My Entry for Susanna Leonard Hill’s 2nd Annual Holiday Contest!!!

The 2nd Annual Holiday Contest!!!

The Contest:  Write a children's holiday story beginning with any version of "Dashing through the snow in a one horse open sleigh."  You may use that actual opening, or you may change it to any similar version "[Verb of your choice]ing through the [any substance you choose] in a [conveyance of any kind]."  For example, "Dashing through the sand in a two-wheeled donkey cart" or "Sloshing through the swamp in a green and white canoe" or "Flying through the air in a striped hot air balloon..."  You get the idea, I'm sure :)  But "Dashing through the snow in a one horse open sleigh" is completely acceptable too - whatever works for you :)  Your story may be poetry or prose, silly or serious or sweet,  religious or not, based on Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or whatever you celebrate, but is not to exceed 350 words. For full contest rules, click here.

Dashing Through the Cosmos

By Erika Bushman

348 words

Dashing through the cosmos in a Warpton 2000 pod,

Over the colorful nebulas and through the Milky Way.

Traveling at the speed of light, Dono sped toward a green planet, third from a sun.

He had heard about a silly tradition of giving gifts and wanted to see how it was done.

It was dark when he approached a building lined with lights. Frozen water crystals swirled in the air as his pod gently landed on the building top.  Looking for a way in, he found a square portal made of bricks. The portal was a tight fit especially around his middle but Dono was determined. What was all the hype about?

His feet hit something solid and Dono exited the portal with a huff. He brushed the dark powder off of his red and white fur to behold a beautiful sight.  Glittery round balls and sparkling lights covered a green conical shaped plant.  Underneath the plant were brightly colored objects.  

With wonder and awe, Dono sat down and admired the sight.  He almost knocked over a hollow cylinder filled with a white liquid.  Licking a drop off his finger, he eyes widened. It was delicious!  Next to the cylinder were two warm disks with brown spots.  He took a bite. "Wonderful!" he thought as he washed it down with the creamy liquid.  He was really starting to like this planet. 

As he munched on the disks, he noticed little statues made with the likeness of the beings occupying this planet. Several large beings and animals stood around a smaller one. Everyone was gazing at the little one with expressions of excitement, joy, adoration and humility. Dono's heart warmed. He did like it here. 

He opened his bag and placed some items in the tubes hung from the entry portal.  Giving to these kind beings made him feel good!

He packed up his bag. Putting a finger to his nose, he beamed up to his pod.

With his heart warm and his belly full, Dono had one simple thought, "No wonder people from this planet loved this night!"