The Dickinson Press 37th Annual Christmas Storybook (2024)

CHRISTMAS STORYBOOK

A collection of Christmas stories from local authors!

THANK YOU!

The Dickinson Press would like to thank the following Christmas Storybook sponsors for making this contest happen year after year:

Pre-K/Kindergarten Sponsor: Rattle and Roll Baby Boutique

1st/2nd Grade Sponsor: Paragon Bowl

3rd Grade Sponsor: Backyard Play Cafe

4th Grade Sponsor: Todd’s Old Time Photo Parlor

5th Grade Sponsor: Runnings

6th Grade Sponsor: Bravera

7th/8th Grade Sponsor: Coca Cola

9th-12th Grade Sponsor: Dickinson Parks & Recreation

Adult Sponsor: Liquor Warehouse

Overall Winner Sponsor: Western Cooperative Credit Union

Grand Prize Sponsor: Kirkwood Bank

Thank you to all the students and adults who entered this contest, and to all the teachers and parents for helping to get the stories submitted.

Hard work makes it happen!

Thank you to the Slope Area Retired Teachers Association for judging the contest!

Thank you to the businesses inside this Storybook whose advertising directly supports the printing of each story we receive - typos and all.

This adds to the overall childhood story.

If any stories were missed, please contact The Dickinson Press for publication at a later date in the newspaper.

The First Mermaid Christmas

By Teiah Hoerner

The mermaid’s first Christmas happened when Santa Claus gave her a lot of mermaid Barbies. She lost one of her Barbies. Then Santa gave her a very giant mermaid stuffy. And after that she was very happy. Then the next Christmas morning, the mermaid had her very own Christmas tree. And she hung ornaments on the Christmas tree. Santa Claus was happy that every kid on the earth had a present for Christmas. All the mermaids in the ocean and the princesses and the fairies had very much fun on Christmas. They played with their friends, they played with toys, and they played outside. Then they went to sleep.

A Farm-tastic Christmas Surprise By Inspiration Station Preschool Class

On Thanksgiving Day, Farmer Gold invited his family to dinner. They filled the barn with food, games, and lots of giggles. The farm animals had their own Thanksgiving celebration as well with their own treats and animal games. The barn was full of fun, but the most fun thing for all was playing with Farmer Gold’s cat named Turkey. Turkey was a fluffy orange cat with green eyes. He was named Turkey because he loved to wander around the farm, just like a turkey! He was a friendly cat that liked to chase around the chickens, horses, cows,

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sheep, and pigs! But on Thanksgiving night, Turkey wandered too far and went missing. The chickens checked their coops, the horses checked behind the haybales, and the pigs checked the mud puddles. Turkey couldn’t be found anywhere. The sheep cried out, “we want Turkey baaaaaa-ck!”

Soon, snow started to fall and Christmas was almost here. Farmer Gold saw Santa at the mall and asked for one Christmas wish – to have Turkey back home for Christmas. On Christmas Eve night, Santa gathered all his reindeer and started to deliver toys to all the boys and girls. As he was flying through the sky, Santa noticed something orange and fluffy in a tree. When Santa and his reindeer flew down into the woods, they noticed it was Turkey! On Christmas morning, Farmer Gold woke up to the cows moo-ing, the horses neigh-ing, and the chickens cluck-ing. Turkey was sitting under the Christmas tree with all the presents! It was the best Christmas surprise!

My Christmas Story

By Brianna Twogood

book about Brianna Twogood. Reindeer tell Santa some things, they are secrets from the kids. The elves tell Mrs. Claus things too, they are secrets from the kids.

Santa Cat

By Eastyn Sedivec

pretended to be sleeping so they could wrap the gifts. All day long was exciting, especially knowing Santa was coming that night. All the kids were cozy in their beds but Eastyn was very curious and crept down the stairs. Santa Cat had just put the last gift under the tree and began to drink the yummy milk and eat the sugar cookies when Santa Claus showed up. Santa Cat rushed out the door. “Why are there presents from Santa under the tree? Santa asked out loud. “And who ate some of the cookies and drank all the milk?” Eastyn quietly snuck back to bed.

Santa By Elsie

Jorgensen

Reindeer walking down the street. Santa walking down the street with the reindeer. And then elves walking down the street with them. They are going to the North Pole after giving lots of nice kids presents. At the North Pole, Santa sees Mrs. Claus reading a

One cold, frosty morning in December, an orange thirsty cat named Sherbert heard some kids while they were playing out in the snow. “Let’s build a snowman” said twelve year old Eastyn to her brother Graham. “Yeah, let’s build it for Santa Claus!” said Graham. “He is going to love this snowman almost as much as the milk and cookies we will put out for him on Christmas Eve.” Eastyn said excited. “Did I hear milk and cookies?” Sherbert thought to himself. “I will be the purrfect Santa Cat!” “Eastyn, get your brothers and come in the house for a Christmas cookie” their mom called from the front door. “Paxton, you have to stop eating snow now” Eastyn laughed. She picked him up and carried him inside and her brother Graham ran behind them. Sherbert went off to start looking on Amazon for a Santa Suit. Christmas Eve was a fun day. Eastyn woke up first and snuck quietly down the stairs so she wouldn’t wake her brothers. Their parents were just getting home from WalMart with a few more gifts and fresh milk for Santa. She ran back upstairs and

Santa went to his lab then he went on the sleigh delivering presents to peoples houses. He was on his sleigh with the reindeers in front of him. And then Santa was delivering presents but his sled broke. He walked to the sled shop, his sled was magical to fly when it was fixed. Now he could deliver more presents. Then he went back to the lab to make more presents! He delivered peoples presents again and the people woke up and saw presents at their Christmas trees. Santa went back to his lab and saw his family. He even saw his little brother, named Baby Santa. When Santa woke up the next morning he saw presents at his Christmas tree! The End.

The Elf who loved Hockey By

Hayes Lippert

Once upon a time in the cold snowy North Pole there was an elf named Connor. Connors job in Santas factory was making hockey sticks. He would test the sticks out every day on the ice rink. Conners dream was to play in the NHL someday for the Chicago Blackhawks. Santa saw how much Connor loved hockey, so he let him use the sticks after work and practice. All the elves saw how much fun Connor had playing hockey and asked if they could play? Connor said yes. The elves played every night together. They played so much Santa had to make skate sharpeners and sharpen their skates daily. Santa was starting to love hockey so much he became the coach, and all the elves loved him. The elves wanted to play against another team, so Santa gave his reindeer skates and sticks and magic powers. The elves named their team The Christmas Charms and the reindeer called

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well. The score was tied but with 5 seconds left in the third period Connor dangled the goalie and got the winning goal. Later that night Santa told Conner his dream came true. Connor got to move to Chicago and play for the Blackhawks in the NHL. Santa was proud of Conner for never giving up on his dream and making it come true.

My first time seeing Santa By Rozella Paque

My mom told me that I could see Santa. She gave me tickets to go on the Polar Express. I ran so, so, so fast to catch the Polar Express. I was so excited! I wouldn’t miss the Polar Express for the world. I was so happy that my mom gave me tickets for the Polar Express. I was so thankful. Because she got 2 tickets she got to come with me. We had a race and she ran as fast as she could but I ran faster. He glasses fell off when she was running and I tripped and landed on my face. It was so cold I was freezing. I had

my older sister, she was awake and, on her phone, playing a game. We finally arrived at the North Pole after a 10-minute wait. I saw Santa make all the toys with all the elves and he was super nice. He let me bring home 10 different Aphmau toys. And he gave me 9 candy canes to pass out to my family. My mom and I took the Polar Express home and I told my whole family about the trip on the Polar Express to the North Pole. We ate candy canes and drank hot cocoa with each other.

A New Snowman

Fiona Kadrmas

Once upon a time Santa was flying his sleigh in the air. It started snowing and magical snow made a snowman. The carrot nose smashed the snowman. Santa saw the splat! Santa used the fresh snow to make a new snowman. The End.

Christmas Robot

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CONTINUED FROM J4

It was so beautiful! People decorated it with ornaments that were shiny. And Pokemon ornaments too. And ribbons to make it a striped tree. They sang around the robot Christmas tree. The robot turned its blades into cookie cutters and made Christmas cookies for everybody. Santa Claus put presents for everybody under the Christmas tree. The robot felt so happy. The end.

Ayla and Christmas

By Grace Jorgensen

Once upon a time there was a little girl named Ayla. And one day she went on a walk to her grandmas house and brought her some flowers. And then she said, “How have you been doing?” Then her grandma said, “I’ve been doing good. Tell your mom she should have these biscuits I baked in the oven this morning.” Ayla said “Okay!” And she started her way back home and told her mom. Then she asked her mom, “Mom, what can I do?” Her mom said “Hmm…Maybe if you do some chores I’ll give you some money.” Then she did all her chores and her mom gave her money. So Ayla said, “Can I have a play date with my friend, Abby?” Her mom said “Yes. I can pick you up later,

unless you want to have a sleep over.” Ayla said “Sure!” And she packed her things. She was so happy and then Abby said, “Great. Can your sister come, too?” “Yes!” said Ayla. So Ayla and her sister went to Abby’s house for a sleepover. When they got there, they started to color. They had so much fun. When it was time for bed, they went to bed. The next morning, all the girls slept until 7:30 and then Ayla’s mom came to pick them up to go Christmas shopping. Ayla used her money from doing chores to buy presents for her friend and her little sister. Then when they got home, they decorated the Christmas tree. At lunch time, they ate the biscuits from grandma. The next day was Christmas, there were so many presents under the tree. Ayla opened all of them. She was happy to celebrate Christmas with all the people she loved. The end.

The Cows Christmas Tornado

By Gabriel Tippe

It was Christmas Eve, dad cow was putting up the Christmas lights while mom cow was putting up the Christmas tree and Fred, Jo, and Joey kid cows were setting up the decorations outside and inside. The presents were wrapped and stacked beneath the Christmas tree and every Christmas the dad cow reads a Christmas story, but this one is really special, it’s about Jesus. Everyone in the cow family loved it. In the middle of the story, they saw lightning. “I’m going to look out the window,” said mom cow. While mom cow was looking out the window Joey cow said, ‘’What’s out there?” “Just thunder and lightning,” Dad cow said. When mom cow got back from the window she said, “it is hailing too.’’ Fred said, “Will tornados form with hail and rotating thunderstorms? We might have a tornado.” Sirens started blaring, Ern-ern-ern! Jo said, “Is that a tornado warning?’’ Fred said, “Yes!” Dad cow said, ‘’Get to the storm shelter now!’’ ‘’Should we get the presents?’’ asked Jo. ‘’No, the tornado is coming now!’’ said dad cow. The tornado wreaks the barn house. The tornado was an E-F5, everything was gone. The cow family survived the tornado. They all said, “Thank you Jesus!”

On one stormy night, I was packing to go to Minnesota! This is always very exciting. It takes us 10 hours to get to my cousins and grandparent’s house. I just love going there, because it is so much fun! “Time for bed!” my mom said. Then I was fast asleep and I heard my mom say, “Time to get up!” It was morning already. I got ready to go so fast! Then I got in the car and 10 hours passed very quickly. Before I knew it, I was there at Grandma and Grandpa’s farm in Minnesota and it was dark. I didn’t know what to do first. “Well, I suppose you go get your pajamas on and come back down and say night prayers’’ Uncle David said. He lived there also. ’’O.K!” I said even though I wanted to do so many other things first. I did all the bedtime stuff and went my grandparent’s loft. I woke up in the morning! It was CHRIST-mas and all my cousins were there: Hannah, Bethany, Daniel, Ben, Kiernan, Cassadee, Sylvia. They are the best cousins in the world. I love them but I love God most of all. “Time for supper! To the Table!”, said Grandpa. “Let’s say prayers before we eat.” Grandpas said and began to pray. “Dear Jesus, thank you for the food and CHRIST-mas in Jesus’s name I pray Amen.”

After supper it was time to open CHRISTmas presents. Every year my grandpas gives us candy that we a love and make last a long time. Presents are not best part but us all celebrating how Jesus came to earth to rescue each of us from our sins. That is why we call it CHRIST-mas. This is why I call it CHRIST-mas with Cousins

The Story of Christmas Past By Brooklyn Klitzke

Once upon a Christmas in a far away land there was a wolf cub who did not know the true story of Christmas. Her name was Christa. She lived with her Mom, Dad, and a little sister named Lilly. Christa was so happy because Christmas was coming soon. It was Christmas Eve! Mom and Dad said, "Time for bed you two." Christa and Lilly said, "But it's Christmas Eve and I'm, (yawn), not sleepy yet!" Mom said, "Yes, you are! Now get into bed." "OK," they said. "Good Night." When they were asleep, there was a thud. They heard a growl, and then went back to bed, wondering what it was. Mom and Dad shouted, "Wake Up! It's Christmas! Christa said, "What did Santa get me?" Mom said, "You know that Christmas is not just all about presents, don't you?" Christa said, "Really? It's not?" "No!" Mom said. "The true meaning of Christmas is

celebrating the birth of Jesus." "Oh, ok. Thank you for telling me, Mom." "Anytime," mom said. Dad said, "That's nice, but the presents are missing." "That's ok, Dad. The true meaning of Christmas is sharing things with others and celebrating Jesus' birth. I love you guys."

Home Alone: Stable Version

By Thomas Hanstad

Once upon a time, there was a stableowner named Joshua. His donkey’s names were Naomi and Duke. One day, Naomi found a lost little donkey. Joshua couldn’t understand Naomi. To Joshua her voice sounded like: HEE-HAW! Naomi was trying to say, “I found this little fella. He should stay with us.” Naomi just secretly hid the donkey. Years later, Joshua died. Sadly, Naomi, Duke, and Bob (the little donkey) had to live in the DESERT. One day, they decided to go to BETHLEHEM! The next morning Naomi and Duke were so busy packing that they left Bob! When Bob woke up, he was not sad or scared, he was HAPPY! He even went back to the stable! But, there was a problem. There were animal’s footprints: WOLVES! Bob set traps around the stable. He heard a KNOCK KNOCK! Bob quickly opened the door ramming Paul and Fred (the two wolves). Since it

Christmas with Cousins By Sage Meier

was snowing, Paul and Fred SLIPPED on the ice. BONK! Bob left the door open so Paul and Fred would follow him to the next trap: a bucket of ice getting thrown off the stairs. KLUNK!!! After that, he put paint on the stairs that was slippery as ice. “Whoa!!! BONK!!!” After that, he tripped them with a string. Then Bob threw a brick at their faces!!! When they were knocked out, Bob was about to strike until the wolves’ owner stopped Bob!!! Bob thought he was going to die, but instead the wolves’ owner taught Bob the real meaning of Christmas. ”Hey, why are we fighting? Don’t you know the real meaning of Christmas?” “No.” Bob said. “The real meaning of Christmas is Christ being born. He came to save us.” So they all decided to worship Jesus together.

The True Meaning of Christmas

By Tatum Gelsinger

On Christmas Eve the Bakers were watching a Christmas movie. When the movie was done Christy’s parents said, “That’s the true meaning of Christmas.” Christy said, “What’s the true meaning of Christmas?” Her brother Becket said, “Jesus is the true meaning; the true story is way

more amazing than Santa Claus!” Benny her other brother begins to tell Christy about the true story. “A girl named Mary was engaged to a man named Joseph. One night an Angel of the LORD appeared and said, ‘Fear not, for I bring you good news of great joy. God has chosen you to bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus.’ When Mary told Joseph he was shocked! Soon Mary and Joseph had to travel to Bethlehem.” “Wait, who’s Joseph, and why are they going to Bethlehem?” asked Christy. Benny said, “Joseph is engaged to Mary remember? They were going to Bethlehem for the census.” “Oh yeah,” said Christy. Benny continued, “King Harod wanted to kill baby Jesus…” “Wait! What?! But baby Jesus wasn’t even born yet!” “King Harod heard about baby Jesus and that He was going to be the new King.” Benny continued, “When they got to Bethlehem, they checked lots of inns, but none had room for them. Then they found a stable nearby. Baby Jesus was born there! When Jesus was old enough, He went around telling the gospel! And later He died on the cross for our sins, so we can go to Heaven and have eternal life with Him.” Christy said, “That is amazing!” As they got in bed Christy prayed, “Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for sending Jesus to us. Thank you for being omnipresent, omnipotent, omniscient and sovereign.

Thank you for reminding us of the true meaning of Christmas. Amen.”

A Pup for Christmas

By Bode Sanchez

It was almost Christmas when a German Shepherd puppy named Crispy, Cris for short, was coming home from school. He saw some big bully bull dogs. He walked past quickly, but they trapped him. He was in big trouble! The leader said, “What are you doing, Boy?” Cris said, “I am going home.” They howled at him. Cris managed to slip under their legs running away. When Cris got home, he told his dad, Friederich, what happened. Friederich told Cris when he was a boy, bull dogs were after him too. The bull dogs were planning to bully another pup, so Cris gathered his friends to make a plan to stop the bulldogs. If they won a game of soccer, the bull dogs must stop bullying the other pups. The next morning at breakfast, Cris told his dad what the plan was. After breakfast, Cris got ready for school. As Cris was running home, he didn’t see the bullies hiding behind the fence. Cris had put a big stuffed pup that looked just like him in place for the bullies to jump on. Cris got home just in time. After dinner, it was time to play soccer. He gathered his friends. Cris said, “First to three wins!” The bullies scored the first goal. The pups scored the next two

goals. Cris’ team won! Now the bullies would have to stop bullying the pups. The next day was CHRISTmas! Cris learned he had a new pup brother named Joey!

