The Obviously True Story of an Ugly Tradition

It's the most wonderful time of the year!

Time for Susanna's Holiday Contest!

Glad this weather hasn't hit us yet!

I wasn't sure if I was going to be entering this year because I just couldn't think of any ideas that I liked enough to write about. My muse apparently went on a little winter vacation. (I know that's true actually because I have been in a writing FUNK lately. Eesh!)

The creativity bug hit me hard yesterday and not a whole lot of other things on my to do list got done. And it was wonderful!

The contest rules:

1. Write a Children's Story
2. The weather must impact the holidays
3. Less than 350 words

And that's it! Post something between now and December 12th at 11:59 P.M. EST and you can enter the contest too! Check out Susanna's blog for all the rules and prize information.

On to the story clocking in at 345 words:

The Obviously True Story of an Ugly Tradition

by Sarah Maynard

Every year folks flocked from the icy northern hills to the sunny valley of Bottom Bridge.
But, the warm breezes and ocean-like air weren’t the only things that brought folks down.
They came for the Annual Holiday Swimsuit Competition. 

Contestants colored and cut.
They sewed and sequined. 
They trimmed and then they traveled.

The streets of Bottom Bridge were lined with pop-up shops full of swimsuit add-ons.

“LIGHTS are a sure to make your suit a winner!”
“Ring in a win with BELLS of all sizes.”
“A winning suit needs more, more, more SEQUINS!”

After the last minute extras were added, the tiny town fell quiet for the night.

Then it happened.

A sudden storm flooded the town 
with BOOMS, 
with BANGS, 

and with a WHOOSH full of chill.

As the sun rose, the thunder calmed and the rain slowed to a drizzle.

Bottom Bridge’s number one judge, Ole Bea, opened her door then slammed it with a shiver.

“It’s freezing!” she hollered. “CODE WARMTH in full effect!”

Ole Bea ran to her closet, dug out her only sweat suit, and braved the cold to the TV station. 

Throughout Bottom Bridge, contestants and spectators opened their doors with a quiver. 

“This is NOT swimsuit weather!” yelled Delia.
“What about the competition?” complained Sylvester.
“We should check the news,” Delia suggested. 

They clicked on Channel 52 WBBN.

Ole Bea sat at the news desk.

“Folks, you may have noticed the weather is not ideal for our competition today.
Have no fear!
CODE WARMTH is being carried out as you watch this broadcast.
Soon, a small package will be brought to the door of each contestant. 
Inside you will find a special warm add-on for today’s contest. 
Thanks and I'll see you there!”

Soon, the amphitheater buzzed with excited spectators.

The curtained opened and the first contestant walked down the runway
carrying a sign that read:

“The 21st 1st Holiday Swimsuit Ugly Sweater Competition!”

The contestants strutted, warmly, down the runway in sweaters and sweatpants…
showing their swimsuits on top! Sequins and all.

Thanks for reading! 

Hope you enjoy an Ugly Sweater party or two this year. :)

Check out all the other entries here on Susanna's blog.