So, I should have written this post before today and scheduled it, but I was busy this week with life. So I’m sorry it’s a bit late!

Now, before I say which two snippets won, I’m gonna thank you all for submitting snippets! I loved reading all of them, and they were all so sweet and nostalgic to read!

Alright. Without further ado, the winner of the Christmas Snippet Competition for most creative tradition is…

Michael T. Hare!

His snippet was so fun to read! I love the Lord of the Rings, so this was a really awesome snippet and I could really see what was happening! Good job, Michael! (You can check out his blog here, which I recommend checking out!)

Here is Michael’s snippet:

All In A Moment

All in a moment, I became a wizard while my siblings became elves, dwarves, hobbits, men, and kings. Cold, fluffy snow compacted under our boots as we fled our everyday lives and entered a vast realm filled with orcs, dragons, and magical rings.

I led our company across the bank of a lake, keeping a watchful eye on the rocky, snow-capped mountains. Evergreens dappled them like spears—tall, triangular, and dusted in snow, swaying as though a dragon were beating its wings in the everlasting distance. “We may rest here,” I announced, crouching at the foot of the bank. “Nightfall threatens the horizon, and the orcs will be coming out soon.”

In less than a minute, the whole party was prepared. The elf and dwarf stood at the far end of our camp, guarding, yes, but also debating how many orcs they’d defeated and who maintained the highest score. The hobbit hastened to make a fire, trading his little blade for sticks and flint. The two kings and the man sat beside me, and we spoke of our plans—we were to cross a wintry pass not far from here, somewhere in the distant mountains to avoid the mines.

“Are you certain this is wise?” one of them asked me, fingering the hilt of his sword.

“I’m not certain of anything,” I replied, “but I am sure of this—if we do not make it to the elven city before the orcs find us, we will lose more than the ring. Our company must continue despite certainty and despite risk. The ring must stay safe.”

We ascended the rugged pass at dawn, wading through snow drifts and fighting to keep our morale. To my great dismay, we found it impossible to cross the mountains, and per the man’s suggestion, we took the route of the mines.

There, we found nothing short of adventure, and we fought with valor to escape the endless orc ambushes. The elf battled with his bow, I with my staff, the kings with their swords, the man with his knife, the hobbit with his blade, and the dwarf with his axe. When we next saw sunlight, we were rushing from the craggy, dwarvish mines, delighted to find the elven city propped beneath a range of piney mountains.

Snow was caked between the trees, tracing sparkling, white lines along the mountains. We approached at a slow gait, aware our journey was nigh to its end. The elves greeted us upon arrival and offered protection against our enemies; we were even rewarded by their revered queen for our bravery.

All in a moment, as we gave the ring to the queen and stepped back through the elven gates, we found ourselves piling into the van, cozy in our seats as we drove back home. Christmas music played softly in the speakers, and we fell asleep, dreaming of wizards, elves, dwarves, hobbits, men, and kings.

Thank you, Michael, for participating, and for the great snippet!

Now, for the winner of the one that made me cry (or almost cry, as I rarely cry over reading) is…

Avery Blaycock!

She wrote a beautiful snippet on family, traditions, holidays, and change. It was very sweet and very moving!

Dear Diary

Avery situated herself on her bed, diary and pen in hand. It was time to journal before going to bed. A tiny smile overcame Avery’s lips as she opened the book to a fresh page. After staring at it for a moment, she began to write. 

“Dear Diary, 

Christmas is just around the corner, and it’s hard to believe how different things will be this year. As we do every year, my family is going to Nana’s house for Christmas dinner and presents. It’s the time of the year where everyone on my mother’s side of the family gets together to see what ‘Nana-Claus’ got for us. 

As tradition, Nana will have our sacks of presents, which we’ll take turns opening. Last year, I got the journal and bracelet kit I wanted! My brothers got those cool spy glasses. Heather got that fishing log and a jacket with the fluffy interior. Then the youngest two got those cute stuffed animals. I’ve always enjoyed this tradition where Nana puts all of the presents into one sack for that one person. I’m really excited for the wonderful food, presents, and reactions. But I’m not exactly ready for the change Christmas has for us this year.”

Avery’s eyes watered.

“There are two new changes to Christmas this year. I guess I’ll tell you about the happier one first- or it’s supposed to be happy anyways. You know my uncle’s girlfriend Melinda and her son Peter? They had Christmas with us for the past two years. Last year, I remember very vividly that my brother John was teasing me and Peter about liking each other. I don’t like Peter of course, but we can’t deny the fact that he has flirted with me in the past. Well, Melinda and Peter are now a part of the family. I found out that Uncle Josiah proposed to Melinda. I’m nervous for this change, but I’m also happy for Uncle Josiah. I know they are very excited, and it is a change that I am going to work hard to accept. I guess this leads me to the second change, the change I am not quite willing to accept.”

A tear leaked down Avery’s cheek.

“Papaw Dan will not be with us this year. Earlier this year, he went to be with the Lord. I just now realized that he will not be with us for Christmas. Sure, I was never close with him. Sure, I only spoke with him when he spoke to me. That’s how I am with all of my grandfathers. But… if I had known this time last year that Papaw Dan would not be with us this year for Christmas, I would have made his last Christmas more special. It makes me wish that I had actually given him something more special than my presence. It makes me wish that I had given him a thoughtful gift, you know? I just wish he was with us for Christmas, at least one more time so I can express just how grateful I am for him to be in my life.”

Tears were streaming down Avery’s face as she recalled last year’s Christmas. 

“ If only he would be sitting in his chair, watching the joy going on around him, experiencing the joy of Christmas and family himself. If only I could travel back in time and make his last Christmas more special. 

But I guess I need to accept the fact that Christmas with Papaw Dan will never happen again. I need to accept what has changed, and cherish the traditions that still stand. I’ve learned that we never know when our loved ones will leave us and that we need to treasure the moments we have together. Our family has changed, there’s no denying that. But during these times, both the good and the bad, I thank God for the blessings he has given me. Our traditions may change, but the purpose of Christmas has not. I look forward to the joy that comes with celebrating the birth of Jesus, even though changes have been made. Merry Christmas, Diary.”

Wiping her eyes, Avery closed the diary, and turned out the light. 

This snippet really made me sentimental, and touched my heart! Thank you for participating, Avery!

Congratulations to Michael and Avery!! And to the rest of you who participated, thank you for submitting your snippets! I loved reading them and you all did a fantastic job!

Have a blessed December!
~Willow

Postscript: I have another competition for New Year’s! This one is specifically for poetry. :) You can check out that post here, and I hope that you will all be able to participate!