Holiday

The Last Light in Window Seven
Every night at exactly 9:17 p.m., a single window lit up on the seventh floor of the Alderstone Apartments. No one knew why.
By Yasir khanabout a month ago in Fiction
Thank you for the Gloves
It was so terribly cold. Snow was falling, and it was almost dark. The lingering winter sun rested lazily in the dulled sky. The streets had been plowed earlier that day, but the rapid fall of snow from the sky left the streets covered with a thick blanket of white. Tire tracks carved through the snow, leaving trails of gray within the pristine white display.
By Connieabout a month ago in Fiction
The Dark Day of Christmas
It was supposed to be the perfect white Christmas. Snow had been falling softly since dawn, blanketing our small town in a hush. The tree in the corner glowed, the smell of pine and gingerbread filled the house, and wrapped presents promised joy. My family was all there—Mom, Dad, my little sister Lily. We were in our pajamas, a fire cracking in the hearth, when the phone rang.
By LegacyWordsabout a month ago in Fiction
Legend of the Santybaras
Long ago, in the land of Llawenglen, a grand fir tree grew in the spot where four mountains meet, whose roots were intertwined with a strand of ancient holiday magic. Every year, when the clock struck midnight on the first of December, the magic awoke. A magnificent choir sprung forth from the tree and spread Christmas cheer throughout the land. The santybaras sang as they inaugurated the holiday season by dressing their beloved tree with the shiniest of baubles, sparkliest of garlands, and twinkliest of string lights. They wore hand-knitted sweaters and red hats with white trim and always had hot cocoa ready for serving.
By Mollie Narutovicsabout a month ago in Fiction
Operation Missile-toe
“Johnson, come in. Close the door and have a seat.” “Yes, sir. Thank you, sir.” “I’ll cut to the chase. I’ve got a job for you. We’re going to need your best guys on this, and I know I don’t have to say this, but I’ll need your full discretion. It’s a sensitive operation and I chose you specifically. You’re still single, right? No kids?”
By Leslie Writes2 months ago in Fiction
🎄 The Christmas Bakery That Accidentally Saved Everyone 🎄
The first sign that something was terribly wrong with Christmas came from the oven. Specifically, from the smoke. At exactly 5:47 a.m. on December 20th, the fire alarm of Sugarplum Corner Bakery screamed like it had just discovered betrayal, while flour drifted through the air like confused snow.
By Zidane2 months ago in Fiction
How to (Really) Enjoy Your Trip to Keuka Lake
The First step in your Keuka Lake visit is setting up camp. You must tuck towels into unclaimed sand and use your cooler as a national flag to secure your spot.
By Kera Hollow2 months ago in Fiction
Postcards made of Paper
"Mares, someone just sent me a virtual postcard". "Ok, what does it say"? "Wishing you a Christmas wrapped in peace, sprinkled with joy, and filled with the quiet magic that only this season brings. May your days be gentle, your home feel warm, and your heart find moments of wonder. Here’s to love, laughter, and memories that shine long after the lights come down".
By Antoni De'Leon2 months ago in Fiction
Thanks Again, Greg. Runner-Up in Instructions Included Challenge.
Thanks again, Greg, for filling in last minute. After Carl's accident, I wasn't sure we'd get anyone for third shift for the rest of the year. Anyhow, please read the instructions attached to this note to ensure you're caught up to speed. Yes, I know you've already been on the job for a couple years now and are a consummate security professional, but trust me. Sunnydale Mall is different after hours, especially during the holidays. Please, just make sure you read it and familiarize yourself with the new rules for the shift. I made a few annotations as well, since I know it'll be your first night and all.
By Ian Read2 months ago in Fiction
The Christmas Miracle of Maple Street 🎄
On Maple Street, Christmas did not arrive quietly. It arrived with a bang, a crash, and the unmistakable sound of Mr. Gerald Wickersham shouting,
By Zidane2 months ago in Fiction
Evergreen
The snow fell in soft, silent waves as the Cooper family’s SUV wound its way up the mountain road. The destination: a remote cabin surrounded by a pristine evergreen forest. Jeff Cooper had booked the cabin for his wife, Diane, and their two kids, Emily and Sam, hoping to rekindle the family’s bond after a difficult year.
By V-Ink Stories2 months ago in Fiction
Frostbite
The forecast had predicted light flurries, nothing unusual for the quiet mountain town where the Bell family lived. But by nightfall, the snowstorm had turned ferocious, battering the windows with icy gusts and blanketing the world outside in a suffocating white void.
By V-Ink Stories2 months ago in Fiction