Holiday Writing Contest 2019

Here’s my entry for Susanna Hill’s Holiday Writing Contest. The rules are to write a holiday themed story aimed at children ages 12 and under, maximum 300-400 words, based on a supplied prompt. For 2019 the prompt was Holiday Treat.

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

 “I can’t wait for tomorrow,” Ann said. “Nana’s coming and it’s the Home for the Holidays Parade.”

“I love walking down the middle of the street!” said Ann’s little brother Will. “I can only do that once a year.” All of Main Street remained closed after the parade for everyone to walk around the shops, enjoying hot chocolate and cookies, meeting up with friends.

“I love the marching bands playing holiday songs,” said Ann’s mom.

“I love all of it,” said Ann, “the whole street sparkling with holiday lights, the music, the food… everyone is happy. I can’t wait for Nana to see it.”

But Ann woke up with a terrible sore throat. She felt even worse when Mom said she couldn’t go to Home for the Holidays.

Tears rolled down Ann’s face. “But I wanted to show Nana everything; the music and lights, drink hot chocolate…” Ann stopped. It hurt to talk.

When Nana arrived Will announced, “Ann’s sick and can’t go to the parade and walk down the middle of the street!” Mom explained everything to Nana. “I’ll stay home with Ann. We’ll have our own holiday fun,” Nana winked.

Ann fell asleep on the couch, visions of a Christmassy Main Street dancing in her head. She awoke to hot chocolate and cookies on the coffee table. Twinkling lights and holiday music filled the room. “Oh Nana thank you,” Ann’s eyes sparkled.

 “Cheers to you and me, ‘Home for the Holidays’ together,” said Nana.