Saturday, December 15, 2012

A Family Christmas

My friend Susanna Hill is running the 2nd Annual Holiday Contest.

The rules are:
Write a children's holiday story beginning with any version of "Dashing through the snow in a one horse open sleigh."  You may use that actual opening, or you may change it to any similar version "[Verb of your choice]ing through the [any substance you choose] in a [conveyance of any kind]."  For example, "Dashing through the sand in a two-wheeled donkey cart" or "Sloshing through the swamp in a green and white canoe" or "Flying through the air in a striped hot air balloon..."  You get the idea, I'm sure :)  But "Dashing through the snow in a one horse open sleigh" is completely acceptable too - whatever works for you :)  Your story may be poetry or prose, silly or serious or sweet,  religious or not, based on Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or whatever you celebrate, but is not to exceed 350 words.
 Here is my entry (to the tune of "Jingle Bells"). (My beginning was about someone on foot.)

A Family Christmas

Sliding through the ice, as I try and run so fast,
Slipping to and fro', like a real blast from the past.
Because when I was a child, I loved to play in ice and snow
But in California, mostly sun would show.

Now I'm in England, with snow and frequent rain.
And my search for sun, is usually in vain.
But right now I have to go, to fetch my kids from school.
We're off to the town center,shopping for Yule.

We may stop for a while, to visit Santa Claus.
And give to the Giving Tree, which is a real great cause.
Then we'll catch a very big bus, to travel back to our home.
Where it's warm and safe to be; no more will we roam.

We'll decorate the house, with tinsel and Christmas lights.
Those twinkling colored lights, look really great during nights.
We'll cuddle with our cat, and he'll knead us with his paws.
We'll watch "It's a wonderful Life," and end it with applause.

We'll set out cookies and milk, to give to St. Nicholas,
We'll sing Christmas songs, feeling felicitous.
Then the kids will go to bed, so Santa Claus can come
Sliding down the chimney, and landing on his bum.

On Christmas morning, all will wake and rise
To see what Santa brought, with their very own eyes.
We'll spend the day together, as a loving family,
Because that's the important bit, of how Christmas ought to be.

Oh

Christmas comes, once a year
And brings us lots of love
Kindness, giving and good cheer
And other gifts from above.

268 words





18 comments:

patientdreamer said...

Great job! Loved trying to sing along to it... lol. Thanks for posting.

Patricia T. said...

Enjoyed your entry. It was cute and a lot of fun!

Romelle Broas said...

Nice job! This could be a creatve Christmas message to your family and friends. It is full of spirit and good cheer.

Romelle Broas said...

Nice job! This could be a creatve Christmas message to your family and friends. It is full of spirit and good cheer.

Susanna Leonard Hill said...

Oh, what a lovely picture you paint of a family Christmas and what a wonderful message! Great job! Thanks so much for entering! :)

Cheryl Secomb said...

This was wonderful! Filled with the Christmas spirit. I especially like the closing stanza. Lovely!



Cheryl

Carrie Finison said...

Nice entry. I liked your mentions of all those lovely Christmas traditions.

Anonymous said...

I love the mention of 'the giving tree'...you brought the true sense of the holiday season into your story...great job!

Renee LaTulippe said...

Nothing like a family Christmas! Poor Santa landing on his bum! :)

Melissa said...

Well done. It sounds like a wonderful family Christmas.

Linda said...

Wonderful story! Best of contest luck!

Pam said...

I enjoyed your Christmas poem. There's nothing like family for the holidays. I hope you get some snow to play in.

clarbojahn said...

Loved your entry! So cozy and warm. The message is loud and clear. We need some winter cheer. :)

Janet Smart said...

I love the closing stanza! Merry Christmas

Alayne Kay Christian said...

I enjoyed following this family through a Holiday Season day. I felt like I was part of the family. Thanks for painting me those pictures with your words.

Maria said...

I loved that this was written from an adult's perspective. And a wonderful message to keep in mind. Thanks for sharing!

Stacy S. Jensen said...

I love the change in weather from child to adult. Sorry you search for the sun in vain. The sun shines here in Colorado most days. It may be gray from the snow, but the sun will eventually show itself. Have a wonderful Christmas.

Penny Parker Klostermann said...

Very cute and festive! I loved the lines about the cat! Merry Christmas <|||-