Picturebooking Prof- Picturebooking Prof
Another Contest Entry--JUST FOR FUN!
Encouraged by an honorable mention in the Halloween story contest, I decided to have some more fun and write a little something for Susanna Leonard Hill's Holiday writing contest.
The rules are that it has to be 250 words or less and about a "holiday treat." It's in rhyme, which is a skill I'm still crafting but is one of my guilty pleasures (it's like a puzzle for language! Is anything better?). Since my vantage point as a gerontologist makes me partial to aging/inter-generational themes, I also wanted to incorporate some of that here. Enjoy! :)
Christmas Eve Treats (247 words)
We have a tradition, my Grandma and me,
To make a new treat every year Christmas Eve.
And each little treat comes along with some fun,
A story, a dance, and a mess when we’re done!
When I was three we made gingerbread friends,
We practiced the ginger waltz kitchen to den,
She told me a story of button gumdrops,
That made me so strong I could climb the treetops!
When I was four we made cinnamon swirls,
And while they were baking we practiced our twirls.
She told me a story of dresses so rare,
That when twirled fast took me up in the air!
When I was five we made candy cane sweets,
And we danced the twist arm-in-arm through the streets.
She told me a story of red-striped balloons,
That when I held tight floated me to the moon!
This year I’m six and in charge of the treat.
See, Grandma has moved, and she has a wheeled seat.
Grandma, I made us some gingerbread friends,
I’ll push you, and we’ll ginger waltz once again!
Grandma, I made us some cinnamon swirls,
I’ll help spin your chair into special wheeled twirls!
Grandma, I made us some candy cane sweets,
Now let’s go outside and roll-twist through the streets.
Grandma, I brought some more presents for you,
Button gumdrops, a dress, and a red-striped balloon.
Now you can climb, fly, and float up with me!
We’re the story this year, the best Christmas Eve treat.
* * * * * * *
Well there you have it! And although I didn't have this particular tradition with my own grandma growing up, she did give me sewing lessons, take me garage sale-ing, come to all of my soccer and softball games, and is still an inspiration. Thanks, Gma! And MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!
