Fifties by the Fire — a fifty-word, prompt-based writing challenge. Feel free to share your response below, or read and comment to join in on the fun.
Prompt: Write and share a fifty-word heartwarming tale (fiction, CNF, or poem) fit for the winter or holiday season.
Here are the other guidelines:
Make sure your piece is exactly fifty words. Feel free to use Word Counter or the word processor you use.
Write a title with the genre in the first line. (Example: Old Tom Klapp, Fiction)
The title does not factor into the word count.
Good luck and have fun. Happy writing and Happy Holidays to all!
Special thanks to John Lightle for providing “‘Tis the Season” for our writing prompt.
John Lightle is a Texas writer, poet, and photographer who spends many hours sitting on his woodpile contemplating. When away from his frame shop, he schleps his artwork among area art shows. The job takes him across the countryside, occasionally overseas, photographing the quiet resolve found within the golden hours.
Eva’s Christmas Eve company would soon arrive, yet she couldn’t find the glass bells anywhere. Her favorite centerpiece—a family heirloom—had seemingly vanished into thin air.
Eva heard a twinkle. She returned to the kitchen.
The bells rested on the table.
Warmth filled the quiet, empty room. “Thanks, Dad.”
So sweet. Justin. I loved "hearing a twinkle" - that extra little W brought so much charm to the story. Thanks for hosting this sharing - and have a great holiday
In the nursing home today, she fed, bathed and dressed eight elderly people. She sang with them, listened to their old stories. Annie’s just like their family now. She spent her entire Christmas with them.
It's no sacrifice. They're the only family she has.
As a child, I wished for a stocking stuffed with fun surprises and a brightly lit tree advertising festive presents full of promise. As an adult, I wish I could trade all of those gifts in, trinkets and trash lost to nostalgia, in exchange for one last Christmas with Mom.
Ahh, man. What a touching slice of life you’ve shared, Brian. Memories and time spent with our loved ones truly do become our most prized possessions. Wishing you a happy holiday season with your loved ones.
Thank you for sharing, Sharron. I was 13 years old when she passed, and now as I think about my own kids, and one day grandkids, I can only hope I'm here for many, many more years to support and love them. Here's wishing us both happy memories over the holidays from the time we did have with our moms!
It's amazing how so much emotion and love can be wrapped up in just 50 words. Such a beautiful sentiment, Brian. My Mom has been gone since 2015.... although effectively much longer because of Alzheimer's. Wouldn't it be wonderful to have just one more Christmas.
She must have been nuts to take her boys and their friends to Six Flags by herself. Holiday in the Park was the annual ode to Christmas and the park had festive decorations, fun rides, and warm snacks and cocoa. Still, she enjoyed every minute of their excitement and joy!
The expensive warm woolen mittens looked very appealing. He stepped out in the cold and the young homeless boy with torn mittens caught his attentive eye.
The selflesss gift was handed over to someone more deserving and needy.The grateful smile and tears bestowed were his Christmas blessings for himself.
I'll adopt a kitten! I imagined myself petting its fur, hearing him or her purring with that magnificent out-of-this-world sound that only cats can make.
Yes, I stoked myself good. And couldn't wait for the shelter to open in the morning.
Jodie was blue when they pulled him from under the ice. Silent and still. Flatlined.
Frank stood frozen by his son. Losing Jodie too would kill him, for sure. But the docs pumped Jodie’s chest and ran warm saline into his guts. Until… beep….beep…beep...
Looking through the LED lined window to the decked out Christmas Tree inside by the lit fireplace, children run and play amid a mountain of discarded gift wrapping.
The porch swing swings with two sets of eyes and two cups of hot chocolate.
It was bitter, an icy wind slicing through his threadbare coat. His same spot but new owners. They hadn’t moved him on yet. The café door creaked. [Here we go, he thought]. Hi, I’m Ronda, this is Ken, we set you a table for Christmas lunch. Will you join us?
A girl and a boy waited in vain for Santa Claus. Falling asleep by the fire, warm to the touch, they dreamt of a smiling fairy Godmother, bestowing on them, the eternal spirit of Christmas – boundless generosity, unseen riches, and a kindness that forever touched every soul in their path.
Dec 23, 2023·edited Dec 23, 2023Liked by Justin Deming
Beth’s Gift (fiction)
Everything was ready. The tree was decorated and the presents wrapped. The kids and grandkids would arrive soon. Beth pulled on her snow boots, went to the shed, grabbed the bird seed, walked out to the bird feeder and filled it. Her present to her feathered friends. Merry Christmas, birdies.
Thanks everyone. I don't really do heartwarming, so I ran with a literal take and it still came out nice. Ugh. I'll be sitting in the corner saying 'bah, humbug'...