Santa Clause is Lost By

Reece Melland

One day before Christmas, two pandas, Polo and Genesis, were getting ready for bed. They were so excited to see all the presents under the tree. The next morning, they rushed downstairs and found no presents! “Where did all the presents go?” asked Genesis. “I don’t know, there must be something wrong,” said Polo. “Santa Clause must be missing!” said Genesis. “Let’s go find him!” said Polo. They went on their journey toward the North Pole to find Santa. While looking for clues they ran into two German Shepherd Police dogs, Hans and Gunther. They believed Genesis and Polo had stolen money because they kept showing up where they were also looking. Hans asked them some questions to find out why they were here. Genesis and Polo explained they were looking for Santa. Gunther didn’t really believe in Santa but decided to let them go. Genesis and Polo continued to follow the trail of presents up Mount Everest. When they got to the top they saw Santa Claus packing presents into the sleigh. Genesis asked,

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CONTINUED FROM J7

“Santa, what are you doing? Why did you miss Christmas?” Santa said, “My sack broke and presents scattered everywhere. I’ve been gathering them all and don’t have any help.” Polo replied, “We can help!” They worked together to find all the presents and get them back in the sleigh. When it came time for Santa to leave, he asked the pandas to join him. On the way they saw Hans and Gunther below so Genesis asked Santa if they could fly lower to wave and give them their gifts. Gunther was so excited to see Santa was real! After all the presents were delivered, Santa flew Genesis and Polo back to their home and gave them extra presents for helping him save Christmas.

What’s Christmas

By Elliot Feland

Once upon a time there was a new hatched duck. His name was Bob-Jo Duckfurd. He didn’t know what Christmas was. His mom started to tell him “Once there was a girl named Mary. She was engaged to a guy named Joseph. God told Mary she would have a Son named Jesus. They went to Bethlehem and Mary gave birth to baby Jesus. Later, Jesus grew up and died for our sins”. “Wow I never knew that” BobJo said, “wait, so everybody is saved?” Bob-Jo’s mom explained “no, only people who believe in Jesus will be saved”. 30 years later, Bob-Jo told his son Bob-Jo Jr. about the meaning of Christmas, and their whole family believed in Jesus and knew about Christmas.

A Small Christmas

By Zoey Hagerott

Once upon a time, in a small village set at the foot of the Christmas forest. Lived an orange Tabby cat, she was not a regular cat but she was the smallest cat anyone had ever seen. She was bullied often causing her to cry an awful lot. The town cats picked on her relentlessly and would call her, “Pipsqueak”. One cold winter day, the town had no water. Any time they attempted to turn on the water, no water would come from the pipes. When Pipsqueak walked past she saw a large crowd of cats. She taped a gray cat on the shoulder and asked “What is with all commotion?” “The water must be frozen and no one is small enough to fit in the pipes to break up the ice! This is the worst Christmas ever!” A Calico cat sobbed. Oh no! Thought Pipsqueak ”Well… I might be able to fit.” She offered. A young kitten overheard Pipsqueak’s offer and pleaded ”Please save Christmas!” This made Pipsqueak determined to help as she pushed through the crowd until she was at the front opening of the big pipe. ”Oh look who it is!! It’s Pipsqueak! She is smaller than a newborn kitten and cries like one!” Teased one of the bullies. Pipsqueak more determined then ever to show her strength, climbed into the pipe. After long

4TH GRADE

minutes water came rushing out. Everyone was startled and cried out in joy, but then quickly concerned mummers was heard. “Mr. Mayor, Where is Pipsqueak?” Asked the young kitten. Seconds later everyone heard a splash and loud gasp. “Pipsqueak!” the town cried out in joy. “Wow…” the bully said “I don’t think could ever be that brave…” In a large celebration that evening. Pipsqueak was given a metal for bravery by the Mayor. It’s not the size of your body but the size of your heart that matters.

The Christmas Hedgehog

By Kalea Fritz

My friends and I are planning a Christmas party in Aspen’s garage. “We should invite the guests." Aspen began. "Do we have everything?" Aspen grabbed a clipboard and started calling guests. "What is this?" Averie questioned, pointing to a ball with spikes. "I don’t know", I admitted and called for Aspen. "Coming!" Aspen called sweetly. "What do you need me for?" "We were wondering if you knew what this is?", I questioned her. "I’ll ask my mom," Aspen said, running into her house. Aspen came running with her mom. When Aspen’s mom picked up the ball, it moved! "What is it?!" We insisted while bouncing up and down as if we were jumping beans. "It's a hedgehog

and she's adorable!" replied Aspen's mom. "Aww it is!" Aspen replied. Aspen's mom paused, "Well I guess you can keep it" she says, sounding just a little bit unsure. It was the day before the party. I went and grabbed treats and Averie grabbed the hedgehog. "We should name the hedgehog." Averie explained, "we should name it Nala!" I stated. "I mean who wouldn't want that name!" Aspen gasped. "Or what about Zippy or what about Zoe!!" "I got it!" Squealed Aspen. "Love!" We all loved the beautiful name. “We should have a hedgehog themed party!” Averie blurted. We all high fived in agreement! The party day has finally arrived, with twenty-four people in all. Averie stated, “All we need is the hedgehog.” Aspen visits with the guests. Everything was going well, when Averie came running, "Where did we put Love last night?" Averie huffed. "I don't know." I replied. "I forgot to tell you that Love is in the big room." Aspen said loudly. Averie found Love and saved the party! The Christmas party was amazing!

Sadie's Christmas Play

By Liza Stadheim

Sadie awoke thinking about her Christmas program at church that night. She was going to be Mary. “Do you know your lines or do you think you should practice again?” asked

Mom. “Hmmm,” Sadie thought, “I think I know them, but maybe I should practice one more time.” “Good idea,” said Mom. That afternoon Mom found Sadie in her room looking for her costume. “Sadie, I have some disappointing news for you.” “Oh, what is that?” asked Sadie. Sitting down on the bed, Mom said, “The wind has picked up and the roads are too snowy to travel. Your program tonight has been canceled.” “Oh,” Sadie answered in a small voice with tears in her eyes. “What about my costume? What will we do with it?” “Maybe we could have our own Christmas program right here at our house,” Mom suggested. “That's a good idea!” Sadie said, suddenly brightening up. “Can we do it tonight?” “Of course!” Mom smiled. “I'll fix some refreshments while you get ready.” Sadie bounced off to get her costume on. “I'm ready!” she called. “Alright, so am I,” said Mom. As Sadie acted, Mom and Dad clapped. “Yay for Sadie!” they cheered. After the play, they sat down for refreshments. Then Sadie ran over to the nativity set. As she turned on the music she thought about Christmas and how Jesus had been born to save the world. She thought about the Christmas program and how it hadn't turned out as she'd expected. “Daddy,” said Sadie, “I really haven't thought about it much until now,

but I'm so thankful Jesus came to save the world. Christmas is very meaningful to me now and it's ok that I missed my program. Everything turned out just fine.” Dad and Mom smiled proudly.

From Darkness to Light

By Rawley Hammond

There is a legend from long ago, about a far planet that was very cold and dark with only two inhabitants, Cryo and Arcane. They were both really lonely, cold and afraid. Ravenously, Cryo sprinted around looking for something to eat when he came upon a monument. It had the words “Holy Bible” written on the side of what seemed to be not a monument, but a book! Cryo pondered this and decided to get Arcane, as maybe he would know about this monumental book. Arcane, wandering through the forest, was moaning in hunger, hunger for knowledge. Cryo saw him in the distance. Breathlessly he shouted “Arcane come quick! I found something!” Arcane caught up to Cryo and followed him to the monument. “What is this?” Gasped Arcane as he felt his way along the book. He and Cryo marveled at the enormity of it. Suddenly, as if drawn

by a warmth they had never known they both reached the side of the book. “I’ll open it,” announced Cryo. *Open*. “Ahhh the light!” Suddenly, the trees lit up, the sky lit up, Cryo and Arcane lit up, the world lit up! They saw two characters passing by, headed to a town called Bethlehem. The woman’s name was Mary the man’s name was Joseph. Mary looked about to give birth…45 minutes later…Mary gave birth to a boy, whom she named Jesus and placed in a manger. Three years later…three wisemen appeared bearing gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. The light hadn’t been coming from the book. It came from Jesus! Cryo and Arcane were so excited and happy the light of the world had come they had a huge snowball fight. “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.” Isaiah 9:1

Grand Snow Hill

By Edison Reinbold

One day in December, just two days before Christmas, there were two young kids sledding down the Grand Snow Hill. Their names were Jack and Anny. They went down the hill one more time and then went home to decorate their Christmas Tree. When they got home, their mom had hot chocolate and marshmallows ready. After dad got the tree in place, they started to decorate the Christmas Tree. Anny hung

up the rainbow lights and Jack hung up the ornaments. They both put on the Christmas Star. Mom and Dad wrapped the presents and put them under the tree. The next day they went sledding on the Grand Snow Hill again. Jack wanted to go down a different path by himself. When he was halfway down, there was a big rock covered in thick snow. Jack went over the rock and went high in the air. When he landed, the sled broke in half. Anny shouted, “Jack, are you okay!” Jack replied, “Ya! But the sled is broken.” “Oh, no!” said Anny. Jack and Anny went home to tell their parents what happened. After that they ate supper and went to bed. On that Christmas morning, when they woke up, the first thing they did was run downstairs to open their presents. They saw many presents under the tree. They waited for mom and dad so they could open the presents together. Finally, they came to the last present. It was a big present for them. Together they opened the box and laughed with joy. It was a brand, new sled! After they cleaned up the wrapping paper and ate breakfast, they got dressed to go out in the snow. Jack and Anny were excited to sled down the Grand Snow Hill on their new sled.

The End

Santa Loses His Magic By Lucas

Gregoire

One evening in the North Pole Santa,

couldn’t muster up any bit of his magic. A fable spoke of a sorcerer in a mystical forest who could restore magic but, with a cost! Nobody has ever returned from the mystical forest ever. Santa tried to regain his magic but no matter what he tried nothing worked, until there was a message by the sorcerer. Then the magic message spoke, “I hear your magic is fading, I can restore it but with a deadly cost. We can talk more later.” Santa gathered his supplies and journeyed to the mystical forest. On his way things seemed abnormal, the trees were talking in a way they were also like moving. Finally he stepped into sticky snow he couldn’t move. He was like cemented in it. Then he heard footsteps behind him crinkling in the snow then from behind the trees out came the evil sorcerer that was told. “I thought I caught a wild chicken,” She spoke. Later they traveled to the sorcerer’s hut in the mists of the woods. The hut was strange and peculiar there were two kinds of rooms a kitchen and living room. The living room had a dark navy blue carpet and the kitchen had wood tiling on the floor. Then she announced, “You can only work with South Pole elves if want to restore your magic. “ Santa didn’t want to make the deal but he did anyway. When he returned home the elves lost their minds! He was stressed, Santa could not do anything. At the

4TH

workshop the elves were always parting day and night, Christmas was ruined. Santa had to make all the toys himself. He worked day and night continuously to save Christmas and he did just that.

Santa goes crazy

By Olivia Scanlon

Once upon a time in a place called the North pole, there was a crazy Santa . It was the day before Christmas and Santa went crazy. Someone needed to stop him. Elves and the gingerbread man lived in Santa's workshop. Santa woke up and got out of bed. Then he went around the whole world doing absolutely nothing but causing trouble. Then he released all the reindeer and the elves did not know how to get them back. The elves had to figure out how to get the reindeer back. One of them said, “We should make a rocket ship!” They all agreed on that. While they were making it, they thought, how do we get Santa to stop going crazy? One of them said, “we should make a potion. The head elf said,”How are we supposed to make a potion?” “Oh, we should just find special ingredients and test them on him until it works.” said the really short

4TH GRADE

one. Then the head elf said "What if the main ingredient is poison!” The short one replied,”if it's poison, I don't know what to do!” The head elf said ,”instead of testing it on crazy santa we should do it on the crazy polar bear.”The really , really short one said.”yes that would be perfect!”They all agreed on that so they did it. “Okay we've got the perfect potion.”Said the head elf . “Okay now we can give it to Santa “Wait!” screamed the small elf.”We first need to test it on the polar bear just in case.” “I tested it on the polar bear. It works great,” the head elf blurted. Now we have to catch Santa. The short elf said .”ready…….set…….GO! They flew up into the air. They were going so fast, other elves were staring with their mouths open. “Woah,” said one of the elves watching. “Okay we found Santa.Now throw the potion in his mouth,” yelled the two. “Pew, Woah!” That was the biggest burp ever. “Oh look Santa is all better.” said the small elf. “Finally,” mumbled them both. They ended that day by having a crazy party.

Quest’s Stolen Christmas

By Quest Baker

Deep in the forests of the Black Hills, there was a winter wonderland. In the distance there was a sound of Jingle Bell Rock, coming from the largest cabin you've ever seen. Inside a family was baking up some

sugar, Christmas cookies, excited for Santa to come. The cabin was filled with the aroma of fresh cookies that made Quest’s tummy grumble with joy. The Christmas tree was decorated with lights and ornaments that made Journeys heart swell with happiness. Meanwhile, Johnny the bad reindeer, was planning a heist in his lair. His lair was located on the dark side of the forest. Johnny was mean and didn't have interest in being friends with anybody, so, he didn't get any presents. It was kind of his own fault he didn't have any friends, but he didn't need any. He felt better stealing presents, in his opinion. Back at the cabin they had a few cookies. Then they started watching the Grinch. While watching, Quest said to Journey “What happens if someone steals my presents after the movie? Do you want to help me set up traps for anyone that tries to steal my presents?” Journey said “YES!” She didn’t want her presents stolen, like the people in the movie. They began to set up the traps downstairs. After a few hours of setting up traps they got really tired and went to bed. Later that night, after they went to bed, Johnny the bad reindeer started his heist. He went to every cabin in the woods until he got to the last house, Quest and Journey’s house. He didn't know they set up traps! He accidentally tripped and fell into a trap. Quest heard the racket

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and hustled downstairs to see what had happened! He saw Johnny and asked, “why are you trying to steal our presents?” Johnny whimpered “I don't have friends, so I don't get any presents.” Johnny started to tear up which made Quest and Journey feel compassionate. Quest offered to be friends and Johnny said, “Are you sure you want a reindeer in your life?” “I'm sure!” said Quest.

Snownado

By Jeremiah Hebertson

It was around 8:10-ish, but it was quite unusual weather for Apple Valley, California, because it was snowing there. On that day a young boy named Max was getting ready for school. He rushed out the door running for the school bus. He was already late! Max is about 10 years old, and he is in the fourth grade. As he runs to the bus, he can see his breath and his fingers are numb. Running to the bus he waves goodbye to his mom and dad. Max gets on board, “Good morning Mr. Adams!” “What took you so long?” Said Mr. Adams. “Uhm… Well, I slept in a bit too late.” Max said. “That explains it.” Mr. Adams replied.

CRASH! BANG! WACK! “What was that?” exclaimed Mr. Adams. “There Mr. Adams!” Max pointed. A snow funnel was tunneling down from the sky. It started to take shape as a tornado. Max always wanted to see a tornado, but never thought he would see a snow tornado! “Go! Go! Go! Mr. Adams!” exclaimed Max as the bus takes off and rushes to the school. Right outside the school there was a dog. Max grabs the dog and then takes off again towards the door of the school. When Max gets in, he slams the door shut. Max grabs the phone and issues a tornado warning, as the dog squirms around in his arms. Once Max is done, he hollers out to the whole school to get to safety right as the sirens start to go off. When he gets himself to safety he finds Mr. Adams. He could hear the roof getting ripped off as snowflakes spun all around Max. Once it was over they all got out and marveled at the damage because the tornado was a EF5!

The Bakery Miracle By

Abigail Ficek

The aroma of fresh sugar cookies whiffed through the air. It was ten days till Christmas, and Aubrey still had to decorate, buy gifts, and cook a meal for her Christmas party. Now, if you’ve ever been to the Manhattan Bakery, you know that

they sell the best cookies. The Manhattan Bakery is where Aubrey’s family lives. Her grandparents started the bakery in 1977, and now it is a family-owned business. Aubrey is so stressed with everything she has to do, she forgets the true meaning of Christmas! While she was so stressed and basically going bananas, someone was out in the cold just watching her, waiting for the right moment to tell her about the most important thing in the world. Then, out of nowhere, a guy wearing a plaid shirt, blue jeans, and cowboy boots walked in through the front doors. Now, the store was open, but it was Christmas break, and everybody had already bought their cookies, so…Aubrey was very confuzzled when she saw him walk in. “Hello.” said the stranger. “Hi.” replied Aubrey “What could I get you?”

