Thursday, December 8, 2016

SUSANNA HILL'S 6TH ANNUAL HOLIDAY CONTEST: Let Witchmas Begin by Lynne Marie


LET WITCHMAS BEGIN...
Word Count: 300

“Christmas is more snow than glow,” Octavia observed. “It needs a makeover. Santa’s
lucky I traded holidays with him!”
With a flick of her wand, Christmas became “Witchmas”
Elves turned from merry to scary,  
Colors from bright to just right and
                        Carols to scare-alls!
            A tear ran down Octavia’s nose as she sang along…
On the twelfth day of Witchmas
my Crypt-mate sent to me:
12 Demons Dribbling
11 Pookas Primping
10 Mummies Mumming
9 Vampires Vamping
8 Monsters Mashing
7 Souls a-Swirling
6 Toads a-Croaking
5 Black Batwings
4 Carrion Birds
3 Ravens
2 Cawing Crows
and a Vulture in a dead tree.

“It’s a nightmare come true,” she murmured. And it was, until…
Octavia knocked at house #1.
“Scary Christmas!”
A door slammed in her face.
She’d forgotten to use the chimney.

After bandaging her nose, she entered house #2 from the roof.
“Ouch!”
She’d forgotten about the Yule Log.

After applying burn cream, she entered house #3 through the window.
            “Crash!”
            She’d forgotten about the Christmas tree.

            She picked ornaments and pine needles from her hair.
            “This holiday is more unbearable than scareable. I’m exhausted.”  She threw up her hands. “I should be moon-tanning right now…”
With a flick of her wand, she brought back Christmas AND Santa. 
“Glad you’re here,” said Octavia. “I quit!”
“Not until you’ve visited EVERY home on my list. A deal’s a deal,” Santa reminded her. “Besides, I have ideas for cheering up Halloween.”
“But Halloween’s a perfectly frightful holiday,” Octavia protested.
“Not for long.” Santa grabbed Octavia’s wand.  “Ho Ho Ho, Merry Witchmas to all and to all a good night. See you on Holly-ween!”He pointed the wand at himself. “POOF!”

“I should be careful what I wish for,” said Octavia. “Where’s the cocoa? It’s going to be a long night.” 

28 comments:

  1. Replies
    1. Aww, thank you, @Michele Lynne Seigfried. I really appreciate your enthusiasm for this story!

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  2. Great minds. I have a witch in mine too. Very fun.

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    1. Yes, great minds think alike! I can't wait to see your story as I am always impressed by your body of work, @Johnell DeWitt! XO

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  3. This is terrific. Your puns and rhymes cracked me up.

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    1. Awww, thanks @David McMullin! You are very sweet and I appreciate your enthusiasm for this story!

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  4. Ha! This is great! Very creative and fun :)

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    1. Thank you so very much, @Jeanne Curtin. Glad to have you stop by My Word Playground!

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  5. Replies
    1. I tried -- these contests are so inspiring. Tried to narrow it down to one idea LOL

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  6. I'm moving Witchmas up there with Festivus on my list of holidays to celebrate. Good luck and happy holidays!

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    1. Awww, thank you for celebrating with me, @Gregory E. Bray! Happy Holidays to you, too!

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  7. So funny...I absolutely LOVE Witchmas...and I'll have some of that hot cocoa, please. ;) Great story, Lynne Marie!

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    1. Thank you so very much @Vivian Kirkfield. As always your enthusiasm and support means to much!

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  8. Replies
    1. Thanks! And thank you for stopping by My Word Playground @McMarshall!

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  9. Oh, I love the idea of trading holidays. Great story!

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    1. Thanks @LindaSchueler. So glad you stopped by My Word Playground.

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  10. This is a fun story! I love all the word play and such a great concept! I hope next year's Halloweensie contest is all about Holly-ween! Great job!

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  11. Awww, thank you @Amanda Sincavage for your sweet thoughts and enthusiasm! Thanks for stopping by My Word Playground!

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  12. Super clever and fun story! And I agree with Amanda. I'll be watching for your Holly-ween story next Halloweensie!

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    1. Thank you, @Gabi! You are so sweet! Thank you for stopping by My Word Playground.

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  13. A fun switch up of the holidays. I can't wait to see what Santa does to Halloween! Happy holidays!

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    1. Me too, @Patricia Nozell! As I have an actually PB version of Witch's Christmas Switchmas, but have not yet began, Santa's Jolly Hollyween! Thank you so much for stopping by My Word Playground and for your positive comments!

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  14. This was fabulous...love Witchmas, and can't wait for Holly-ween!

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  15. Awww, thank you @JeanJames926. I really appreciate your enthusiastic comments. Thank you for stopping by My Word Playground.

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  16. Clever and FUN, Lynne! And Octavia's personality comes through so well! What a great twist on the 12 Days! Thanks so much for joining in the fun, and Happy Holidays!

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    1. On the contrary, YOU are so clever and fun to find such creative and rewarding ways to inspire the rest of us. I truly appreciate all you have done for KidLit! XO

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