As part of the Christmas Literary Festival, Holmesdale School in conjunction with Austin Macauley conducted a writing competition for the students, and the winners were announced at the event. The first place was won by Chloe Ann Sparrow from Holmesdale Secondary School, for her story The Perfect Christmas. A few words from the judges: “We can all see how much care and attention you put into this story, Chloe. From the front cover design, the layout of the story and your beautiful writing style. You are certainly an author in the making, move out the way JK Rowling, Chloe Ann Sparrow has arrived! Chloe’s story is descriptive and full of wonderful imagery that creates a striking scene in the reader’s mind. Chloe has an impressive imagination, an obvious talent for storytelling and a huge vocabulary. The story begins in the North Pole where Santa and the elves discover that the naughty list is massive, so massive that there is only one name on the nice list, a child named Joy. Tension builds as Rudolf goes to find Joy and, transports her back to the north pole, where Santa asks for her help to spread Christmas cheer to all. The strong message of the importance of kindness and joy in times of negativity is so poignant and relevant. Chloe, you are a very talented young lady and we thank you for sharing your story with us.”   Chapter 1 – Naughty or Nice Deep in the maze of London, mischief lurks in every grey, dark corner. There is always a small child with a huge imagination including lots of Christmas spirit. That child is the same and only child every year, at Christmas, attempting to spread cheer to all. Christmas was not far from London, and especially not from the child who loves Christmas, Joy. Joy is always joyful—or course. Snow dances down, forming a soft, pure white blanket on the ground. In December, when the condensation took over, she drew snowmen and reindeer on the window. From hot Choco, carol singing, dancing and watching Christmas films to opening presents or gifts from Santa and spending time with family—that’s what Christmas is all about… All is fine at home but when it comes to school, that’s a whole other level of Christmas cheer. Well, there is none. That place was like a playground for naughty children to do whatever their hearts desired. Joy, on the other hand, always the odd one out no matter what! She never gave up and she never will because she believed that Christmas was there for her.   Chapter 2 – The North Pole “Santa!” Shouted one of the joyful elves. All went silent as the rest of the elves stopped what they were doing and turned to look at Santa. A note was given to him… No-one new what was happening or going to happen. Even Santa. Shock flooded the North Pole as a LOOOONG list of adults and children unravelled out of control. This was the naughty list! Only one name was on the nice list—a child. Joy. “Joy? That name sounds familiar to me… we must get her to spread Christmas cheer to all, with our help of course.” Said Santa, trying to make the elves not worried. Another important elf shouted across the toy making hall in panic—to Santa—“Rudolf has gone missing!!!!”   Chapter 3 – Back in London surprise Back in London, Joy was still drawing on the window a mini Christmas scene as the condensation took over the windows. Snow was still falling as a silhouette of a creature sped past the window. Her head shot up in shock and curiosity. Joy quickly got her shoes on and coat as thick layers of ice and snow waited for her outside. Something rustled in the snow-covered bush. As she crept closer and closer to the bush, snow lunged at her from the creature’s hiding spot revealing a little baby reindeer. A tag was noticed by Joy saying ‘Rudolf’.   Chapter 4 – Cheer to all As Joy read the reindeer’s name tag, magical Christmas glitter and sparkles surrounded her. It was magic. In seconds, Christmas songs filled her ears and Christmas cheer filled the air. She was in the North Pole! Santa and all the elves gathered around Joy smiling and whispering to each other. Santa said to her, “will you kindly help us spread Christmas cheer to all?” A sudden yes came from Joy making everyone happy and of course joyful. Magic glistened around as cheer was given to all. Don’t forget to always believe no matter what… Check out more about this competition click here