Aww. You just made my day. I’m so grateful for you and for your words. I put a lot of thought into every single detail, and I’m elated you’re enjoying every image and every word. And that cover...Mr. John Lightle did an incredible job. Every time I look at it I still smile. 😊
A Gift to His Daughter, fiction
Eva’s Christmas Eve company would soon arrive, yet she couldn’t find the glass bells anywhere. Her favorite centerpiece—a family heirloom—had seemingly vanished into thin air.
Eva heard a twinkle. She returned to the kitchen.
The bells rested on the table.
Warmth filled the quiet, empty room. “Thanks, Dad.”
Gentle, brimful of Christmas spirit
Thanks so much, Barrie!
So sweet. Justin. I loved "hearing a twinkle" - that extra little W brought so much charm to the story. Thanks for hosting this sharing - and have a great holiday
Thank you, Sharron! Happy Holidays to you as well! 😀
But There, the Silver Answer Rang (fiction)
It’s funny how life turns out.
In the nursing home today, she fed, bathed and dressed eight elderly people. She sang with them, listened to their old stories. Annie’s just like their family now. She spent her entire Christmas with them.
It's no sacrifice. They're the only family she has.
What a lovely and moving story, Sharron. Heather sums it up perfectly: family can be anyone who makes you feel at home.
Love and kindness reciprocated. Family can really be anyone who makes you feel at home. I love this different spin on the meaning of Christmas.
One Last Christmas, CNF
As a child, I wished for a stocking stuffed with fun surprises and a brightly lit tree advertising festive presents full of promise. As an adult, I wish I could trade all of those gifts in, trinkets and trash lost to nostalgia, in exchange for one last Christmas with Mom.
Ahh, man. What a touching slice of life you’ve shared, Brian. Memories and time spent with our loved ones truly do become our most prized possessions. Wishing you a happy holiday season with your loved ones.
Thank you, Justin, and thanks for hosting these wonderful gatherings!
Wow, Brian, you and me both. Even for ten more minutes with her! We will always grieve for our moms.
Thank you for sharing, Sharron. I was 13 years old when she passed, and now as I think about my own kids, and one day grandkids, I can only hope I'm here for many, many more years to support and love them. Here's wishing us both happy memories over the holidays from the time we did have with our moms!
It's amazing how so much emotion and love can be wrapped up in just 50 words. Such a beautiful sentiment, Brian. My Mom has been gone since 2015.... although effectively much longer because of Alzheimer's. Wouldn't it be wonderful to have just one more Christmas.
Absolutely, Heather, and thanks for sharing. I've been very blessed to have other family around and I'm thankful for the time I had.
I love this Brian! I’d like the same but with both of my parents!
Thank you, Kim! Wishing you a happy holiday season.
Beautiful ... grit in my eye, or somesuch
I went for heartwarming and ended up putting grit in your eye!
The best kind of heartwarming, Brian. Compliments of the season to you
-Happy Holidays to you too, Justin, and all your readers. All best for 2024.
Symmetries of Season (poem)
Weaving fiction at night, backed by the merry tree's
twinkle of lights; the spectacular plastic tree
survived a year longer
all awaiting impatiently the Christmas, and the Christmas to come;
and the New Year's, and New Year's to come,
in a land where Gregorian and
Julian calendars made their peace.
Happy Holidays to you as well, Chris! And thank you for sharing this wonderful little poem with us. 🙏
Lovely, Chris!
Very nice!
Goodwill-fiction
Sentiment is for sissies, a lot of the time. Drama is not my style. Face each day, do what it takes, and carry on. It needs to be that way.
But here, now, is a time to pause, to think of greater things. Peace on earth, good will to all.
And God bless us everyone! Very nice R.I.
Peace to you and yours, RI! Thanks for sharing this little gem with us. 🙏
Hi Justin. In the spirit of the season, I'd like to offer up:
Tale of a Tail (poem)
From the freshly unwound tree
snowy boughs unfurling
a tiny tail darted from the pine
scurrying for safety under the sofa
He would gladly have stayed
to share our cookies by the fire
but I shooed him out the door
tossed him a caramel and whispered
Merry Christmas little friend.
What an absolute beauty of a poem! And what a cute story. I love it. Thanks so much for sharing, Heather. 😊
Oh, for heaven's sake! How sweet is that! I loved this, Heather. I just met another side of you.
Awww, thanks Sharron. Live and let live.
First try at this 50 word thing. It's fun!
I've read your 50 word fiction for so long....yours are always so inspiring.
Holiday in the Park
She must have been nuts to take her boys and their friends to Six Flags by herself. Holiday in the Park was the annual ode to Christmas and the park had festive decorations, fun rides, and warm snacks and cocoa. Still, she enjoyed every minute of their excitement and joy!
