,” sang the choir. “Ah is ca-m, ah is bright.” 

    “Hmmm,” Miss Carol said when the final note faded. She looked at Emily again. “Don’t you think there’s something…missing?”

    Emily shook her head. The song had sounded perfect to her.

    Miss Carol shrugged and began to play once more.

    “Jing-e be-s! Jing-e be-s! Jing-e ah the way!”

    “Stop!” Miss Carol shouted. “Something is definitely missing!”

    She grabbed a music book and flipped through the pages. When she set it down, her fingers were stained with paint. White paint. 

    Emily beamed with pride at her handiwork and pointed at the book’s title: “Noel.”

  26. Jessica Iwanski says:
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    Found: Puppy

    By Jessica Iwanski (239 words)

    ‘Twas the night before Christmas, all quiet and clear,

    when a curious sound in the yard pricked my ear.

    A shivering puppy stood there in the snow.

    No collar, no owner, and no place to go.

    I opened the door and I beckoned him in…

    Then he looked all around with a mischievous grin.

    Like a comet he danced as he pranced and he pawed.

    And he left muddy footprints wherever he trod. 

    He trampled our tinsel and ripped up our wreath.

    He chomped all our presents with big, blocky teeth. 

    He tangled our lights and our garlands with glee. 

    He snatched down our stockings and shook up our tree.

    Our cookies for Santa – and milk in a cup – 

    that trickster dashed over and gobbled them up!

    “Come back here!” I shouted, but out through the door

    that puppy went bounding to make mischief more. 

    I huffed as I chased him – good grief, he was sly!

    When up on the roof something strange caught my eye. 

    A sleigh with eight reindeer! Toys filled to the brink.

    A jolly old man chuckled down with a wink:

    “Why, thank you for finding our newest recruit! 

    He’s a tad under-trained but he sure is real cute!”

    He signaled the pup who soared up without fear.

    Not a puppy at all – but a Christmas reindeer!

    Santa shouted his thanks as they flew out of sight. 

    (But he better bring double the presents tonight.)

  27. Elizabeth Volkmann says:
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    Elizabeth Volkmann

    250 words

    THE STORY OF A SOLSTICE LOST AND FOUND

    The woodland animals gathered to admire the ornaments they’d made to hang on the Solstice Tree that night.

    Squirrel brought acorn garlands.

    Rabbit offered sweet-grass wreaths.

    Fox presented rose-hip posies.

    Crow gifted trinkets, shiny and bright.

    “What about the star?” asked Squirrel.

    “Bear will bring it,” Rabbit replied. “He always does.”

    Tucking their treasures beneath pine boughs, the animals hurried home to prepare the evening feast. As they worked, frosty winds swirled, twirling a blizzard of winter snow. 

    Later, with treats in tow, the animals pushed through gusty gales and trundled to the Tree where they eagerly reached for the hidden ornaments but everything was . . .

    “Gone!” barked Fox.

    “How?” wondered Rabbit.

    “Who?” questioned Squirrel.

    “Look!” cawed Crow, gleaning a golden bauble from the ground.

    Scattered like breadcrumbs, 

    acorns, 

    sweet-grass, 

    rose-hips, 

    and trinkets 

    lead the troupe along a winding trail. 

    With every step the animals wondered why anyone would want to steal their Solstice celebration. 

    Shivering and snow-covered, they sheltered in the entrance to a cave.

    “Our Solstice is lost,” said Squirrel.

    “What do we do now?” asked Fox.

    “Bear would know,” sniffled Rabbit. “He always does.” 

    “Listen!” whispered Crow.

    Song notes, like twinkling stars, guided the animals to a room festooned with. . . .

    their missing ornaments! 

    And. . . .

    “BEAR!”

    “You’re here just in time!” Bear sang as he hung a silver star from the ceiling.

    Gathered around a cozy fire the animals admired the decorations, feasted on festive treats, and celebrated Bear because Bear knew just what to do – he always does.

  28. Angel Gantnier says:
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    What Is It?

    By Angel Gantnier

    175 words

    The gift glittered atop the snowy white hill.

    “What is it?” the animals whispered.

    They stood in awe.

    “Let’s check it out!” the animals declared.

    The animals raced up the hill.

    They gathered around the glittery gift.

    Chipmunk peered around every corner of the present.

    Rabbit placed his ears up to the package and listened.

