Festive winter stories at REACH

At Reach drop-in, we have writing workshops with Eli, our Communications Officer about once a month. This time we did relay stories which meant each person wrote a bit of a story then passed it on to the next person to continue the story. That’s why the stories sound a bit jumbled and surprising! 

We took part in some festive writing as it’s nearly Christmas!

First story

I’m 66 and I’m absolutely freezing. There’s a radio and Jim’s glasses are perched on them like never left me. I should change the wallpaper but arr kid’s not been to see me to help with me it.

The smoke of the fire keeps me from completely freezing but I’m shivering otherwise.

‘I’m dreaming of a white Christmas’ comes on the radio, and I start bawling my eyes out. I thought they would come. They said they would.

I’ve cooked all this food and not one phone-call. Well, I’m not inviting them next year…. Who’s that at the door? I told you lot to clear off!

She opened the door, and it wasn’t those kids from down the road, it was a baby in a cradle. All my family came round the corner. I screamed ‘Merry Christmas’…. ‘Who is this little baby?’…

That’s your granddaughter, we wanted to surprise you and give you what you’ve always wanted. 

So girls and boys, make sure you’re asleep, Santa won’t deliver your toys, if you peep.

Early to bed, early Christmas day, you’ll rise to the presents you’ve had, what a surprise! 

I’ve been given a piece of coal!

Second story

As we arrive, Eddie the Elf calls out ‘Look upon us as we have arrived’ 

The singing begins as my eyes wander in surprise to all these elves popping out of the dark and the lights turn on out of the blue.

There are small people all around me with ears that point and shoes that curl.

It’s all very exciting and I’m absolutely buzzing for what might happen next.

They have a really good rhythm going on – they have time to do a choreographed dance as they pack the presents, gift wrap them and then put them on a conveyor belt.

They are very organised and they have the addresses of each boy and girl on each present.

Suddenly, I can see the hopes and dreams of each child this Christmas, including little Max who hopes Santa knows where he is as he is temporary housing with his Mum. 

She wrote a letter to me to tell me that Max has been a good boy and all he wants is his dad back. 

He’s sitting in his dad’s chair and watching for the handle of the door to move, he hopes his dad will return home for Christmas. Max has been praying for the past few months asking for his Christmas wish to come true. 

Third story

This is it! Tonight’s the night. All the reindeers are strapped in and fed for a very busy night. Presents piled up, his from Mrs Clause, and we are ready to go – 3,2,1 – the reindeer tense and take the strain – we are moving!

The doors open to the stables and Rudolph tells his mate – Get ready for take off! They gallop up in the sky, like climbing a steep hill. Well done boys and girls – our journey has begun. We will see you all very soon.

Rudolph led the way, his nose a-glowing, his bells a-jingling in tune with Dancer, Prancer and the other reindeers. They’re on their way to bring joy to every little girl and every little boy. Children are excited on Christmas eve, snuggled up in bed, they believe the elves all year round have made each a toy, for Santa to deliver a lot of joy.

Joy and laughter throughout the year, I call to Santa with no fear.

Deliver me a toy, as I have been a good little boy.

Oh no, you haven’t!

You’ve been a right blighter!

On the naughty step you go – as I remember you pulled your little sister’s pigtails and teased her – so no presents for you – coal in your shoes, Mr!

Fourth story

Sitting in my bedroom watching the snow fall while it covers the garden shed roof.

I have an urge to get my dad’s ladder, the broomstick and write my name on the roof.

“Go do it”, says a squeaky voice, I turn to see my teddy bear, eyes glistening and a cheeky smile, he waves at me.

“Say that again” I asked him, he just giggled, told me ‘shhh… do you want to know a secret?

“Santa isn’t real” he said in a quiet voice.

My reply flew off my tongue quite sharp, “Who do you think you are?” If I’m to keep the spirit of Christmas alive, you must believe me!

These children have believed in Santa for years so look to the belief of Christmas and follow me into the North Pole.

However, I am a complete grinch and don’t believe in Christmas, so I am being quite mischievous and ruining Christmas for everyone else.

I will eat the chocolates and open the door to let all the snow in. I will use my Christmas tree as a javelin and be done with this for another year.