Tales of Hearth Challenge Winners

Winter holds moments of shared warmth and comfort that echo through literature and memory alike. For the Tales of Hearth Challenge, we invited writers to capture that timeless feeling through a story that reminds us why the chill outside makes the warmth inside all the more precious and submit to the Families community.

We asked participants to craft stories that encapsulate the joy and solace found during winter’s coldest moments—whether through family traditions that fill a home with laughter, an unexpected act of kindness on a snowy evening, or cherished rituals that bring comfort year after year.

As always, narrowing down the winners was no small feat. Each submission told its own tale of warmth and resilience, embodying the spirit of the season in unique ways. After hours of deliberation and much admiration, we’re thrilled to present the winners who captured our hearts and the essence of the challenge.

Here are the top picks from the Tales of Hearth Challenge:

🏆 $500 Grand Prize Winner: Snow in the Heartlands by Michelle Liew

Michelle Liew’s "Snow in the Heartlands" beautifully portrays the power of love and creativity in fulfilling cherished dreams. Grandma Neo’s longing for the snow of her past is tenderly met by her grandchildren, who recreate a winter wonderland in their tropical home. This heartfelt story captures the warmth of family, the magic of shared effort, and the joy of making a loved one feel cherished. Its emotional depth, vivid imagery, and uplifting message make it a standout winner.

🥈 $200 Second Place: Christmas Magic by Cindy Calder

Cindy Calder’s "Christmas Magic" transports readers to the early 20th century, where simple acts of love and imagination create enduring memories. The story highlights a father’s dedication to preserving the wonder of Santa Claus for his children, even as he discovers a magical gift of his own. With its nostalgic charm, vivid historical setting, and heartfelt message about the magic of belief and family traditions, this story resonates deeply, earning it the Second Place prize.

🎖️ Runners-up: $15 Each

Sleeping with Ice by K. Kocheryan

K. Kocheryan’s "Sleeping with Ice" masterfully captures the beauty of finding comfort in a shared, imperfect moment during a winter storm. Through gentle humor and vivid sensory details, the story conveys the warmth of familial bonds amidst the cold and quiet of a powerless home. With its relatable dynamics and the tranquility of small joys, this story perfectly encapsulates the magic of fleeting, cozy memories in the heart of winter.

Look Mom, Santa Brought a Skylight by Cathy Holmes

Cathy Holmes’ "Look Mom, Santa Brought a Skylight" is a heartwarming tale of a Christmas mishap that becomes an enduring family memory. The story’s humor and relatable chaos—from a snowy roof collapse to a makeshift repair—perfectly capture the resilience and camaraderie of the holiday spirit. With its blend of nostalgia, warmth, and the reminder that imperfect moments often create the best stories, this piece shines as a delightful celebration of family and tradition.

A Hundred Tiny Miracles by Killian

Killian’s "A Hundred Tiny Miracles" is a nostalgic and tender reflection on the magic of family gatherings during the holidays. Through vivid descriptions and heartfelt moments, the story captures the warmth of shared traditions, music, and the deep bonds between generations. With its ability to evoke a profound sense of belonging and the recognition of life’s simplest joys as tiny miracles, this story is a beautiful testament to the spirit of the season.

In the Tree by Kateresa

Kateresa’s "In the Tree" is a poignant and imaginative tale told from the perspective of a long-forgotten artificial Christmas tree. The story beautifully weaves themes of loss, remembrance, and renewal as a family revives the tree’s purpose in memory of their late matriarch. With its unique narrative voice and touching depiction of love and tradition enduring across generations, this heartfelt piece captures the bittersweet essence of the holiday season.

A Kindling of Kindness by Addison Alder

Addison Alder’s "A Kindling of Kindness" is a powerful story of compassion and connection sparked by a Christmas Eve tragedy. The narrative unfolds with vivid emotion, showcasing how a family’s generosity turns a devastating fire into an opportunity to forge lifelong bonds. With its themes of warmth, resilience, and the transformative power of small acts of kindness, this story beautifully encapsulates the challenge’s prompt and leaves readers with a sense of hope and humanity.

How Bob Saved Christmas by Julie Bernstein

Julie Bernstein’s "How Bob Saved Christmas" is a tender story about finding hope and healing through the simplest of traditions. The tale of a family choosing a “less-than-perfect” Christmas tree, lovingly named Bob, reflects the power of creating new memories amidst challenging times. With its heartfelt narrative and the metaphor of a flawed tree bringing a family together, this story beautifully captures the essence of resilience, love, and the warmth of the holidays.