    Skunk sniffed here and there.

    Deer licked the gift.

    Bear lifted the present.

    No one could guess what was inside the package.

    “Who is it for?” they whispered.

    Fox put on his glasses and read the name tag. “To Santa!”

    “That’s one mystery solved,” chuckled Chipmunk. “But what is it?”

    The animals looked at each other.

    Chipmunk, Rabbit, Skunk, Deer, Bear and Fox waited for Santa.

    A sleigh flew in front of the moon.

    Soon it landed at their feet.

    Santa climbed out of his sleigh and picked up his present. “Merry Christmas!” said Santa.

    Santa placed the glittery gift in the back of his sleigh and flew up, up, up and away.

    “But what is it?” the animals whispered.

  29. RJ Clarken says:
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    The First Ornament

    RJ Clarken
    250 words

    The first ornament to go up on the tree every year was the one that Dad used to propose to Mom.  Lights, garland, tinsel and whatever else, could go up on the tree first, but all the other ornaments had to wait until this particular ornament was placed there. 

    A tradition.

    My brother and I opened up all of the holiday boxes, and carefully unwrapped (in bubble wrap, newspaper, paper towels and even some original boxes) everything. 

    The special ‘Mom and Dad proposal ornament’ was not there.

    Brian and I glanced at Mom. 

    “Oh dear,” she said, “That’s right!  I was afraid it might get broken or lost.  I put it somewhere else, somewhere safe…”

    “Really?” Brian and I asked at the same time.

    “Now, where did I put it…?” Mom mumbled, as she twisted her hands, looking worried.

    Where could she have put it? 

    Brian and I began a mad search throughout the house.  As we checked cupboards and closets, under the beds, and up on shelves, we also ended up (completely unintentional, but hey…) picking up stuff, and putting away all the things we’d left all over the house.

    “Ya think Mom did this on purpose?” asked Brian.

    “Maybe?” I shrugged.

    “Because, you know…Mom,” said Brian.

    “Yeah…I know.  But we still haven’t found the ornament.” I sighed.

    Having failed in our mission, Brian and I tromped back downstairs, where we found Mom, standing by the tree with Dad, holding the ornament, and grinning.

    “Told you so,” said Brian.

  30. lnsimmons23 says:
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    Apparently, I misspelled my last name in my last entry. *PLEASE USE THIS ONE.

    The Day the Christmas Lights Went Out

    by Lauren N. Simmons

    250 words

    It was a typical day for the ornaments on the Christmas tree. An ornament wearing a bow-tie adjusted a small star ornament. “Thank you for helping everyone to see my shine,” said the star. An ornament with zizags inspected the Christmas lights. He turned the light bulbs this way and that way to bring out the perfect glow. 

    And just like that… one of the lights went out. Perplexed, Zigzag pulled out a magnifying glass. How would he solve this puzzling situation? For truly, the string of lights was a mystery to unravel. 

    “Hey Zigzag, I think you loosened that bulb too much,” said Bow-tie. “Tighten it a little, and the light should work again.”

    “Thanks, Bow-tie!” Zigzag tried the suggestion. The light worked once more. For a minute. Before ALL the Christmas lights went out.

    A light bulb spoke: “We’re tired. It’s exhausting to share our light all the time.”

    Bow-tie scratched his round head. “How will we solve this puzzling situation together?” 

    “First, we should unplug these lights,” said Zigzag. “That way, we stay safe, and the lights can rest. Then maybe we plug the lights into a different outlet to see if there’s a power issue.” All 50 ornaments slid down the branches. They stood on top of each other to unplug the lights. A power strip needed to be found as another outlet. But find it, the ornaments did. 

    They plugged the lights into the new source. The Christmas lights returned, brighter than ever. Everyone cheered.

  32. katiajesson says:
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    THE LOST NUTCRACKER
    By Katia M Jesson
    250 words

    Every year before Christmas, Clara opened up the eight boxes that contained her mother’s nutcracker collection.

    There were nutcrackers in every size, shape and costume. Clara lined them up across the fireplace mantle and on the windowsills.

    After she left the room, there was quite a bit of shuffling.

    “So good to be out of that musty box!”

    “Benji, you are crowding me, move over!”

    “Don’t know why I get the windowsill every year, it is always drafty here!”

    “Pipe down folks!” bellowed Mama Melody. “Time for roll call!” Mama Melody was the only lady nutcracker, and like a mother to them.

