by Carol Ryles “Ta-da!” Lucinda gestured to her newest creation: a tree adorned with taxidermic hummingbirds, cygnets, sparrows, and ducklings. Dorian chuckled, then guzzled his third goblet of merlot. “That takes stuffing the turkey to a whole new level. Is it finished?” Lucinda almost lost herself to his hypnotic gaze. “What the—” He dropped the […]
by Sophie Wagner As he rotted away, cheeks sallow, smile bloody, dreams of sugarplums died. Even magic couldn’t fix him. “Good morning!” piped a sing-song voice from the speakers in the padded room. Santa shot to his feet, camera’s following his every move. “Please!” he screamed. “I can’t take this anymore. Let me go!” […]
by David D. West Santa turned away from the plate of milk and cookies and saw the round rump of a boy digging through his sack of wonders. He frowned as the greedy boy wriggled to and fro, searching for hidden delights meant for others. He set one soot-covered boot against the boy’s ass […]
by Mel Andela A dead mouse sat in sister’s stocking, a toy car on the stairs for mother, and Jamie nestled with visions of destruction rather than sugar plums. He sees you when you’re sleeping… Faint music made Jamie prickle with goosebumps. Be good for goodness sake… There was a creak at the door, […]
by Jameson Grey New Year’s Eve. The day the last of my line dies. I’ve hired a boat for the occasion—a yacht, no less! Sailed out to the Line Islands. Currently sitting one second east of the International Date Line. Waiting. I’ve requested the captain crosses the Date Line at midnight. Time it right, […]
by James Rumpel Dear Santa, I have been a good boy this year. Papa says I have been a wonderful helper. He says I am great bait and that I am getting strong enough that I will soon be able to help with the cutting. For Christmas, I would like my own knives and […]
by Don Money Of the thirteen Yule Lads, Ketrokur was the most feared. While his brothers were known to slam doors, lick spoons, and other trivial inconveniences, Ketrokur lived up to his nickname, Meat Hook. When he came down from the mountains, the Icelandic night was bathed in blood. Doors torn from their hinges, […]
by Shawn M. Klimek Day 11: So cold. The smoking, skeletal remains of the crashed sleigh are poor shelter. Yet, to be more easily spotted by a search plane, I have resisted wandering. I am now convinced of sabotage. I wrack my brain for suspects, but fumes from the plastic toys burned for heat […]
by Dawn DeBraal The blackened finger of evil rolled down the elf’s face, leaving a trail of blood behind it. “Where’s the fat man?” “My loyalty is to Kris Kringle.” “You stupid imp, I am Kris Kringle.” “Then you should know where you work!” The demon recoiled at such bravery. The spirit disposed of the […]
by Pauline Yates My “ho’s” change to groans as I play the shopping mall Santa—my wife arrives with our granddaughter, Ester, and home-baked cookies for my tea break. I love Ester, but the cookies taste funny and belong in the bin. Ester clambers onto my lap. “What would you like for Christmas?” I ask. […]