Star – a Holiday Helper Story

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, because, dear friends, Susanna Hill is hosting her world-famous 10^th Annual Holiday Contest! Take a break from the hustle and bustle of holiday prep. Don cozy slippers, grab cocoa and cookies, and savor the best children’s holiday stories over at her blog. And just think – you can do all of this while social distancing from the comfort of your own home!

The rules? Create a kid-friendly story in 250 words or less (not including the title), featuring a Holiday Helper. Without further ado, may I present my 249-word entry:

STAR

Star dreamt of becoming a star of the circus, the rodeo, or the theater.

But Star was a miniature horse. Not big enough to jump through hoops or hold riders. Not fast enough for the rodeo. And who needs a tiny horse on the stage?

“I’ll never be a star,” she sighed.

“Star, you’re a therapy horse,” Misty said. “Your gentle nature brings comfort and joy to the injured, lonely, sick, and sad. You listen when others don’t notice or are too busy to care.”

 “But I want to DO something. Run! Jump! Feel that I matter.”

“You do matter, Star. Every day, in so many ways. But if you want to try the theater, the children’s nativity play needs live animals. You’re just the right size!”

Star loved every moment of rehearsals. She practiced prancing onto the stage and bowing to the babe.

Everything was perfect, until Joey, playing Joseph, broke his leg. He was recast as a shepherd, stuck on crutches at the back of the flock.

As the curtain rose, Star’s eyes shone under the bright stage lights. Her big moment had arrived!

But Star could think only about the tears in Joey’s eyes, his soft sobs, and his pain.

On cue, Star pranced and bowed to the babe. She then disappeared behind the flock. There, she nuzzled Joey, felt his warm tears on her neck, and listened as his sobs ceased.

“Thank you,” he whispered. “You’re my star!”

Star glowed like a star, with happiness.