    She called out each of their names.

    “Here!” they replied until…

    “Stewart!”

    “Stewart, wake up!”

    No reply.

    “Anyone see Stewart?”

    No one had seen Stewart.

    “We need to find him before Christmas!” Mama Melody declared.

    The nutcrackers hopped to it.

    Nope, Stewart had not been forgotten in a box.

    When everyone was asleep, they searched under beds, in cupboards, in toy boxes, but still no Stewart.

    Poor Stewart, last Christmas, one of the children had used him to crack an enormous walnut and broke his jaw.

    “He will be so sad if he misses Christmas!”

    At sunrise, they all rushed back to their places. Clara came in to play with them.

    “Clara, the postman just delivered this box. Do you want to open it?” asked her mom.

    “Stewart, you are all better!”

    “I sent Stewart off to be fixed. Luckily, he got back just in time for Christmas!”

  33. Dawn Hauptner says:
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    The Enchanted Christmas Books

    Dawn Hauptner

    Word count: 249

    Milly Mole loves exploring her cozy underground burrow.

    Every year, she looks forward to the Christmas season when the forest above her comes alive with twinkling lights and joyful cheer.

    One Christmas Eve, she discovers an old, dusty Christmas book hidden beneath the floorboards.

    “What a wonderful treasure!” Milly exclaims.

    She didn’t notice someone peering over the top of her burrow.

    “Hi’ya, Milly!” Chester Rabbit says popping in.

    “What ‘cha doing, Milly?” Ollie Badger squeezes through her small burrow opening. 

    “I found this mysterious Christmas book,” Milly says.  “But it’s locked and there’s no key.”

    As the three curious friends explore her burrow, they uncover a hidden passage that opens into a mystical underground library. 

    This magical space is filled with hundreds of enchanted Christmas books – all that have a mysterious lock.

    Milly follows a trail of clues hidden in the underground library, but nothing seems to unlock the enchanted Christmas books. 

    As the clock strikes midnight and the sounds of Christmas fill the air above the library, Milly and her friends join paws.

    “Being here with my two best friends is the greatest Christmas treasure of all,” Milly says.

    Milly’s pure Christmas spirit—her genuine acts of friendship, kindness, and sharing—sparks a warm, golden glow.

    One by one, the locks on the enchanted Christmas books click open. Suddenly, the underground library bursts into a magnificent display of lights and wonderous Christmas stories.

    Milly beams.  They realize true magic is in the friendship they share.

  34. Susanna Leonard Hill says:
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    ENTRY POSTED FOR KAREN

    The Solstice Sleuths
    By Karen Opp
    96 Words

    A mystery struck the Holiday Fair,
    Why was the daylight so quick to despair?
    The kids formed a team, the Solstice Sleuths,
    “We’re sleuths—that means mystery detectives!” said Sue.

    “The sun’s just hiding!” giggled Lee.
    “But why so early?” asked Marie.
    “Earth tilts away,” said clever Sue,
    “Winter Solstice makes daylight few!”

    They sang their song to spread the cheer,
    “The shortest day of the year is here!
    But don’t you fret, the sun will stay,
    A little longer each new day!”

    Mystery solved, they laughed with glee,
    Bringing joy to the dark with their melody.

  35. Susanna Leonard Hill says:
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    ENTRY POSTED FOR GLENDA

    The Bell Tower Mystery (250 words)
    by Glenda Roberson

    For twelve days before Christmas the church bell rang every hour. It brought the people of Winterwood holiday joy.

    But early Christmas Eve the bell vanished! Joy turned into suspicion. No carols were sung. No Christmas cookies were baked. The people sulked in sadness.

    “This won’t do!” Lyla told her parents, “I’ll find that bell.”

    The snow held no footprints around the church, but Lyla discovered a note in the bell tower.

    Search the woods in dark of night
    for the place the moon shines bright.


    A glow deep in the tangled woods beckoned to her. Flashlight in hand, Lyla crunched through the snow.

    In a clearing bathed in moonlight stood a wood-sprite, her form made of frosted bark and woven vines. She had snow-dusted moss for hair, and eyes like frozen sapphires. The bell sat beside her.

    Lyla jumped when the sprite began to speak. “Your people have forgotten that joy comes not from a bell’s toll, but from within their giving hearts. Take the bell, but it will not ring until hearts open once more.”

