The Official Writing Challenge
BACK TO
CHALLENGE
MAIN
INSTRUCTIONS
how it works
submission rules
guidelines for
choosing a level
ENTRIES
submit your entry
read current entries
read past entries
challenge winners
Our Daily Devotional HERE
Place it on your site or
receive it daily by email.


TRUST JESUS TODAY

  • Share
  • how it works
  • Submit
Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Countdown to Christmas/Advent (10/23/08)
When the girls were growing up, the Christmas countdown started when they ended their school year. The usual Christmas parties and concerts were part of the build up to Christmas. Smells from the kitchen as I prepared Christmas cakes, gingerbread men and pickled onions further announced that the day was near. I usually hung an advent calendar in the kitchen which helped them see how many more sleeps.

The year 2000 was a year of change. My youngest daughter was in her final school year and we were offered a home in Hereford, United Kingdom for a month in December. As the girls had never been overseas, we accepted the kind offer, deciding though to spend a week in London first, to give them a chance to visit one of the most exciting cities in the world.

The three girls were wildly excited. Their countdown to Christmas took on a new look. Each of them had a calendar behind their bedroom doors with a communal one in the kitchen. The countdown was to the 15th December when we would be departing.
Mandy’s calendar also noted when her final examination would take place as well as checking on passport, winter clothing and reading up on London. Jacquie and Bronwyn’s calendars noted farewell parties with friends, as well as checking passports and making sure, they had enough in their savings accounts for pocket money.

Watching their excitement was something I will always treasure.
They were like small children again anticipating the approach of Christmas. It gave me pleasure to see their joy as the big day approached. It was rather strange though not having to do any Christmas cooking or shopping.

The great day approached. Only three more sleeps. I doubt whether the girls slept much those nights, as they were so excited.
Suitcases packed and unpacked, weather reports read on the internet, hoping to see whether snow was expected.

The day of departure finally arrived. As we settled into our seats aboard the aircraft, I silently gave thanks to God for giving us this wonderful opportunity to bless our three precious girls.
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
If you died today, are you absolutely certain that you would go to heaven? You can be right now. CLICK HERE

JOIN US at FaithWriters for Free. Grow as a Writer and Spread the Gospel.
This article has been read 1226 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Edmond Ng
11/04/08
It is always such a joy to go on a holiday and you have captured the feeling in your story very well with details of the preparations and the counting down, and also the break from the usual cooking and shopping. Love the story.