Christmas Essay Contest 2018

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In this issue you will find all 5 of the prize-winning essays plus many more entries from area students!

Engle Printing & Publishing Co., Inc. • townlively.com

2 - December 5, 2018 - Christmas

Essay Contest

- A Christmas Surprise

Welcome Reader, Merry Christmas!

2018

This year’s entries are from kids aged 11-14. We were so impressed by their overall writing prowess! They wrote from a variety of perspectives, they used similes and metaphors, and many of them are developing a distinctive literary ‘voice’.

The topic, “A Christmas Surprise” brought in a record number of vivid essays about happiness at holiday time, and the judges had a real challenge in choosing the winners!

For the first time this year, you can see all of the essays we received on townlively.com.

About our Judges: Jim Martin is an awarded salesman with Power Pro Equipment in New Holland. He is husband, father and grandfather of a beautiful family.

Marie Hoover is currently manager of Musser’s Specialty Foods in Goodville and is a former teacher at Union Grove School.

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John Hemperly is sales manager at Engle Publishing, and the father of two girls. He is 30 years in service to our company!

Titus Cregan

Age 11, Honey Brook

A Christmas Surprise - Christmas

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Essay Contest - December 5, 2018 - 3

Grand Prize Winner

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very day before Christmas, I would look at my calendar before getting out of bed. Only four more days before Christmas was here. As I looked out the window I could see the neighbors hanging lights, decorating their houses, and putting the wreaths on their doors. It all looked very cheerful. Everyone was in the Christmas spirit except for me. I managed to get up and pack my bag for school. Once I got there, the whole class was busy in homeroom talking about the last day of school before Christmas break. It seemed like everyone had something to be excited about but me. Later that day, we had our Christmas party. There was fruit cake, candy canes, hot chocolate, sugar cookies, and my absolute favorite, snickerdoodles. We played all types of Christmas games. I hit the jackpot in the white elephant present exchange. I got a snowball sling shot. Even though the room was full of parents, my mom wasn’t there. She had to work. It has been a long time since my dad left again to go back to the war. If my mom or dad were here, I could show them what I got. The school day ended and as I walked home, it began to snow. I opened my mouth to feel a cold snowflake that fell on my tongue. As I got closer to my house, I noticed a strange car in the driveway. Someone was there, but who could it be...my mom? I opened the door with my heart beating fast. A Christmas surprise was waiting inside. It was the gift I longed for...my Dad!

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2nd Place Winner

Bethany Thompson Age 13, Reading

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hristmas is one of the best times of the year! You exchange gifts, play in the snow, sing carols, and drink cocoa by the fireplace. My family is always together - except this year. My brother recently graduated from USMC boot camp at Parris Island. My family and I were excited when he said that he might get leave time for Christmas, but it’s Christmas morning, and he’s not home yet.

My mom was especially excited; she made extra cookies, cleaned the house, and was singing along to “All I Want for Christmas is You”.

The house was filled with laughter and songs, until last night when the idea of him not being able to come home became a reality for us all. The house was full of silence and tears. No one sang carols, no one was making Christmas dinner, and no one was watching Christmas movies.

Now it’s Christmas morning and I don’t want to get up to find out what I got for Christmas. What I want is my brother home. I lie in my bed a little bit longer when all the sudden I hear a knock at the door.

I jump out of bed and race down the stairs and stop. It couldn’t be, but it is. My brother’s home! My dad opens the door and there he is, wearing a goofy Santa outfit and holding a sack of presents.

“Guys!” I yell to upstairs. “He’s home!”

At this point I held my tears long enough. I went into a group hug with my dad, my brother and me. I heard the laughter and the tears as the rest of my family comes soaring down the steps, and I just felt the group hug get bigger and bigger, and it was a hug that I never wanted to end!

50 3rd Place Winner

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Rebecca Phillips Age 13, Elverson

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hristmas rolled around, it was a blistery, murky day. The snow had not visited Lancaster County yet, leaving it a lonely and bare countryside. Compared to other Christmas experiences, this was going to be different -certainly unique. But, then again, I kind of knew it was going to be that way -I had a sneaky feeling. But, when my Grammy told us my Great Uncle John had a surprise gift for us, I had no clue what was about to happen. My Grammy carefully glanced around the large family room, grief coloring her face. She smiled at all the younger kids giggling, while their parents unsuccessfully tried to quiet them. She surveyed the older cousins teasing one another mercilessly; and, she listened intently to the adults laughing at stories of years gone by. Finally, she cleared her throat -the room hushed as all our eyes rested on my Grammy’s sweetly wrinkled face. She smiled at everyone, and gently she said, “With your presents there is a special box. It is from your Pop-Pop’s brother, Uncle John.” You see, my Pop-pop and Uncle John were brothers and had worked together for over 40 yearsthey were very close. So, when my Pop-Pop had fallen ill, and died only three months later, it devastated my Great Uncle. She tearfully told us that my Great Uncle deeply missed his brother. Indeed, we all still miss my Pop-pop. It was no surprise to me when we opened the gift that it was a touching and memorable moment. He had given us generous gift cards as a token of his love for our Pop-Pop and us. Because he said we each were tiny pieces of his brother, he gifted us with a memory of Pop-Pop. It was truly the most wonderful Christmas surprise ever.