“Just two boxes of a dozen sugar cookies.” answered the stranger. “Ok. That will be out in a jiffy!” declared Aubrey. “Can I get a name for the order?” “Toby” he replied. The cookies weren’t done yet, so Toby spoke up. “Sigh…I love Christmas, don’t you?” questioned Toby. “Yeah.” replied Aubrey. “I can’t believe our Savior’s birth is just a few days away!” exclaimed Toby. When suddenly, it hit Aubrey! The real meaning of Christmas is Jesus’s birth! When Aubrey went to go get the cookies out of the oven, he was gone. Toby just vanished! Then Aubrey

realized Toby must have been the Holy Spirit in disguise.

My Elf By Jayli Morris

I have an elf and his name is Red. I don’t know how I came up with Red. But any who let’s go through the magic of this elf. Not April, June, or September does he come but in late November. He wears a red hat like his name and the rest of his outfit is just the same. Every night they say he flies to the North Pole through the skies. He does this so he can tell Santa if I’ve been naughty or nice. Then he plays with all his friends and then he says goodbye. And flies through the skies one more time. He then hides in a special place either sneaky, funny, or unique. When I wake up in the morning, I look through the house and try to find this sneaky mouse. When I find him, I yell that I have. And my sister comes rushing to me. We then giggle at this elf and eat from our chocolate count downs. He stays remained there safe and sound as I live through the day. He keeps his focus on our words and remembers in his mind. He repeats this until Christmas night then we must say goodbye. On Christmas day we look around, but he seems to not be found. Although we missed him, we had our fun and opened our presents under the tree. Then we’ll have to

wait for next year to see my buddy again. All through the year he talks to his peers, and they have a blast with each other! He talks about my sisters’ and my behavior. As more months go by, he watches my behavior ever so carefully not to get caught. To make sure I’m not just nice in the best holiday times! The end.

Lily Saves Christmas

By Averie Black

One nightfall a girl named Lily who was nine years old had just gotten off an airplane at the North Pole. She got dropped off at “Santa's Workshop.” When she got to the enormous, ginormous, humongous door, she knocked and it made a loud echo. All of Santa's elves stopped and one of them went to open the door. Her name was Symphony. The elves were looking at her in a weird way although Lily did not really mind. But they let her in anyway. “What are you doing here?” Symphony asked. “Do you want some hot chocolate?” added another elf. “Sure!” exclaimed Lily. “Oh yeah, why I am here…..” answered Lily. “Hello Lily!” said Santa in a chuckling voice. “Hello, Santa!” cheered Lily. “I was here to deliver a very

special letter.” As Lily checked in her bag…. “Oh no! I left it on the airplane!” “Lily, I need your help to save Christmas!” called Santa “Ok,” said Lily, “What do you need help with?” “My reindeer fell asleep and won’t wake up!” said Santa. “Hmmmm, oh! I have a recipe for that! It’s called Christmas Carrot Cake!” exclaimed Lily. “Ho, Ho, Ho, Christmas is saved!” as Santa’s belly bellowed up as he chuckled a bit. And Lily mixed flour, eggs, sugar, carrots, and put a little bit of Christmas magic that Santa gave her into the mix. She then turned on the oven at 350 degrees and it baked the cake for 30 minutes. When it was done, they fed it to the reindeer and they woke up. They heard Santa with his jolly voice yell, “Ho, Ho, Ho!

Off we go! Merry Christmas to all!” P.S.

Even Lily received a special note from Santa on her gift that said “Thanks Lily who saved Christmas Day!, Love Santa”

Peachy's First Christmas - Part I

By Hannah Binstock

Hi! I'm Peachey and this is my first Christmas and also I'm a cat! I'm just a baby and I have been really bad but I don't think I have been that bad I only have drove really fast past red lights and robbed some banks but I don't think it's that bad because who is watching me not like my owners because I do all this at night. One night my owners

brought out a tree and decorated it and it was really bright too bright well I think. So one night I snuck out of the room and climbed up the tree and then it fell over and all the ornaments fell off and my mission was complete. The next morning my owners got mad at me and locked me up. I was glad because I was away from the annoying dog. I destroyed it again. One night when I was sleeping I saw a big fat guy. I was scared so I went back to sleep. When I woke up I saw presents! I was looking for mine and I only got one. My owner opened it for me and what I saw was black circles. My owners said it was coal and said I was bad. It came with a note that said... Dear Peachey, you were very bad this year. I hope you learned your lesson by not getting a gift this year. From... Santa. I learned my lesson and now I won't rob banks, speed past red lights, and most importantly I won't break the xmas tree. Oh! Also I remember I saw a bright star that night. The star was too bright to the point I could barely sleep. So after the big fat guy, I think his name is Santa, I don't know but after he left I snuck out to find where the star was at. The light lead me to a stable with a guy named Joseph and a lady named Mary having a baby. I saw a sheep, a donkey, and a bird and they asked me to help keep a royal dog walker from unaliving their baby. What we all did was make the

dog walker fall down a cliff by the sheep's heard knocking the dog walker and his dogs of the cliff. We saved the dogs though. We all headed back to the stable and the baby was born! There was also three wise men with three camels and there also was a horse, cow, and goat. All of us even the dogs went into the stable to sleep. In the morning I went back home and told my sister Luna all about my adventure, even Lizzy the dog! Lizzy believed me but Luna said prove it. I said ok wait til next Christmas! The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. Isaiah9:1...To be continued!... Im doing the next story next year!...P.S. We love Peachey and he isn't bad at all... well he did break some ordements already.

Lily’s Journey

By Aspen Hoerner

Once there was a seven year old girl named Lily Rally. She had a mom named Lia, a dad named Joe, two brothers named Russel and Dursley, and a sister named Rose. Lily had a really happy life until...The Rallys lived in North Dakota near Dickinson. They lived in a small but beautiful house with four bedrooms. Each bedroom had a colorful bed, shiny desk, and a lovely plant. Lia and Joe were planning a long vacation for the family. They were going to ride a giant boat across the Atlantic Ocean and travel to Bethlehem.

4TH GRADE

4TH GRADE

CONTINUED FROM J14

Lia and Joe alerted the kids the day before the vacation, The kids were so excited! The next day they were headed to the vessel. The boat ventured off towards a different continent. It was dusk now and a storm was headed towards them. The captain yelled, “Get below deck, you will be safe down there!” “Come on, follow me below deck,” declared Joe. Waves were crashing into the boat. Boom! “Lily,” shouted Lia, but it was too late. She had crashed headfirst into the wall and fell to the ground. All of a sudden part of the ship exploded into pieces! A rescue ship showed up and rescued all of the survivors. They traveled for days, and after losing family they felt miserable. Finally, they made it to Bethlehem, but there was nowhere to stay, except with these people in a stable. They were having a baby named Jesus, the Messiah. They were happy that they found out the true meaning of Christmas: Jesus’ birth.

The Story of My Christmas

By Lincoln Worthington

This Christmas I have been thinking of a story that I am going to write and I am going to tell it. Last year, I was going to trap

Santa on Christmas Eve. I went to hide in his sleigh and accidentally went for a crazy ride. I went through a teleport thing-a-majig back to his workshop. Don’t worry, I survived the ride. When I got there I was freezing cold. I was as cold as an ice cube so Santa gave me a blanket and a heater to warm me up. When we got to the workshop, I saw all the reindeer that Santa talked about. Their names were Rudolph, Blitzen, Comet, Cupid, Dasher, Donner, Vixen, Dancer and Prancer. I also got to see Mrs. Claus. She gave me some hot chocolate. It hit the right spot. Before I left the workshop, Santa gave me a jingle bell and Mrs. Claus gave me two cookies. One cookie will give me confidence and the other cookie would explode if it gets thrown. Later Vixen got very sick and Santa said there was only one way to make Vixen better. He sent me on a mission to find a red flower. I had to travel to the Bridger Mountain and gather the red flowers that only grew in the snow. When I was about to start climbing, a snow leopard was there on the mountain. I threw the cookie that explodes at the snow leopard and he ran away. I started to climb the snowy mountain to find the red flowers. Once I got through the tall trees, I found a bunch of red flowers. I picked five flowers and put them in my bag. My hands were freezing and I hurried down the mountain to get back to Santa and his

reindeer. Santa gave Vixen the red flowers and he felt better in five minutes. I saved the day! Santa let me ride in his sleigh to get back home. It was the best Christmas ever!

Santa Saves The Day

By Kiley Roller

Once there was a girl named Payton, and a boy named Braxton. They lived in an enormous mansion. It always glimmers in the sun when snow gets on it. They were brother and sister. One day Payton shouted,'' Come here Braxton!'' ''Ok, just give me one second! 'replied Braxton. Payton was in the living room with her coat, shoes, and everything on. She was dressed quite fancy. When Braxton came storming down the stairs he was in his pajamas. "You are not supposed to be wearing those but whatever, let's go." murmured Payton. "Go where?" asked Braxton. "To the one and only...... Target!" Payton replied. "Ok, I guess." questioned Braxton. "What are we doing there?" he asked. "Well, you are going to buy me everything I want, so basically you are going to be Santa." exclaimed Payton. "What, why?" Braxton snapped. "Because I was naughty this year so Santa won't give me any presents this year." responded Payton. "Too bad, I'm not going to do that." quoted Braxton. "Well, that is too bad because you have to." yelled Payton. "Ok, fine!" yelled

Braxton. Finally, they got to Target. "But wait, why can't an elf get you a present?" smirked Braxton."Because they work together!" added Payton. "Alright, let's go inside, get you some popsicles, and get out of this despicable place." mumbled Braxton. "Wait a second." yelled Payton, "number one, this is not a despicable place, number two, that is not all you are getting me, because last year you smashed my Nintendo switch, so you are going to get me an even better one! Yea! Let's go in!" screamed Payton. Finally, they made there way into Target. Payton started putting everything into the cart. Sometimes she even made him carry the cart instead of pushing it! That made him mad. He ran with the cart to self checkout and hurried out. Braxton hastily got in the car with Payton. When they arrived, which seemed like a second, Braxton took his pajamas off and ran outside in the backyard. He saw a shadow on the roof that made a jingling noise. He pondered what the jingling noise was. "Oh, it's Santa!" yelled Braxton. "Finally, I don't have to be Santa!" he mumbled. Santa heard what he said, and came down. "Come with me, and I will give you presents to pay back what happened." exclaimed Santa. Braxton hopped on his sled and went away for the night! "Ho, Ho, Ho, Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!" cheered Santa.

5TH GRADE

The Brave Elf

By Brooklyn Porter

There once was a elf, a little elf you see- one that would spread joy and happiness when you would look at him. He loved Christmas! This brave little elf's name was Tinsel. You see, Tinsel was small but he was mighty and brave. This story wouldn't be a thing and there wouldn't have been a Christmas for some kids that year if it wasn't for Tinsel. Listen up, get cozy, drink some hot chocolate and get into the Christmas spirit while this story unfolds about brave little Tinsel. One Christmas Eve, Santa needed to bring one brave, smart elf to help deliver presents. Santa gathered all the elves. Everyone wanted to go. The room was loud until Santa said "WELCOME TO CHRISMAS EVE! I'M PROUD OF YOU ALL, but I can only bring one helper." Everyone shouted "ME!" Santa chuckled. Tinsel was jumping trying to get Santa's attention when Santa suddenly said "TINSEL!" Everyone clapped. With Tinsel ready, they started going. They were 200 miles away from the North Pole when Tinsel realized there was a present stuck on the side of the sleigh. He reached but couldn't get it. He stretched as hard as he could but fell out of the sleigh into the snowy woods. Tinsel kept calm, shining his light- hoping Santa would see it. Santa realized he fell

but he couldn't get the sleigh and reindeer stopped! One hour later Santa was at the North Pole picking up two big elves to help find Tinsel. They found him in the woods making snowmen and guarding the present. They brought him to help deliver presents to the other side of the world, saving Christmas! After, they went to the workshop and had a party. Santa said "Ho-ho-ho, merry Christmas!" while the elves sang and danced.

One Christmas Night

By Zander Farstveet

Once upon a time it was a snowy night. Snow falling like ashes after an eruption. Life was simple, but not for one man. His name was Jeremy, he had work five days a week, 10 hours a day. He just got back from work when he realized his window was open. He got in to see if it was a robbery. But when he got in he saw so many presents. He was so confused, it was a day before Christmas. He called the cops and told them about what happened. They checked for finger prints but found none. This was so strange so he went to sleep at his house and had cameras all over the place now. He woke up in a strange place. It looked like the North Pole. He was so scared and confused about what happened. He got up

in a strange house, so he looked around and saw a lot of tiny men. And there was a woman baking cookies in an oven. But in a room on a chair there was a guy with a white beard. He was Santa Claus!!! But that was impossible, he must be dreaming. Santa got up and said, “Ho ho ho!! Welcome Jeremy.” “What am I doing here!” said Jeremy. “You’re here because I need you. I had a hard time making enough presents for all the children because a lot of my elves are missing. And I need to now were they went.” Said Santa. “But why do you need me.” Said Jeremy. “Because when you were a kid you liked to be a detective.” Said Santa. Jeremy looked around and found them in the janitor’s closet. “I found them!” so Santa thanked him for his service and Jeremy went home happily.

The week before Christmas By Drew Thilmony

It’s the week before Christmas, on the 18 th of December. One stormy night at 10:36pm. A boy was sleeping until a big boom happened. He heard the rain hit the window. The rain slowly turned into booms. The boy’s name is Jackson. Jackson starts to hear footsteps. Then his cat walks into his room. His cat is an orange cat. His cat’s name is Pumpkin. “Pumpkin you scared

me.” Jackson said. Then three days later. There was another storm at 1:32 pm. The wind is screaming outside. The rain is hitting the window. Four days later now it’s Christmas day. Everyone is having a jolly time. Jackson got what he want.

The Christmas Story By Ryer Thompson

Once upon a time in a town in a mysterious place. The town that hated Christmas but one little girl loved it the most. On Christmas eve everyone was working in boredom the one little girl named Sam was sad cause no one liked Christmas. She thought and thought and thought and finally had an idea. That day she went to her neighbor Harrys front door and rang the doorbell. He answered the door, then she started sinning jingle bells. She sang and sang and when the song was over Harry shut the door in madness. The little girl was sad and went back to her house and thinks of a new plan. That afternoon she had another idea she is going to set up a party. There’s a boy the only other person to believe in Christmas. Sam told the boy about the plan and he said yes. They waited till midnight and they were still partying and waiting for someone. Sam and the little boy tuck were tired but they had to

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

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stay up all night. It was 1:00 and there was something in the sky that was magical. Everyone was curious and thought what it could be? Someone yells its Santa everyone was surprised cause no one believed in him. Everyone was happy and joyful. The girl was happy and Santa gave every one presents and said merry Christmas. That mourning everyone opened their presents and was happy. Even at the North Pole Santa, Mrs. Clause and all of the elves were happy and joyful and celebrating with the success in delivering every present. Sam and Tuck did it they made the town believe in Christmas. That afternoon everyone went to the middle of town and sang Christmas songs for Santa Claus.

The Christmas Bear

By McKenzi Olheiser

Once upon a time a little girl named Ev who was having the best time of her life Christmas shopping with her mom and dad. Then her whole life changed, or so she thought. As she passed by a store window she saw a Christmas bear. She ran into the store, grabbed the bear, and gave the bear a big hug. She asked her mom and dad if she

5TH GRADE

could have the bear. Her mom and dad said she would have to wait for Christmas. What she did not know is that when her mom and dad saw her with the bear they already knew it was the perfect gift for Ev. Ev’s dad told her to put the bear down. When Ev and her mom walked out of the store After dad bought the Christmas bear without little Ev knowing. He was so excited for his daughter to get it on Christmas morning. When they got back to the car they asked their little Ev what she wanted for Christmas. Sadly, she said all she wanted was the Christmas bear from the store. They told Ev she must put that on Santa’s Christmas list. Ev said that she hadn’t even started it yet. As soon as Ev got home, she went to her desk in her room and started writing her list to Santa. Her list only had one thing on it, and it was the Christmas bear. Two days later Ev got a letter back saying “I can try to give you that bear, but they are sold out.” She cried all night. The next day was Christmas. There was only one gift under the tree, the Christmas bear. Ev was so excited!

Santa’s Crazy Christmas

By Katelyn Triplett

“What are you doing Jasper? It smells like burnt cookies out there! You know I don’t like burnt cookies!” Yelled Santa. Jasper the elf didn’t answer. “Jasper…?” Said Santa.

“I’m coming over to the kitchen!” Yelled Santa. Santa is getting worried now. “Why isn’t Jasper responding? Is he ok?” Santa thought in confusion. Santa carefully took the burnt cookies out of the oven and let them cool down before he threw them in the garbage. He continued to pack up the sleigh when he noticed that Click Clock and Candy Cane weren’t bringing anymore presents. “What is going on?” Asked Santa in confusion. Santa looked all over the North Pole, but the only people/animals that were there were Santa, Mrs. Claus, Santa’s owl Snowflake, and his 9 reindeer. Santa gave Snowflake a letter to give to the elves saying, “Dear elves, Christmas is in trouble because you guys aren’t here in the North Pole! Tell me where you guys are so that I can come get you, and we can prepare for Christmas!”