The act of benevolence
The expensive warm woolen mittens looked very appealing. He stepped out in the cold and the young homeless boy with torn mittens caught his attentive eye.
The selflesss gift was handed over to someone more deserving and needy.The grateful smile and tears bestowed were his Christmas blessings for himself.
Sunil
Exactly right, Sunil. Giving blesses both the giver and the receiver. I wish more people experienced the joy of giving.
I'll adopt a kitten! I imagined myself petting its fur, hearing him or her purring with that magnificent out-of-this-world sound that only cats can make.
Yes, I stoked myself good. And couldn't wait for the shelter to open in the morning.
I'm getting a companion cat.
Sweet story, Rene! I hope there is some truth to this story. 😊🐱 Thank you so much for sharing!
Survivors (drama)
Jodie was blue when they pulled him from under the ice. Silent and still. Flatlined.
Frank stood frozen by his son. Losing Jodie too would kill him, for sure. But the docs pumped Jodie’s chest and ran warm saline into his guts. Until… beep….beep…beep...
They saved two lives that night.
A perfect tale to warm the chill from one’s bones. Cleverly written and expertly crafted!
Amazing how lives can be so intertwined.
Very touching, Forkbeard John.
Strong writing. Love it.
Two Cups of Hot Chocolate. CNF
Large snowflakes blanket all.
Looking through the LED lined window to the decked out Christmas Tree inside by the lit fireplace, children run and play amid a mountain of discarded gift wrapping.
The porch swing swings with two sets of eyes and two cups of hot chocolate.
Love is here.
Indeed it is, James Ron. Lovely.
Neighbours (fiction)
It was bitter, an icy wind slicing through his threadbare coat. His same spot but new owners. They hadn’t moved him on yet. The café door creaked. [Here we go, he thought]. Hi, I’m Ronda, this is Ken, we set you a table for Christmas lunch. Will you join us?
A perfect story for the season, Barrie! I really enjoyed it. Thanks so much for sharing with us!
Its the perfect season for a happy ending; thanks for the reminder to do 'heartwarming'. Thanks for all the prompts this year. Onwards into 2024
You’re so welcome. Looking forward to 2024! 😀
Such unexpected gifts - both the lunch invitation and the story. Beautiful, FandF.
Thanks so much, Sharron
Solstice Prayer (poem)
Big solstice bonfire at a friend's house
I can't have open fire
so I ask throw in a log for me
with the prayer that I may have peace
missing my beloved
asking my soul
where did he go
listening in the deep quiet
for an answer that never comes
"Where did he go?" A hard question, Sharon, that I ask myself everyday about a lost loved one.
I do talk to the Weather Gods poem
I talk to the Weather Gods all the time
please no snow before Xmas
people have too much to do
and have to travel to their family
rain, wind and cold OK, but no snow
could have holiday shopped in July
but didn't, so give us a pass right now
A Magical Christmas Awakening, Fiction.
A girl and a boy waited in vain for Santa Claus. Falling asleep by the fire, warm to the touch, they dreamt of a smiling fairy Godmother, bestowing on them, the eternal spirit of Christmas – boundless generosity, unseen riches, and a kindness that forever touched every soul in their path.
Beth’s Gift (fiction)
Everything was ready. The tree was decorated and the presents wrapped. The kids and grandkids would arrive soon. Beth pulled on her snow boots, went to the shed, grabbed the bird seed, walked out to the bird feeder and filled it. Her present to her feathered friends. Merry Christmas, birdies.
Thanks everyone. I don't really do heartwarming, so I ran with a literal take and it still came out nice. Ugh. I'll be sitting in the corner saying 'bah, humbug'...
Ha! When creating this prompt I honestly thought of you, Jon, and wondered what you might do with it. Bravo, sir! 👏
Aw, come on. You're an old softie under that beardy disguise. We all know it.
I received my copy of 50 Fifties yesterday!
What a lovely little gift to myself.
It’s a beauty.
Thank you!
Oh wow, 3M!! Thank you so very much. That’s incredibly kind of you. I hope you enjoy it! 😊🙏
My pleasure!
I am enjoying it very much.
The colorful cover, the mini-visual chapter images, the bite-size stories to be savored at a time… are suited perfectly to my tastes.
Happy Holidays to you and yours!
Aww. You just made my day. I’m so grateful for you and for your words. I put a lot of thought into every single detail, and I’m elated you’re enjoying every image and every word. And that cover...Mr. John Lightle did an incredible job. Every time I look at it I still smile. 😊
Happy Holidays to you and yours, as well!
LEFT AND WAITING
Dorlores could always smell the lavender.
Why did he have to lie?
It was coming to an end anyway.
Perhaps he didn’t know?
Carrie could have every last drop of him.
Delores mobile rang.
‘He all yours. I left town last night’,
to which I replied ‘And I left yesterday.’