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Essay Contest

- A Christmas Surprise

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Honorable Mention

Kelsey Hoffman

Ruth Clark

Age 11, Morgantown

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ome on kids; we’re leaving in 10 minutes,’’ Dad said. ‘’ Be right there; I have to get one more thing,

Age 11, Bernville

Dad.’’ One hour later my family and I were on our way to Africa for Christmas.

When we got there, it looked so different then America. I didn’t know what we were going to do there, so it was a surprise for me. It was also a surprise for the kids at the orphanage because we had presents for the them. As we walked to the orphanage, we went through a little town. When I was looking around I spotted a girl my age so I went up to talk with her. I knew she was sad because I could tell it on her face. She said, ‘’ I’ve never gotten a present for Christmas.’’

I asked my dad if we had a present for her. He said ‘’ Well of course.’’

After we left the town we went to an orphanage to help out for Christmas and to teach the gospel. Then we passed out gifts to them, and when they opened them their faces lit up. So that is what we did that Christmas. Wait, I haven’t told you the best part. That same day they gave me a fluffy monkey to keep as a pet for helping out at the orphanage. The day we left I was sad to leave, but also happy because we got to share the Gospel with others.

When we got home I dropped down on my bed like I was dead. That was my greatest Christmas ever because I went to a different country and taught kids about Jesus Christ.

Tools make fantastic gifts!

Honorable Mention

T

he wind blew stronger as the night became darker, and it was officially 24 hours till Christmas. As I sprung from my bed, I tripped over the one pair of shoes I has. “Ouch”, I moaned. As I jumped back up to go downstairs, I realized it had been almost one year since my little sister died. My sister Amber was only two years old when she died.

Amber had a sickness called scarlet fever. She passed away that very first week she got sick. “I really hope I can get a sister this Christmas,” I said with tears in my eyes. I continued doing my chores for the day. Christmas Eve went by really fast and before I knew it, there was only two hours before Christmas Day. “I’m so excited!”, I shouted hoping no one would hear me. I prayed for a little sister that night, and I was so disappointed when I woke in the morning with no little sister to hug. “Good Morning!”, my mom exclaimed. “Morning”, I said. “ You seem upset, what’s wrong?” my mom replied. “ Nothing, just not the same without Amber”. “ I know, but I have a good surprise,” my mom said with a huge smile on her face. All the sudden I hear a car door shut and the sound of a baby crying. I ran outside to find out who it was, and there was a baby lying in my dad’s arms. “ Who is that?” I exclaimed with tears in my eyes. “ It’s your new baby sister,” my dad replied. I screamed with joy as I held my arms out to hold her. “ What’s her name?”. “ Claire,” my parents said. “ I love her already!” “ This has officially been the best Christmas surprise ever!”

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4 - December 5, 2018 - Christmas

A Christmas Surprise - Christmas

Catherine P. Work

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hristmas means something different to everyone. Traditionally, we celebrate the birth of Jesus. However, I think our society has become increasingly distracted with finding the hottest toys of the season, cooking a big meal in anticipation of family and friends later that day, and finding the perfect gifts to surprise those special people on your list. These tasks often make the holiday season stressful.

One year, these stressful tasks seemed less burdensome.

On Christmas morning in 2011, as my parents, brother and I were taking turns unwrapping Christmas gifts, a tradition my Mom began so we would take the time to appreciate each and every gift, my Christmas surprise became very clear.

Earlier that same year, in late Summer, my Mom was in a near fatal car accident. She was hospitalized with severe injuries, later in rehabilitation, and later therapy at home. It was a tough time for all of us, and she never gave up. At home, she fought through her own physical limitations to take care of all of us, and the chores, like nothing had happened. She worked hard and made a full recovery.

Through it all, she made Christmas seem normal for us for that year. My brother and I were encouraged to make Christmas lists, another tradition, and, with Mom using her walker, we went to the mall to see Santa, lightly shopped for family and friends, and baked Christmas cookies. I remember sitting there, in the moment of opening gifts on Christmas morning, 2011, looked at my family in the moment, and overwhelming happiness completed me.

A Christmas surprise is not always something material you expect to receive. Sometimes, it is a gift you already had, almost lost, and somehow, like a miracle, presents itself back at a time when you most appreciate it.

Age 14, Elverson

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s long as I can remember, every ChristAge 13, Elverson mas season my parents repeated the same phrase, “It is better to give than receive.” I had no idea what this meant and as my parents explained it to me, my mind immediately wandered back to toys and gifts. These were what I wanted. I felt my parents were setting me up for a not-soabundant Christmas. I couldn’t have been more wrong.

Within the last two years, I fully understand what that phrase means. I like gifts and getting new things. Who doesn’t? But, I really took notice to the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season in 2016. I saw people at their worst and their best. What I particularly noticed was how much more generous people were during the Christmas season and it actually became contagious for me. That Christmas, I began donating my own money: 25 cents to the Salvation Army, buying a small toy at the dollar store and immediately putting it in the donation box for Toys for Tots, and the like. I might have donated $2.00 of my own money that year – not much. My parents told me that it didn’t matter how much I donated, it was that I found it in my heart to help someone else during the holidays.

