The 10th Annual Holiday Writing Contest challenges writers to pen a story that is 250 words or less about the winter holidays. This year it has to focus on some kind of holiday helper. You can read the details on Susanna Hill’s blog.
Here is my story.
The North Pole Post Office
by Erin Buhr
Word count: 250
In December,
children around the world put pencils and crayons to paper.
They lick envelopes,
add stamps,
and address letters to:
Santa Claus
North Pole.
Mail carriers relay the letters
through snow and rain and heat and gloom
until they reach the tippiest, iciest, most northern post office of all
and Mr. Alfonso.
Most of the year is quiet.
Mr. Alfonso occasionally delivers reindeer treats or
news from the Southern Clauses,
but when the Arctic winds blow stronger
everything changes.
In December, the first letters arrive.
Soon a steady stream comes daily
and it is up to Mr. Alfonso to get them the rest of the way
to Santa.
First, Mr. Alfonso dons his thermal underwear,
warm socks,
two sweaters,
wool hat,
thick mittens
and worn boots.
Then he carries bulging bags over the ice to The Workshop.
As the Mail Elves start sorting,
Mr. Alfonso sips cocoa
before trudging home.
On Christmas Eve a tired Mr. Alfonso loads the last minute letters.
He delivers them as the winds pick up.
Mr. Alfonso hurries towards home through falling snow.
Wind pushes east,
snow drives north,
a gust knocks him down and
Mr. Alfonso is lost.
Everything is a white blurry blanket.
Suddenly he hears a jingle.
Overhead a red light shines.
Mr. Alfonso hurries after it until he spots a familiar sight.
As he pulls up in front of the North Pole Post Office
a package drops from above.
Mr. Alfonso,
Thanks for all your help.
Merry Christmas,
S. Claus