Sincerely, Santa Cause Snowflake delivered the letter to the elves and returned a letter for Santa saying, “Santa, we are so sorry that we left you! An evil man named Victavouse, asked us elves if we can all help him get his dog unstuck, so of course, we wanted to help, but instead he took away our magic and drove us all the way out to Florida! He locked us in a cage with no way out. Please come quickly so we can finish Christmas!” Sincerely, The elves. Santa went to go look for the elves, found them, and gave

them back their magic and Christmas was back on track!

The Candy Canes Journey

By Everly Tosner

An elf looks at me and says, "Aww another perfect candy cane!” He wraps me up with a pretty red bow and puts me in a big red sack. A big man puts me in a sleigh. His beard is as white as snow; he is as jolly as joy. He sits down on the sleigh. He shouts out, “Now Dasher, now Dancer, Prancer, and Vixen, on Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen, and Rudolph.” Off we go! I see colors everywhere as we go through the northern lights. He stops on a rooftop and grabs me and a present. We slid down the chimney. He sets the present by the tree and me in a stocking. He goes back to the chimney. I hear kids waking up and laughing with joy. Adults crying out, “It's too early!” A kid opens my wrapper and to my surprise…CHOMP!

Christmas Story By Samantha

Malig

Once upon a time, one family celebrated Christmas Eve. They cooked food and after that, they went to bed. At 12:00am, they woke up to go to church. After church, they went home. One of their daughters went to sleep while the parents and the grandma wrapped the gifts. When they woke up in

5TH GRADE

CONTINUED FROM J17

the morning, it was Christmas time. The family is now getting dressed up. They showered and changed clothes, got their hair done, and now they are ready to go to the Christmas party. They arrived at the aunt’s house and they cooked some food. They cooked homemade pasta and they opened some gifts. They played a lot of games. The kids played on the trampoline. After the Christmas party, they went home and watched a movie. Her cousin planned to have a sleepover at their grandma and grandpa’s house. They had a fun Christmas.

Santa's Retirement

By Lyam Thomas

A long time ago, it was Christmas Eve and Santa was getting very old and decided to retire. The elves begged him not to but, Santa didn't listen and left. The head elf, Lisa, didn't know what to do. She decided to talk to other elves, Bob and Eddy. They left and started delivering presents. The first house wasn't easy. The girl, Ruth, was whining because Santa didn't eat her cookies. The next houses were pretty easy . Until the fifth house. The elves went in and heard an alarm go off. Before they could

5TH GRADE

react, a boy came down the stairs and said" I thought Santa delivered presents not elves " so the elves told him the story. The elves decided to take him with. They went to every house in the neighborhood. City to city, the night was full of many adventures. Some houses were easy and some were different but, in the end, they finished. After the last house, they went back to Timmy's house and gave him a hat, Santa's hat. The elves went back to the North Pole.

The Best Christmas Story

By Tyson Herner

Once upon a time, there was a little girl. She was 15 years old. Her mom is 39 years old, her dad is 41 years old, and her brother is 11 years old. They live in Kansas City in a house beside Patrick Mahomes. Her name is Emily and her brother's name is Theo. Emily’s sister, Daquiri, is 16 years old. The dad’s name is Hayden. Molly is the mom. On Dec. 4th Molly was setting up the lights. Then Hayden asked Molly if she wanted to set up the Christmas tree. But Molly said, “I will stay outside to try to finish the lights.” In the house, Theo brought the tree upstairs to decorate it. Hayden said, “Theo, you need to bring the ornaments up here.” In the meantime, Molly was outside and there was a thief that took Santa Claus. Molly saw the thief take Santa so she quickly ran to the

house and said, “You guys will not believe what I just saw! The thief took Santa! You know what that means. Wwe need to save Christmas. Emily said, “How in the world are we going to help Santa do his job for him?” So that night, Molly was working on getting the sleigh. On Christmas Day, Molly and Hayden saved Christmas.

Best Christmas Ever

By Daquiri Olson

It was one hour before the Christmas party at our house and mom was panicking. “Maddex, go set the table. Daquiri, go help your sister. I’ll finish making the hot cocoa.” mom said. Ok mom...I’ll help Ella.” I say. I help Ella button her dress. “Everyone downstairs now!” mom yells. “Grandma Paula and Papa Larry are here.” she says. “Merry Christmas” grandma says. “You’re early... We aren't done setting up yet.” mom said. “We can help if you want.” Grandma said. “It’s ok, we can manage.” mom said. We finished setting it up and everyone arrives. All my family on my mom's side came. My dad started to talk about farming with Uncle Denver and Papa Larry. “Come in for dinner everyone. But no one take any food yet. We need to pray first,” Mom said. Papa Larry prayed, then we ate. We ate steak, green beans, potatoes, Ceasar salad, apples with peanut butter, lobster,

rice, and more. “Supper was amazing!” I say. “Thank you, Daquiri...You helped make the dessert. So, thank you for dessert, Daquiri.” mom said. “Who wants to open presents?” Mom said. “I do mommy.” Ella said. “I do.” said Maddex. “Oldest to youngest... Great Grandma Luella, you can start.” Mom said. We go down the line and after a while, it’s my turn and I open the one in the big box first. It’s from Grandma Paula and Papa Larry. I opened it and my eyes went big; my mouth dropped. I was so happy, I froze. It was the thing I wanted all year. It was a gymnastics bar and beam! I was so happy; I started to tear up. I want to be just like Simone Biles. "Thank you so much, grandma and grandpa!” I said. Best Christmas Ever!!!

My Christmas Eve

By McKayla Molitor

On Christmas Eve, a little girl named Sally was waiting for Santa. She heard Santa on her roof. So, she ran outside and saw his sleigh. So, she climbed and climbed until she got in his sleigh. Santa went in his sleigh and threw his bag where the girl was. Sally screamed! “WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE” Santa said. Santa lost control of his sleigh. They CRASHED! Good thing they were fine. “I’m sorry, Santa. I just wanted to see your sleigh” Sally said. “Oh no, oh no, oh no, no

Season’s Greetings!

To our valued patients, associates and friends, we wish you a holiday season filled with warmth, happiness and good health. We are honored to be trusted with your care. From all of us at RehabVisions, here’s to a joyful holiday season and a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year in 2025!

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CONTINUED FROM J18

no my sleigh is i-its BROKEN” Santa said. "We will be able to fix it…right?” Sally said. “We can’t fix it. My elves, my bag, and my reindeer are gone WAIT! Where is my hat?” Santa asked. “My hat is magic. Now we will never be able to get my reindeer and my elves. My elves need to fix my sleigh.” Santa said. “Wait! I will look for your reindeer while you find your bag of presents.” Sally said. “Ok” Santa said. Then, Sally found Santa’s reindeer and Santa found his bag. Christmas was saved!

The Missing Mrs.Clause

By Emma Wentz

It was a beautiful winter night at the workshop, and all the elves were doing their part and making toys for all the children. Marty was making dolls, Luna was making whiteboards, Tweenie was making a craft set, and each and every elf was making toys for boys and girls. The girl elves make girl toys and the boy elves make boy toys. Santa was checking the list twice and Mrs. Claus was making cookies for all the hard working elves. Ding, “Oh, the cookies are done," said Mrs. Claus. “THE COOKIES ARE DONE!” Mrs. Claus said, shouting through

5TH GRADE

the whole workshop. “Cookies," shouted Brody. “Yes, yes, Brody, it's cookies. Now, everyone come and get ONE!” said Santa. “Awwwwww!” said Brody the elf. “Well, life is life,” said Santa. “Okay, I am going to get the other batch of cookies,” said Mrs. Claus. “Okay," said Brody, shoving cookies in his mouth. “AHHHHHHH! Who are you?” asked the frightened Mrs. Claus. “Well, I’m your worst nightmare. I’m here to take you away so Santa can’t deliver all the presents and the children won't get any presents,” said this mystery man. And just like that he took Mrs. Claus. All the cookies dropped on the floor. “Hey, Honey, did you get the cookies out yet?” Santa calmly asked. “O…M…G! What happened!” shouted Santa Claus! And the secret may continue.

A Disappointing Christmas By

Kinley Privratsky

It twas a beautiful, but cold Christmas Eve. The kids were asleep and cozy in their beds. We were talking about what the kids might get. By the time we stopped it was 10:20 pm. So, I’m laying in bed and I hear a scream. I jump out of bed and run to the kids room. But they were sound asleep.Then, I heard it again, but it sounded like an old man. So, I went up in the attic, but there was nothing. “It’s just my mind messing with me.” I go to bed. The next morning we had to wake

the kids up for hot cocoa outside (which is not normal.) It took them three minutes to get up. After drinking our cocoa, we went into town. When we came back we changed back into our PJs. The kids went downstairs and screamed. We rushed down the stairs and EVERYTHING was gone. It was so bad. We raced up stairs and turned on the news. NOBODY got Christmas. Everybody was disappointed. The power went out.The kids screamed. Snow came down heavily. Time passed and the storm was gone. There was a black truck with black boxy bags in the back. Then, little by little, presents started falling out of the back of the truck. Someone witnessed it and called the cops. It was a long chase but they got the grinch and we all got our presents back. It was a Christmas miracle. So here's a story about a life lesson, don’t be greedy because it could be taken away at any second.

Haunted GingerBread House

By Brandt Aldinger

I was sleeping so good and all of a sudden, a gingerbread man made a Grinch suit. He was so mad, he was going to ruin Christmas.

New Elves

By Emily Bohnet

One night when Santa came, one of the kids saw him and went to his sleigh. She climbed

in and sat down in the back seat. She hid under a blanket. The other kid watched her get in the sleigh. The boy followed her into the sleigh. He almost got caught by Santa. He made it in the sleigh and hid behind the bag of presents. Santa left to go to the North Pole. After they got there, they got out of the sleigh. They saw so many elves. Some of the elves were making toys and some were wrapping the presents. The kids were walking around and they saw an elf. They ran towards him and the elf wrapped both the kids up in wrapping paper. They were trapped. They did not know how to get out. They thought they would be stuck in there forever. Later, the girl noticed she had a sharp hairclip in her hair. She cut open the wrapping paper. She had saved them! After they got out, they did not know where they were. They were in a room that the sleigh was in and in the corner, there was a reindeer. She went to pett he reindeer, and he bit her. She said “Owww! The reindeer bit me!” The boy came running to her. They both ran away from the reindeer. They both wanted to go back home. They did not know that once they were there, they could never go back home again. They finally found Santa. They told him that they wanted to go home. He said, “Once you are here, you may never return.” So, they helped him and after one year, they became elves.

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The Elves

By Elaina Geerts

Once upon a time, there was an elf named Bellsnikle. He was the nicest elf in the world.

One day Santa hired a new elf, Zoe. She was the most misbehaved elf. Mrs.Claus decided to get an elf trainer for Zoe, but she didn't like that idea. She kept doing things to get in trouble,like putting snow in the barn. Mrs. Claus saw that Rudolph was hurt because of Zoe. Zoe finally stopped and started to behave. After a year,Bellsnikle became Head Elf and he wanted to throw a party, so he did .He made invitations for everyone, even Zoe. Zoe wanted to do a friendly prank on him. She took an egg and put it in his hand. Then, she took a feather and tickled his nose with it. He took his hand and hit his face, making the egg crack on his face. On Christmas Eve, Bellsnikle started putting presents in the sleigh. Zoe was helping. Mrs.Claus was talking to Santa,so Zoe and Bellsnikle hopped in the sleigh. Santa knew about it and got in the sleigh. He flew from house to house, delivering presents to boys and girls all over the world. When they got back to the North Pole, Bellsnickle and Zoe

5TH GRADE

ran around with the other elves. They went to bed shortly after.

Grace's Christmas

By Brynnlee Harper

Far, far away, in the little town of Christmasville, the Casper family was getting ready for Christmas. The Casper family was a family of 5. There were 3 children. Their names were Shennelle, Kylie, and Grace. Their parents' names were Kristen and DelRoy. The family was preparing their Christmas tree for Santa to come that night. But little did the parents know that Grace had a very CRAZY plan! Once Grace knew that her parents were asleep, Operation See Santa began. Grace began to get ready to see Santa. She grabbed her gear and went outside. When Grace got on the roof, a sudden gust of wind blew. Grace pulled out a parachute and flew away. Grace flew so far that it hurt when she ran into something in the sky. Grace turned around and saw the one and only, jolly, Santa Claus! "WOW!" It was a dream come true! By the time Grace got onto the sleigh, Santa had already delivered presents to 63 houses. Santa soon stopped to talk to Grace. When he started talking, Grace thought his voice sounded like magic! She was very surprised that Santa's voice wasn't deep and low. Their conversation lasted a while. Grace helped

deliver some of the last presents. After that, she and Santa headed home. When Santa and Grace got back to the Casper's house, Grace very carefully leaped off the sleigh. When Grace got back inside, Santa had already delivered the presents to her house. Grace, then very cold, walked into her living room to find all her family, praying on their knees. She joined them. Her family hugged her. Grace immediately looked up, and saw the bright moonlight stars arranged, saying, “HO! HO! HO! MERRY CHRISTMAS!”

Christmas Eve

By Wiliam Tharaldson

Last year, I got $50 from my uncle and a crazy car. It was so fun!! I shared it with my friend named Eddy. My dad got me A PS 3, an RC car, a Nerf gun, and Battleship. It was fun to play with my family. I got a new headset from my sister and it is really good. I like it so much. I got a new bike for Christmas i like it so much. I play on it all the time.

Santa was Missing By Paityn

Buresh

Santa went missing! All the elves were crying, laying on the ground, and screaming. Then, Mrs. Claus found some clues from an animal. It was a set of paw prints. Mrs. Claus whistled for security to

come and help find Santa. They didn’t come down from the sky right away. Finally, they arrived on Christmas ornaments! They said they would look at the candy cams. They walked to the security room, went inside, closed the door, and looked at the screen. They saw Santa. Then out of nowhere he was gone! The security team became confused. While looking for Santa, Mrs. Claus and the elves followed the animal tracks. Then they bumped into a bear and her cubs. Mama bear was feisty. Mrs. Claus told the elves to be quiet, but that didn’t happen. Mama bear and cubs became angry and went after Mrs. Claus and the elves. She put a spell on the bears to calm them. Off went the bears back to their cave. No sign of Santa. When returning home, the baker elves made them hot chocolate and cookies. Afterwards, Mrs. Claus found a cookie trail to Santa’s shop. She heard a “Ho, Ho, Ho!” Mrs. Claus yelled “Santa, is that you honey?” Mrs. Claus started to cry when she saw Santa. She was silent for a few minutes. Santa asked, “why are you crying?” She smiled. “I am just so happy to see you.” That night Santa, Mrs. Claus and the elves ate a big feast that the baker elves made. When Santa finished his meal, he went to his sleigh. Off into the distance Santa hollered with his cheerful voice,” Ho, Ho, Ho, Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night.”

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The

Portal

By Seeger Damjanovich

Jimmy loved his dad but, his dad died. After his funeral Jimmy's mom married Bob. Bob had a child named Lisa. "Jimmy come upstairs to set up the tree.'' Mom said. ''Ok.'' I replied. It's been a year since dad died and mom married Bob. His kid ,Lisa, was nice at first but, now she is mean. I head upstairs. I bring my stuffed cat with me. It was the last thing dad gave me before he died it's the only thing, I have left of him. I walk in and Lisa said in a snotty voice, "Why do you carry that thing around like a baby. '' Oh, I forgot to mention it was blizzarding outside. Out of nowhere Lisa threw my cat out the window. ''NO!'' I yell. ''LISA ROOM NOW!'' Bob yells. I started crying. We start looking outside but, we can't find it. A week later on Christmas Eve I hear a buzzing sound. I wake up Lisa and we go in the living room. There is a portal in the living room. We go though it. ''Woah'' Lisa whispers. We are at the North Pole. I shove her in the snow. '' Okay I'm sorry ,''Lisa says. ''Let's go,'' I say. ''Wait,'' she says, ''What's that?'' "It's a note" I say. It reads. You need to be back by dawn. It is written in scribbly handwriting. We

see a building in the distance. We get to it and say in unison, "It's Santa's factory" We go inside the factory and see a giant Jenga block. We have to solve it to find the lostand-found box. A speaker says, "The rules are" then stops "you take one block at a time until you finish it if it falls you go home." We get to work and finish it. A door opens. We go through it. "My cat!" I yell. When we get back outside, it's almost dawn! I hear something. Santa appears and we ride with him to the portal. We get back home. Mom and Bob come downstairs. "Look what I found guys." They smile at each other.

Daisy's Christmas Walk

By Bo Huether

It was Christmas Day. Daisy, the family's golden retriever, was laying by the sofa. She woke up and went on a walk with her owner, Sandy. The weather was cold and snowy. Christmas lights were shining bright in the neighborhood. Daisy kept a quick pace walking and stopped frequently to sniff things out. At one point, Daisy grabbed a stick and kept it until they got home. Daisy went to the backyard and saw footprints of Santa and reindeer prints.