With that, my Christmas surprise happened in 2016, and I was surprised at myself. I found that I feel happier when I

Evan Work

give a gift than when I receive a gift, and surprised at the gratitude people express when receiving a gift. A gift doesn’t have to be something expensive or fancy. A gift comes from your heart. It can be a kind word, a homemade token of appreciation, or that item on a retail shelf. When you surprise someone, you just might surprise yourself.

Essay Contest - December 5, 2018 - 5

had a squeaky wheel, and lots of brown wood shavings strewn around for her to burrow through. It had a little wooden hut for her to sleep in too.

After an eventful day, we finally made it home. I jumped out of the car, eager to show Cookie her new home. She is a night owl, so she enjoyed her new home - all night long.

And, I have enjoyed Cookie every day since!

I

had never had a Christmas quite like the one I Age 13, Honey Brook had in 2017. That year, I received the best gift ever!

The night before Christmas, I went to bed early, but awoke to the sound of the truck pulling out of the driveway. At first, I thought it was my brother going to his friend’s house, but thirty minutes later, I drifted off to sleep. I would soon find out it was not my brother leaving that night, but, someone had delivered a surprise for me.

The next morning Christmas had arrived. I got up and went downstairs where my mom told me to not go outside where the truck had been parked. I realized then that it was my mom who was the mystery driver the night before. Ok, so, five hours later, my mom told all of us kids to sit at a different table than the older people - I am from Mexico, so this was a new tradition for me. When we started to eat, the smaller kids were anxious to open the presents, so they began to pick around the gifts.

Mom told me to sit still and eat my dinner, but, soon we would all be around the sofas, excited and ready to open our gifts. As we each one opened our gifts, I grew more and more anxious. Finally, my mom turned to give me my gift. I opened it to find an awesome bow - it was all I had wanted, and now I had one!

My family had all gone in together to buy me the bow for Christmas - it was an expensive gift. I never thought I would get it. So, I was happy they had gotten me the gift. It was a great surprise - one I will never forget!

Ricardo Esh

I

t was a cold afternoon; however, it was toasty warm sitting on the green shag carpet in my grandparents’ living room. Christmas Day was here - my entire family was opening presents! I had just opened my final gift, or, so I thought. The best Christmas surprise was still unopened.

After everyone had opened their presents, I saw my uncle get up from his metal folding chair. Beaming, he said, “There’s one more gift for you!” He told me to close my eyes; I only heard his footsteps stomp across the room. He opened a door, and then softly sat something in front of me a few seconds later. “See if you can guess what it is.” He lovingly chided. I cautiously touched the gift; but, I was still incapable of figuring out what it was. “Ok,” he exclaimed, “open your eyes!”

“A hamster?!” I cried.

I could see my hamster scurrying around in her cage. She was brown with little black spots on her back. She looked like a chocolate chip cookie, hence, her name - Cookie. She was a Russiandwarf hamster, making her petite. But, she could move as fast as a bolt of lightning. Cookie loved her cage. It was a green wire enclosure, with a purple plastic bottom. It had a yellow tube for her to crawl through. It even

Jenny Nissley

Age 14, Morgantown

HOLIDAY SALE!

Reilly Weyandt

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Karis Toothman

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y family always had a spectacular Christmas Age 12, Honey Brook tree each year, so, I thought 2015 would be no different. However, two days before Christmas day that year, we still did not have a tree. This was unusual to say the least. It was now Christmas Eve day, and everyone in the house was a little down. Mom tried her best to lift our spirits up with a trip to McDonald’s, but, we grew sadder each time we passed Christmas tree lots that were closed - no hope for getting a tree. Mom decided to take us to my grandpa’s to see ifwe could find one. Little did we know, one of the best Christmas surprises ever was on its way.

Our adventure began with the hopes of finding the perfect tree with our grandpa’s help. We searched for hours, but, sadly, we had no luck. But, this disappointment did not stop us from having a great time! We decided to make the best of the day and have steamy, warm cocoa and sweet, gooey cookies. After that, we had an epic snowball fight. But, soon, we grew a welcomed kind of tired from all the fun and decided to head home.

The trip home was uneventful, but when we drove up the driveway, we saw the most beautiful Christmas tree on our porch. I asked my mother if she had anything to do with it and she shook her head no. I ran to it and found a note that said it was from our mailman (and great friend) Tom. He said he knew we needed a tree because Grandpa had told him so.

How exciting Christmas morning would be now that we had our tree! As you can probably tell by now, that Christmas added up to be amazing, with one of the best surprises ever! ometimes, Christmas surprises can be complicated but most of them can be fairly simple. These surprises can come in many different forms: giving to someone in need, a gift, or even just an ordinary act of kindness such as holding a door open for somebody. The Christmas surprise that you choose to give doesn’t have to be elaborate. It can even be something that you enjoy doing. Volunteering is one of the best opportunities to surprise someone by showing them that you love enough to spend your time with them. Many adults appreciate it when kids choose to utilize their free time by helping the community out and showing people that they care. If you decide to give someone a surprise this Christmas, you may discover that the feelings following that act are a lovely surprise in themselves.