    Lyla gathered folks in the town square. “You’ve all failed the wood sprite’s test. Joy and good cheer comes from your hearts, not from this bell.”

    “We’ve been incredibly short-sighted,” announced the mayor. Lyla began singing Holly Jolly Christmas, and everyone joined in. Cookies were decorated and gifted. Candles lit every window.

    When the bell rang at last that New Year’s Eve, the town square erupted with cheers, and grateful tears fell freely.

  36. Katie Schwartz says:
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    ONE PAIR OF MISSING SNOWSHOES – XL

    by Katie Schwartz   

    243 words

    “Camping? For Christmas??” 

    “Mom’s away helping Grandma. Let’s do something different!”

    Dad grinned his goofy grin. “It’ll be a snowy wonderland! We’ll explore new trails.”

    We rolled our eyes. Baby Noelle giggled, waving her bottle.

    “Daaaaaad—the boonies? Hiking in snow?? Santa won’t find us!” 

    Another big goofy grin. “Christmas is coming early. We’ll all unwrap one present tonight.”   

    Surprise — snowshoes! Even baby Noelle got a teensy pair. 

    Hmmm . . . shouldn’t she walk first??

    Dad sang carols on the drive, baby Noelle joined in. They sounded quite alike. 

    We 4-wheeled to the campsite, between bare trees and piles of snow.

    Tent up.

    Firewood gathered.

    Dad beamed. “Get your snowshoes on, we’ll break them in.”

    We were ready, lickety-split!

    He frowned, “Where’s mine? Didn’t I strap them on the roof with the tent?” 

    Once Dad forgot to strap baby Noelle in. She ¡!bounced¡! up-down, like a happy-go-lucky puppy on the back seat!  

    We took off, speeding down the trail. Dad plopped baby Noelle into his backpack and followed—wearing her snowshoes. 

    Baby steps!!

    Baby Noelle babbled, riding high. Dad started WIBBLE-WOBBLING . . .

    . . . and tipped baby Noelle—PLUNK—

    . . . into a snowdrift!

    BABY NOELLE!!

    She popped up, burbling, bottle in hand. 

    Phew!

    We reached a clearing.

    There they were! 

    Frolicky otters, hurtling downhill on one XL snowshoe, careening across the pond on another—Dad’s!

    Baby Noelle chortled so hard, she fell out of Dad’s backpack—again.

    Leaving Dad’s snowshoes with the otters, we pointed ours towards camp, goofy grins on all our faces.

  38. susaninez0905 says:
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    Mystery Gift

    By: Susan Summers

    WC: 231

    The PLINK! PLONK! PLUNK! woke the kids. 

    One by one, three heads popped out of bedroom doorways.

    “Santa?” Ella asked.

    “Maybe,” said Otto.

    “Let’s go check,” Audra whispered.

    Together they tiptoed towards the tree.

    Something beneath it was moving!

    It wobbled and wavered, rumbled and tumbled, bumped and thumped. 

     

    “Is that present alive?” Audra gasped.

    “It’s wiggling!” Ella gulped.                   

    “What is it?”Otto wondered.

    They crept closer. 

    They tapped it and tilted it.

    They turned it in circles.

    They could not imagine what it was, but it had a curious scent.

    “Sugar cookies!” Audra cooed.

    “Peppermint bark!” Ella exclaimed.

    “Gingerbread!” Otto declared.                                                                                                                  

    What was it?

     

    “Let’s open it,” Ella whispered. 

    “I don’t think that’s wise,” Otto replied.

    “It WANTS to be opened, look!” Audra pointed.

    It wobbled back and forth, excited to be the center of attention.

    Yet as it wiggled, that’s when they saw the tag.

    DO NOT OPEN! RETURN TO THE NORTH POLE!

    The three stared at one another, and then at the box. 

    “Santa hasn’t come yet,” said Otto.

    “It IS the only gift under the tree,” Ella sighed.

    “Maybe it’s a test,” Audra shrugged.

    They didn’t want to disappoint Santa or miss out on any toys.

    “Let’s go back to bed,” Otto said.

    “Smart idea,” Audry responded.

    “Follow me,” Ella whispered.  

                                                            
    Like a pint-sized parade, they marched back to bed, ignoring the PLINK! PLONK! PLUNK! behind them.     

