The contest rules are to write a story in 250 words or less about a holiday countdown. Here is my entry:

CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN
by Lori Himmel
183 words

Seven days ‘til the fun begins!
Our favorite time of year.
Grampa hangs the candy canes.
Christmas is almost here!

Six days ‘til the fun begins!
A season bright and clear.
Gramma sews the Santa hats.
Christmas is almost here!

Five days ‘til the fun begins!
A season filled with cheer.
Sister stirs hot chocolate.
Christmas is almost here!

Four days ‘til the fun begins!
Our favorite time of year.
Brother bakes the gingerbread.
Christmas is almost here!

Three days ‘til the fun begins!
A tradition held so dear.
Auntie breaks the toffee bark.
Christmas is almost here!

Two days ‘til the fun begins!
A season bright and clear.
Uncle’s stacking firewood.
When will Christmas be here?

One day ‘til the fun begins!
Our favorite time of year.
We look and look for the perfect one 
Christmas is almost here!

There it is, our Christmas tree!
Standing tall and wide,
Papa saws it back and forth.
“Hip-hip hooray!” we cried.

The tree is lit, the stockings hung 
Our favorite time of year.
We sing Jingle Bells and Silent Night.
Christmas is FINALLY here!