Santa’s Workshop

By Brooklyn Grannes

As you enter Santa's workshop you hear

tiny little voices and ting clangs of little hammers banging on wood as the elves work on toys for Christmas Eve. As the elves loaded up the toy, one little elf realized a little girl’s present was missing! Everyone was panicking, looking up and down for the little girl’s baby doll. She needed it because she was going to have a baby brother soon and she really wanted a baby doll. Soon they had to get Santa. He told everyone to relax and said, “It’s okay everyone. Don’t panic!” Deep down he was panicking but he didn’t want to freak everyone out. It was almost midnight. Everyone thought the little girl was not going to get a present this year but something weird happened. The elf dog, which by the way, the name is Candycane. Candycane barked and the little elf looked at him and realized that he was the one who had the baby doll after all. So then they got the baby doll in the sled and the little girl got the baby doll and a new baby brother.

The Missing Bike Piece

Victoria Grilo

It was the day before Christmas, a busy day in Santa's Workshop, all the elves were in the factory making toys. An elf was making a bike for Santa to give to a young boy on Christmas. As the elf was getting ready to put on the last piece to the bike, the elf noticed it was missing.The

elf rushed to Santa to tell him about the tragedy. After the elf told Santa about the missing bike piece Santa said that they had to find it before Christmas (which was in a few hours) because Santa has to deliver gifts by TONIGHT!!! The elf and Santa got straight to work looking all over for the bike piece. They looked up and down, left and right, over and under, inside and outside, but nothing. After 25 minutes of thinking, the elf got an idea. He said they could get an army of elves to help find the bike piece. Santa agreed. They rushed back to the workshop and gathered 25 elves! They explained to the elves they had lost a piece that goes to a bike for a boy. Santa broke apart the elves into small teams of five. Five went left, another five went right, another team went over and under. They went looking and they looked up and down, left and right, over and under, inside and outside… but nothing! The elves were devastated thinking about how sad the boy would be. Then, suddenly, the elf who lost the bike piece burst out laughing. Santa asked why the elf was laughing. The elf had forgotten he put the last piece aside so he could finish it later. The elves looked at him in seriousness. He knew he was in trouble after wasting their afternoon.

Coal

By Ian Brodhead

Once upon a time there was a kid named Harold. He often got into trouble. One day he was sent to detention. His mom was furious and told him he was grounded and would only get coal for Christmas. Harold was heartbroken because he had really wanted a dog for Christmas. The next day, Harold decided to change his ways and be nice and kind. His teacher encouraged the class to do one kind act every day over the holidays. Harold embraced this, thanking the lunch ladies, writing a note to the custodian, and doing many kind deeds each day. After a few days, the principal noticed Harold's improvement and informed his mom. She was very impressed, so she decided to get him one Christmas present. On Christmas Eve, Harold's mom told him about the principal's call and said he had one present to open the next morning. Harold hoped it was a dog, and could barely sleep that night. The next morning, Harold opened his present to find a dog toy. Confused, he asked, "What am I supposed to do with this?" His mom smiled, "You will need it for that coal I said you were getting for Christmas." She told him to wait on the couch for a minute. When she returned, she was holding

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a puppy named Coal. From that day on, Harold was never mean or rude again.

Rudolph Ran Away By

Aubree Schmidt

Everyone knows Rudolph, but I bet you haven't heard he ran away. After helping unload the presents his back ached from pulling the sleigh. After they got back to the North Pole he told his favorite elf, Ginger that he’s running away for the summer. The elf promised not to tell a soul. Rudolph was sick and tired of the cold weather. When Santa couldn't find Rudolph at the front of the sleigh he got worried and stopped everything. All the other reindeer were prancing around yelling and looking in all the obvious places, but he wasn’t anywhere. When Rudolph's parents found out they got really worried. They got so worried they sent out the emergency reindeer team to go out into the world and find him. Before they sent them out they asked all the elves if Rudolph told them where he was going. Finally, they asked Ginger, Rudolph's favorite elf. They asked him questions over and over and over again until Ginger broke his promise. He told Santa and all the reindeer that he went to North Dakota. The search team found him in the capitol building in Bismarck North Dakota. When

they found him he was staring at the big inflatable near the entrance and when he heard the search team he was glad to go back to the North Pole to deliver presents with all the reindeer, and live to tell his story.

Donald Santa trying to be Santa Claus again

By Caleb Freeman

Four years ago Donald was Santa Claus. But for the past four years Joe Frost was “Santa Claus.” This year Kam, a South Pole Elf, was running for “Santa Claus.” So Donald had some competition. At one of Danald’s campaigns there was an attempt to assassinate Donald with a gum drop but it hit him in the ear. His S.E.P. (Santa’s Elf Protection) huddled around him and kept him down. He said “I will make the North Pole holly, jolly, and plump again. A few months later there was another attempt to assassinate Donald. His S.E.P caught Bob the Troll before he could assassinate Donald with an explosive snowball. Two Months later Donald Santa was SANTA Claus again. For the next four years the North Pole will be holly, jolly and plump.

The No Snow Christmas

By Isabel Dauksavage

Once upon a time, Santa and his elves were getting ready for Christmas. When they got news it isn’t snowing anywhere! Even in Alaska, North Dakota and Russia! The only places with snow were the North and South poles! That makes traveling hard for Santa. Not everywhere has snow but Santa has managed to navigate them in the past. But with there being no snow everywhere, Santa had a feeling this will be a difficult Christmas. Skip to Christmas eve and everyone at the North Pole was getting ready for the night. “Santa! Are you sure you don’t want the snow vision goggles?” an elf asked. “Ho Ho Ho! Yes I will be fine. I’m Santa clause! We can do this!” Santa exclaimed. “Noel are the presents in the bag?” Santa asked. “All ready!” Noel the elf said. “Ho Ho Ho. Let’s get going then.” Santa exclaimed. Santa and his reindeer flew effortlessly through the air. He went to Canada, England and even Antarctica! Santa and his reindeer were having troubles because there was no snow! Pulling the sleigh on the snowless ground was tough but they managed. They were finally done, or so they thought. But the reindeer knew they missed North Dakota! So they guided Santa there and to their surprise, there was snow! “I thought there wasn’t going to be snow?” Santa radioed the elves. “Oh my! I thought

there wasn’t. I guess I was wrong! Well that’s North Dakota for you.” Christina the elf said. “Ho Ho Ho. Yes, North Dakota weather is unpredictable! “ After they delivered all the presents, they went back to the North Pole. “Hello dear! Was it another successful Christmas? No troubles I hope?” Mrs. Clause asked “Yes dear. It was. Ho Ho Ho!” Santa said while winking to the reindeer.

Christmas Miracle

By Savaya Heckaman

Hi, I’m Bailey I’m not who you think I am. I’m 2 years old, I have snow white fur. Can you guess who I am? I’m a puppy. But here is my crazy story! It might be a little crazy to hear but, I’m from the North Pole! I can’t believe I just said that. Yeah, you’re probably thinking that I’m crazy and I don’t know what I’m talking about. But, It’s true I’m really from the North Pole. Yes, I have seen Santa and the elves. Anyways my point is I need help! So here comes the crazy part! So, I accidently snuck into Santa’s sleigh with my dad. Which I wasn’t supposed to. And now I’m stuck in the real world! Like the real world with humans, and what are those things that move? I think there called

cars? right? yeah. Anyways when Santa left the North Pole, I snuck into the sleigh and they went off to go get the notes from the, I think there called kids? So, now I’m stuck in the real world and I need to get back to the North Pole. So, I met some friends and they said they can help me. So, at the North Pole, the elves realized that I was missing. So, they went looking for me. They sent off one of my favorite elves, and went off looking for me. He found me after 4 days. He teleported me back to the North Pole. Once I got to the North Pole, I got in big time trouble. But that is just a short story about my Christmas. If you want a full story, I can do a part two that explains my whole story!

Christmas Reindeer

By Lyvia Wojahn

Once upon a time there was a jolly old man named Santa Clause. Once every year he would go around all night long giving families around the world presents. The only way for him to deliver presents to all the families in the world is riding in his sleigh. Santa has 9 reindeer that pull his sleigh. Their names are Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen, And Rudolph. A few years ago, On Christmas Eve there was way too much fog. Santa was just about to stay home for his big night. But then his prayers were answered. Santa

went to a deer stable and talked to one of the young reindeers. This reindeer was born a little different than the others. Instead of having a black nose this reindeer had a glowing red nose. This reindeer was named Rudolph, Santa begged Rudolph and finally the young deer said yes. So, they had decided that Christmas would not be canceled. Now were in 2024 and all of the reindeer are still working for Santa. But, this year they need a new deer to help pull the sleigh. So when the female reindeer have their babies Santa has to keep a good eye out for a good athletic reindeer. One of Santa’s nicest most well behaved reindeer also known as dasher, has her baby that will be one of the first deer he would like to look at. Finally, the day has come Dasher had her baby. Santa decided to name it Vixen. Vixen is such a cute reindeer, about two hours after Vixen was born he was already running around. Santa knew that once Vixen was all grown up she would be such a good athlete. Now Vixen is all grown up and has joined Santa’s sleigh!

Christmas Magic

By Maggie Stonehocker

One nice and chilly morning, there was a cold breeze in the wind, children laughing playing in the snow. Not me. I hate snow, I hate Christmas, and I hate Santa. Christmas is stupid. My mom tells me that

Christmas is about believing, well I don’t likembelieving. The night before Christmas eve I saw an elf. That elf wrote me a letter and it said “Gracee you must start believing in Santa, Santa can help you with anything. I know losing your mom is hard, but I know you can start to do anything, anywhere, anytime. I’ll bring you a present each time you do something nice for someone, you have to believe to do it! Love your elf, Trixie!”mSo, I started to help my dad, and the more I believed the more presents I got. I was starting to believe again! The next morning it was Christmas eve I was so excited! I was helping my dad make Santa’s cozy little spot on the big comfy chair in the living room with the warm cookies, a glass of egg nog, and reindeer food! I went to sleep at like 6:30pm, so Santa could come early. Thenmafter a little while I heard a big “BUMP” on top of the roof straight above me. So, I went out to the living room and hid behind the comfy chair, then there was another “BUMP”, but this time it was inside!! I took a look around the corner of the chair and… It was him!! Santa Claus was in my living room! He shoved ALL the cookies in his mouth! Then he GULPED the egg nog and gave all the reindeer food to the reindeers! He saw me! He walked aroundmthe chair and stared right at me.

Heidi Uecker, HIS, BS, MBA, Licensed Hearing Instrument Specialist

The Christmas Dream

By Cruz Dykins

It was just a normal Christmas eve with all my family home for Christmas. I was just playing games with my cousins, then we went to church. When we got back from church it was getting late but our grandma always buys us pajamas on Christmas eve to wear on Christmas. So, I opened mine and they were elf pajamas, I thought it was kind of embarrassing because no one else got elf pajamas. So, me and my siblings went back to our house and opened our presents from our parents. I got a lot of good presents like lots of sports clothes and shoes. Then we put out cookies and milk for Santa. Then we were all getting ready for bed. Now were all sleeping but I’m so thirsty so I went to get a drink but when I got to the fridge the milk was gone! So, I went to get water and after I got my drink I was walking back to my room in my elf pajamas and I saw Santa. I got so excited because I saw him putting presents under the tree. But I didn’t want him to see me so I was sneaking back to my room and Santa said get back here elf your work is not done yet we still have a lot of houses to hit yet. But I didn’t know what he was talking

about but next thing I know I was in Santa’s sleigh and the I could touch the reindeer. I was so excited and also nervous. And my job is handing him the bags with presents in them. After we finished I got to go to the north pole and celebrate Christmas with Santa and Mrs. Clause and the food was good. Then I woke up and realized it was just a dream.

Christmas Catastrophe

By Lacey Applegate

Once upon a time the 6th grade class took a fieldtrip to the Theodore Roosevelt National Park. It was around Christmas time, so the trees and ground were glistening of snow. All 21 kids piled onto a bus and began their fieldtrip. The bus driver lost track of were he was going and went hours past the stopping point. It started snowing and the roads were getting icy. The bus driver noticed he past the national park. He tried to turn around, but as he made a quick U-turn the wheels started spinning and the bus went off the road. The kids were all screaming, but the bus driver stayed focused on trying to dodge all the trees. After a minute, which felt like forever, the bus finally stopped. The teacher went through the bus making sure all the kids were okay, then they lined up single file to go try and find their way back. One of the kids went

in front of everyone else just to look ahead, and what he saw amazed him. It was Santa Claus’s sleigh and all his reindeer. Santa walked out of the trees and said that one of his reindeer hurt his paw on the takeoff from the north pole. Thankfully the teacher knew exactly what to do! She got straight to work trying to help the poor reindeer while the kids just stood there amazed that Santa Claus was standing right in front of them. The teacher wrapped the reindeer’s paw and Santa was so thankful. The only way Santa knew how to repay them was to give them all a ride home, and to tell the kids if they were on the naughty or nice list! Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

The Sickness of Santa

By Connor Black

One Christmas when Santa was about to leave to give kids their presents, Santa got sick with a fever. When he got his fever, he fell over in the snow. After about 20 minutes, Mrs. Claus came over and helped Santa. Santa missed his first Christmas! Santa came inside with Mrs. Claus and she took Santa's temperature and it was 110 degrees! He had nights without sleep because he was so sick. His temperature was 108 degrees so it got better, but it was not good enough. It was the night before the next Christmas and Santa was still very sick and his fever

was 116 degrees! Santa missed another Christmas. Santa was sick for 100 years with a fever. He missed 102 Christmases, and every kid did not get any presents. Santa was allergic to pineapple. One morning, he ate his eggs and bacon for breakfast and thought someone had put pineapple in his food because he got very sick! The suspects were his cat and mouse! The elf police arrested Santa's cat and mouse and put them in jail for the rest of their lives. Everybody was happy in the North Pole except Santa because Santa's cat and mouse were his friends. For the rest of the years, Santa made all of his Christmases and everyone was happy, even Santa. Everyone lived happily ever, after but the cat and mouse.

Candy Land

By Mckenzie Roemmich

Once Upon A Time there was a girl named Emily and one day she was getting ready for bed and she had a wonderful dream. Her dream was about her being in a candy land but she woke up and was in the candy land she was dreaming about. She said that it was the best day ever. She rode in a gummy boat in a chocolate river, ate a lot of candy, and wished she would never want to leave. But then she felt very lonely and wanted a friend so she made one out of cotton candy. She named her new friend Ella. Ella loved being

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6TH GRADE

Emily’s friend. They would have a gum drop fight and would play tag in lollipop fields. They would play sword fighting candy cane land. But then the sugar plum fairy came and sent the nutcracker and the rat king. The nutcracker started fighting the rat king and won. Emily and Ella thought it was a play and thought it was cool. Then the rat king started chasing Emily and Ella and they started screaming. Emily wished that she was back home with her family and dog. She woke up from her mom and gave her a big hug. She said that she had the best dream but then it turned into a nightmare. She even said that the nutcracker, Rat king, and the sugar plum fairy were there. Her mom told her it was Christmas eve and she was so excited and opened presents.

The Christmas Scare

By Jonah Griesel

It was three days before Santa's big day. He couldn’t find his reindeer anywhere. He looked in the pen and found letters, a big stack. He opened the first letter, “Dear Santa, I am tired of being forgotten! ‘ Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Blitzen, Rudolph, what’s that other

CONTINUED FROM J24 HAPPY

one again? Oh I don’t know.’ I’m tired of it! I am going to Idaho for the holidays! I’ll come back when someone remembers my name! From, Donner.” Santa didn’t know what to do. He read on and on, letter through letter. “Santa, my back hurts and I don’t know if I can go another year. Honestly, I think I have arthritis. Give me… a year or so for recovery. From, Vixen.” He read the next one. “I am officially calling for my retirement. I have felt like I’ve had… 90 heart attacks when flying the sleigh. Planes, birds, all that jazz. I’m done. From, Dasher.” Shocked, Santa read the next letter. “Everyone is leaving, so I am too, but I have no reason. From, Blitzen.” “Rudolph wouldn't do this!” He shouted!! He finds Rudolph’s letter in the stack. “Dear Santa, I’m sorry to do this to you, especially so close to Christmas, but I can’t do this. I have this pressure in my chest all the time. If I make a single mistake, Christmas is ruined. I just can't risk it. From, Rudolph.” Oh. My. Christmas cookies. Training a new team seemed to be the only option. This team was horrible. What else could he do? Christmas Eve night he saw Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen, and Rudolph lined across the sleigh. Santa felt overwhelmed with joy. He strapped up his team, and Christmas went just as planned.