Age 12, Birdsboro

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6 - December 5, 2018 - Christmas

Megan Hechler

Essay Contest

- A Christmas Surprise

M

y favorite Christmas surprise was when I Age 11, Denver found out I would be a big sister! This was my favorite because I would have someone new to play with. Also, I would get to help with something important.

I was an only child, in first grade, when my mom and dad told me the news on December 26, 2013. They tricked me by saying they had forgotten to give me a Christmas present and showed me a T-shirt. It read, “I’m going to be a big sister, but I’ll still be daddy’s little princess.” My first thought was, “say what?” My mom and dad then gave me a book titled Big Sister. I still didn’t get it, so they finally told me the truth. I was like, wow I’m going to be a big sister.

Later that afternoon, I went with my parents to an ultrasound appointment. The doctor pointed out the leg, foot, and arm. I saw them too. He said I should work there. He then asked my mom and dad if they wanted to be surprised or not. My parents chose surprised, so we had to close our eyes while the doctor checked if it was a boy or girl. I tried to peek, but he caught me, and I covered my eyes again.

The next day, we went to my Nana and Pap-pap’s house for a big family Christmas. I wore the t-shirt to announce the big news. Nana was the first to read my shirt. She was so surprised and happy for us, as was the rest of our family. I got asked if I wanted the baby to be a girl or boy. I said, “Girl!” because there were too many boys in the family. I have eight cousins, and only one is a girl. Combined, my mom and dad have five brothers. So, that made me the only girl kid in the family.

Finding out I would be a big sister was the best Christmas present ever. Hallelujah, it was a girl!

Samantha Swenson

M

ost of the time surprises are happy things, but that is not always the case. Two years ago I had the worst christmas surprise I could have ever imagined. I lost someone that I cared so dearly for.

I was twelve, and my biggest worries in life were what clothes I was going to wear to school and when the next day I would have to suffer through gym class was- let’s be honest those are still very prominent problems in my life it was only two years ago. It was nearing christmas when I found out that my great-grandfather was in the hospital. I knew he was getting older and that he wasn’t in the best health, but in my mind he was going to be just fine, he was going to be back home soon.

I did the normal christmas things and tried to distract myself. I woke up one morning and I walked into my parents bedroom. I woke up my mom and she looked at me, and that was all it took. It was a week till christmas and this was worse than I could have ever imagined.

I was scared and felt alone. I went through the usual last week of the season traditions. It wasn’t the same even though nothing in my routine had drastically changed. By the time christmas day rolled around I still wasn’t accepting what had happened. I felt numb. Then something changed.

My whole family came to my house for christmas dinner. I was surrounded by these amazing people who loved me more than anything. I knew one day we will all pass, and even though we were all the struggling with the pain, as long as I was surrounded by the ones I loved I could get through anything.

Age 14, Elverson

Audrey Smith

I

t was the first Christmas.

The first Christmas since October- when the world had crashed down on my second-grade shoulders. The first Christmas since they told me and my brother that they wouldn’t be living in the same house. When we had gotten the news, it had hit hard. Our family had always been close and I thought that everything was okay. It became apparent that it was not once boxes and bags were packed and we were visiting Dad’s new house.

That first Christmas apart was spent in North Carolina with our mother. There was some odd feeling of missing- as if I wasn’t complete. Sometimes I would open my mouth to call ‘Dad!’ before remembering everything and quickly shutting it. It felt so wrong. To not have him around, as if we had forgotten him.

Soon, all the kids were opening presents, the adults smiling over mugs of coffee, capturing the moments in photographs. I looked up at my mom, smiling at me and my brother, and then my brother, grinning at his toy cars. My

Age 13, Avondale

face beaming, I returned to opening the present in my hand.

The box in my hand may have been a Christmas surprise but I know that the real Christmas surprise was that moment.

That short, short moment. That short moment was all it took.

Looking up to see both my mother and brother happy, without my father with us, did something. Started something.

The realization that it was going to be okay. The world wasn’t ending. I could be happy, we could all be happy even if it would take a while to get used to everything. And I’ve carried that Christmas surprise with me ever since.

Katelyn Stomp

I

t all started when my mom received a Christmas present from a student of hers. It was the ugliest candle you’ve ever seen. With dwarves and geese covering the lumps, this was no ordinary candle. This was The Candle . And it would soon turn into the greatest family tradition of all time.

With a forced grin, Mom took the candle and wondered what to do with it next. Obviously she wasn’t going to keep it. Why not prank someone with this hilarious gift? So she wrapped it up to give it to my Aunt Genny.

When Aunt Genny first opened the gift, she didn’t know what to say. After a moment of awkwardness, Mom burst out laughing and said it was all a joke. The next year, Aunt Genny gave it to someone else, and so on. We even started pranking family with the candle when it wasn’t Christmas time and we were just getting together.

During one family reunion, as everyone was leaving, my cousin David and his wife Sharon put the candle in our car while we weren’t looking! As they were driving away, I glanced under the driver’s seat, and there it was. Looking around, we found our grandparents going back inside to grab their suitcases. My brother stealthily snuck over to their car and shoved it in the backseat! We drove away, smiling at the thought of them finding it later on.

