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CONTEST ENDED – Thank you for submitting your stories!

#178: Happy Holidays

It's that time of year again! Whether you're observing a particular holiday, or simply raising a glass to making it through another year in one piece, December is a time for reflection, celebration, and taking stock. This week's prompts are, naturally, a nod to the season — and all the fun it can bring!


As much as we love the holidays, they can also be a difficult time for many; so no matter how you're celebrating this year, we hope that these prompts can provide you with a little festive escapism. Happy holidays, writers!

This week's prompts

Write a story about a family (biological or found) coming together for Christmas.

Christmas – 44 stories

Write a story that takes place over the eight nights of Hannukah.

Holiday – 5 stories

Set your story at a work holiday party,

Holiday – 35 stories

Write about a cynical character realizing they do have something to celebrate after all.

Character – 47 stories

Write a story about an unconventional holiday tradition.

Holiday – 51 stories

Stories

“Happy 1992” by Grace Solo

Submitted to Contest #178

[Contains mild sensitive language and poor state of mental health.] I sat before the quiet river just before midnight clocked. It was as still as my thoughts, and yet, couldn’t emit anything else kindred other than the cold rush of its constant flow that had only the sense of tranquillity wrapped around it. It was me and the perfect nature. Free from all the loud places that we have derived from taking away from the earth, its rights, and privileges. I was away from all the demands of what life is set to be. I could feel the sound of air aro...

9 comments 9
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“Labyrinth ” by Roxanne J. Black

Submitted to Contest #178

        The holidays.The time of crowded streets, Christmas music, hot drinks by the fire, and shops full of people. A period that always smelled of sweets and love, and traditions... but not for us—well, except for the traditions part.          The Hamilton family was always considered different-the freaks living in the old house, the error in an otherwise perfect system of white houses and neatly manicured yards, the wrinkle on a perfectly ironed shir...

2 comments 2
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“Soar” by Rama Shaar

Submitted to Contest #178

Dearest Catherine,I set out to scam you. “Swindle” is the going term I believe. There! I’ve said it. I am a vulture that predates on prey that range from dead to weak.If this were me, I’d throw this letter away after that first line, but I know you won’t. You need answers, so here goes! This is a long letter, full of what one might deem digressions, but bear with me. Consider it a last –and first, for that matter– request.When I saw your Tinder profile, you seemed like the perfect target: introverted, doe-eyed, a little desperate (or so I th...

23 comments 23
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“Bea and Bertie” by Mary Lehnert

Submitted to Contest #178

The day my life changed forever started with me suggesting an innocent trip to Stratford -upon -AvonA nice family outing for Aunt Bea, that’s me, my brother and his wife, and nephew, BertieIt was on the fourth day of my Christmas week with the family, when we’d reached that point where fish and guests after three days……….The trip would mean driving about 50 miles”We’d pass my uncle’s house, it was on the way, so I could surprise him and drop off a little gift of mincemeat pies. I’d just got the Queen’s recipe.“Where did you get it” Bertie my...

24 comments 24
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“21 Century Christmas party ” by Sam Smith

Submitted to Contest #178

It was one week to Christmas Judy had done most of her shopping, she should just add a few gifts to her list and is done . She had thought about Christmas since first of October to make sure this year Christmas will be one of the best , after preparing a long list of what should be done , who should be invited, where the party should be held, how those her gifts from family and friends, when is the best time send invitation and reviewing all aspects of her Christmas party she had started shopping.  Next week is Christmas everything is r...

6 comments 6
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“All a Good Night” by Kyle Bennett

Submitted to Contest #178

Wooden men and animals never seen on Earth, celestial ephemera, and shapes with meanings known only to their designers rose up from the salt and the dust in the false twilight of Annabelle's glow. The lighting would take place at midnight, at Charlie's signal. The littlest ones were excited, not least because it was the only time all year they could stay up so late.  Annabelle, the lesser, further, and dimmer of the two stars that lit our not-quite barren world was the reason we never had full night nine months of the year. Just a kin...

22 comments 22
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“Magnet in the Air” by Suma Jayachandar

Submitted to Contest #178

Sheila tapped the right heel of her brown pump on the cold floor of the corridor outside 6B. Her hands were freezing. It was five minutes past the bell. The cacophony inside the classroom with the young art teacher shouting, “Okay, that’s enough. Wind up! Those who have not finished, please complete it at home!” refused to subside. The 11-year-old marauders continued to work with a frenzy on their masterpieces by snatching the supplies from each other.Sheila glanced at the second hand on her watch ticking away for another minute and took a d...

