I wrote this little story for Susanna Leonard Hill’s amazing Holiday Contest. It’s the 13th year she’s been hosting this fun event – thank you Susanna! It was wonderful to play with the theme, which was a COUNTDOWN. The entries could only be 250 words, but had to appeal to kids ages 12 and under, tell a story of some kind, and have any kind of countdown. You can find all the rules on her entry site HERE:
I hope you enjoy! I’d love to hear what you think in the comments below.
Photo by Wonderlane on Unsplash
The Christmas House (246 words)
By Heather C. Morris, copyright 2023
Felicity’s name meant “joy,” but she couldn’t muster a smidgen of it this Christmas.
Not after last year…when she’d asked Santa for a puppy…
And unwrapped black boots instead.
Then the letter arrived.
To Miss Felicity Nelson
Shiny gold letters winked at her. She ripped open the envelope.
You are needed at
THE CHRISTMAS HOUSE.
Appearing December 24.
Don’t be late.
She blinked.
Appearing where? What did that mean? Who sent this?
Another holiday prank. Like Santa. And magic. And joy.
But on Christmas Eve, out her window, she saw…
…The empty lot across the street…
Wasn’t empty!
Lights twinkled. Music played. She smelled cookies baking.
She found a note inside the door –
Right now, this house is hidden from sight,
But countdown five tasks on Christmas night,
And you can help bring Christmas joy,
To other girls and other boys.
Five stockings beside a blazing fire.
Felicity filled them.
Four unwrapped presents lay nearby.
She wrapped them all.
Three garlands stretched on the floor.
Felicity draped them over the door.
Two gingerbread houses on the kitchen counter.
She frosted and decorated.
And last – she trimmed the lovely tree.
As she hung the last, sparkling ball…
…kids filled the front hall!
Her friends from school. Kids she’d never met.
They smiled and waved and shook her hand.
One girl said shyly,
“The Christmas House looks grand. It was my turn last year. Isn’t it magical?”
Felicity felt something flutter inside.
Then she realized –
It was JOY!
Heather C. Morris 
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