It's time again for the annual holiday writing contest so generously organized by Susanna Leonard Hill! The task: write a holiday story in some way incorporating a holiday helper, in 250 words or less.

So without further ado, I give you my entry!

A Christmas Cheer Parade

By Brenda Whitehead

(246 words)

Searching for a cheer parade?

It’s hard to find one, I’m afraid.

The only sign? A secret note.

What’s it say? Here’s a quote:

Find a way to spread the cheer

To someone else in need this year.

The cheer parade found Mrs. Ped

When Mr. Ped was sick in bed.

Soon lights adorned her house and trees!

A note was blowing in the breeze:

Find a way to spread the cheer

To someone else in need this year.

Well Mrs. Ped knew Mr. Joe

Was out of work—he broke his toe!

So Mrs. Ped baked Christmas treats,

And Mr. Joe found something sweet:

Find a way to spread the cheer

To someone else in need this year.

Well Mr. Joe knew little Rune

Had grown out of her trike in June.

He shined his daughter’s too-small bike,

And left a message, something like:

Find a way to spread the cheer

To someone else in need this year.

Well Rune sat down and wrote a tale

(Mommy typed it in email),

Of Christmas cheer and how it grows—

The last two lines are ones you know:

Find a way to spread the cheer

To someone else in need this year.

So did Rune’s story work, you ask?

Did she satisfy her task?

Well my friend, it’s time you knew…

The cheer parade has just found YOU!

So…

Find a way to spread the cheer

To someone else in need this year!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Love, Rune

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Thanks so much for reading! Now please head on over to the contest page and read all of the other wonderful entries!

And just for kicks and giggles, here's a festive picture of my little cheer-spreaders. :)