  39. angelamsteffen924 says:
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    The Disappearing Act

    By: Angela Steffen

    Word Count: 249

    Roll. Pat. PLOP! Gracie worked hard at building her first Christmas snowman. “This will keep you warm,” she whispered, adding a scarf. Before going inside, Gracie stared in amazement at her creation just as a bunny hopped by who then stopped to do the same.

    The next morning, Gracie pranced outside only to discover that the snowman’s stick arms were missing. “Oh no!” Gracie shrieked as she added two celery stalks to replace the arms.

    The following day Gracie somersaulted out to her snowman only to find now the prune buttons were missing! “Again?” she thought as she replaced the empty holes with dates. Later that afternoon, she noticed the carrot nose and blueberry mouth had disappeared. Confused, Gracie replaced the missing holes with chocolate whoppers and a parsnip.

    Morning came and again another piece of her snowman was missing, the hat. She was prepared and replaced it with her new Christmas gift, a magician’s hat. “This is quite the disappearing act,” she giggled.

    Day 5 came, and Gracie discovered that the scarf had vanished. Baffled, Gracie plopped down next to her snowman. KERPLUNK! Then, something caught her eye. It was a string to the missing scarf! “Could this lead me to my snowman’s missing items?” she wondered.

    Crunch, crunch, Gracie stomped through the snow following the tracks. Then she paused. Gracie could not believe her eyes. There she saw a tiny white cottontail sticking out from under her magician’s hat. “Abracadabra!” she shouted. “That WAS quite the trick.”

  40. Marilyn Wolpin says:
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    THE DREIDEL’S MESSAGE
    by Marilyn Wolpin

    249 words

    “Let’s start looking,” Mack whispered.

          “Yes!” I agreed. “Attic first. That’s where mom usually hides the Hanukkah presents.”

          “I can’t wait to start guessing what’s inside!”

          “I don’t see any,” I hissed when we got to the top of the stairs.

          “What about that huge box?” Mack pointed.

          “Ooh – that must be one!” I said.

          We opened it. Inside was another box with a Hebrew word on top and a message.

          “NESS – Nope, no MIRACLE.”

          Inside that was a smaller box.

          The top said, “GADOL – Nothing GREAT here.”

          We opened it. A new box said, “HAYAH – Nothing HAPPENED!”

          One more small box was inside this one! It read, “SHAHM – Not here, maybe THERE.”

          “Where is ‘there’?” Mack wondered.

          “There’s something familiar about those words,” I said.

          “Mom is trying to tell us something,” Mack said. “But what?”

          “Mack! Mabel! Time to light the first Hanukkah candle!”

          We raced downstairs, thinking over the strange clues.

          After downing mounds of delicious latkes, Mom handed us each a present and we sang the dreidel song.

          And that’s when I understood!

          “Mack, look at the dreidel!” I shouted. “The Hebrew letters on each side – nun, gimmel, hay, and shin – stand for “NESS GADOL HAYAH SHAHM– ‘A great miracle happened there!’ The Hanukkah miracle of the vial of oil that burned in the ancient Temple’s menorah for eight days instead of only one!”

          “Hooray, Mabel! One mystery’s solved!”

          “But there’s one more: Finding where Mom hid the presents – THAT will be a miracle, too!”

  41. Susan Corry says:
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    MOUSE’S CHRISTMAS CAMPAIGN

    by Susan Corry

    249 words

    Mouse sighed. He wanted to celebrate Christmas with Beatrice’s family, but Cat terrified him.

    As he nibbled on fruitcake, deep in thought, his tail shot up. “I have an idea!”

    The next morning, Beatrice and her brother tiptoed into the den to shake their gifts.

    “Oh no! The colorful pom-poms on the presents are missing!” said Beatrice.

    “And the tinsel on the tree has vanished!” cried Jake.

    They looked everywhere, but their search was fruitless. By the time they returned to the den, their knit stockings had disappeared.

    Beatrice groaned. “Not again.”

    “Will Santa even come tonight?!” moaned Jake.

    Just then, Cat strolled by with red fluff on his whiskers.

    Beatrice smiled. “How could we forget that Cat loves string and sparkly things?”

    They combed through Cat’s lair but found nothing.

    With shoulders slumped, they went to bed.

