KIDS' STORY: Harriet and the Christmas Plum
Harriet and the Christmas Plum
By April Brown
With one ear up and one ear down,
and a heart-stamped nose above that cute little frown,
Harriet made her way to the Christmas tree.
Exhausted from a full day of Christmas Eve festivities, she was excited to fall asleep under the
tree and possibly catch Santa in the middle of the night. Every year, Harriet attempted to stay up
late enough to catch a glimpse of the jolly gift giver. She was never able to stay awake, so she
had a new plan this year. If she was going to fall asleep anyway, she might as well sleep under
the tree! Surely she would hear Santa unloading his gifts and wake up in time to finally see him.
She had already set out his sugar cookies, milk, and carrots for the reindeer, sneaking just one
bite of carrot for herself to ensure they were fresh enough to refuel his hard workers.
Harriet was all nestled snug under the tree,
Dreaming of how red Santa’s suit would be.
She dreamed of his laugh, his elves, and his sleigh.
She dreamt of all the gifts she’d open the next day.
Harriet dreamed of Christmas lunch.
She could almost hear the carrots she’d crunch.
She smelled fruits, pies, and fresh warm bread.
Visions of sugar plums danced in her head.
Her belly began to growl, her nose began to twitch.
She soon forgot all about jolly old St. Nick.
She stumbled and hopped half asleep down the hall.
She was hungry for those sugar plums most of all!
Harriet found herself in her mother’s fruit bowl,
Swimming in plums and eating them whole.
Eating fruits half asleep until she heard such a clatter,
She hopped out of the kitchen to see what was the matter.
Her eyes darted towards under the tree.
Plenty of presents but no Santa to see.
Her plum-hungry tummy distracted her from her mission.
Santa was here while she sleep-hopped to the kitchen!
With one ear up and one ear down,
and a heart-stamped nose above that cute little frown,
Harriet snuggled back up under the tree,
Although there was no Santa for her to see.
She slept soundly and full of Christmas cheer
As she planned how she’d spot Santa next year.
April Brown
April is a Colorado native, now living in Joplin working as a preschool teacher. She is also a freelance writer that is publishing her first book this year. April has loved reading and writing for as long as she can remember, and hopes to spread this passion with her business Lemon Drop Ink Shop.
https://www.lemondropinkshop.com/children-s-lit
Christina Jean
Christina Jean lives in Colorado and has always loved being creative. She loves collaborating with her sister's writing and recently painted the cover for April's book. Chrissy is pursuing her bachelor's in Nutrition and Dietetics. She loves her husband, her cats, and all things Halloween.