Since our Thanksgiving writing contest was such a success, we have decided to offer another writing contest for Christmas and/or New Year’s resolutions.

As with our Thanksgiving contest, we are asking for your favorite memory, worst memory, strangest happening, or most heartwarming story for printing in our last publication before Christmas.

RULES:

No previously published stories.
Submissions must be original to the author.
Submissions need to be approximately 500 words.
No age requirement. Teachers, PLEASE encourage your students to submit and please list their grade level.
Your story MUST pertain to Christmas or New Year’s.
A photo would be great to go along with the story.
The author may submit a photo of themselves if they so choose.
Absolute deadline to return stories – December 6. No exceptions due to print date.

JUDGING CRITERIA:

Stories will be judged for originality, creativity in the storytelling, and insightfulness. We are asking for stories that are thought-provoking, and original, provide interesting insights into Christmas/New Year’s traditions, the meaning of the holidays, and personal experiences.
Your story should present a fresh perspective or unusual vantage point on a Christmas/New Year’s theme, be well-written and engaging, draw the reader in, and hold their attention.

The HUC staff will judge all submissions and choose the top five. From those top five, one story will be chosen as the best submission. The winner will be announced in our last publication before Christmas, with their story receiving top billing in that publication and an award for the author ($50 Gift Card).

Please send your submission before December 6th, 2023 in a word doc or pdf to: cyntaylor2016@gmail.com