Holiday Writing Contest 2023
This is my first time entering Susanna Leonard Hill’s Holiday Writing Contest, but for those of you who know me, you know I LOVE a writing contest and I have participated in Susanna’s Halloweensie and Valentinesy Contests before.
This one piqued my interest. The guidelines - A Winter Holiday Countdown - for kids - 250 words or less.
I had lots of ideas. Some were terrible, some had potential, and one in particular was great in my head and a mess on paper. Down to the wire, and with lots of inspiration from my brilliant critique partners, I scrapped the old idea for parts and imagined that the glittering lights out my window were snowflakes and the green grass was a blanket of silvery-white snow. Below is my entry for this year’s contest. Be sure to check out Susanna’s page to read the rest of the entries. They are beautiful, funny, and a real treat to read.
COUNTDOWN TO SNOW by Christina Shawn 195 words
1 family wished for a giant first snow.
2 snowflakes appeared in the moon’s winter glow.
3 children had snow forts and sleighs on the brain.
4 fingers were crossed that it wouldn’t just rain.
5 sets of pajamas were worn inside out,
and they all went to sleep filled with more hope than doubt.
5 people awoke with a stretch and a yawn
to a frosty-cold, sparkling, snow covered lawn.
4 arms reached for jackets, pulled hats on their heads -
their feet tromped in boots and leaped onto their sleds.
3 snowballs went rolling: big, medium, small
Piled one on the other, and stacking up tall
2 hands sculpted-shaped, and gave a firm pat
Placed buttons, a nose, two eyes, and a hat.
1 mitten fell off – icy fingers, chilled skin…
Chattering teeth...
It was time to go in.
1 holler and everyone bounced toward the door,
2 sopping wet piles of clothes on the floor.
3 marshmallows bobbed in each hot, steaming cup,
4 feet near the fire to thaw and warm up.
5 rosy-cheeked smiles stretched wide - ear to ear
on this first fallen snow of their Happy New Year.
Photo credit; Lyndsey Hannah Photography