This tradition has lived on for years. We’ve given the candle as funny wedding presents and guarded our car against suspicious family members. It has appeared inside cooking pots while making dinner and mysteriously turned up in bags “accidentally” left in others’ cars. Every time someone finds this ugly Christmas candle, it’s the best surprise of all.

Age 13, Pottstown

Emily Eckenrode

I

will tell you a story of admiration and giants.

For you see I am a little mouse. This is how the story goes. I lay greatly troubled in my tiny bed, for just that evening the poor mother had gathered her children in the living room and had told them that there would be no Christmas presents that year. They sobbed their little hearts out and finally went to bed. I was thinking about this when the big door suddenly creaked open. I jumped out of my

Kaitlyn Hoover

Age 11, Fairmount

Zachary Garman

B

Murphy Madden

H

eep! Beep! Beep! Beep!

I sat straight up in my bed. Was it actually Christmas Morning? Yes, it was. I slid out of my bed, and shut the alarm clock off. Then I went into the attic and picked up a pet carrier with my sister’s long awaited gift, a Himalayn cat. She had been wishing for ever since she had seen an ad in the Pennysaver (two months ago). Its hair were all messed up from it’s night’s sleep, so I quickly groomed her with my pocket comb, the best that I could.

After that I sneaked down the stairs and down the hall to my sister’s bedroom. The rest of the family was already there.

My dad nodded so I hurriedly took out the cat and adjusted it’s bow. I opened the door, and we yelled, “Surprise”.

My sister woke up to find her much wanted kitten laying on her blanket. She blinked two or three times and stuttered “Where? How?” Dad smiled and said “He your’.”

My sister was overjoyed and kept saying thank you. We just smiled as we watched her cuddle it gently in her arms.

Age 11, East Earl

H

olidays are definitely full of surprises. If you were me when this holiday surprise happened, you would be screaming of excitement.

When I was little I had two dogs. Their names were Addy (yellow lab) and Molly (brittany spaniel). When I was five, Addy died of cancer. Molly came with us to Pennsylvania when we moved from North Carolina. In first grade, Molly died because she was overweight. When I came home from school, my parents told me what happened to Molly. I was completely devastated. I thought I was never going to have a dog again. I thought my dog life was all over for me. Until December, 2016 when I was in 4th grade.

It all started when my dad came home from work with a box. I thought that in the box there would be pokemon cards, and so did my mom. My dad told us to go in the living room. My dad started to record me and my brother and told us to open the box. We opened the box and me, my brother, and my mom started screaming “IT’S A PUPPY”! The cavalier king charles spaniel ran around everywhere and the puppy chased us around the house. I was crying tears of joy, and my heart almost grew bigger than me. Every morning, my dog Hershey jumps on my bed and licks my face off. I will never forget the moment when I got Hershey because this surprise of joy filled my heart with happiness. As Charles M. Schulz said “Happiness is a warm puppy.”

Age 11, Narvon

bed and ran to the door. Giant dark shadows carried HUGE loads of… something. I ran to the big window and saw these massive creatures (something I think humans call horses and cows) being led to the stable! (I call it the big barn of Egypt).

I ran to the living room, and stopped in flabbergasted amasment. The living room was over flowing with mountains and valleys and plains of gifts!!! Blankets, toys, toys, and toys!

Before I could start planning my next hiking trip, I ran to the kitchen. Just watt I wanted. The table, the counters, and the pantry were overflowing with massive mountains of food! (At last I had seen the Rocky Mountains.) I planned my next raid to the pantry. The next morning the shock and surprise on the mother and childrens faces was good enough for me!!

The End

ave you gotten an amazing gift from a loved one? I remember when I got an amazing gift. It was on Christmas morning and I was smelling bacon and waffles.

It’s Christmas!!! I screamed in my head.

I couldn’t wait to see what I got. Then, I heard it… the scattering on a metal floor. The crying of a dog. No, not possible, but maybe it is. Could it be?

“YES.” I couldn’t believe it, I actually got a dog.

“Merry Christmas Murphy!” My dad said when I saw the dog. I went up to the cage and saw it was from santa. “What are you gonna name her?” My dad asked.

“Hmm, lets go with…Oh Maggie.” I said finally.

I thought this would be a good time to take my new dog for a walk because she must’ve needed to go to the bathroom while she waited for me to wake up. “I’m gonna take her for a quick walk.” I said hoping my dad would say yes.

“Ok. But don’t be too long.” My dad said.

Hmm I wonder how long the trip was from the North pole to here. I mean, it was from Santa. So many questions about Santa, but so little answers, I thought.

“Oh hey.” A voice called after me.

“Yeah?”

“I saw your dad take the dog in. Are you enjoying your new pup?” The stranger asked.

“My dad? I mean yeah, I’m enjoying it,” I said wondering why she saw my dad take it in.

“Well that’s good, I got stuff to do, seeya.” The stranger went back into the apartment.

“DAD!” I screamed.

“Yeah?” Dad asked. Then I realized. I want this day to be the best day ever! So I’m not gonna ask about Santa. That’s my holiday surprise.

Age 11, Gap

A Christmas Surprise - Christmas

Hannah Kern

H

olidays are full of surprises. I was able to experience a surprise when I did something kind for my music teacher! A long time ago, I was practically begging my parents to let me start guitar lessons. Like any kid, I wanted to grow up to be a big famous rock star! Finally, my parents agreed to let me start music lessons. Every Wednesday, I was excited to go to music lessons, to learn all new things about guitar.