    Early Christmas morning, Beatrice and Jake crept downstairs. Under the tree was a crocheted green beanie with navy trim and a pink scarf woven with shimmery strands of tinsel, along with a note:

    I hope you like these handmade gifts.

    Merry Christmas,

    Mouse

    PS – I also made this sparkle-wand for Cat.

    “It’s the prettiest scarf I’ve ever seen,” said Beatrice.

    “I love my hat,” said Jake. “Do you think it’s safe for Mouse to join us for Christmas?”

    They looked at Cat scampering about with his new toy.

    Beatrice nodded.

    Together, they tied red bows onto Mouse’s tail, donned their festive finery, and celebrated all day.

    Mouse couldn’t have been happier.

  42. Susanna Leonard Hill says:
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    ENTRY POSTED FOR MARTY

    The Missing Mitten Mystery
    By: Marty Findley
    218 words

    I woke up Christmas morning
    And hanging on the tree-
    I found a pair of mittens
    Waiting there for me!

    But later in the day
    I went to put them on.
    I found one lonely mitten…but
    The other one was gone!

    My new red mitten’s missing!
    I’m in a lot of trouble.
    I have to find it soon! I must!
    Quickly on the double!

    I’ve looked inside my closet.
    My drawers are emptied out.
    No mitten there… or anywhere!
    It’s gone without a doubt!

    I rummaged through my toy box
    And found my arrow’s bent!
    Look there! My soccer socks!
    I wondered where they went.

    I crawled beneath my bed.
    No mitten’s hiding there.
    A fluffle of dust bunnies flit-
    Which now are in my hair!

    It’s not among the cushions;
    But that quarter that I lost…
    Was hidden in the pillows
    Right where they had been tossed.

    Enough of looking in the house!
    It’s time to look outside.
    I might have dropped it when
    I gave my bike a ride.

    What’s that I see up in the tree
    Way above my head?
    Hiding in that nest I glimpse
    A brilliant flash of red!

    I’m climbing up to peek inside
    And what to my delight…
    Six baby birds are snuggled in
    My mitten for the night!

  43. Lynne Marie says:
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    Hey, everyone! Nothing like a good contest to get your creative juices flowing! Thanks for reading and sharing your stories. Lynne Marie

    STELLA AND THE SANTA EXPERIMENT by Lynne Marie (250 Words)

    More than anything, Stella wanted to be a scientist.

    She hoped, one day, her scientific creations would solve problems. But so far, all she had created was useless slime. 

    How could slime ever solve anything?

    Disappointed, Stella tossed out her slime. She asked Santa for a Super Science Kit in her letter. Maybe then, I’ll make something useful, she thought. 

    On Christmas Eve, Stella heard a strange sound. She followed the noise. “Oh, no!” she cried. “Santa’s Stuck!”

    “Too much cookies and milk,” Santa admitted. 

    “Don’t worry, Santa! Science can help!” But what would work? Stella wondered. It was a mystery – one she needed to solve. She thought of the scientific principles of motion. Maybe!

    She tried lifting Santa with balloons. Pulling with reindeer. Pushing with elves. But nothing worked – just like her useless slime. 

    Just then, Stella remembered that slime is, well, slippery!  

    She donned her science goggles and collected glue, baking soda, water, food coloring and a special solution. Then she mixed and kneaded – but not alot. She needed the slime to be goopy so it would slide. 

    “Ready, Santa?” she asked. She poured the substance down the chimney. 

    Santa wiggled and waggled. 

    At first, nothing. 

    Suddenly, Santa slid down the chimney.

    Everyone cheered. 

    “Thank you, Stella,” said Santa. “Here’s your Super Science Kit. But you’re already well on your way to being a super Scientist.”

    Stella shook Santa’s hand. And it didn’t matter one bit that it was covered in slime – super duper very useful slime! 

  44. mkokozos says:
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    The Cocoa Monster

    by Michael Kokozos

    Word Count: 247

    The marshmallow bag jiggled with worry. It was Christmas Eve, and those scary mugs were everywhere! Max, a brave little puff with a candy cane smile and a knack for quick thinking, felt a shiver. Where were all those marshmallows going? They’d disappear into the mugs, never to be seen again.

    He watched in horror as two of his best friends, Marty and Melinda, were plucked from the bag and plunked into a frothy, chocolatey drink.

    Peeking over the edge of the coffee table, his marshmallow eyes grew wide. Marty and Melinda were slowly sinking into a swirling vortex of whipped cream and sprinkles.

