So, I was planning to post the Holiday Contest Guidelines today.
But. . . I’m in a bit of a pickle, because sometimes plans change overnight.
And now, the way December is shaping up I can’t believe it, but I don’t think I’m actually going to be able to run the Holiday Contest this year.
For a good reason – I don’t want anyone to worry. But I’m feeling bad. about having to back out at the literal 11th hour.
It’s the 15th year, and lovely, generous people already donated prizes, and I really hate to skip it. But it’s a very time-consuming undertaking and depending how things turn out I just don’t think I’m going to be able to manage it between everything else going on.
So, we have some choices:
- I can post a prompt and you can write a story for yourself for fun.
- We can postpone it and run the Holiday Contest some other time – Christmas in July or something (I’d say I could post the guidelines now and you could write your entries while you’re feeling holiday-y and then we could run the contest in January, but that’s Storystorm month and the Valentiny Contest is in February so that won’t work.)
- I can think up a different contest to run in the spring.
- Or we can just skip it and focus on all the other things that keep us hopping in December – kids’ holiday concerts and plays, baking cookies and other goodies, shopping for presents and wrapping them, going to parties and visiting relatives. . . maybe you’ll be relieved not to be trying to squeeze in one more thing!
So… does anyone have any thoughts? Please share, and I will do my best to accommodate whatever people want most.
I’m so sorry to have to miss the Holiday Contest this year, I really am!
Susanna Leonard Hill 
Wow. Definitely deflect to another time you can manage it for sure! Thanks for caring!
Hi Susanna.
WordPress always hassles me and says I can’t comment. Thanks for asking for folks’ preferences. I was planning to enter, but just spent two days making very large gingerbread houses with three grandkids. There’s only writing time for a few edits. I vote for: Run the contest next year and enjoy your holidays with family and friends. Best, Marcia.🥰
Susanna, I’ve been traveling and at NCTE and didn’t find time to post a Haiku Saturday this weekend for the first time in two years so I’m certainly going to say take a break and enjoy time with family or do whatever came up!
The problem with be so successful with all of your contests is people expect them to keep coming but you are always free to say no!
Sending you hugs.
Maybe a fresh start and schedule in 2026
No need to make the holidays more stressful than they already are! I love the idea of a Christmas in July contest. Or skip it entirely if that works best for you.
I’d love a prompt, just to keep me inspired and focused! But I’ll support whatever you need to do. Thank you for all you do!
Rebecca Chester
Your dedication to the contest is commendable, however you owe us nothing, and I for one would feel bad if you passed up something good for you, or made it less enjoyable, due to a self-imposed requirement. For the internet, 14 years is a great (almost unheard of) run with no breaks. You deserve the break. Take it. And no need to make it up. You run more than enough fun contests and Kid Lit content already to keep everyone happy.
Every year I read the prompt and intend to write something, and every year the holiday season takes over and I don’t get it done, so don’t worry, take the time you need, and thank you for all that you do.
Susanna, thank you for all you do! Please take the time you need this year. There is always next year. For my part, I loved the holiday mystery/detective I wrote for last year (2024) and am going to work on developing it into an MG novel. That has been a goal of mine for 2025, but life got in the way. Taking a break from this year’s holiday contest will give me a chance to find that Christmas inspiration and work on it!
~Lauren Simmons
I think Christmas in July could be a lot of fun, but most importantly I think you should press the pause button and not worry-life gets in the way for all of us!
I’d like to thank you for the fabulous opportunities you have already given us and wish you a truly wonderful holiday season.
Susan Gleeson
I am all for your pressing pause and taking care of you and your needs, whatever they are!
In the future, I would just say I prefer the holiday contest to the Halloweensie. LOL.
Happy Holidays Susanna and thank you for all you do for the writing community!
Susanna, You’re truly inspiring and give so much to the kidlit community! Asking for our thoughts underlines this. Whatever works best for you works for me. To echo what others have said, enjoy a guilt-free break and happy holidays!
Hi, Susanna ðð»I vote for CHRISTMAS IN JULY……just because your contests are GREAT and I don’t want to skip any!  Manyðð»Blessings to you and your family. Have a Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas. Isabel Rodriguez—————————————————-
I’m so proud of anyone who protects her peace during the holiday season! It’s ok to just skip a thing. ❤️
Hi Susanna,
Thanks for letting us know. You’ve done so well to run these contests for so many years – you deserve a rest. I think we should skip it.
Susanna, I hope that things aren’t too stressful for you already. And I think you should do whatever works for you. We will always be here when you’re ready and able. Sending hugs.
Enjoy a restful, restorative and well deserved break Susanna!
I vote for you to have a holiday break, Susanna! Thanks for all you do! Happy Thanksgiving!
Don’t feel bad! Christmas in July sounds like an excellent idea.
Hi Susanna! I’ll look forward to the Valentine contest in February! A promotion, Christmas in July.. it all sounds good, Whatever works for you and your family! I pray blessings upon you and your loved ones during this time!
Regarding above: I meant prompt, not promotion. LOL!
Ahah! I wondered why I couldn’t find it. I am thankful for all the wonderful opportunities that contests offer, and I am discovering the time it takes to develop and maintain them. Please take some time for holiday hygge, and be well.
Susanna!!! Take all the time you need and don’t feel guilty. I am a little worried–hope you and yours are well. I vote go ahead and cancel it for this year, it seems like you may need to. If (and only if!!) this summer you have an easy plate in front of you (and it seems like you’re not juggling a million other plates simultaneously), maybe consider throwing a Christmas in July contest–it sounds fun and I don’t think there are any major contests between June and September?? Take care / hugs / best, Sarah
Susanna- Def. take a break. I’m for whatever way your creative mind takes you to post a contest in lieu of this one. I’ll be entering whichever way you choose to do it! Take care, prayers to you and yours, and have a great rest of 2025.