One Wednesday afternoon, after music lessons, my dad was bringing me back home, and he told me that Mark was having trouble with his back. Dad said that Mark was going to have to have surgery, and that he wouldn’t be giving me lessons for a while. I was very disappointed at this point. My dad said that I would have one more lesson right after Christmas, before Mark’s surgery.

On Christmas day, my Nana came over. One of the presents my Nana got me was a plate that I could paint. This was one of my favorite presents. Around four days before my last guitar lesson, I had an idea for the plate. I was going to make a music plate with a guitar and music notes for Mark. After I painted the front of the plate with the guitar and music notes, I painted a letter on the back for Mark saying, Dear Mark, I really have enjoyed having music lessons with you. I will be praying for you, and that your surgery goes well. You are amazing. Thank you for teaching me so much.

Sincerely, Hannah K. Mark was so happy to get the plate. Not was his holiday was full of surprises, but it also reminded me how nice it is to do things for other people.

Age 12, Narvon

Antonio Weaver

12

-year-old Ethan ran up the stairs with tears streaming down his face. As he slammed the door he heard his mother call after him, but he didn’t care. The divorce papers had been signed. In his heart, Ethan knew it was the end of his world.

His father had been gone a long time. Ethan hadn’t seen his dad in nearly a year.

The next day was Christmas Eve, and it had snowed. Ethan was returning home from a friend’s house and noticed a strange vehicle in the driveway. He quietly went inside and peered into the living room. His parents were sitting on the couch deep in conversation. They hadn’t heard or seen him yet. He was about to walk into the room when he heard snatches of their conversation.

“Mary, I’m so sorry for what I did. I want to ask for your forgiveness.”

“I… oh Eric! I forgive you!”

“Thank you, Mary. I just can’t tell you how sorry I am.”

“I know, it’s been tough… maybe we can start over?”

Ethan peered in and saw his father raise his head and look at his mother with the hope that Ethan felt.

“Mary, do you mean it?”

Ethan smiled as his mom replied, “Yes, and I know it wasn’t all your fault, even though I blamed you for everything. I’m sorry, too.”

His parents leaned forward and hugged, tears in their eyes. A lone tear of joy slipped down Ethan’s cheek, and for the first time in a long while, he felt hopeful.

Ethan rushed into the room, “Mom! Dad! This is will be the best Christmas ever!”

Age 12, Lititz

Colorful

Jenicia Michelle Weaver

O

ne afternoon I heard the phone ringing.

Thinking it was a salesman I eagerly answered because I wanted to talk dutch to them then hang up. But when I said “Hello”, I found out that it was Grandpa . He told me that he had just bought me a pony for my Christmas present and that it would come later that day!

I knew I had been begging my parents for a pony, but I didn’t know I was going to get one! I ran to tell my mom and dad that Grandpa bought a pony for me! They told that I would have to take care of it and feed it. I said I would (not knowing how much work it would take).

After supper I went outside to wait for my pony to arrive.

When it finally did, I watched them open the trailer doors and lead out a beautiful paint pony! He was a brown,white,and black pony. I was so excited to see it that I jumped up and down. I asked what his name was ,and they told me he didn’t have a name. So I decided to name him Patches, because of the white patches on him everywhere. I also got a bridle,saddle, a harness, a pony cart, and a lead rope.

That was the best Christmas surprise I ever in my life so far!

I still have him to this very day and he had a beautiful son named, Blaze!

Age 13, East Earl

Abigail Nelson

D

o you like dogs? Well, I love them! Several years ago, I had a life-long desire. I’ve always wanted a dog that would be my own, and my best friend until the day I would get married. Well, my mom’s always wanted a dog, too. But she wanted one to breed with. So, as a Christmas present, my dad started looking online for a cute, tiny puppy. And not too far away, an adorable, tiny Yorkshire Terrier puppy was born. This particular puppy, whose former owners called her Apple, was the one puppy that my family would soon adopt. It all started when my dad found a website online, with owners that wanted a family who would take this sweet, amazing puppy, and love her for life. So, we decided that we should check her out. I was so excited, and I thought that this impetuous decision was an awesome one! Maybe I would get my wish right before the holiday. At 7:00 P.M., we arrived at Apple’s house. When Ifirst saw her, she was a little, mischievous tike, snuggling up with her mom. More than ever, I wanted my dad to buy her. And after what seemed like a century, we finally adopted Apple, and brought her home. On the way home, while they were discussing what to rename her, I was thinking about the fact that I finally got what I’ve wanted so long. Apple’s name was soon changed to Luci, and she and I are still inseparable to this day. She was the best Christmas surprise that I’ve ever received!

Age 14, Morgantown

Kylie Hoover

H

olly looks out the window, watching the fluffy white snowflakes drift slowly to the ground. It’s almost Christmas at the New York Orphanage, and one gift is on Holly’s mind – a family. That is what every child in this orphanage dreams about, but it’s nothing that the gift boxes can bring.