The Christmas Surprise By

Adlee Schmitt

I sit at the table as I wait for the Christmas cookies to come out of the oven. “ Mom, when will the cookies be done?” I ask. “ They just got into the oven Lizzy. Why don’t you go find Buddy the Elf?” Her gaze goes to the living room. “Ok!” I say in excitement. I go into the living room and look around. Over the fireplace is a note that says, “ You found the first clue, now the next one is where you use shampoo.” I think for a minute. The bathroom! I put the paper in my pocket and ran to the bathroom. I look around and find another note taped to the shampoo bottle. “ You're getting closer to finding me. Now you must look somewhere where your clothes are hung.” It read. “A closet?” I ask myself. I put the second note in my pocket and jog to my bedroom and open the closet’s doors. As I open them I see the dress my dad had given me before he left, and on it was another note. “You're so good at this! Now you must look where the snacks are kept.” The kitchen. I put the third note in my pocket and ran into the kitchen. “ Why are you running around Lizzy?” Mom asks. “I'm looking for Buddy!” I say in excitement as I open the pantry, and find another note on top of the oreo jar. “You're almost there, just one more to go! Now you

7TH-8TH GRADE

will find me where you play in the snow.” I read. I ran to the front door and opened it. Standing outside is my dad in his army uniform and in his hands is Buddy. My eyes fill with tears. “You found me.” He says as I run to hug him.

The Great story of Pink nose reindeer

By Cinch Smith

The Pink nose reindeer was made fun of by all the other reindeer for having a pink nose.So he tried to paint his nose black, but because of all the snow in the North Pole the paint quickly came off. None of the other reindeer wanted Pink nose reindeer to play with them.So he was trying everything to fit in, so one night he ask his buddy the elf to help get in to the workshop so they can try something to change the color of his nose.But they couldn’t find anything to change the color of his nose. So Pink nose went to the mountains with his buddy the elf and found a candy cane forest , but all the candy canes were pink and white.So they were confused but they asked the Fairy Queen , but she didn’t know how.So they went back to the workshop and found out that there was a big snow storm and santa could not deliver his presents to kids.So they found out that the Pink nose reindeer

Cheers

could find his where he is going.So the Pink nosed reindeer lead santa through the storm so they could deliver presents to all the little kids.

No Longer Alone

By Cora Stadheim

One cold Christmas Eve

A little girl trudged through the snow.

She was crying softly as she went,

An orphan, with no place to go.

Startled by a voice, she stopped in her tracks.

"Child, what is wrong?"asked a lady passing by.

"I am all alone and it is Christmas Eve.

Said the poor little girl with a sigh.

The kindly lady looked down at the girl.

"Come with me, my dear," she said with a smile.

She led her away to a church with a steeple

Where they sat and they talked for a while.

"God loves you, dear child, you're never alone.

He's always with you, right by your side.

He knows your name, and all you've been through.

He cares about every tear you've cried."

The girl looked up with eyes full of wonder,

For she'd never heard such a thought.

"God loves me?" she asked. "And I'm

never alone?"

For such a friend she'd long sought! The lady smiled gently as they knelt by the cross

In that old country church with a steeple. Right there and then, the girl folded her hands

And asked the Lord Jesus to keep her. From that moment on, the girl belonged,

For Jesus had found her that night.

No longer an orphan but a child of God,

Now filled with heavenly light.

So if you find you are feeling alone, Don't forget Someone cares after all. Hear the gentle voice of God

And quickly harken to His call.

Present Under the Christmas Tree By

Bailey Johnson

Dear present under the Christmas Tree, Why do you have to tempt me?

The red ribbon tied oh so lightly on top Green wrapping around- oh won’t you stop!

The writing says it’s for me, Then why do I have to leave it be!

I guess morning isn’t far,

But I want to see if I got a new shiny guitar! Holiday tree with solid fillI asked Santa for the latest one, Oh boy, how much fun! But now I must wait this whole

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CONTINUED FROM J26

stinking night.

Present with solid fillThe clock ticks so slow, Ugh, just go, go, go!

Supper hasn’t yet passed It’s Christmas Eve, the day should be going fast!

But since it’s not, I’m writing this letter to you. Dear present under the Christmas Tree, Why do you have to temp me?

The Christmas Excuse

By Brecken Tosner

On Christmas Eve I walked home with my wallet empty and my bags full. I realized I had no presents for my family and all my stuff was for me! My mind raced with excuses to tell my parents. I quickly settled on the most likely excuse. I would tell my parents that as I was walking in the mall a gang of robbers ambushed me and tied me to a chair! Then forced me to buy candy canes and gumdrops. However, I made a daring escape before they made me buy anything else. As I was running, I crashed into someone! I looked up and saw a crew of pirates. They forced me to buy a skateboard and action figures. Thinking fast I leaped

7TH-8TH GRADE

onto the skateboard and sped past them out of the mall. I smile, pleased with my excuse. When I reached my home I saw my family outside. As I enter I see the Christmas tree and the presents under it. I realize that my entire family has gotten presents for everyone. That is everyone except me. I have not bought anyone presents, only things for myself. Feeling selfish, I raced back to the mall and returned everything. Then I bought presents for my family. On Christmas morning I wake up and look under the Christmas tree. I find candy canes, gumdrops, action figures, and a skateboard!

The Trees

By Hannah Greff

The Trees speak to me. The words sounded odd on my tongue. I knew that no one would believe me, but I also knew that these words were true. The gleaming Christmas lights, the movement in the matte bristles, “They speak to me” I quietly whispered to myself as I admired their beauty. Watching through my window I observed the many families on my street put up their trees. The Trees began to come to life as they were clothed in beaming lights, freshly popped popcorn garlands, and decorative ornaments. As I stared at the astonishing Trees, I felt the comfort in knowing that these Trees know

me. They understand me, more than anyone else. Quietly the Trees whispered to me unspoken words that only I understood. Words of encouragement, comfort and rest. Ever since I was a child this season has been special. Christmas has opened the hearts of me and many people around me. The Trees, the décor, they are only part of the true holiday. The people, they are the holiday. I silently capture this moment in my mind forever. The Trees whisper their final words of good byes as I slowly pull my eyes away from the astonishing scene.

Christmas

By Max Manolovits

Putting up the tree and drinking tea

That is all I want on Christmas Eve

Waking up and opening presents on Christmas day

Sends all the Christmas Spirit my way Looking at the shelf and I see the elf

All by himself. Watching me play with the toys he made

When I go to sleep that night, the elf makes his way

Out of the house, to Santas Sleigh. When I wake up at dawn I start to yawn. I look up at the sky and see Santa in his sleigh.

Watching his sleigh start to sway. While the reindeer fly with Rudolph and his

big red nose

Watching until I start to doze I go back to sleep where I sleep so deep And daze in a dream watching the tree so big and gleam

My Christmas

By Shaunie Mayer

The snow is falling, oh so light, The Christmas Star is shining bright. Families gathering around the fire, While I visit with the ones I admire. We all drink hot cocoa, While we wait to hear “Ho Ho Ho!”

Hoping the time will go by fast, Wishing for it to be a blast.

Looking forward to the morning, Waking and hearing my parents snoring. Seeing presents piled up high, As I happily look up at the snowy sky.

The Elf that Saved Christmas By

Rebecca Miller

Once upon a time there was an elf, and the elf’s name was Snowflake. It was December 1st and he was with his family, but something was wrong, all of the kids didn’t have any Christmas spirit and it was up to him to bring back there Christmas spirit. So, he did all sorts of things hoping it would cheer them up, but they were still so mean to each other and their parents. He

7TH-8TH GRADE

CONTINUED FROM J28

hid in funny places hoping it would cheer them up, he brought them games to play and gingerbread houses to build, but it didn’t work. He knew that he had to do something about this or they wouldn’t have any Christmas spirit and be mean the rest of their lives. He went back to Santa and asked him what he should do because he was out of ideas. Santa told him that they just needed to spend time with each other like a family. It was Christmas eve and Snowflake knew exactly what to do, he decided to plan fun activities so that it would bring there family together. First, he decided to plan a family movie night for the whole family so that they could enjoy each other and watch a fun Christmas movie together. The movie was a good idea, but it didn’t quite work. Next, he decided to bring them a tree so that they could decorate it, they were all laughing and enjoying each other, but Snowflake knew that he needed one more thing to happen and he wasn’t the one that was going to set it up. The next morning it was Christmas day, and Santa brought them presents to open up because he knew that opening presents together on Christmas day would bring them closer together. So,

7TH-8TH GRADE

they opened there presents and drank hot chocolate and enjoyed each other’s company and since then, they have spent every Christmas together.

Elf

By Billie Kazena

3 weeks before Christmas, twins named Zack and Zoe were so excited for Christmas and they were very good. One day they decided they would go to sleep early every day. One day when they woke up, they seen a letter but from who? Zoe grabbed it and said ‘’It's from Santa.’’ Zake and Zoe ran up to their parent's room and jumped on their bed ‘’wakeup wake up!’’ Zack read the letter to the parents, and it Said Hello to you from the North Pole! Guess what kind of Suprise I have for you? A magical time awaits you, because I am Sending you my assistants to you and elf. He will come to you every morning, every time but in a different spot. Your job is to find him. You will have wonderful fun times with each other. Just please do not touch him with your hands, otherwise his magic will be lost. The night before you sleep the elf will return to me at the North Pole to tell me about your success. I believe that his good mood and magic will fill your home with miracles and happiness. Merry Christmas and a happy new year. Zack finished reading. “Zoe ran

and said come on Zack let's find him.’’ ‘’Zake said he won't be here until tomorrow “Zoe screamed; I found him!!” They had two Elfs, one blue and pink. They named the blue one bluey, and they named the pink one Pinkey. Each day they were in a different spot, day by day went past fast, one day bluey was in the Christmas on the tree pinky was in the kitchen cooking a cany cane. The next day before Christmas Eve they had a sign that said thank you for being good kids. See you guys' next year!

Christmas in Australia

By Sawyer Pennington

By the time I had gotten to Australia 3 days before Christmas, I had forgotten what my taxi number was, so I had to wait until the driver had yelled out my name. I got in my cab and the driver was a young man with brown hair and ocean blue eyes. He told me “You know, you kind of remind me of legally blonde.” I didn’t respond, I didn’t know if he had meant it as a compliment or an offense. He walked me to my hotel room and by that time I had realized he was wearing a name tag and I read “Ronyn”. “I was wondering if you wanted me to show you around the hotel tonight around nine.” I responded quickly and could feel my face turning red. I ended up spending Christmas with his family that year because

he was the only person I knew there. We started up getting together a couple more times and I kept on extending my stay more days every time. We walked to his parents' house together and started getting nervous, I think he could tell because he started talking about legally blonde again. He walked in first and when I walked in, I could tell that he hadn’t told his parents I was coming. He had 7 brothers, and they all stared as I walked in, but not the youngest. He was the only other person in the family that resembled Ronyn. I sat down next to him and started building a gingerbread house with him. “Hi,” I said. “Hi those are my brothers.” I had heard Ronyn talking about his nicest brother and I knew who he was talking about. Their Christmas was different than my usual one, but it was by far the best Christmas ever.

How Christmas Came to be By Katelyn

Dukart

“It all started when I was a little boy.” My grandpa started on one of his long remarks. “I was sitting in my cottage, my mother was preparing breakfast, and I went out to chop wood. The trees near us were all decayed, so I had to descend deep into the forest. When I was ready to head back, I heard something behind me. It was a wolf.” “It growled in my face, and I took off as fast as I could.

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CONTINUED FROM J29

When I finally stopped, I realized I was in the middle of the big oaks. I knelt down and started to cry. After some time, I came to the realization that I must get home before dark. I wondered for hours; I had no clue where to go. I decided to camp out in a hollow tree for the night. All I wanted was to be home.” “I woke the next morning, and I realized there was no hope of finding my cottage. I went out and found some supplies. I found some cotton lying on the ground, along with some candle sticks. I draped them all over the tree. I found a big pinecone, shaped as a star, and placed it on the top. This way I could always find my new home.” “I looked at the tree from a distance, with the candles lit, the cotton going around the branches, and I saw something beautiful. It was my home now. I decided to celebrate each year when I came here, the beginning of my new life.” Later that night I looked up how the Christmas tree was made, and it said by a young boy in the Canadian Wilderness. That’s when I knew he was telling the truth.

Finding Spirit

By Tenley Walker

On 997 Oakridge drive, a girl named Noel

7TH-8TH GRADE

lost her Christmas spirit. She was known for her Christmas spirit and waited all year round for December. Her friends and family tried to bring her spirits back but could not figure out what was wrong. It was December 24, the day of the Christmas Carnival! Everyone in the neighborhood came for Christmas activities, treats, and of course, the annual tree lighting! Noel was normally there at sunrise and didn’t leave until after sunset but this year she slept in. Noel’s best friend, Hadley, was so worried about her. She tried decorating her room, baking cookies, and getting matching Christmas pajamas, but nothing worked. Hadley got to the Christmas carnival early hoping to see Noel there. She was extremely disappointed to say the least that her best friend was not there. Hadley walked to Noel’s house, opened the door without asking, and marched straight to her room. Noel was sitting in her bed, with the decorations that Hadley decorated with found on the floor. Hadley begged and begged Noel to be “Ms. Christmas” again. Noel simply said no. Hadley walked out of Noel’s house, slamming the door. 10 hours passed and it was sunset! Hadley knew she had to get Noel’s spirit back, so she gathered all the neighborhood together to plan. They thought of caroling, cookies, but nothing sounded right. Then it clicked. Hadley

knew what Noel loved snowball fights more than anything during Christmas. Hadley gathered everyone together, grabbed snowballs, and threw one at Noel’s window. It took 15 minutes to get Noel outside. When she did, everyone got silent. Nobody knew what Noel was going to do or say. Finally, Noel picked up a snowball and threw it at Hadley. Everyone knew Noel’s Christmas spirit was back.

How To Be an Elf

By Avah May Weeks

It was late and Claire was bored with her sister, Alice, when they came up with their plane. They were going to become an elf. They made their plan the next day after eating their breakfast of eggs and bacon and pancakes. They wrote it on paper with crayon because they couldn’t find any pencils. On the paper it said; 1. Put sleepy medicine in the cookies, 2. Get a lot of energy, 3. Stay up all night on christmas eve, 4. Steak out under the Christmas tree, 5. Watch Santa sleep on the couch and put him in a bag, 6. Bring him into their secret bunker under their bed, 7. Make sure he hires us as one of his elves as soon as possible. When they showed their mom she said it was smart but not very nice and because of that it wouldn’t work very well so they changed step 5, 6, and 7. Once they

With

were done it looked like a fool proof plan, there was no way it wasn’t going to work, so with that (and their moms approval) they were happy and only had to wait a few days to put their plan into action. On Christmas eve they cooked cookies and put NyQuil in them, they got energized, they hid under the tree, they watched him sleep, they brought him into their closet (because it wasn’t as cruel), and convinced him to let them be elves the day that Claire was 18, because she was the youngest. They were so happy they almost died with excitement. Once they let santa free they did the math and found out they only had to wait 6 years, and as 12 and 13 year olds, they decided it wasn’t to long.

The crazy teacher

By Hadley Hausauer

Every single year Mrs. Moseley always has the Christmas spirit. This year was different, Instead of Christmas it was Halloween decor for her. One day it got so bad that she started eating Finn’s dog treats. Finn is our therapy dog. Our class knew we had to find a way to bring her Christmas spirit back. We spent countless days, hours, and minutes planning. Until finally we cooked up with a great plan. First, we need to break into the school and change her Halloween decor for Christmas. Then we needed to exchange Finn’s dog

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CONTINUED FROM J30

treats with Christmas magical cookies. We then need to show up to school and act like nothing happened. The fourth hour class was ready for showtime. I gave everyone a job but first we needed a way into the school. Eva was our secret weapon for that. After we got into the school, we took down the Halloween decor and decorated it for Christmas. While we were decorating for Christmas the boys swapped out the treats. The last step was sneaking back out and not leaving any traces that we were there. Once we got out of the school, I realized that I had left my coat. I ran back into the school, got it, and got out of there. The next day at school we were all nervous, but we knew our plan would work. Right away she ate one of the cookies and we knew it was good after ger reaction. She started cheering and jumping for joy as we knew we had all saved Christmas. She has yet to know that we were inside the school that night and helped her.

The morning of Christmas

By Eva Rohde

Santa never came last night, Evelyn screamed. He forgot about us. I wanted him to try my cookies. The real reason was I wanted Presents. I wanted my reindeer that I asked for, and my coal that I probably got. But I just wanted to go to Grandma's and papa's house for Christmas breakfast, after breakfast we would open presents, play games, eat lunch, play more games, and then have a HUGE Christmas dinner. Then of course have pie! I love spending time with my family. For Christmas dinner, we had a bunch of food! I got all the presents that I asked for, but I also wanted a private jet, but I did not get that cause I cannot fly it yet. I also asked for a ticket to fly to Florida witch that did come true, we are going to Disney world with my whole Family, and we are going to ride so many rides! I love Disney world so much! The food was so good, and the rides were even better!

Christmas Clash

By Carina Pasere

A week before Christmas, Santa and his elves were working extra hard to make presents for the children waiting for him. That night, everyone had worked so hard, Santa wanted to reward his friends by hosting an early Christmas party at his very fancy mansion. He made sure only his closest friends would attend; Frosty the snowman, Rudolph, the gingerbread man, Mrs. Claus, Angel, and his elves. After everyone arrived, Santa greeted them with cookies and milk, and everybody was having fun, until...a Christmas tragedy happened. Mrs. Claus wished to congratulate Santa on the demanding work he put in this year for gifts; when she entered the empty bedroom, Santa was laying there lifeless, with a glass of milk spilled all over him. He had a large wound on his torso, he was stabbed. Mrs.

