Winter (or Summer for you crazy Southern Hem people ) is full of holidays which have evolved through our history into the traditions we celebrate today.

How might the evolution of holidays continue?

I present to you your prose Litmas challenge!!

Write a shot piece of science fiction detailing the rituals and traditions that would be present during the holiday season.

Now, this doesn't just have to be Christmas!! It can be any celebration but there are some ground rules:

RULES:

The piece must be under 10k ± 200 words (NOT required that it be 10k, it could be 6 if it does the job)

Holiday must have some basis in an EXISTING holiday either secular or religious. We must be able to discern which holiday is being worked with.

Piece MUST contain a significant sci-fi tint. (if you're unsure of how to write sci-fi please consult [link] or [link] ) This does not mean that you can simply use a time machine to go back in time and explore the true meaning of Christmas. That simply won't cut it! In fact, the judges will be extremely pleased if there can be no time machines or deus ex machina at all. Call us crazy.

Entries must be new and written specifically for this contest. That means the submission date must be after 12.8.08. AND
Must be submitted to Community Projects > Contests > 2008 > The Future of the Holidays
if it is not, it will NOT be considered for judging.


DO NOT confine yourself to a heavy moral hand. Sometimes the true meaning of Christmas is not taking yourself too seriously. We don't mind thoughtful or realistic pieces, but please, we beg you—don't AIM to bum us out for the holidays. After all, the 29th is ^StJoan's birthday. Please, think if the ali-ali.

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And so concludes the rules.

Now the good stuff:

Contest ends: Dec 31! If you don't have it in by midnight CST then you will NOT be considered for judging. Please don't wait until 11:30 at night to submit your piece.

Where to submit:

Judges:

^LadyLincoln, ^lovetodeviate, ^StJoan

Special guest judges:

^opioid, ^PurpelBlur



Rubric for judging:

Literary merit (Style, form, grammar, spelling, clarity etc)

Enjoyment (leave us feeling or thinking)

Adherence to the rules above



PRIZES:

First place:

1 year sub or print of equal value

Basic Artist's Bag!

Emoticon Stress Balls

Calendar of your choice

Feature in Journals of: ^PurpelBlur, ^StJoan, ^LadyLincoln



Second place:

6 month sub or print of equal value

Emoticon Stress balls

Calendar of your choice

Feature in Journals of: ^PurpelBlur, ^StJoan, ^LadyLincoln




Third Place:

3 month sub or print of equal value

Emoticon Stress balls

Feature in Journals of: ^PurpelBlur, ^StJoan, ^LadyLincoln