Hi everyone! It’s that time of year again for falling snow and cozying up by the fire. It’s also time for Susanna Hill’s Holiday contest. I love a good writing contest and this one’s always such a treat. This year it’s especially fun because the theme for this 250 word story is holiday helpers. I chose to focus on a special kind of Christmas helper. I hope you enjoy!
CHRISTMAS IMPOSSIBLE: AN UNQUIET NIGHT ‘Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house not a creature was stirri - “Wait - what’s that noise?” Santa whispered and paused placing presents. Chitter, chatter. Squeak! “There it is again!” Santa froze and cupped his hand to his ear. Chitter, chatter. Squeak! “Oh no,” the jolly man groaned. “That sounds like a- SQUIRREL!” Santa dialed the Christmas Tree Hotline. The switchboard lit up like Rudolph's red nose on a dark night. “We’ve got a code 57,” stated Santa. “Dispatching Elf Squirrel Division now, Sir.” Gears, Ginger, Twinkle and Bob set their Santa Map coordinates and dashed out through the frosty flakes. They reached the house and whooshed down the chimney. “So - ho happy you’re here,” said Santa. “Glad to help,” said Gears. They got to work while Santa snacked by the fire. The elves climbed the tree but the squirrel scurried higher. The elves swooped down from the star but the squirrel hid deeper. Even Bob’s “never fail” tinsel lasso trick failed! “We’re doomed!” cried Twinkle. “Is it snack time?” said Bob. “Sweet sugar plums that’s it!” cheered Ginger. She set a trail of cookie crumbs down the tree. The squirrel sniffed. It crept closer. Then… MUNCH! Crumb by crumb it climbed down and into the open carrier. “Thanks team,” said Santa and up the chimney he rose. The elves flew to the forest where the squirrel found the perfect pine. Meanwhile at another house- “Finally,” sighed Santa. “Peace and –“ Chitter, chatter. Squeak!
kellyswemba.com 
So funny 😄. Code 57. Great job Kelly. Good luck!
Thank you, Ashley!!!
Oh my gosh this is AMAZING for so many reason! I love your picture and was totally cracking up thinking about Christmas Vacation – what great inspiration for a hysterical little Christmas tale! I also love the mission impossible vibes! Never really thought of Santa having to go all stealth mode before…but your piece is written perfectly that encourages all the smiles! Well done and good luck to you!
Wow, thank you Molly!! This just made my day! I’m so glad you enjoyed reading it. And truly appreciate you taking the time to tell me. Have a great day and good luck with your wonderful story!
I love the humor and descriptions, and that ending made me laugh out loud.
So clever, fun, and festive, Kelly! I love it!
Oh yay! I’m so happy you liked it! Thanks for letting me know 🙂
I got such a kick out of this story, Kelly! I love that scene in National Lampoons with the squirrel and your story perfectly captured that sense of chaos. You need to turn this concept into a PB, STAT! A Christmas Tree Hotline is genius and I need to see more of it in action. As always, I love your humor – especially Santa sitting and snacking while the elves work. SO funny 🙂
This is so much fun! Several lines made me smile, especially the one about Bob’s never-fail tinsel lasso trick! I love the engaging voice and funny premise.
Love this! So funny. Is the squirrel following Santa, or is Santa following the squirrel? 😉
It’s perfect, Kelly! Such punny goodness and kid appeal!
Thank you!!!! 😊
Definitely a child-pleaser! Love your light alliteration and sweet, squirrelly refrain! Best of luck!
Oh goodness thank you! That is so kind of you to say. I’m glad you liked it and let me know!!
Excellent and I never knew Santa was afraid of squirrels until now 😂
Ha! Thank you! Can’t have a squirrel in a tree!
LOL I knew I was in for a treat with that Chevy Chase picture leading the way! This feels like Santa Clause meets Christmas Vacation and I absolutely love it! Great job, Kelly!
Kelly, love this! So fun. Good luck! Rosanna
Thank you!! ❤️
Such a fun, creative, well-written story, Kelly! And given the number of squirrel incidents at my house lately, very timely! I’d like to call a Code 57 and have some elves help ME out! 😊 Thanks for joining in the Holiday fun!
Thank you Susanna! I’m so glad you enjoyed my story! I truly enjoy your contests and am so grateful you host them! On another note, the elves can be loaned out. Just let me know where to send them! 🐿️
Kelly your story had me laughing! I could have used a code 57 back when I had my first Christmas tree. Good luck!
I’m glad you liked it but! But oh no to needing the elves! I bet that made for an interesting Christmas!