7TH-8TH GRADE

Claus was speechless, before she could think to react, Frosty walked by the bedroom witnessing the awful event. He ran as fast as he could back to the living room and hysterically told everything. Everyone was in shock and started crying. One of the elves there helped Mrs. Claus from the bedroom to clear her mind, but something was off. She was the only one not crying, it is like she was numb, did not say anything, you could not even spot a soul of emotion on her face. Everybody stared to wonder who dared to do such a thing, and why. While the guests were jumping the crazy conclusions, Angel all the sudden yelled and said “What if Mrs. Claus did it! She was the only one in the bedroom when Frosty walked by it must be her!” The room went silent, and all eyes were on Mrs. Claus...

Christmas as a puppy

By Terry Joe Reems

Christmas as a puppy. December 23, 2024. The puppy named Keg is very happy for Christmas. He really wants to get a bone for Christmas and treats. Keg is trying to be a good puppy so he can get a bone and treats. He goes outside to have fun in the snow with his brother Bear. They play outside for over 30 minutes. They are really tired, so they go back outside and take a nap. They wake up later at night and they play around in the house. But then Keg knocks over a vase and it breaks. He thinks that he will not get what he wants for Christmas. Now Keg is very sad, and his owners find out, but they are fine with it since he is only a puppy. But Keg still thinks that he won't get what he wants for Christmas. So, he goes to sleep since he is tired. He wakes up the next morning, it is the 24th of December. Keg is still sad he wants to make it up to his owners so he tries to play with them so that he can get a bone and treats. He sleeps though the 24th .He wakes up the next morning ITS THE 25th he is very happy that he might get a bone and treats. He goes to the Christmas tree he sees nothing. But then his owners come out of the bedroom with presents keg and bear tears them open and get bones and treats he is happy. The end

The Christmas Donkey

By Lillyann Moseley

Pegasus the Donkey was looking up at the night sky on Christmas Eve night trying to spot Santa Claus and his sleigh which hopefully contains the pink winter coat from her Ponies Monthly Magazine she had asked for in her letter to him. There was something in the sky that had caught her eye. It was a bright light that fell into her pasture! Quickly scrambling to her hooves, she runs out across the pasture towards the crash site to get a closer look. It was Santa Claus and his sled. But something was missing. His famous reindeer were not with him. “Santa, what is wrong?” Pegasus asked. “Pegasus! Thank goodness you are here! I need your help. My reindeer lost their magic and ran away after we landed. I need you to fly my sleigh.” Santa said. “But I cannot fly, I

am just a donkey!” Pegasus said sadly. “You are a donkey with the most Christmas spirit I have ever met, and that alone will help you fly. Please Pegasus, all the little children of the world need you.” Determined, Pegasus stomped her hooves and ran as fast as her legs could carry her and flew up into the sky as she pulled the sled after her. She flew all over the state of North Dakota, delivering presents to all the good children. When she returned to her home, Santa’s reindeer were waiting for Santa. Santa turned to Pegasus and said, “Thank you, Pegasus. You are a hero.” And with that, he flew away into the night. When she awoke the next morning, she found a present under her tree. Inside it lay a pink winter coat from her Ponies Monthly Magazine with a tag that said, “From Santa.” That is how Pegasus the donkey saved Christmas.

A Dogs Christmas

By June Herbert

I've always wondered how dogs celebrate Christmas. They don't set up Christmas trees or hang stockings, and they surely don't deck the halls. Maybe they have a feast or wait up for Santa Paws. Do they sing Christmas carols or have hot chocolate by the fire? I don't think so, but maybe they play in the snow or snuggle by the fire, I don't really know. People always told me that Christmas is about being with the people you love Maybe that's what dogs do. That's it I got it I know what dogs do for Christmas! They don't set up Christmas trees they are with you when you do it. They don't hang stockings, but we do and we always make sure to hang one for them they don't have a feast but they always get some leftovers. They help make a mess when we deck the halls and We wait up for Santa Claus and they wait up for Santa Paws. Of course, they don't sing but they listen they can't have hot chocolate but we can. We all play in

the snow with them and when we get tired we all snuggle by the fire. The dogs are a big part of Christmas We spend Christmas with family and friends and of course with our dogs.

Christmas Mayhem

By Billy Schmidt

One Christmas Eve on a stormy night Santa and his nine reindeer were delivering presents to children all over the world. The whole night was going so smoothly UNTIL! They found a house hidden in the woods far away from town. Santa took one good lap around the house looking down at the roof. He realized it was slippery, but Santa and his reindeer knew that it was going to be a hard landing, so knowing that it was going to be a hard landing he landed anyway because he needed to get the kids their presents. But then disaster struck the whole sled started sliding off the roof while going down Santa released the reindeer from the sled while he went down with the sled. Coming out of the ruble of the sleigh Santa was in disbelief because his whole sled and all the presents were destroyed. Santa knew that this could never be a real Christmas without presents for the kids, so Santa made a call to who you might be asking well. Mrs. Claus and the helpful ELVES! Santa gave them the rundown on how they would gather all the presents and reindeer, so Santa Mrs. Claus and all the elves split up into 9 groups. Hour after hour present after present. Finally, they had gathered all the presents and reindeer, they all met up with each other but there was one last problem they had no sleigh. But the good thing is Santa is smart and always has a backup sleigh. Going all around the world Santa and his reindeer delivered all the presents before sunrise and the next morning All the kids woke up joyful and happy on Christmas.

The 12 Acts of Christmas

By Marly Barnett

Eleven-year-old Violet was determined to make this Christmas special as she’d grown accustomed to the modest holidays spent with her father. With her mother serving overseas and money tight, Mr. Gregorios had little to give. Jeff, Violet’s closest friend, lived a wealthy life with his father. But Jeff’s mischief earned him coal every year. However, Violet was determined to make a change. “It’s time to fix this!” Violet declared. “We’re going to prove to Santa that you belong on the nice list!” Jeff snorted. “How do we do that? Bribe him with cookies?” “Nope! We’re going to do The 12 Acts of Christmas. One act of kindness each day until Christmas Eve!” Jeff groaned. “Fine. But if I end up with more coal–I’m blaming you.” Their first act was shoveling for their elderly neighbor. Jeff complained but admitted the woman’s smile worthwhile. Over the next few days, their acts ranged from singing carols at a retirement home to delivering firewood to families in need. Day by day, Jeff’s attitude shifted and Violet knew her plan was working–Then came Christmas Eve...“We need one more act,” Violet fretted. They brainstormed without success as many families were out of town, and others simply didn’t need help. In low spirits, Violet returned home. It was that evening, she heard a knock at the front door. It was Jeff. “Come on! You and your dad are coming over!” At his mansion, The Gregorios family found a feast awaiting their arrival and warm welcomings from Jeff’s father. Violet turned to Jeff. “YOU planned this?!” Jeff shrugged. “The 12th act should be special, right?” That Christmas, Violet felt true joy. And Jeff? When he awoke to find a drumset under the tree, he knew he’d made it onto Santa’s nice list.

Christ is Born

By Grace Dazell

A world looking for a reason

Not knowing where to turn

Hoping for a light to shine

Praying for a Savior to arrive

Hope is born

A barn to shelter

He chose no greater

A mother, young and hopeful

Laid Him in a manger

Humility is born

A baby boy asleep

Beneath a starry sky

Cradled in His mother’s arms

Making not a single cry

Peace is born

Wise Men travel from afar

To worship a boy, Maker of all things

The One who broke the darkness

Where an everlasting crown is shining

A King is born

Born to give us perpetual hope

Born to wash our feet

Born to give us everlasting peace

Born to build His kingdom here

Christ is born

9TH-12TH GRADE

Flurry's Big Adventure

By Zowie Dwyer

In a magical snowstorm high in the North Pole, a tiny snowflake named Flurry was born. Flurry was different from other snowflakes—she was smaller, with colorful sparkles. While the other snowflakes fell to the ground, Flurry was worried. She felt she was too small to help the world below. Flurry decided to go on a journey to find her special purpose. Along the way, she met Barett the Polar Bear. Flurry said she was scared to join the other snowflakes, and Barett said, “It’s okay to be scared, but you must go on. If you are brave, you can do amazing things”. Flurry was still worried. Continuing, Flurry met Orla the Owl. Orla saw Flurry frowning and asked, “What’s wrong?”. “I’m afraid I won’t help the world because I’m so small,” Flurry said. Orla told her, “Kindness is the greatest thing you can give the world.” Flurry didn’t understand, but she continued. As she was almost to the ground, she met Simon the Snowman. He saw Flurry and asked her, “What’s the matter?” Flurry said, “Orla says kindness is the greatest thing I can give, but I don’t know what that means.” Simon said, “You will feel much joy in giving kindness to everyone.” Flurry continued. Flurry was still worried but decided it was time to join the other snowflakes. When she did, she heard Santa didn’t have a path to guide him on Christmas Eve! The snowflakes tried to create a path but they were missing one little snowflake. Flurry joined them and they made a colorful path to help. Flurry learned it did not matter how small she was and Christmas isn’t about being perfect, it’s about helping others and the joy of giving. Flurry finally understood that her uniqueness was what the world needed.

How Santa Found His Twin Brother

By Kiya Prescott

In a cozy little village at the North Pole, Santa was preparing for his busiest night of the year. As he checked his list twice he stumbled upon an old dusty book in his library, the book had an interesting title “The legend of the Twin Claus.” Santa was curious and decided to open it and start reading the book. According to the book, Santa had a twin brother named Nick, who had been separated from him at birth. Nick had been raised by a different family in a distant land and had no idea about his true heritage. Santa’s heart raced as he read on, realizing that he might have a long-lost brother out there somewhere. Determined to find Nick, Santa set out on a journey with his trusty reindeer, He traveled through snowy mountains, dense forests, and across frozen lakes, following the clues in the book. Finally, he reached a small village in the mountains, where he found a man that looked just like him. Nick was so shocked that he had no idea what to do. He didn’t know if he should go up to him; he didn’t know how his twin brother would react. He finally got the courage to go up to him and

talk. They were both shocked. They started to talk and found out that they have a lot in common. They both headed back to the North Pole and made Christmas even more magical than it already was. Santa and Nick worked together to make Christmas the best that it has ever been.

Retro-Christmas

By Joshua Tharaldson

One day in New York city, there was a little boy named Zack. Zack was 8-year-old boy that wants only one thing for Christmas, A Gameboy Color. Zack had a feeling that his mom got it for him, so he went up to his room and tried to sleep. After an hour of trying to sleep, he finally fell asleep. December 25. Zack woke up, and ran to his mom and dads’ room to wake them up. “Mom, dad wake up, its Christmas” said Zack. They all ran down to the living room. Zack saw one present, it was kind of small. “this has to be a Gameboy Color” said Zack, he opened the present, and saw it was a Game Girl. Zack wasn’t mad, he was just disappointed. “Sorry Zack we’re poor right now” said mom with a sad look. “It’s ok mom” said Zack. So Zack played with the Game Girl and it was fun for him, so Zack learned that anything is fun.

The Magic of Santa By

Jozie Stenberg

Some people just believe that Santa has magical flying reindeer. I don't believe that he just has magic. I believe that he has a power source. I planned to sneak on to Santas sleigh to see how he gets his magic. My plan was that on Christmas, I was going to hide behind the tree so he couldn't see me. Then I would crawl into his bag and wait until we get onto the sleigh. I have a camera, food, and clothes all packed into a bag ready to go. It's Christmas Eve and my mom puts me to bed. I wait in my bed until I can't hear her walking around. About 10 minutes later, I grabbed my bag and went downstairs. I get in between the tree and the couch so I have a straight shot to the bag. A few hours later I heard a thud on the roof. About 30 seconds later the one and only Santa Clause is standing in my house. He walks over to the table and takes a cookie. He sits down in the chair and opens his bag, then he takes out a box and walks it over to the tree. Now is my chance to get in the bag. I start to head over and then he turns around. I darted back to the tree where I was hiding and watched him go and get another box. I waited for about 4 or 5 minutes then he walked back to the chair, grabbed another cookie, and took the glass of milk. He then walked over to the fire place to fill the stockings. I then ran over to the bag and crawled in. Santa finished the cookies and milk then picked up the bag and up the chimney we went. I felt another thud and we were in the sleigh. I poked my head out and saw that we were in the northern lights. On the dash of the sleigh there was a magic level. As we flew through the Northern Lights the magic

meter went up. I gasped in shock upon realizing that the lights powered Santas magic. Santa then turned around and saw me. He asked me who I was, and I told him. He then took me home and made sure I was asleep. That is how I found out how Santa got his magic.

Rudolph The Reindeer

By Michael Greff

Room full of family

Unleash the kids on the food

Doorbell ringing

Open the gifts

Lights

Presents Hot Cocoa

Tree

Holly

Eat

Rejoice

Everlasting food I love Christmas

Never stop laughing

Drinks

Elf

Everyone is welcome

Rhubarb Crisp

Christmas Again

By Quinn Messmer

“T’was a long time ago, longer now than it seems, in a place that perhaps you’ve seen in your dreams...” The beginning of “The Nightmare Before Christmas” played in the background of Alexa’s bedroom as she was cleaning, ordered to do so by her mother. As she pressed her fingers along the creases of the dark grey bedding, she went over the check list in her head: make the bed, sweep the floor, dust the shelves, organize the room. She did this almost every day, at this time of year it’s all she felt she could do, besides its what her mother wanted. Lost in thought, she didn’t hear her mother’s heels clicking towards the bedroom door before it was too late. She quickly clicked off the tv before her mother saw she was watching a Christmas movie, although Alexa didn’t really think of it as a Christmas movie, but her mother would have a stroke at the thought of her watching any movie that even mentioned Christmas. In fact, Alexa wasn’t allowed to do anything that mentioned Christmas, she didn’t even celebrate it. She used to, back when she lived somewhere else, but for some reason unknown to her, her mother picked up the whole family and moved them to a creepy town with their weird traditions. “Supper’s ready,” announced her mother. “Be there in a minute,” said Alexa. After supper Alexa got ready for bed. Right now, everyone else in the world would be getting ready for Christmas break, not her though, she had school tomorrow. She looked out at the snow-covered town through her window, praying for a magical reason that the town would reinstate Christmas. All she could do was go to bed and hope she would make it to graduation in the next four years.

The next morning Alexa woke to what felt like in extraordinary day. The sky seemed brighter, and the people happier. She heard what sounded like jingle bells in the street. Her mother came in her room and told her school was canceled and to be ready in five minutes for the town meeting. She got dressed as quickly as she could and walked to the main plaza with her mother. “Hello fellow towns people,” said the mayor, “The council has taken a vote and majority ruled, we are reinstating Christmas!!” Everyone cheered and a band started playing Christmas music. For every year from then on, the whole town celebrated Christmas and all the traditions that came with it.

School on Christmas

By

Lyncoln Thomas Twas Christmas eve and I was getting ready to go and open presents tomorrow but then are home phone got a call. “Hello, this is the school we are calling to tell you that there will be school tomorrow.” What?! They can’t have school on Christmas that’s bologna. The next day we were going to school on the bus. I was missing out on everything we were the only school that wasn’t having

9TH-12TH GRADE

no school. When I got to school I met up with my friends and we began to talk about what was going on. Bill said “we should just escape from the school. It can’t be that hard.” So that was the plan we were going to escape school and we thought it would be easy until the intercom went off. “students this is your superintendent speaking I am here to tell you that I have locked all the doors, hired security, and built a wall outside. You will be able to leave until I say.” Well there goes our plan. We decide to still try to escape but we were going to need to do it fast before the superintendent would notice us kids missing. We decided to plan. The plan was to go into the vents go onto the roof and jump over the wall. So, we went into the vents and then encountered our first problem we didn’t all fit in the vents so we had to split up one team in the vents and the other team on the ground I got in the vents but Tim and Billy did not they were on the ground and had to hide from the security. On are way we heard a scream from Tim “run guys there on to us. Luckily, we were close to our exit and got onto the roof but when we were up there we saw a security guard and the security guard saw us. We were done for but he didn’t care he said “just leave me alone I’m on lunch break.” So, we agreed and jumped over the wall and were free. We were celebrating our

escape and then all of a sudden, I woke up and went to open presents with my family.

