There is Magic in Bower Mall - Writes of Winter
December 20, 2024
The Red Deer Arts Council and The City of Red Deer are pleased to announce the winners of the Writes of Winter – Christmas Story Contest!
“Santa will see you now,” the friendly elf said, gesturing to where Santa sat in the center of the mall. A Christmas tree towered behind him, it’s star almost touching the domed roof.
“It’s ok,” my mother said, gently nudging me forward and I nervously sat down.
“What’s your name?” Santa asked over the noise.
“Cora,” I answered, glancing at the line of children waiting for their turn while shoppers carrying an impossible amount of bags rushed past.
“What would Cora like for Christmas?” His voice bringing my attention back to him.
“I just have a question,” I answered, watching his confusion turn into amusement.
He let out a jolly laugh that shook his belly.
“What’s your question?”
I took a deep breath before asking, “Is magic real?”
“What’s your favourite Christmas treat?” His eyes twinkled,
I scrunched my nose, confused what that had to do with magic.
“Gingerbread cookies,” I replied.
“Good choice! Close your eyes,” he instructed.
I glanced at my mother, she nodded and I let out the breath I was holding, lowering my eyelids.
“Imagine yourself baking gingerbread cookies with your mom, you lick the spoon as you watch the cookies bake.”
Suddenly the smell of gingerbread filled the air as a breeze rustled my hair. I opened my eyes expecting to see cookies, but there were none. I stared at him confused but he just smiled.
“Close them again.”
I shut my eyes so quickly that Santa chuckled.
“You’re tobogganing down Michener Hill with your dad.”
The magic cooled my cheeks like I was really sledding.
Santa continued before I could grasp what was happening.
“You’re wrapping presents but can’t stop laughing because Dash keeps getting in the way.”
My eyes snapped open, how does he know about our cat Dash?
“If you want the answer, you have to keep your eyes closed”
“Sorry,” I mumbled, shutting my eyes.
“It’s Christmas morning, you race downstairs to find the presents I left under the tree,” Santa described, “You rip open the last present, it’s the pink Polaroid camera you wanted.”
I imagined my parents smiling blissfully at me as I thanked them with a giant hug.
I opened my eyes to see my mom standing there with that same smile, tears well up in my eyes as happiness overwhelms me.
“Magic isn’t just how my reindeer fly or what helps me deliver presents all over the world in one night,” Santa said gently as he wiped away my tear, “It’s the memories we share with loved ones, that is the true magic of Christmas.”
“Smile!” The elf said.
A warm, magical breeze encircled me as the camera flashed.
“Merry Christmas Cora,” Santa said, giving me a candy cane.
“Thank you,” I replied, “Merry Christmas.”
My mom took my hand, leading me away as she handed me the photo and I gasped! In the picture, Santa was eating a gingerbread cookie while holding my pink camera.
I looked back at Santa and he gave me a wink.
Thank you to Amanda and all Red Deerians who submitted a story to the Writes of Winter contest! To read more story submissions, visit the Red Deer Arts Council’s contest page. You can also find out how to submit your own entry to the “Winter Chill” category, due January 13, 2025.