The Principal’s Office

Claire sat just outside of Principal Pickering’s office door, her right leg bouncing nervously up and down as she surreptitiously tried to steal a glance at Connor. She didn’t have to see his face; she could tell from his body language he was annoyed with her. He sat staring straight ahead, his jaw clenched, one …

Christmas Tree Farm

The Christmas tree farm is enormous. Even on the busiest weekend days when families fill the parking lot with little tailgate hot chocolate celebrations, it feels quiet once you get away from the main barn. It’s big enough that the attendant gives out a map to guide you to the different varieties of trees, and …

Overheard: A Christmas Story

You hate it when I ask questions. We both know that you get overzealous about the holidays. I don't mind. You’re a much better decorator than I am - I’m lucky if I remember to put up a wreath. But you ask me to keep you in line, frequently at that. Just not in so …

Yankee Swap

Tara knew that their annual Yankee swap could get a little bit heated. It was mostly an excuse to get friends together in their apartment and show off their twinkling decorations and sing along to “All I Want for Christmas Is You.” The swap itself was a secondary concern: everyone brought a wrapped gift and …

Stocking Stuffers

“Unh unh unh, little girl.” Quinn froze, stocking in hand, then turned sheepishly back to Kate. “No peeking!” Kate shook her head at the guilty look on Quinn’s face, then moved to take the stocking from her partner and place it back up over the fireplace. Quinn yelped as one swift swat landed on the …

Christmas Tantrum

“Is there something more interesting over there?” Owen asked from the door. Asher was supposed to be doing corner time but had turned his head every time he heard a noise and had been staring at the nightstand where Owen kept the implements. “Um no sir?” Asher squeaked, quickly facing the corner. “I would be …