Holiday

Nicotine
Imagine this: Being in your room in the final hours of the night under dim lights, holding a tobacco roll in your hand. And despite the noise outside, which could even be the "end of the world," you remain indifferent.
By Moabout a year ago in Fiction
The Tree . Top Story - December 2024.
The Tree D. A. Ratliff The snow looked fresh and pristine, and I hoped this would be fun. I had my doubts. It had taken quite a bit of convincing to get me to agree to trudge through the deep Colorado snow to find a Christmas tree.
By D. A. Ratliffabout a year ago in Fiction
Revisiting "Home Alone"
It was Christmas Eve in the McCallister house, and the air was thick with holiday chaos. Kevin McCallister, an 8-year-old with a sharp wit and a mischievous streak, found himself in the middle of the typical whirlwind. Family members were shouting across the house, running around in a panic, all trying to prepare for their trip to Paris the next day. It was the time of year when everyone’s Christmas spirit was tested by last-minute packing, gift wrapping, and a dinner that never seemed to be served on time. (Cue the “Why is this happening to me?!” look)
By LatestWriterabout a year ago in Fiction
Unseen Strength
Aisha's life was a canvas of dreams, painted with the vibrant colors of ambition and the fresh hues of youth. At twenty-two, she was a stunning vision of beauty, with a petite yet curvaceous figure that turned heads wherever she went. Her long, raven-black hair cascaded down her back like a waterfall of night, framing her heart-shaped face and accentuating her high cheekbones. Her eyes, a deep shade of brown that sparkled like dark chocolate, shone bright with a fire that seemed to burn from within. Her full lips, painted a deep crimson, curved into a perpetual smile that hinted at a quick wit and a sharp intelligence.
By Tales by J.J.about a year ago in Fiction
Elf in the Attic
This is part of a short series. Each story is also very short! I recommend reading them in order if you haven't already. Here they are:
By L.C. Schäferabout a year ago in Fiction
A Christmas Beast. Content Warning.
With the transformation of the seven into an eight in the last panel of my digital clock, midnight crept closer. I reluctantly placed my Game of Thrones bookmark in my copy of A Christmas Carol and set it on the coffee table in front of me. I despised the novel, but it seemed appropriate for the time of year, and I hated even more when I had to stop reading for the change. Yet it was almost time, and I would never risk the safety of one of my books. They were the only loved ones I dared to have around me, especially on Christmas Eve.
By Stephanie Hoogstadabout a year ago in Fiction
The Naughty List. Content Warning.
This is part of a short series. Each story is also very short! I recommend reading them in order if you haven't already. Here they are:
By L.C. Schäferabout a year ago in Fiction
Tinsel and Trouble
Snowflakes drifted lazily from the gray December sky, settling over the picturesque town of Hollyhaven. Christmas was only a week away, and the streets buzzed with holiday cheer. Garlands adorned every lamppost, twinkling lights framed every shop window, and the scent of cinnamon wafted through the air. In the heart of town stood the Hollyhaven Community Center, where preparations for the annual Christmas gala were in full swing.
By Thomas Vasasabout a year ago in Fiction
The Art of the Unspoken
This study, published in Nature Aging in August of 2024 analyzed a ton of proteins and metabolites in people of various ages and found, when you put it all together, that there are some big changes in body chemistry over time and those changes peak at age 44 and age 60.
By Tales by J.J.about a year ago in Fiction
Another Gory Tale. Content Warning.
At last, both children were asleep. Sandy could hear Karl moving about in the kitchen, and took the opportunity to set up her phone camera. Tonight they were determined to find out what was going on.
By L.C. Schäferabout a year ago in Fiction
Then Who?
"His eyes blazed," sounded like such a cliché, but they did! He was so angry, the gold flecks in his hazel irises looked like sparks. The spittle flying from his bristling beard, and his aggressive gestures only added to the effect. He looked like he was about to explode.
By L.C. Schäferabout a year ago in Fiction
Piling Up (overwhelmed)
Is it the change of weather, the lack of sleep from cooking the Thanksgiving feast, the carbohydrate coma of afterwards, or the pressures from the upcoming property taxes due on December 1st amidst the expectation that Christmas decorations are "supposed" to have cheerfully gone up by now???? I want to know. And I want a nap. Maybe I just need vitamins. That might help. All I know is that I have managed to keep the kitchen clean at least. Kudos for me! But I see other things piling up...dust, laundry, animal care issues, and there's that ding on my windshield!
By Shirley Belkabout a year ago in Fiction