Oh good heavens, I don’t even believe I’m posting this here. But Susanna put up the challenge, and coming from PiBoIdMo, I thought, “Well, why not?”
So here is my entry to Susanna’s 2nd Annual Holiday Contest. I’m stepping a little out of my own box, and stretching my writing muscles, and doing something a little different. And that’s good, right?
(After I do all that, I’m going to work on not constantly trying to justify myself. New Year’s resolutions and all that…)
So.
If you’re visiting, welcome! And whether you’re new or not, please feel free to comment. I can take it 
Also, head over to Susanna’s page to check out the other entries. They’re all original, short, and fun holiday reads. Enjoy yourself!
Elmer the Christmas Sprite
Floating through the sky on a snowflake, Elmer fidgets. He wraps his silvery coat more tightly around him, adjusts his fur cap over his pointed ears, and shakes his sparkling wings to keep warm.
Falling.
Drifting.
Landing.
Christmas Eve. The biggest night of the year for a winter sprite. On this night, the sprites travel the starry skies, descending to earth on falling snowflakes, preparing the way for Santa himself.
As his snowflake finally slows to a stop, Elmer hops off.
And then…
To the windows he scurries. His shining eyes peer through the frosted glass. The first window is dark, and Elmer hurries on.
Ah! Here are two sleeping children, dreaming of candy canes, and puppy kisses, and trains that circle the tree.
All is well.
But Elmer’s job isn’t done.
Dashing to the front door, he presses his pointy ear to the wood. Footsteps and murmurs.
Elmer taps his own foot impatiently.
And then…
The grown ups close their door, climb into bed, and turn out the light.
All is well.
But Elmer’s job still isn’t done.
He sniffs the winter air. Again. A third time.
And then…
There! Cookies, and hot chocolate, and peppermint, making his pink-tipped nose twitch in delight.
All is well.
Elmer looks up at the sky.
Watching.
Listening.
Waiting.
And then…
It’s time.
Leaping.
Waving.
Cheering.
From the sky, a sleigh. The sleigh slows as it glides across the snow, and out steps Santa himself. Santa, in his red suit, shiny black boots, and warm winter hat. Santa, whose smile stretches across his rosy cheeks as he places a mittened hand on the ground for Elmer to stop into.
And then…
Christmas comes to the sleeping house.
To the children, gifts of candy canes, and a puppy, and trains.
To the darkened rooms, burning candles to welcome the morning.
To the waiting plate of cookies, a smile of delight and a left note of thanks.
All is well.
And then…
Away to the sky, Santa and Elmer take flight.
Rising.
Soaring.
Flying.
Because Santa’s job is not yet done.
And neither is Elmer’s.
(350 words…phew!)
22 Comments
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This has such a quiet, nighttime feeling to it–beautifully written, Nova!
It had a nighttime feel as it wrote itself in my head, too. Glad it came across!
This is lovely, Maria! Such a creative and original idea – Christmas Sprites – I never would have thought of it. And your choice of dreams – candy canes, puppy kisses and circling trains – so evocative and perfect! And your choice of cookies, hot chocolate and peppermint bring smell and taste into your story beautifully. I agree with Deborah – it has a quiet, nighttime feeling to it. Great job! I’m so glad you entered!
I’m glad I entered too! Thank you, Susanna, for a fun writing activity
This was filled with a quiet, peaceful, anticipation. What a lovely, original tale.
Love your word choice throughout this beautiful story, Maria, and the way you evoke so many of the senses! Great entry!
Lovely! Sounds like a story that my kids would love to be read to!
Yay, Maria. It is a lovely story, and I love the magical tone you have set. Thanks for sharing!
Maria, what a lovely poetic tale just dripping with gorgeous imagery. I like this impatient little sprite and will think of him and his friends scampering around on Christmas Eve. Just delightful.
I think now I will, too
You’re never too old for that magic, right? (Or at least I can use my kids as an excuse…)
Your words are beautiful. What an awesome story. I thoroughly enjoyed this. You are on the spot with the sensory detail. Amazing!
So very lovely. I like very much the idea of Christmas Sprites! Thank you!
I didn’t know sprites did all those things! They are like little quality assurance engineers.
Maria…so lovely to meet you via Susanna’s contest.
Your story is so original…and the visuals are amazing…this is definitely a picture book in the making! I love that Santa had a ‘welcoming committee’ in the form of the Christmas sprite.
Vivian, I had to do alot of trimming to meet Susanna’s 350 word maximum rule. I think I’ll come back and flesh this out a little bit more. My original version had about 460 words…too long for this contest, but still within “picture book standards”
Beautiful imagery Marie. Such a soothing story. Very original!
Your story has just inspired an illo idea! Lovely!
Fantastic!
Such a lyrical story – I love the nighttime escapades of this special sprite!
I love the idea of a Christmas sprite paving the way for Santa. Your story is so evocative and filled with Christmas-y imagery. Very nicely done!
Love the idea of Christmas sprites quietly waiting until the right moment to signal an okay Santa Claus. I agree with the other comments — the peaceful, quiet, calm feel is very nice.
Very creative. I love your little Elmer, the Christmas sprite! I could see see the images in my head! Really nice job!