First Place: $100 prize

Willow Springs Middle School

Eighth grade

 

Outside the window, snow is falling in a beautiful flurry. A soft ringing fills the air, with a slow and steady rhythm. I slowly creep out of bed and put my slippers on. I tiptoe down the stairs, making sure not to wake my sisters. I open the door and peer around the yard, paying close attention to the dark forest surrounding the northern side.

The ringing sound starts again and gets carried by a soft breeze. A small, hazed light appears in the woods. I grab my coat and creep out the door, overwhelmed by the frosty wind that begins to nip at my nose. I take a breath of fresh air and shuffle through the snow. As I near closer, the light begins to shine brighter, until it takes over my vision. As my eyes adjust, I realize it’s a Christmas tree. A small figure shifts under the tree’s shadow.

“Hello?” I say calmly. Slowly, the figure comes into view and it seems to be… an elf?

“H-hello” the elf stutters. It slowly comes toward me, as I give my best reassuring smile. 

“Were you the one ringing that bell? It sounded unlike one I’ve ever heard.” I say with wonder. 

“Oh no, that was the Christmas bell. It always rings at midnight on Christmas Eve. But…only Santa and elves should be able to hear it.” he says, a hint of worry in his voice followed by curiosity. 

“If you heard that, I need you to come with me,” he says, grabbing my hand. I track behind him, slightly worried about someone waking up and finding me gone. He tells me his name is Jack, so I tell him mine is Clara. He stops and takes a golden snowflake necklace in hand. 

“Hold on tight.” I hear as I become surrounded by bright lights. Suddenly, a rush of sweet cinnamon scent fills my nose. I look around and realize, I’m in Santa’s Workshop! Santa appears in the doorway and greets me with a smile.  

“Sir, somehow she was able to hear the Christmas Bell, and obviously she’s not an elf,” Jack says frantically. Santa looks at him and chuckles. 

“Actually Jack, she is! Just not on the outside.” Santa explains. I gape at him. 

“I’m what?!” I gasp, overwhelmed by surprise. 

Jack gives him a puzzled look and asks, “Does that mean she will work here, with me?” 

“That decision will be made by her,” he looks at me. 

“I would, but what about my family?” I question. He snaps his fingers and swirling lights fill my vision. I open my eyes, and I'm on my bed with a golden snowflake necklace twinkling in my hands.

Judge’s notes: I was blown away by this adorable story. The use of dialogue moves the action, and the pacing captures the reader’s attention right away. The use of punctuation and verbs of attribution are also very impressive for a young writer. Maddison’s liberal and spot-on use of adjectives really set this story above the rest. Every single one seems chosen to evoke Christmastime. From the first word to the last, there is an unbroken flow of holiday magic.