Horror/Scary: December 28, 2016 Issue [#8044]
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Horror/Scary


 This week: Christmas Horror
  Edited by: W.D.Wilcox Author IconMail Icon
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Table of Contents

1. About this Newsletter
2. A Word from our Sponsor
3. Letter from the Editor
4. Editor's Picks
5. A Word from Writing.Com
6. Ask & Answer
7. Removal instructions

About This Newsletter

My Christmas Sig from Undocked & Peck


Word from our sponsor

ASIN: 0997970618
Amazon's Price: $ 14.99


Letter from the editor

THE HORROR IF THERE WERE NO CHRISTMAS



Jump-Jump



There was this elf.

Not your everyday ordinary kind of elf, mind you, but an honest-to-goodness Santa's Helper kind of elf. He had tiny little hands, a turned-up nose, tiny little feet with turned-up toes. He'd never walk, he'd never run, he'd always jump cause it was much more fun. His name was Jump-Jump, jolly little Jump-Jump, work was always play. He was quick as a wink so you better not blink or he'd be on his way.

This is the story of that little elf and how he saved Christmas.

It was cold that year at the pole, and most of the elves had a habit of staying inside by the warm fire. Everyone except Jump-Jump of course, because he needed room to jump. I mean, that's what he did . . . he jumped . . . a lot. This was a bit annoying to the rest of the elves. In fact, not a lot of them liked Jump-Jump, and never invited him to play at any elvish games.

So, there he was jumping around and just minding his own business when he came upon Cinder, the head elf, bending down over Santa, who was laying on his back. As Jump-Jump watched, Cinder gave Santa a big-old-kiss over and over again. At first, Jump-Jump was very surprised, and then it sunk in, and he smiled knowingly. But as he continued to observe the two, he realized Cinder was performing CPR on the big fella, and Jump-Jump sprang into action.

"Cinder, what's happened?" he asked.

"I dunno," Cinder panted, as he continued to work on Santa. "One minute we're talking over Christmas plans, and the next, he just grabbed at his belly and fell out."

Jump-Jump quickly took in the situation. Santa wasn't breathing. His face was flush and red--definitely more than usual. "He's not getting any air," he said. Then, quick as a wink, he unbuckled Santa's belt and started jumping up and down on his stomach. Suddenly, a large chunk of food popped out of Santa's mouth and rolled in the snow.

Santa let out a big "whoosh" and gasped for the cold air. The color of his face changed from a darkening-blue back to its rosy-red, and then he sat up. "Ho-Ho-whoaaa," he moaned. "Where am I?"

Jump-Jump examined the glob of food by testing it with the toe of his shoe. "Holy Candy-canes, that's a half eaten cookie!"

Cinder grimaced at the thought, and then focused on Santa. "Santa, you're back!" he yelled, then he quickly explained everything that had happened, and how Jump-Jump had saved his life.

"No kidding," Santa exclaimed. "Thank you, Jump-Jump, thank you very much. You may have just saved Christmas."

"Aw, it was nothing Santa. I just did what comes natural."

"And what's that?" Santa asked.

"Jump!"

Santa rubbed at his belly again and said, "Yes . . . yes you did . . . a lot. Uh, by the way, just what is it that you do around here, Jump-Jump?"

"Well, I helped design the trampoline, the jack-in-the-box, and oh yeah, I invented the pogo stick," Jump-Jump said beaming with pride.

Santa pulled at his beard, thinking. "Yes, yes . . . so you're the one. I've uh . . . heard about you."

"I think it's time we head inside," Cinder said changing the subject. And with that the two elves helped Santa back to his workshop, and for a moment in time, everything was okay.

During the night a terrible snow storm buried Santa's village in snow so deep, it covered the windows and doors. When Jump-Jump awoke, he felt a moment of panic. There was not one glimmer of light anywhere. He put his hand in front of his face and saw nothing. He felt his way from the bed and out of the room. Bumping into Cinder, Jump-Jump asked, "What's wrong? Where is the light?"

"Santa is sick in bed and has asked for you," he said. "Follow me."

