Susanna Leonard Hill is hosting her second annual Holiday Contest where you write a children's holiday story beginning with any version of "Dashing through the snow in a one horse open sleigh" and under 350 words.   In case you were wondering 350 words is not very many, but forces editing practice!  

Happy Holidays everyone!

A Mom to Share
By Lauri Meyers

Photo by N.J. Lee via Flickr
Hopping through the squares in brown leather shoes, Maggie picked up her rock. 
"How come you wear those shoes every day, even with your purple dress?"  Eva asked. 
"They're the only pair I have," Maggie replied and skipped back to 1. 

At home Eva spread her shoes across the floor.  She slid the flowered ones in her backpack. 
"The flowers will match your purple dress," Eva said and handed Maggie the shoes.
"Thank you!"  Maggie gave Eva a high five.

For sharing day, Maggie brought the same pirate book she did every week.  
"Maggie, is that your favorite book?" Eva asked.
"Well, it's the only one I have," Maggie said. 

Eva had hundreds of books.  She even had two Crazy Caterpillar books from her fifth birthday.  She shoved both books in her backpack.
"Maggie, I have a book to share with you," Eva said.
"Awesome!" Maggie said.  They opened their books and giggled at the goofy bug.     

The girls colored pictures of Christmas trees with presents underneath. 
"Who are you making your card for?" Maggie asked. 
"My Mom, of course!" Eva smiled.  "Are you giving yours to your Mom?"
"Oh, I don't have one of those," Maggie said quietly and kept coloring.

Eva knew Mom would be too big to shove into her backpack.  Plus, she still needed her quite a bit.
"Mom, I shared shoes and a book with my friend, but I don't think I could share you," Eva said.
"Hmm, that is a problem," Mom said and pulled a pan of chocolate chip cookies out of the oven.  "She is very lucky to have a friend like you."  Mom broke a gooey cookie in half. 
"Your cookies are so delicious," Eva said as chocolate dripped down her lip. 
"Must be the extra love I add," Mom said.

Eva couldn't wait to see Maggie the next day at lunch. 
"Maggie, I'm sorry I can't give you my Mom, but I brought some of her love," Eva said and handed Maggie a cookie.   Maggie gave Eva a long hug.   Eva thought the cookies tasted even better shared.