Squirrel's Famous Winter Feast - Susanna Hill Holiday Contest

I have pine sap on my fingers, flour on my shirt, and strings of popcorn everywhere...it must be time for Susanna Leonard Hill's Annual Holiday Contest!

The Contest:  Write a children's story beginning with any version of "Rocking around the Christmas tree at the Christmas party hop."  Your story may be poetry or prose, silly or serious or sweet, religious or not, based on Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or whatever you celebrate, but is not to exceed 350 words No illustration notes please. Your entry should be posted on your blog between right now this very second and Friday December 11 at 11:59 PM EST. 

I must have been feeling stressed about entertaining when this idea developed, but I *think* my parties have a better track record than poor Squirrel's. (Though I did make a dreadful crunchy hummus once.)

Happy Holidays everyone and may all your entertaining go well!  See all the other rocking entries at Susanna's site.

Squirrel’s Famous Winter Feast

By Lauri Meyers

(Freepik)

“Rocking around the Old Pine Tree at my famous winter feast,” Squirrel sang as he hung decorations on every branch.

“My dear friend, Deer, you’re the first guest of course. Here put on these reindeer antlers!”

“Thanks, I guess,” Deer said putting the reindeer antlers on top of his deer antlers. “So, about tonight, some of the guys might go scavenging at the campground.”

“Oh, I couldn’t. Everyone loves my famous party!” Squirrel said. “Here’s some partygoers now. Hey, Skunk and Fox!”

“Who’s ready to find some marshmallows!” Fox said.

“Fox, you’re hilarious! Forget marshmallows.” Squirrel sang, “Later we’ll have some pinecone punch-”

Crunch. Fox said, “Ugh. Have you tried this punch?” 

“Look, it’s the Quail family ready to party down,” Squirrel said. “Happy Winter Mama Q, Sally, Sara, Samuel, Siena, Salina, and Little Joe.” 

(freepik)

“We’re on our way to warbling lessons,” Mama Q replied.

Squirrel sang on, “And we’ll do some caroling! But first anyone for a slice of minnow pie?”

“Mama Q,” Little Joe whispered, “the pie is staring at me.”

“Hello, Big Bear,” Squirrel said. “Be careful, you’re under the mistletoe!”

“Your decorations stink,” said Big Bear.

“I spent all morning stringing those brown berries,” Squirrel said.

“I don’t think those are berries, Squirrel,” Deer whispered.

“Um, I should really be hibernating,” Big Bear said.

“We should be warbling,” Mama Q said.

“Pfffffft,” Skunk added.

“Now your party really STINKS!” Fox snickered.

“But I burnt my tail roasting pinecones. I pricked my finger stringing decorations. This song is stuck in my head. And I love spending tonight with all of you!” Squirrel scurried up the Old Pine Tree.

The friends looked around uncomfortably.

(Freepik)

“Let’s be jolly,” Little Joe warbled slowly. “Deck the halls with boughs of holly.”

“Can I wear your antlers?” Fox asked.

“Sure! Just let me grab some pinecone punch,” Deer said.

“Ooh, minnow pie is my favorite,” Big Bear said.

“Stinky berries so nice,” Skunk added.

“Rocking around the Old Pine Tree at my famous winter feast!” Squirrel boogied down the branch and jumped on Deer’s antlers. “Have a happy holiday everyone!”