    Just then, a little girl with rosy cheeks skipped over and took a giant slurp. Marty vanished with a tiny “pop.”

    “Noooo! Not Marty!” Max wailed, clutching his fluffy chest. “She’s a cocoa monster! She’s eating them!”

    The little girl giggled. “This is the best hot chocolate EVER!”

    Another slurp, and Melinda disappeared with a gurgling “gloop.”

    “Melinnnnnnnnnda!” Max cried, his candy cane smile upside down.

    Thinking fast, he grabbed his candy cane smile, turning it into a grappling hook, and swung across the kitchen, landing with a soft “poof” right into…

    …the s’mores station!

    “I’ll be safe here!” Max declared. “Those cocoa monsters only like marshmallows in hot drinks! They’d never think to look for me here!”

    And so, Max, blissfully unaware of the toasty fate that awaited him, snuggled between the pile of chocolate and graham crackers, feeling safe and sound.

  45. poupettewriting says:
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    WORM’S PARTY (249)
    by Poupette Smith

    “Hey Worm, what’s bugging you?” said Beetle.

    “It’s my Birthday and nobody remembered,” boohooed Worm.

    “Oh, so that’s why the forest is quiet. Where’d everyone go?” said Beetle.

    “They’re preparing for Christmas, I guess. Too bad I popped into the world in December!”

    “Well, Happy Birthday, Worm!” said Beetle. “I’ll throw a party!”

    Worm pictured everyone rushing back when they heard music and remembered. He’d forgive them, stuff his face with cake, dance, and… But wait, where would Beetle find music?

    “No band, no party,” said Worm.

    “What about The Shenanigans?” said Beetle.

    “Gone,” said Worm. “Mockingbird, Woodpecker, and Wolf left with their instruments. I bet…” But wait, thought Worm, maybe everyone is hiding to surprise me?

    “No worries,” said Beetle. “We’ll make our own music! You’ll sing mmmunch… mmmmunch, tunneling earth. I’ll sing scratch… scratch, dragging dung. We’ll name our band The Squiggle Beats!”

    Worm doubted this melody would attract anyone.

    “I have a better idea,” said Worm. “Let’s find The Shenanigans.”

    They searched the beach. Scrunch… scrunch, said the sand under their feet.

    But all they found were the Conchs. “Happy Birthday, Worm,” blew the Conchs.

    How the Conchs knew about Worm’s birthday was a mystery. But their horns gave Worm an idea.

    “Thank you, dearies. Got any shells for us to play?”

    Soon the beach erupted in harmony. The Shenanigans appeared from nowhere to round off the band. Neighbors arrived in droves.

    And in honor of Worm, a very Happy Birthday-cum- Ho! Ho! Ho! party rollicked for all!

  46. marynadoughty says:
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    Mouse’s Missing Ingredient: A Christmas Mystery

    By: Maryna Doughty

    Word Count: 233

    Mouse saved up extra food this year so she could bake the perfect Christmas cookies for her friends. She scampered into her pantry to pull out the ingredients but. . .

    the sugar was missing!

    How would she bake cookies now?

    Mouse grabbed her coat and set out to find the culprit. She followed a trail of sugar until. . .

    it started snowing!

    Uh-oh. She lost the trail!

    Mouse searched and spotted. . .

    Cardinal flying above!

    “Cardinal, have you seen my bag of sugar?”

    “I did see a sack by Squirrel’s tree.”

    Mouse sniffed for clues until she found a bag of. . .

    “Nuts!” 

    “Squirrel, have you seen my bag of sugar?”

    Squirrel shook his head. “I’m on an all-nut diet. But Mole carried off a bag.”

    Mouse investigated until she found. . .

    “Mole, is THAT my bag of sugar?”

    Mole stammered, “Th-This is my bag of sand for my cousin. He wants a sand pit for Christmas so he can dig.”

    Poor Mole’s eyesight wasn’t great. He had accidentally mistaken Mouse’s sugar for his sandbag. “I’m sorry, Mouse.”

    Mouse hugged Mole. “Mystery solved!”

    At home, Mouse baked the perfect sugar cookies. She shared them with all her friends. And on Christmas Eve. . .

    Mouse shared her extra sugar with Mole. And, together, they built a sugary sand pit for Mole’s cousin.

    It was the sweetest Christmas ever.

