 Mystery: December 20, 2017 Issue [#8663] |
  Mystery
This week: Christmas mysteries Edited by: Arakun the twisted raccoon  
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Quote for the week: "Maybe Christmas the Grinch thought, doesn't come from a store."
~Dr.Seuss |
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Because Christmas is a time of secrets and fun, it can be a great backdrop for mystery stories, especially stories for kids. Here are some examples of Christmas themed mysteries. They could be used in a fun way for little kids kids or in a more serious or sinister way in stories for adults or older kids.
What's in the box?
Kids (and adults) love to try to figure out what is in their packages before it is time to open them.
Fun version: A character comes up with a creative method to figure out the contents of a package, with humorous results.
Serious version: A box contains something sinister or frightening.
How do we open the box?
Maybe opening the package itself is the puzzle.
Fun version: A parent or grandparent might place a present in a puzzle box, or one that needs a code to be broken before opening.
Serious version: A villain might send a puzzle box to police, and if they can't open it by a certain time something bad might happen (example: a bomb goes off).
Where did mom and dad hide the presents?
When I was a kid, I figured out my parents were really Santa long before I actually told them that I knew. It was fun to search the house for the hidden presents before they were under the tree.
Fun version: Parents who know their kids search the house for presents might play a game with them setting up fake hiding places and "clues."
Serious version: A woman might find an expensive piece of jewelry hidden in her husband's desk drawer. She might assume it is for her, but when Christmas comes, he gives her something else.  Who did he give it to?
We've been robbed!
Fun version: This could be done in many ways. Maybe someone besides Santa ate Santa's cookies. Maybe a pet or other animal is the culprit. A shiny item might be stolen by a crow or raven. Raccoons love to steal everything!
Serious version: Just like the robbers in the "Home Alone" movies, real life criminals do target homes that are likely to contain expensive gifts or other valuables during the holidays. People who advertise the fact that they are not home by "checking in" on social media may set themselves up to be robbed.
Present or good deed from anonymous friend.
Fun version: Maybe the person who did the anonymous good deed is actually someone the main character has misjudged. It might be someone they think is scary or who just "isn't cool."
Serious version: The anonymous "friend" might turn out to be a stalker.
I don't think that is the real Santa
During the holiday season, Santas are everywhere. If someone wants to blend in, or doesn't want to be recognized, a Santa suit is a great disguise. The beard covers the facial features, and the padded suit makes it difficult to tell how big the person really is, or even if it is a man or woman.
Fun version: Maybe someone who isn't supposed to be home for the holidays surprises family members by dressing as Santa. This might be a member of the armed services or someone who lives a long distance away.
Serious version: A bank robber might wear a Santa mask.
Something to try: Write a mystery story with a Christmas, or other winter holiday theme.
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|  | Reynolds (E)
Two friends discuss the last word E. A. Poe was reported to have said. 2017 Quill nominee.
#2137321 by Dan I Am  |
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#2021284 by Not Available. |
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