"Up on the Housetop"

A Christmas Horror Story from Prompt Three

As I hinted at in my Prompt post, I moved away from ghost stories for this one. I have been watching Krampus tales and wanted to try my hand at a 100-word story. It’s a little longer than 100 but shorter than my last few weeks.

So, here is my story from the writing prompt based on a Victorian Christmas Ghost Story that I reviewed earlier this week.

The prompt was, “With “Ejected by a Ghost,” by John Pitman in mind, write a story or poem that incorporates visceral horror.”

Below is my story based on the prompt. I would love to read yours as well. Cross-Post or post in the comments.

She placed the present lovingly in the box. “He’ll see the desire in the wrapping, the worship in the folds.”

Green tinsel paper, red from her hands, the perfect coloring. 

She first glimpsed him on her walks in the forest, fallen in love from afar. His horns so alluring, forked tongue like a sweet treat. So different from her jolly husband. 

Her first gift, a reindeer's heart, was a disappointment. It hadn’t garnered his attention. 

A knock at the door. An Elf asked where her Santa might be. 

She felt the dull thump, thump from the gift. Heard the thud of something large landing on the roof. 

She smiled. He was here. 

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Thanks for reading! Let me know what you think in the comments!