Last Christmas I entered my first writing contest put on by Susanna Leonard Hill. I had so much fun that I entered her Valentin’s Day contest and her Halloween contest. Now I’m a bit of a junkie. In fact, I had so many ideas this time around, I couldn’t stop with just one. Please enjoy …
THE TWELVE DARES OF CHRISTMAS
On the first day of Christmas, my mom dared me to smile.
I said, “No! I hate being nice.”
On the second day of Christmas, my mom dared me to clean my room.
I just ignored her.
On the third day of Christmas, my mom dared me to help her open a stuck cabinet.
I tuned to leave, but slipped, bumped the cabinet, and it popped open.
“Thanks,” she said.
“I didn’t mean to.” I said.
“I know, but thanks.”
On the forth day of Christmas, my mom dared me to play with my sister.
I didn’t like doing it, but my sister had fun.
On the fifth day of Christmas, my mom dared me to help our neighbor pull weeds.
I worked quickly to get it over with.
My neighbor brought me hot chocolate.
On the sixth day of Christmas, my mom dared me to help a woman carry a box.
The lady hugged me.
It wasn’t so bad.
On the seventh day of Christmas, I waited for my dare.
Plant a tree?
cool.
On the eighth day of Christmas, my mom dared me to pick up trash at the playground.
I cleaned up the soccer field too. Why not?
On the ninth day of Christmas, I asked, “What do I get to do today?”
“Bring cookies to the firemen.”
Awesome.
On the tenth day of Christmas, my mom dared me to give away some toys.
I did. Then, I asked for another dare. And, another!
On the eleventh day of Christmas, I made my bed, set the table, let someone pass me in line, and held a door. Mom didn’t even have to dare me.
On the twelfth day of Christmas, my mom dared me to stop smiling.
I said, “No, thank you. I like being nice.”
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Thanks for reading. And for more wonderful entries, or to enter yourself, go to Susanna’s blog.
Awww. Warmed my heart. Love it!
Thank you, Jeanne.
These dares are good for the soul. Sweet.
Thanks, That’s what I was going for.
Oh this is quite clever. Delightful read. All the best.
Thanks, I’m glad you enjoyed it.
What a great ending. I need to try this with my son. Good luck and happy holidays!
Thank you. If you do try, I hope it only takes 12 days.
David…this is awesome! Honestly, I can see this as a picture book! It actually sounds like something I should do with my 8-year old grandson. What a fun story…well done!!! And I, too, am a Susanna Hill contest junkie. 🙂
Wonderful story! I’d love to participate in these contests. Seems like fun.
Thank you. And I say, “Do it!” Susanna has contests throughout the year, so follow her blog. They are always a fun challenge.
Hi Vivian, How can we not love these contests – so fun. Thanks for your comments. And at the moment this method is only theoretical. No child attitude modifications have actually taken place. Ha!
Very cute. I love how the character went from selfish and grinchy to sweet and thoughtful!
Thank you, Aileen.
Reverse psychology in action! Great fun, David! Happy holidays and good luck!
Thank you, Julie.
David, what a fun take on holiday contest. I like the combination of dares and charity.
Thanks, Maria. That’s what the holidays are about. (Charity, not Dares)
Heart-warming story, David! Wonderful idea. Well done!
Thank you, Gabi.
Love the acts of kindness and that sneaky mama! Great job David!
Mama had to do something. Thanks, Amanda.
What a precious ending with a sweet surprise!
Thank you, Cathey.
I love how Mom’s dares prompt kindness – a wonderful outcome during the holiday season (and any time of year!). Great take on the prompt.
Thank you so much, Patricia.
I love how you show being kind makes you smile!
Those pesky side affects. Thanks for reading, Kathy.
David your story was so enjoyable! Great job, and good luck in the contest!
Thanks, Jean!
I LOVE this! Brought tears to my eyes!
Sorry? Seriously, that is very flattering. Thank you, Shelley.
What a nice Christmas attitude adjustment, David! So glad your MC learned that it’s nice to be nice 🙂 Looking forward to your other entries! Happy Holidays!
Thanks so much, Susanna.
I like how your character reluctantly goes along with the dares, until he discovers that showing kindness to others makes him feel good too. Win, win! Fun story.
Thank you, Karen.