Third Place: $25 prize

Neighborhood Christian Schools

Seventh grade

Have you ever wondered what it would ne like to have a Christmas without store-bought presents or a tree? It sounds terrible, right? Well, that is what I thought too until the Christmas of 1930. 

This story begins on December 18, 1930, a few days before the first Christmas of the Great Depression. My family was composed of Mom and Dad, my thirteen-year-old self and tow younger brothers. My father was a hard-working man with a heart of gold. My mother was a noble woman and would stop at nothing to keep her promises. I had attributes much like my father, but I looked like my mother with my dark brown hair, long legs, and comforting smile. My siblings, on the other hand, were too young to have many admirable attributes. Even though we children were shepherded by outstanding parents, we were financially floundering. Money was scarce, and a looming stack of taxes had us children finding odd jobs around town. Our father worked for three local farmers, all of whom paid very little, and always needed him around. Because of this, it seemed improbable that he would return home for the holidays. Yet, that was out only wish for that year. 

Another longing often discussed during that season was a Christmas tree, yet the idea was often put down due to our financial situation which stressed my father greatly. Now my mother, caring as she was, spoke individually to my father’s work masters, in hope of his release on Christmas. However, no matter how deeply she pleaded, his masters wouldn’t release him. After these events, my mother gave up hope. I, however, didn’t.

The next day, December 23, I hesitantly crept up to Master Tulane’s home, one of my father’s employers, ready to run as soon as my question was answered. I’d never actually seen the man before; therefore, I didn’t know what his temperament would b. When the door opened, a dirt-covered old farmer with a kind face appeared. Timidly I introduced myself and then asked, “Sir, I know my father is a great help to you, but please would you let him return home for Christmas?” Gently and solemnly, he replied, “Maybe, John Boy; I’ll consider this.”

On Christmas morning, I arose laggardly and with mild trepidation made my way downstairs to the family room. To my great surprise, I saw Father standing there, ready to embrace me. That Christmas, Christmas Day of 1930, I received the gift of a united family. The tree never came, and only simple homemade gifts were exchanged, but the love in our home erased those disappointments and paved the way for the most memorable Christmas I ever had!

Judge’s notes: In addition to the impressive use of vocabulary in this submission, the world-building here really caught my attention. In less than 500 words, we can visualize this family and get a sense of who they are. I also found the re-telling of A Christmas Carol set in 1930’s America to be imaginative and an excellent vehicle for a holiday message.