  47. Sue Heavenrich says:
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    Nothing like Susanna’s holiday contest to shake the words loose! Looking forward to reading more stories.

    A CHAMELEON CHRISTMAS by Sue Heavenrich (200 words)

    Jay ripped off the wrapping from grandpa’s present. It was … a large plastic box filled with sand and rocks and air.

    “There’s a chameleon in there somewhere,” said grandpa. “He must be hiding.”

    Jay turned the box upside down. Out tumbled the rocks. Down poured the sand. “Maybe he’s invisible?” asked Jay.

    “Not invisible,” said grandpa. “Just very good at blending in.”

    Jay looked at the pile of presents under the tree. He didn’t notice the chameleon’s almost-matching snowflake pattern.

    Minutes later, Jay noticed a fourth Christmas stocking hanging by a tail in front of the fireplace. “How fast can a chameleon run?”

    “Faster than you,” said grandpa. When Jay looked again, there were only three Christmas stockings.

    “How many camels did the wise men have?” Jay asked. “Your Nativity scene has four!”

    “I see only three,” grandpa said. When Jay looked again, the camel imposter was gone.

    Jay wondered if chameleons could look sharp and needly, like the branches of the tree. Then he looked up, up, up through the lights and tinsel all the way to the star on top. “I didn’t know stars have curly arms.”

    “I think we finally found your chameleon,” grandpa said.

  49. webbsmith71gmailcom says:
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    NURSERY CRIMES

    By Webb Smith

    236 words

    The Twelve Days of Christmas are upon us. I need everybody to line up for roll call:

    Turtle doves?…  Check

    French hens?… Check

    Golden Rings?… one…two…three…four… Where’s Number Five? 

    Holy Nutcrackers!! We’re missing a Golden Ring!!

    Everybody, check your pockets! While you’re at it, check your head, shoulders, knees, and toes. We need to find this ring! Has anybody seen it?

    Three mice with canes claim they haven’t seen a thing.

    A boy with a wolf saw a gingerbread man running east as fast as he could. It sounds suspicious. I need Little Boy Blue to take a bus (make sure the wheels go round) and track him down.

    Wait! I just received new information –

    Apparently, a blackbird flew out of a pie, took the ring, and dropped it down a water spout. A spider collected the ring and then proposed to a young lass named Ms. Muffet. Ms. Muffet screamed and dropped the ring along with a bowl of curds and whey. Six geese arrived and ate the spilled curds.

    Aha! That’s it!

    When the six geese start a-laying, bring me an egg from each one.

    How do we choose which egg to crack first? One-potato, two-potato? Don’t be ridiculous. Eeny…meeny…miny…mo! I choose this one.

    Humpty Dumpty, could you please push this egg off a wall…

    SPLAT!!

    HOORAY! WE FOUND THE RING!

    TEN LORDS ARE LEAPING FOR JOY!

    Wait, why are there only nine?

  50. Maria Pope says:
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    Imposter Santa

    By Maria Piñero Pope

    246 Words

    Santa was ready on Christmas Eve night,

    he tugged on the reins and his reindeer took flight. 

    Upon the first chimney, he tapped on his nose,

    then wiggled his hips and went down by his toes.

    He gasped as he took in the living room sights,

    a heap of wrapped presents lay under tree lights!

    He pulled out his list to be sure he was right.

    He HADN’T come yet on this Christmas Eve night.

    The cookies were gone from the plate by the tree.

    He groaned with a huff, “could’ve saved some for me.”

    He moved down the list, and stopped house after house,

    so careful to enter, as hushed as a mouse.

    But under each tree there was nothing to do.

    An Imposter Santa!

    He had to know who!

    So Santa flew out to the very last name,

    ate cookies, drank milk, til the fake Santa came.

    “Ah-ha!” yelled ol’ Santa upon the green face,

    “I knew it was YOU who was taking my place!”

    “I caught you,” said Santa and gave him a pinch,

    “of course you’d steal Christmas you nasty ol’—

    “WAAAIT!

    I didn’t steal Christmas, not this time, you see,

    I want to spread joy and fill houses with glee.”

    Since Santa could see how The Grinch had now changed. 

    He gave a quick thought, and a plan was arranged.

    “If you’d like to help me, that would be quite fine,

    Just don’t touch the cookies,

    those treats are all…

    MINE!”

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