Age 13, Mohnton

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Essay Contest - December 5, 2018 - 7

Just then Holly’s best friend, Abigail, bursts into the cold room that they both share. “Holly! Holly! A family is down there wanting to adopt a girl!” And with that Abigail left the room, her feet tap-dancing down the tight winding stairs.

There was two things that gave Holly a better chance of getting adopted then any of the other girls. First off she was so pretty. Her dark black hair hung in locks around her shoulders, and her light brown skin highlighted her soft hazel eyes. She was in no doubt gorgeous. But not only was she beautiful on the outside, she was pretty on the inside too. Her quiet, and at times bubbly personality made you just want to get to know her. She always had an open heart to everyone she met.

She finally came to the room where the family was sitting.

She walked up to the family and said in that quiet voice of hers, “Hello, my name is Holly, and it’s nice to meet you.”

“Hello Holly. We are the Johnson’s.” said the man and then his wife looked over at her husband and their eyes meet. They both had the same this is the right girl look in their eyes. “Holly how would you like to come home with us.” Holly’s mouth dropped, and then she ran to give her new family a hug.

In their ears she whispered “You just made my biggest wish come true.”

Cristine Zelner

E

Maddi Stoltzfus

I

very holiday is special.

But last Christmas was best of all. Last Christmas was the best yet because my grandma was finally home from her long stay at the hospital from getting heart surgery. She hadn’t seen us in a while, so we decided to go see her. But, ever since she went to the hospital, I was saving my allowance to get her something special. So, we went to the pet shelter and I fell in love with this dog named Trixie. She was beautiful, so we got her. We were on our way to my grandma’s house and Grandma called. We couldn’t answer it because the dog was barking like crazy! We finally arrived at Grandma’s house and when we got inside, Grandma was watching TV. So, I let Trixie go and my grandma screamed!

She was so excited that she got up and gave me a great big hug. She was so thankful. We spent the whole day hanging out and playing with Trixie. This Christmas will always have a place in my heart reminding me to always give back to people who have given you so much.

Age 11, Gap

t was the day. It was Christmas morning. I knew I was going to get a puppy for Christmas! It was a perfect Christmas day, it was snowing and chilly outside with the smell of fresh pancakes on the griddle!Mom had just called that breakfast was ready.

We had pancakes and fresh fruit with orange juice. After we cleaned up from breakfast my family and I did devotions together. Then, we finally opened gifts! It came to my last gift! I got everything but a puppy. I got socks, shoes, clothes, books, money, and gift cards! My last gift was just a note. It was from my Mom and Dad. The note said,”Go in the garage and look in the box.” I hopped up and went in the garage. I looked inside the box. Inside the box was a ………

PUPPY! It was a little female Golden Retriever. I named my dog “Rose.” I have never been that excited ever! It was the best day ever!

Age 11, Parkesburg

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8 - December 5, 2018 - Christmas

Michelle Zimmerman

Essay Contest

A

- A Christmas Surprise

nd she brought forth her first born Age 14, Ephrata son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid himin a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn” (Luke 2:7).

This verse briefly describes the Christmas story --- one of joy, hope, and love. This Christmas surprise is through the eyes of a dove.

I was peacefully sitting on my eggs to keep them warm.

When…

“Creeaak.”

“UUGG! Joseph, oh, Joseph, quickly!”

At this opportunity, I squeezed through the door and flew gracefully to a muddy field to get food for my little one.

After finding food, I sailed back and perched on the awning until Joseph opened the door and ran to the inn.

“He’s here! He’s here!”

Well, I slipped in. What that meant, I didn’t know, until…

“Waa aaa!”

“A baby?!” I fluttered down, settling on the edge of the manger, where a baby bed had been prepared. “The baby!

The baby is beautiful!” His mother stroked his wispy, brown hair as he slept.

I rested but couldn’t keep my eyes off the baby. Joseph was back and now…

“Knock, knock.”

“Creeaak.”

“Hello?”

“Hello, we are shepherds. Angels from the heavenly hosts spoke to us saying: ‘Glory to God in the Highest and on earth peace, good will toward men.’ They told us the baby Messiah was born. Is He here?”

“Yes, oh, yes. Jesus. Messiah. He’s here in the manger… asleep.” After admiring Him awhile, they said “Good-bye” and started home.

“Lovely,” I chirped flapping down beside him. I picked up some straw, “No, He doesn’t want straw.” I leaned over and rubbed my velvety, white head against his cheek. Was it my imagination or did he smile at me?

“Jesus, Messiah, Creator of the Universe. You are the WORLD.” “

O

Emily Hatcher

ne of my favorite Christmas surprises Age 11, Morgantown was when I was much younger. One day, my family and I were eating dinner and out of nowhere the front doorbell rang. My dad went to see who it was and was surprised to see a package, covered in brown paper, at our front door that late in the day. After dinner we opened up the package and were surprised again to see a Elf on the Shelf. The box said, “Let the elf have some fun! Leave the box out in the open and at night, when you are all asleep, it will come alive. For the next 24 mornings see where the Elf will hide or what the Elf will do! On Christmas Eve, the Elf will say its farewells and return to the North Pole.” I got so excited! The note told us we needed to name our Elf. Names that we thought of were Tinsel, Candy Cane, Sugar and Snow. We decided on Tinsel. This Christmas surprise, and the surprise of when and how Tinsel comes back to visit us before Christmas is a big part of my family’s Christmas holiday. To this day, Tinsel comes back to make me happy and every morning I cannot wait to see where Tinsel is hiding or what mischief Tinsel has caused! This is one of the best Christmas surprises ever. Tinsel has become just as important as the Christmas tree, Christmas presents, and Christmas music in my Christmas celebrations. It wouldn’t be Christmas without TInsel. This Christmas surprise was and is made possible by Santa Clause.