6 comments 6
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“A Festive Fete to Remember” by Palak Shah

Submitted to Contest #178

It was the annual holiday party for the employees of the Eclipse Enterprise company Rachel and everyone was excited to let loose and celebrate the end of another successful year. The party was being held at a fancy hotel ballroom and was complete with decorations, a DJ, and an open bar. As the employees arrived, they were greeted with cheers and hugs from their co-workers. The party was already in full swing and people were dancing, laughing, and enjoying the festivities. Rachel, a marketing manager at the company, was feeling festive. She...

15 comments 15
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“THE CHRISTMAS POEM” by Susan Catucci

Submitted to Contest #178

Every year for as long as I can remember, my family had a tradition of taking the year before and writing a poem about what we'd treasured most. Then, following the gift giving and prior to Christmas breakfast, we’d sip chocolate and take turns reciting what we had written.  But what I will forever remember, going forward, is the year that family tradition came to a screeching halt, all because of me. Well, I’ll just tell it and you be the judge.First, let me say I had no idea that not all families partook in this exercis...

22 comments 22
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“You Can’t Choose Them” by Paul Michael Winters

Submitted to Contest #178

I have to drive, because Andrew is a total wreck. He’s sitting in the passenger seat, chewing a fingernail, and his left foot can’t sit still. I peel my eyes off the road long enough to peek at him.“Hey. It’s gonna be fine.” I reach over, grab his shoulder and gently squeeze. “Besides, aren’t I supposed to be the worried one?”He lets out a deep sigh. “You just don’t know my parents, Marc.”“I know I don’t. That’s why I’m finally meeting them.” I smile.“Promise me you’ll love me no matter what happens tonight. Okay?”“Wow.” I laugh. “How bad co...

7 comments 7
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“When the Shamash Burns Out” by Talia Stier

Submitted to Contest #178

Trigger warning: This story contains trauma such as illness and death. On the first night of Hanukkah, my father nearly died.  We lit the menorah, his pupils dilated, the size of his iris. Attempting to speak, his mouth mobile, but gusts of air followed. We flock to him at full tilt, each one of us probing, “Dad?” I tell him to lift his arms over his head, to repeat after me, “It may rain today.” We say it’s not a stroke, but my Mom dials 911. The hospital staff won’t allow us past the main entrance, and uneasiness clouds above my f...

7 comments 7
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“Night of the Trees” by Tamar Shapiro-Tamir

Submitted to Contest #178

On the darkest night of the year, my sister and I slip out the side door. There is no moon, but the stars give enough light for us to make our way through the snow into the woods. We let drop first a hat, then a scarf, then one mitten at a time. As we go deeper, we leave behind our coats, then our boots, then sweaters, until it is just us in our summer dresses, with the most rudimentary shawls covering our arms. Tonight, we are not modern girls. We are snow maidens, come to dance at the trees’ solstice ball. The cold is exhilarating. My sis...

10 comments 10
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“The Great Roaring” by Joshua Copus - Oxland

Submitted to Contest #178

Winston climbed up the country road, braving the blizzard as he clutched his walking stick with a death grip. His gloved hands were numb. His lips were cracked dry. His feet stung. He had walked for nearly two hours, getting back home from the meat packing factory at Whitburg. Even if buses ran through this dump, aptly named Brink Village, he couldn’t afford it.They certainly cut to the quick, making him work the day after Hornhallow. Then again, Hornhallow was hardly a festive time for him, and yesterday was no exception. His family – two a...

8 comments 8
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“Trigger Warning” by John K Adams

Submitted to Contest #178

CW: References to substance abuse, violence, child endangerment, promiscuity, racial slurs, fat shaming, candy canes and gum drops. Bob lit his cigarette while loading his pistol. He kept dropping bullets in the process. ‘Better than dropping the smoke,’ he mused. ‘No fires.’ The shells bounced and rolled. Some went over the edge. Their staccato rattling attracted Bob’s granddaughter, baby Brooklyn. She crawled under the table in search of the curious objects. “What happened to my shells?” Bob asked the universe. Despite starting with a f...

13 comments 13
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“A Christmas Feast” by Ralph Aldrich

Submitted to Contest #178

It’s the week before Christmas, and people rush to do their last-minute shopping. The plaza’s décor is bright with festive colors.  The parking lot lamps are decorated to look like giant jingle bells and candy canes.  Christmas carols blare from the speakers mingling with the constant chatter of the shoppers.  Eight-year-old Cody misses Massachusetts at Christmas.  There it would be snowing, and you would have to wear a heavy winter coat and snow boots.  The temperature would be slightly above freezing, causing ...

1 comment 1
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$250

Prize money

182

Contest entries

62

Stories

Ended on 23:59 - Dec 30, 2022 EST

Won by Molly Kelash 🏆

Title: Marie Antoinette

Submissions must be between 1,000 - 3,000 words and will be approved and published on Reedsy Prompts within 7 days of the contest closing.

Read the full terms & conditions or check out the FAQ if you have any questions!

Prompts | Big Blue Hand | 2024-11

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