When my sister and I were little girls, we had a tradition of writing and swapping Christmas stories. Mostly, this was a way for us to kill time on early Christmas mornings when we weren’t allowed to run downstairs and clamor under the tree. Over time, though, it became more than that. I came to look forward to those stories as much as I looked forward to anything else dealing with the holiday, including presents, turkey and stuffing, and decorated cookies. As we got older, and our tastes became more particular, the stories became more complicated. We had universes and canonical events and established characters we returned to in one form or another, as we did with other stories throughout the year. Eventually, though, we went our separate ways as young women – and as storytellers – and we stopped swapping stories. It’s one of those little traditions I’ve truly missed over the years.
Last year, over winter break 2013, I flash-wrote my novella “Finding Mister Wright,” about Marshall Wright and his complicated love life. It was a sort-of Christmas story, in that it took place mostly around the winter holidays. I’ve written lots about Marshall and his supporting cast since last winter, but the idea of those characters living in a kind of perpetual Christmastime setting has always stayed with me. It seemed only natural that I revisit them around the same time this year.
I invited folks on social media to join me in a Christmas story swap. Only fellow writer Neeks took me up on the challenge, so you’ll hopefully see a link to another holiday story here, soon, too. For now, here’s my offering for this year:
“Tuxedos and Sugar Plum Fairies”
This particular story is a slight step back in time for the FMW crew, to the early days of Rob, Paige, and Daniel. It’s about 5300 words (19 pages double-spaced), so it’s not short. But, for anyone who chooses to take a look, I hope you enjoy.
Happy holidays, happy reading, and happy writing!
Mayumi your story is amazing. The sweetness of it catches me off guard, the tenderness, the details you’ve woven into the story – it’s wonderful and perfect for Christmas. Perfect!
Good morning! This story was the best thing to wake up to. I just realized that this is the first original fiction of yours that I’ve read, and it didn’t disappoint. It was cool to see these same characters in a different setting. They have a similar core, but they’re different, too, and it was fun getting to know them again.
This was super sweet and cute without being cloying, which, I think you’ve mentioned, is a tough line to walk when you’re writing about kids. I adored this story. I can’t wait to read more about these three.
Thanks, Neeks! I love playing with these characters. <3 I'm glad other folks enjoy them, too!
I look forward to see what you come up with, as well!
Thanks, jb! These are my most self-indulgent original characters, I think, because they’re just so sweet. I find it amusing that you recognize them so easily, too, because I had to *tell* my husband who they were modeled after…though he did admit that was much more obvious with my telling.
Young!Paige is trickiest, for me. She’s a lot easier for me to write as she gets older through the series of stories. Daniel and Rob stay the same, though I have to say their slower, more chaste love story (compared to their influences) definitely has its merits.
Thanks for reading and commenting! It’s always nice to know I’m not writing only for myself. 🙂
That’s hilarious. I find that my husband isn’t a very thorough reader either, but that’s okay…he makes a terrific pot roast. (nah, he’s a fine reader. Just, like your hubby too, apparently, has a knack for missing intent)
I have to say, I would never know that young Paige is tricky for you. Her dialogue comes off effortlessly, very naturally.
Haha, yeah, you never have to worry that you’re writing for yourself. I’m such a huge fan of all your stories, I’ll always be lurking around, waiting for the next one to drop.
Ah, you already know how much I enjoy these characters and your Mr. Wright vignettes. 🙂 It’s been fun to sneak a peek back at their early days together. Paige is one lucky girl to have these two guys in her life, and I hope they’ll be spending many Christmases together!
Thanks, JM, and thank you for reading!
I love these characters, too. I’m just glad they resonate at least a little bit with other people, too. <3
I love this little family world you’ve built. Even the brutal and unforgiving moments are presented just as they need to be, but still containing the sense that everything will be all right in the end. Even if someone’s quick mouth isn’t quite connected to his brain sometimes 😀
Thanks, shade! I admit, the McAllister-Wright-McAllister dynamic is one of my favorites in a long time. It’s so nice to be able to indulge in some blatant happiness once in a while with at least one of my casts. 🙂
What a cool family tradition and a great way to be creative over the holidays. Awesome story Mayumi. Neat to get a glimpse of the beginning for them. 🙂
Thanks so much for taking a look, Kourtney! Admittedly, this universe is just fun self-indulgence, but it was great to revisit this old tradition, especially with these characters.