Simply The Best

SIMPLY THE BEST (180 words) 
By Nicole Loos Miller 

Christmas was Maise’s favorite time of year.
Awe-inspiring. Wonderful. Magical.
Simply the best. 
Maise wanted to be awe-inspiring, wonderful, and magical, too. 

Maise entered the Gingerbread House Decorating Contest.
Her house had icing and gumdrops! 
Sprinkles and sparkles!
It even had an entire reindeer family reunion!
“It’s very…. creative,” said the judges.
But, Catalina won with a classic design.
“Awe-inspiring,” Maise told her.

Maise entered the Holiday Baking Contest.
Peppermint sticks! 
Mocha melts! 
Orange and ginger shortbread!
“Quite the variety,” observed the judges.
But Lester won with his Yule Log cake. 
“Wonderful,” said Maise, licking her lips.

Maise entered the Ice Skating Contest.
Wearing a very sparkly leotard, 
she skated forward!
And backward!
She even did a twirl!
But Jozef had a routine that was…well…
“Magical,” admired Maise.

Maise smiled.
She hadn’t won any ribbons but it had still been a delightful day.

“We have one last ribbon to award,” announced the judges.
“The award for the Most Holiday Spirit goes to…
Maise!”
“Awesome,” said Catalina.
“Wonderful,” said Lester.
“Magical,” smiled Jozef.
And to Maise, it was simply the best.  

(This story was written as part of Susanna Leonard Hill’s Holiday Contest. The story had to be 250 words or less and focus on the theme of a holiday contest. This story won 11th place.)

6 responses

  1. Sarah Meade Avatar

    I love sweet Maise’s sunny attitude and holiday spirit!

    1. Nicole Loos Miller Avatar

      Thank you so much, Sarah!

  2. viviankirkfield Avatar

    Being happy for others is such a gift, Nicole. I love Maise! And I love your story! Well done!

    1. Nicole Loos Miller Avatar

      Thank you so much, Vivian!

  3. Meena Banasiak Avatar
    Meena Banasiak

    Just came upon your story this morning – what a wonderfully pleasant place from which to start my day! To me, Maise devotes herself to everything she does and finds the joy it brings in the doing itself. I hope I can channel that same mindfulness as I move from one task to the next today!

    1. Nicole Loos Miller Avatar

      Thank you so much, Meena! I hope I can bring it into my day, too 🙂

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