The two elves entered Santa's room where a lone candle burned by his bedside. "Santa, Jump-Jump is here," Cinder said softly.

Jump-Jump approached the Light of Christmas and saw a weak and helpless old man. "Santa, it's me, Jump-Jump. What's wrong? Why are you in bed when there is so much work to be done?"

"I . . . I can't, Jump-Jump. I have di-ver-christmas-itis."

Jump-Jump's mouth fell open. "Wow, that sounds serious. Have you seen a doctor?"

Cinder said, "The doctor is on his way, but because of all the snow, he may not get here until after Christmas."

"After Christmas . . . but, that means . . . .

"Yes," said Santa. "It means somebody has got to step-up and help me deliver presents on Christmas Eve." Santa shot a conspiratorial glance at Cinder.

"But nobody can take your place," Jump-Jump said. "You're Santa!"

"I know, but this year, I can't. Only you can do this, Jump-Jump."

"But . . . but . . . Gee, Santa, are you sure?"

"Yes, quite sure. I can drive the sleigh, but somebody's got to jump down the chimney and place the presents under the tree.The trick is not going down, but getting back up. Do you think you could do that Jump-Jump?"

"Me? You want me to help deliver presents?"

"Well yeah," Santa said. "No pressure or anything, but it's going to take some jumping skills to get the job done."

"I can jump," Jump-Jump said. "I can jump . . . a lot."

"Exactly," Santa replied. "Will you do it?"

Jump-Jump rested his chin in his hand and tapped on his cheek with his finger thinking it over. Finally, he said, "Yes!"

"Excellent. I knew I could count on you."

"Oh . . . the other elves are going to be so peanut butter and jealous," Jump-Jump exclaimed.

"Yes, yes they will, and that's exactly why I'm doing this. You see, Jump-Jump," Santa began, "everybody has a special talent: Rudolf has a nose so bright while all the other reindeer can only fly, the elves in the workshop make wonderful toys, but they can't jump."

"Right," Jump-Jump said. "They hate it when I jump all the time. Now I know why. It's because they can't jump. It all makes sense now."

"That's right!" Santa said. "We each have an ability that is unique only to us. And while we're talking about special talents, have you ever tried to use a pogo stick, Jump-Jump?"

"Sure, it's a snap. I do it all the time."

"Well . . . then you're the only one in the whole world who can."



Happy New Year Everybody,




A new sig from 'undocked'





Editor's Picks

UNOPENED GIFTS


 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#2101461 by Not Available.

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This item number is not valid.
#2105853 by Not Available.

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STATIC
The Jigsaw Puzzle Open in new Window. (ASR)
Old Tosca tries to get the one hundred pieces to fit
#2097871 by WakeUpAndLive~doingNaNo'24 Author IconMail Icon

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Shiver Open in new Window. (18+)
Danica thinks this is her big break, but the only thing broken is her mind.
#2100581 by Starr Phenix Author IconMail Icon

Stronger Than Rage Open in new Window. (13+)
A man meets his inner demon and the unthinkable happens. (a Michael Reeve wizard story)
#2062423 by BD Mitchell Author IconMail Icon

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The Angel and The Devil Open in new Window. (ASR)
It's just that, whenever I write in my book, something strange always happens...
#604891 by W.D.Wilcox Author IconMail Icon



 
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Ask & Answer

DEAD LETTERS



LJPC - the tortoise Author Icon
Hi Bill! I knew the accounting version, but the other versions were new to me and so interesting. I've never been shopping on Black Friday. I couldn't put myself through that stress just to save a few bucks. It's like choosing to be in a riot. No thanks! lol Happy Holidays! *Bigsmile*
~ Laura

writetight
Thanks for mentioning my item "Invalid ItemOpen in new Window. in your newsletter.

maryccasey
I stayed home Black Friday and put together my artificial tree. Took me four hours to get it just right, but it was worth it! That and the spiced wine I was drnking..

Shannon Author Icon
Informative NL, Bill. I learn something new every day. Thank you! *Heart*


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