Gandalf and the Sleigh By Jaycee VanLishout

In the North Pole, there was an Elf named Gandalf. He had a knack for inventing things. He spent most of his days in the workshop, making new toys for Santa to deliver, and things for around Santa’s Workshop. One day Gandalf went to lunch and came back to a disaster. All of his toys and inventions had been destroyed. Gandalf sadly got blamed for this disaster, and Santa punished him by sending him to the South Pole. The South Pole was very different from the North Pole. It was cold, windy, and only had three other elves who were also banished. At the North Pole, the elves and Santa had realized that the real culprit was a naughty reindeer in training, Wizz. In Wizz’s mischief, he broke Santa’s sleigh. Santa wanted Gandalf back at the North Pole. He used his Christmas Magic to whisk him back. Gandalf was confused as to why Santa wanted him back. The elves explained Wizz’s mischief to him. Santa called Gandalf to his office, and asked him to rebuild his sleigh. The deal was that if Gandalf could rebuild the sleigh in a weeks’ time, he could come back to the North Pole. Gandalf agreed quickly and set off to his

old workbench to start. He worked day and night to build a magnificent sleigh. Wizz, feeling sorry asked to help Gandalf build the sleigh. It was made of the strongest oak in the world and had the newest technology. Wizz and Gandalf even painted the sleigh a beautiful red color with snowflakes and Christmas trees sprinkled over the red. Wizz and Gandalf became close friends while building the sleigh. Santa was impressed with Gandalf’s invention. He loved it, and so did the other elves and reindeer! They rejoiced at the fact Santa could deliver presents to children all around the world. The elves suited up the reindeer, packed the presents in Santa’s bag, and prepped the sled. That night was the quickest Santa ever delivered presents. He came back and praised Gandalf, and gave him his own workshop next to his. Gandalf the Elf went down in the elves history as the best elf Santa ever had. Now, thirteen hundred years later, the legend of Gandalf is told to all the young elves. The story of Gandalf is told to inspire the young elves. Now, Gandalf’s Sleigh is still the one Santa’s uses today.

Santa vs. The GrinchA Christmas Smackdown By Riley Boyll Down in Whoville, joyous sounds filled the air. It was Christmas Day and the whole

9TH-12TH GRADE

9TH-12TH GRADE

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town was gathered around the central tree. Loud singing flowed through the air. The Grinch, who had long tormented Whoville and himself, gave back Christmas. All was well, except for someone hadn’t gotten over the Christmas thief just yet. Santa wanted revenge. Now don’t fret, just like in the stories Santa really is a quite jolly fellow. That is, until you mess with his home turf. As the Whos sang their jolly song Santa flew

his sleigh to the center of the circle. Cheers filled the air, but were silenced at Santa’s words. “I’m here for the Grinch.” The Whos quieted because Santy didn’t seem very happy right now. “What do you want?!!!!!!”

The Grinch said irritably, momentarily forgetting that he was supposed to be happy now. “I want us to be the best of friends.” Santa said in the most sarcastic nice voice any of the Whos had ever heard and a terrifyingly mean smile.

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Dear Abby

By Megan Donivant

Dear Abby, My husband and I have been married for, what feels like, 100 years. During our marriage, his career as CEO of a worldwide manufacturing and distribution company has really taken flight. He oversees every detail of his operation: toy production, behavioral assessments, livestock health and safety, boosting morale and spirit, overnight distribution – that’s just to name a few. What began as a small hobby in his workshop a few nights a week has turned into a 365-day commitment. I never see him anymore. I mean, I get it,

he’s an important guy. Everyone looks up to him. Everyone depends on him. But I need him too. The only quality time we spend together is when I deliver a freshly baked batch of cookies to his office, or if his suit needs mending. Even when he’s home, he’s working. He’s making lists, checking them twice, always ranting and raving about who’s been naughty or nice. It’s ALL he ever talks about. I miss the afternoons we’d spend riding in our one-horse open sleigh, stopping for a sweet treat at the Peppermint factory. I miss our healthy competition of reindeer games – or chess as some of you call it. What I’m trying to say Abby is, I

just miss my husband. How do I get him to spend more time with me and less time at work? Signed, Neglected in the North. Dear Neglected, It sounds like your husband has some very big boots to fill. I’m sorry it has taken away from your quality time together. Perhaps you can join him on some of the day-to-day activities such as, feeding the animals, organizing travel plans, boxing and wrapping shipments. While you may feel left out, remember that a man is only as successful as the woman standing beside him. He may be out spreading cheer and joy to others, but it’s you who keeps his spirits lifted at home. Besides, what man can resist a warm chocolate-chip cookie and cold glass of milk?

Sincerely, Abby

Hollydale

By Michell LeBaron

Snow blanketed the village of Hollydale, where every window glowed with golden light, except Mrs. Everly’s cottage on the hill. Her home had been dark for years, her joy buried with her husband, who’d passed one Christmas Eve long ago. As Emma walked home with her father, she tugged his sleeve. “Why doesn’t Mrs. Everly have a Christmas tree?” “She hasn’t celebrated since Mr. Everly died,” he replied softly. “They used to hang a lantern each year to guide each other home through the snow.” That night, Emma gathered her siblings. “We’re making her a lantern,” she said. They found an old jar, painted it with stars, and placed a candle inside. On the ribbon tied to its handle, they wrote: “ You are not Forgotten, Merry Christmas”. Snow swirled as they climbed the hill, the cold biting their cheeks. On her porch, they hung the lantern, knocked, and hid behind the bushes. The door creaked open. Mrs. Everly froze at the glowing lantern. Her trembling fingers touched the ribbon, and tears welled in her eyes. The next morning, Hollydale awoke to a miracle: Mrs. Everly’s house twinkled with lights, a wreath on her door, and a tree glowing in her window. She stood outside, lantern in hand, as villagers gathered. “Thank you for guiding me back home,” she said, her voice steady but full

of emotion. “This lantern reminded me that love never truly leaves, it shines, even in the darkest nights.” From that day on, lanterns lit every porch each Christmas, a symbol of hope and love for all to see.

I believe in Christmas By Verna Gunderson I believe in Christmas, the hope for miracles in the midst of pain. Prepared for my 2nd Christmas in the Dakota Plains hope woke up to comfort me. I didn’t know the first Christmas here would be the last Christmas with my Mother. I had hoped my parents would get a good five year run after fighting for the return of their resources for two years. That hope was shorted by three and a half years. Mom faded into history with her passing this summer. In the next month my Father-in-law followed her lead, leaving his family behind. The next brought the death of my main job, and only just days away from the end of a year probationary period, too. Heart issues developed at the same time with a slow growing cancerous mole, soon to be excised. Life can pack quite the punch, but it can’t take away the memory bubbles that decorate our lives, much like the Christmas ornaments for the tree do now. With each challenge, the Christmas prairie winds whispered louder bringing more hope and encouragement. With a small new bed and breakfast, first guests checked in hours before my mother left, Dakota has been like a warm cozy blanket on a blizzard filled night. Hope protected me from the roller coaster ride without a seat belt. My mother believed in cleaning out the barn so that the animals were prepared for the eve of celebrated Christ’s birth day, I am thankful to live in the miracle of a moment, to remember Christ is the reason for the season. He has given me the strength to inspect my broken pieces, to find a way to turn them into beautiful mosaics, to be still, until it’s time for me to return home. Merry Christmas to all!

Home for the Holidays

By Nancy Fromer

She was so excited to get home from college, after an eight-hour drive to surprise her family. They didn’t expect her so early. She

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ADULT DIVISION

was the one to be surprised to find that no one was home! She was disappointed at first, but then walking into her living room and finding all the traditional decorations made her joyful and comfortable. The old snowman that lit up, the angel on top of the tree, the nativity from Israel carved from wood. She plugged in the Christmas tree lights, put on holiday music and relaxed with a cup of hot cocoa and a candy cane cookie. She reflected on her family and blessings and realized how much she had to be thankful for. Family, her relationships with those she loved and had missed so much during this first difficult semester away from home. She thought about all the holiday fun with her family over the years. The sleigh her dad made from old runners they hooked up to the white horse, Beauty to go out to the back property and cut their own Christmas tree. The tobogganing parties with huge bonfires, roasted hot dogs and marshmallows. The fried cakes her mom made, and they enjoyed while opening their stockings and gifts. The ham baking in the oven with all the trimmings, pies, fudge and church windows. Her family was blessed with so much- a comfortable home, good health, fun and laughter. They would attend the candlelight service at church with the entire family in attendance, singing about the Joy to the World that has come for all. The American family and all the traditions she and her friends had enjoyed growing up. Life was good and she had so much to look forward to. Welcome Christmas!

The Elf who saved Christmas

By Mary Meyer

Chippy was full of Christmas spirit, as he always was this time of year. While polishing the sleigh’s red and gold trim, he made sure every jingle bell was shining and each reindeer was brushed to perfection. With each brush stroke, Chippy sang Christmas carols, and the reindeer tapped their hooves in rhythm, excited for the big night ahead. After finishing the sleigh and reindeer preparations, Chippy looked up to see the northern lights swirling above, lighting up the snowy sky in magical colors. He took a deep breath of the crisp, chilly air, feeling a special kind of happiness. This was his favorite moment—the calm before the Christmas Eve rush. Just as he was about to head back to the workshop, Chippy noticed something strange. A small glimmer caught his eye near one of the sleigh’s runners. Bending down to inspect, he discovered a tiny crack in the sleigh’s side rail! Chippy’s heart skipped a beat. He knew how important it was for the sleigh to be in perfect condition. Without hesitation, he grabbed his toolkit and set to work, determined to fix it before Santa even noticed. With focus and determination, Chippy sanded and polished the sleigh until the crack disappeared. Wiping his brow, he

stood back and admired his work. “All set and ready to go,” he whispered to himself. He was relieved and proud, knowing that he had done everything possible to ensure a smooth Christmas Eve flight. As he returned to the workshop, he was greeted by Mrs. Claus, holding a plate of freshly baked gingerbread cookies just for him. “Chippy, you’ve outdone yourself!” she said, handing him a cookie. “The reindeer look wonderful, and Santa’s sleigh has never shined brighter. Chippy smiled, nibbling on his cookie. “Just doing my part for Christmas, Mrs. Claus!” As Chippy made his way back to the sleigh, he couldn’t help but feel a warm glow from Santa's kind words. Being praised by Santa himself was a big honor, and it made Chippy feel even more inspired to do his best.

A most special day

By Carolyn Lardy

By late afternoon the warm smells of cooking filled the kitchen of the small farm house. The potatoes were peeled and put on to boil. The spicy meatballs and brown gravy were simmering and creamed peas and carrots were in the warming oven. On the back burner sweet cream butter was melting in a small sauce pan and on the other burner water in the blue speckled canner was starting to boil. This was for the traditional lutefisk that was served every year. Wrapped in cheese-cloth the lye soaked cod would be submerged in boiling water only minutes before serving. Next the everyday oil cloth was replaced with a freshly ironed white linen cloth and red candles were placed near the ends of the table. Last years’ new Melmac dished were laid in place along with the good stainless steel silverware with the rosebud pattern. Grandma’s silver leaf shaped dish was heaped with thin brown speckled lefse; another plate was filled with delicate krumkakke, and yet another held golden fattimans and sunbakkels. Soon Father came down the stairs. He had exchanged his blue striped bib overalls and blue chambray shirt for navy dress pants, a white shirt, and light blue suspenders. He wore his black church shoes instead of his work boots and he was ever so smooth shaven and smelled wonderfully of Aqua Velva aftershave. Father would lean over the stove and smell long and hard of the lutefisk now boiling in the pot. How the Lutefisk turned out was of utmost importance. It must not be rubbery or slippery. It must be firm and tender. Drizzled with butter it was a feast Father looked forward to all year. Next Mother came down the stairs and a hint of Evening in Paris lingered in the air. Mother had exchanged her cotton housedress for her prettiest blue Sunday dress. She tied a short white nylon apron over her dress and was back in the kitchen. She and Father would stand over the speckled blue canner murmuring about its readiness.Finally the white fish was heaped on a platter and brought steaming hot to the table. Mother would hover over the food and then she would call, “Come and get it.” In seconds ADULT DIVISION CONTINUED FROM J34

It brings us great joy to share our thanks and best wishes with all of you at this special time. Your friendship and patronage have filled our year with joy and purpose, and we owe our success to your support.

We hope the cherished traditions of this festive season fill your heart and home with as much glee as they do ours. May your holiday season be merry and bright, and your new year happy and healthy. Best wishes to you and your loved ones this Christmas and always!

One stop shop.

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CONTINUED FROM J35

the candle light glowed on five shiny faces. Christmas Eve had finally begun.

Hike to the Star

By Jennie Black

As December 1st rolls around, I start checking off my Christmas-time bucket list! Our first on the list is to hike to the star at Rocky Butte Park. It’s short enough to get your blood pumping, and not long enough to get frostbite! Stu, my husband, brewed a vat of hot chocolate for all of us to sip on while we fast and furiously hiked through the frigid temperatures! We bundled up and grabbed our steaming mugs - anticipating the adventure ahead. We only went a few steps, when Connor’s boot found a giant slushy snow puddle! We didn’t have time to go home for an extra pair of shoes before the star lit up, so we promised him it would be a quick hike. Off we went again! Halfway up the gently sloping path, Averie accidentally dumped half of her hot chocolate down the right sleeve of her coat! Thankfully, she had put ice-cubes in it before we left the house so it was only mildly warm. Onward we trudged, with a sticky-armed girl! We decided to cut through the wooded area

of the park to reach the star faster! Stu started up a merry tune of “Go Tell it on the Mountain.” As we were rounding the corner by the water tower, Easton got tripped by a tree root! His boot got stuck and came off! His hot chocolate went flying! He resurfaced with a face-full of snow – poor kid! We dusted him off and reached the star just as the light was coming on! We gazed up at the star – full of thankfulness – remembering what the season was all about – faith, family and festive misadventures!... when we got back to the van, Stu and I realized we had locked the keys inside! Uffdah and Merry Christmas!

The Red Envelope

By Daniel Ballesteros Jr.

Two whole weeks off for Christmas vacation. I should be beside myself with joy…but I’m not. The holidays have given me PTSD for the last couple of years ever since…my dad passed away from a heart attack on Christmas Eve. That morning, he called me up wanting to meet for coffee. You have to know, my dad was not the type to hang out. He was a stoic man—marblefaced and sphinx-like, though never short on correcting you. I picked him up that day, texting him that I’d arrived. Waiting, I did a mental inventory: Heat on, belt buckled, wearing expensive scarf that

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my parents bought me despite not having worn one since I was twelve… I glanced up and saw my older self standing at the doorway. He gave my mom a kiss good bye. I waved at my mother as we backed out of the driveway. “So…how’s it going? Didn’t realized mom and you were the Starbucks type now. Finally done with instant?” Dad was grimacing, staring at my speedometer. “Going kinda fast, aren’t you?” My speedometer read 27mph. The speed limit was 25. I felt pressure at the base of my skull—that feeling whenever I stuffed down what I really wanted to say. My dad didn’t speak a word as we sipped coffee, casually people watching. Well this was fun…finally, after just half an hour, we left. As I was about to enter into the car, I felt a hand on my shoulder. “Son—“. A second later, my dad was collapsed on the ground from a fatal heart attack. Having my fill of nostalgia, I checked the mail and saw a red envelope with no return address. I opened it and realized it was a letter…in my dad’s handwriting: Son…what I’ve always wanted to say was that I’m sorry that I’m so terrible at telling you how I really feel… at being a good father. I guess…I was raised the same way and, for a moment, held hope that I could be different with you. I’m sorry. Thankfully, you’ve grown to be an honest, open, and loving husband and father…and

for that, I thank your mother. Just know that…I love you, son. I was never able to tell you out-loud…but I whispered it in my heart every second of your life.

The Eagle who Soared with Santa By Geno Sloan

While little Eddy Eagle nested with his mommy, he heard birds whisper about Christmas. Other eagles stopped to visit the nest, telling news they heard about the human holiday. Eddy listened as they talked about a sleigh flying in the air each year, loaded with gifts for children on earth. Some eagles heard the story from their parents; others had seen it, as they flew high over the water. “It is pulled by eight animals with antlers on their heads. A jolly old man in a red and white suit flies the sleigh around the world. He goes fast, as he only has one night to work.” Eddy grew and began his own life’s journey. His wings got stronger. Soon he could fly faster than his parents. Now he was ready to go out on his own. He decided to find that jolly old man and the sleigh. He wanted to fly around the world with them. The weather grew colder. As Eddy Eagle flew the skies, he saw snow on the ground. At night there were colored lights shining on houses below. He heard music as he flew closer to the ground. It was that special time of the year. The jolly old man and his sleigh

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must be nearby. Then, the night was crispy clear. Bells rang from churches. Families came out of them and headed home. Eddy saw decorated trees inside the houses.

Humans sang and played with one another. Then they went to bed. Eddy’s eagle eyes searched the skies!! Then He spied THE SLEIGH in the moonlight, pulled by the animals called reindeer!! Eddy flew from his treetop, gliding very close. It was more exciting than he had ever dreamed!! He was soaring the skies...WITH SANTA!

Save The Date!

The Dickinson Press 2025 Christmas Deadline: Sunday, December 7, 2025.

Send us your best Christmas story or poem for your chance to win one of 11 prizes donated by local businesses! Details and official rules will be in the Dickinson Press November & December 2025!

This Christmas, our wish for you, is a blessed season that fills your heart and home with hope, warmth and great joy!

As we wrap up 2024, we are especially grateful for the trust and support of this community. Our commitment to local journalism and service to our neighbors here remains as strong as ever, and we wish everyone peace and good health in 2025 and beyond.

Happy Holidays from WCCU!

Western Cooperative Credit Union would like to thank our members for their support over the past year. We look forward to conitnuing our partnership and serving you in the coming year. May you and yours have a very prosperous and joyous new year!