Through the Window by J. Nicholas Merchen

J. Nicholas Merchen’s "Through the Window" is a tender and atmospheric story capturing the quiet magic of a snowy night shared between two brothers. The narrative beautifully portrays their bond, from whispered conversations to shared wonder at the first snowfall. With vivid imagery, heartfelt dialogue, and a gentle exploration of childhood innocence and connection, this story embodies the warmth and joy of winter’s most serene moments, making it a standout entry.

Winter Frequencies by G. A. Botero

G. A. Botero’s "Winter Frequencies" masterfully captures the tension and eventual relief of a family weathering a storm, both literal and emotional. Through the rediscovery of a ham radio, the story highlights how connection and communication can bring hope and warmth even in the coldest, most isolating moments. With its vivid imagery, heartfelt dialogue, and a resonant message about the enduring bonds of family, this story beautifully embodies the challenge’s theme of finding comfort amidst adversity.

My Golden Light Eliza by Euan Brennan

Euan Brennan’s "My Golden Light Eliza" is a deeply moving story about grief, resilience, and the enduring warmth of a mother’s love. Through vivid storytelling and tender moments, the narrative explores how a grieving family finds comfort in the thoughtful gifts and memories left behind. With its powerful emotional depth and a message of strength and self-love, this poignant tale beautifully captures the challenge’s theme of warmth and connection amidst life’s coldest moments.

A Christmas Morning of Sausages, Bacon, and Love by Paul Stewart

Paul Stewart’s "A Christmas Morning of Sausages, Bacon, and Love" is a heartwarming tale of resilience and redemption. Through Angelika’s journey from a painful past to the safety and love of her adoptive family, the story beautifully explores the transformative power of care and belonging. With vivid memories of family traditions and the joy of creating new ones, this uplifting piece reminds readers of the warmth and healing found in simple, shared moments during the holidays.

Embering by Call Me Les

Call Me Les’s "Embering" is a beautifully layered story about family, memory, and the warmth of shared history. Through the bond between a grandfather and granddaughter, the narrative explores the literal and symbolic meaning of the hearth as a place of connection and renewal. With its evocative language, heartfelt moments, and reflections on intergenerational care and love, this story perfectly embodies the spirit of the challenge, weaving a tale as comforting as a fire on a cold winter’s night.

The Gift by Scott Gese

Scott Gese’s "The Gift" is a poignant story of grief, healing, and unexpected connections. Through the tender encounter between a lonely widow and a frail stray dog, the narrative beautifully captures the transformative power of love and companionship. With its heartfelt depiction of finding hope and purpose in unlikely moments, this story embodies the warmth and renewal of the holiday season, making it a deeply touching and memorable piece.

The Warmth We Cannot Feel by Judah LoVato

Judah LoVato’s "The Warmth We Cannot Feel" is a profound and emotionally resonant story about redemption, survival, and finding purpose in a fractured world. Through the journey of a war-haunted soldier and a resilient mother, the narrative explores themes of healing and the quiet power of human connection. With vivid characters and a deeply moving exploration of how the living can honor the dead by building a better future, this story perfectly embodies the challenge’s theme of finding warmth and hope amidst life’s coldest moments.

Snickerdoodles in a Bathtub by Lydia Stewart

Lydia Stewart’s Snickerdoodles in a Bathtub is a whimsical and heartwarming tale of childhood adventure and the simple joys of winter. From sledding in unconventional “vehicles” to the magic of warm Snickerdoodles shared in a cozy farmhouse kitchen, the story vividly captures the nostalgia and wonder of a day filled with laughter, community, and sweet treats. Its playful tone and rich sensory details make this piece a delightful celebration of the unexpected moments that create lasting memories.

Silver and Snow by Emmie Falbo

Emmie Falbo’s "Silver and Snow" is a beautifully crafted tale of tradition, self-discovery, and the courage to embrace individuality. Skadi’s journey to express her unique intention of freedom amidst a community rooted in tradition reflects the tension between belonging and the desire to explore beyond the familiar. With vivid imagery, a strong sense of lore, and a resonant message about acceptance and personal truth, this story sparkles as brightly as the silver ornament that defied expectations. It captures the magic of finding light and hope, both within and beyond one’s boundaries.

To explore more Challenges, please visit Vocal Challenges.