Life
When Christmas Magic Meets the Warmth of Boxing Day
On a quiet winter evening, just as the snow began to gently cover the streets, the city came alive with the unmistakable spirit of Christmas. Twinkling lights decorated every window, soft Christmas music echoed through the air, and the scent of freshly baked cookies and cinnamon filled the homes. It was the most wonderful time of the year, a season of joy, family, and holiday traditions. For Emma, however, this Christmas holiday felt different. She stood by the window of her small apartment, watching families rush home with wrapped gifts and smiling faces. This year had been difficult. She had lost her job earlier in the year, and the loneliness had followed her all the way into Christmas Eve. Though the world outside glowed with happiness, Emma felt quietly disconnected from it. Still, she decided to honor the season. She decorated a modest Christmas tree, placed a single present beneath it, and whispered a hopeful wish for better days ahead. Christmas, after all, was about hope and love, even when life felt uncertain. On Christmas Day, Emma woke up to the sound of church bells ringing in the distance. She brewed a cup of coffee, wrapped herself in a warm blanket, and allowed herself to feel grateful for the little things. Later that morning, there was a knock at the door. It was her elderly neighbor, Mrs. Thompson, holding a small box tied with a red ribbon. “Happy Christmas, dear,” she said warmly. “Please don’t open this today. Save it for Boxing Day.” Emma smiled, surprised by the unusual request, but accepted the gift with gratitude. She didn’t ask questions. Somehow, it felt right. The rest of Christmas Day passed quietly. Emma watched classic Christmas movies, scrolled through messages wishing her a Merry Christmas, and reflected on the meaning of the season. She remembered how her parents used to tell her that Christmas wasn’t measured by gifts, but by kindness and generosity. The next morning arrived softly — Boxing Day, a holiday often overlooked but deeply meaningful. Historically known as a day of giving to those in need, Boxing Day carried a spirit of charity, gratitude, and reflection. Emma sat at her kitchen table and finally opened the small box. Inside, she found a handwritten letter and an old key. The letter read: “Boxing Day is about sharing what we have. This key belongs to something that once helped me start over. Now it’s your turn.” Confused but curious, Emma turned the key over in her hand. On the back of the envelope, an address was written. She put on her coat and followed the address through snowy streets until she reached a small community center. The door creaked open as she used the key. Inside, warmth greeted her — not just from the heater, but from the people. Volunteers were setting up tables filled with donated clothes, food, and toys. Children laughed, families smiled, and strangers helped one another. A sign on the wall read: “Boxing Day Community Giving Event.” Mrs. Thompson appeared from behind a table, smiling. “This place helped me when I had nothing,” she said. “Now I help run it. And today, I wanted you to see what Christmas and Boxing Day truly mean.” Emma felt something shift inside her. She spent the day helping others — serving meals, organizing donations, listening to stories. For the first time in months, she felt useful. Connected. Alive. One of the organizers mentioned they were looking for someone to help manage the center’s online presence and community outreach. Emma’s heart skipped. With her background in digital work, she was perfect for the role. By the end of Boxing Day, Emma wasn’t just carrying warmth in her hands — she carried hope in her heart. That night, as she walked home beneath the glowing holiday lights, she realized something powerful: Christmas brings magic, but Boxing Day teaches us how to share it. The holiday season had given her more than comfort — it had given her a new beginning. And as the year slowly came to an end, Emma knew that this Christmas and Boxing Day would remain forever etched in her heart as the moment her life changed.
By Ahmed aldeabella19 days ago in Writers
THRESHOLD
THRESHOLD, a simple word with many meanings. Some may think of it as simply a limit for things, with both its highs and its lows. Indeed it is true to an extent that it means those, but for others it could mean much more, for example, life or death. Every person has a certain threshold, be it high or low. However when those limits are reached and extended well beyond, the result becomes the same, just GOOD or BAD. Take for example, imagine if you are someone whom people know as a very tolerant person (someone who never 'crashes out' or loses it), and they just continue to poke and banter with you even if you are feeling down or tell them to stop...
By JUST A GUY19 days ago in Writers
The Woman Who Carried Grace.
There are people in life who seem ordinary at first glance, yet leave extraordinary marks on everyone they meet. She was one of those people. Not flashy, not loud, not constantly seeking attention—but her presence was felt, and her wisdom quietly guided those around her. She moved through life with a kind of calm strength that made others feel safe. She listened more than she spoke, and when she did speak, her words were measured, thoughtful, and always meant to uplift. People often underestimated her simplicity, but those who truly knew her understood that simplicity was her greatest power. She respected everyone, regardless of status or circumstance. The wealthy, the powerful, the humble, the struggling—she treated all with the same courtesy and patience. Her respect was not forced; it flowed naturally, a reflection of her inner integrity. And in a world where judgment came easily, she remained a steady reminder that everyone deserved dignity. But it wasn’t just her respect that drew people close—it was her support. She had a way of noticing what others needed even before they said it. When someone faltered, she offered encouragement rather than criticism. When someone celebrated, she celebrated genuinely, without envy. Her support was not transactional; it was selfless, a gift she gave freely, without expecting anything in return. Her wisdom was quiet but profound. She didn’t claim to know everything, but she knew enough to guide with grace. She knew when to speak, and when silence was more powerful. She understood that true strength often came from patience, humility, and the courage to do what was right, even when it wasn’t easy. Many passed through her life and never realized how rare she was. They saw her smile, her calm demeanor, and perhaps took it for granted. Yet those who truly noticed—the ones who felt her sincerity, her unwavering support, and her quiet wisdom—understood that she was a hidden jewel. A woman whose value wasn’t measured by wealth, appearance, or accolades, but by the depth of her character and the lives she touched simply by being herself. She didn’t need to shine loudly to be noticed. Her light was steady, enduring, and warm. And anyone fortunate enough to know her could never forget her. Because some people, rare as they are, leave footprints on your heart that no passage of time can erase. She was one of those people—a woman who reminded everyone that kindness, wisdom, and humility are treasures more precious than gold.
By Chris Liberty 21 days ago in Writers
Considering The Situation V
Introduction This is just a public service announcement about the situation since I was unable to publish on the 23rd of November 2025. I am publishing this on the backup account for the reasons that I will lay out below.
By Mike Singleton 💜 Mikeydred - EBA23 days ago in Writers
Sky Diving
Anne Bernays and Pamela Painter — What If? Writing Exercise for Fiction Writers prompts The Exercise - Using the first person, describe an event or action you are fairly sure you will never experience firsthand. Be very specific - the more details you incorporate the more likely it is that your reader will believe you. Include your feelings and reactions. Limit: 550 words. The Objective - Writing what you know is all very well, but it certainly does restrict most of us within narrow confines. You must also be able to write what you don't know, but can imagine. This is what your imagination is for. Let it fly.
By Denise E Lindquist23 days ago in Writers