O

Peyton Mundorff

n a cold, dark, Christmas Eve, my family and I were downstairs playing Christmas games -my mom was winning most of them! When I thought we were done, my parents wanted my sisters and I to open one gift.

When we opened the colorful bag, there was a black binder inside. What could this Christmas surprise be? I was sure it was certain to be the best gift ever!

When I opened the black binder, I saw tickets, and not just any tickets either-they were 76ers tickets! My family and I all

Age 13, Mohnton

got to go to a 76ers’ basketball game. When we finally had reached our destination, the stadium inside was mountainous. As we climbed to our seats, I felt as if I was hiking Mount Everest - the seats were so high up! The basketball

Ariana Watson

S

nowflakes fell to the earth as Lily Martin, a 13 year old girl, stared out of the window anxiously waiting for her Dad to come home for Christmas. Her Dad was in the army and she rarely got to see him. It was the day before Christmas Eve and he was finally coming home. Lily always had a strong relationship with her Dad. They would do everything together go fishing, goof off, play baseball outside, play video games with her, and create any food concoction you could think of. Benny her 3 year old brother suddenly woke her up out of her day dream as he screamed “When’s Dada coming home?” Lily’s Mom answered “Soon,” as she made chicken and waffles, his favorite meal. “But I want him home now!” he replied.

“Ok time to go to bed guys,” Lily’s Mom said. “But, but,” Benny whimpered. On that note Lily scooped him up and put him to bed. Soon enough, every light in the Martin family was turned off.

As Lily woke up her heart leaped with excitement. Her Dad was finally coming home! She raced down stairs with her heart filled with joy. When she got downstairs she saw her Mom with tears in her eyes. Her Mom explained to her that her Dad couldn’t make it to Christmas. Lily’s heart sank.

She had been counting down the days until he would be home 3 months before he would. Her Mom also explained that her grandma would be coming to make cookies with her to get her mind off of it. Hours passed and they heard their door bell ring. It was probably grandma. Lily got the door and standing there was grandma with all the baking supplies, and behind her, a very loved and special person, her Dad.

Age 11, Stevens

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A Christmas Surprise - Christmas

Elias Phillips

I

t was Christmas Eve, 2015. Excitement spilled out of my heart as we drove to our Grammy’s house. After we had arrived, eaten, and opened our personal gifts to one another, it was time to open the big family gifts. Cousins, aunts, and uncles all joined in the fun. But, the biggest (and best) Christmas surprise was awaiting me and my siblings inside my Grammy’s garage.

When we opened the door, we saw a huge box with green lettering that read: 11 Ft. Tall Slide. When we finally began putting it together, we were all excited. My brothers and I helped. I knew it was going to be a great place for my friends and I to have adventures. Because it feels weird - you don’t know if you are on the bottom or the top of the slide - one of my favorite things to do is slide down backwards. In the wintertime, my brothers and I ride down the slide into the snow, and it makes you feel like you are going 500 mph.

It’s as if you’re spinning upside down really fast.

Whenever we have our friends over for birthday parties, or just fun, they all want to play on the slide. Sometimes we climb on top of the big slide instead of inside it, or, we crawl up from the bottom and pretend we are on some kind of fun trip. I have flown to the moon, been a firefighter using the slide as my escape route from a burning house; and, I have been a pirate sailing the open seas.

I would have to say, my gigantic 11-foot slide was the best Christmas gift ever.

Age 10, Elverson

Jadyn Hibshman Age 13, Mohnton

I

sniffed.

Something smelled good. No, not good – amazing! I sat up.

Mistake!

Somehow I’d forgotten that I was in a box topped with a lid. I bonked my head and let out a yelp.

I peeked out one of the holes in the box. She was coming over.

She was the lady who brought me to this place yesterday and then moved me to this room this morning and put me in a box – with a lid!

Now, she opened the lid a crack. “All right, bud? You’ve only been in there for ten minutes, but‌ well, I guess you’re right. I’ll wake her up now.â€? The lid closed again, leaving me more confused than before.

Wake who up?

I peeked out the hole again.

Nothing.

But then, the lady came back – this time leading a girl. The girl squeezed her eyes tight as she walked slowly beside the lady.

Next, the girl was seated on the couch, and the box and I were placed in her lap!

Light streamed in as the lid was thrown off. The girl, squealing with delight, lifted me out of the box.

There was too much to take in at once! There was a tree with lights and shiny balls on it (it made me want to pee), other boxes, and also, the amazing smell was stronger out here! I barked with joy, wagged my tail as hard as I could, and wondered if the thing connected to that smell was edible. “What’s his name, Anna?� the lady said.

Anna looked at my ginger brown fur, sniffed, and declared, “Gingerbread!�

Gingerbread. That sounded amazing! I licked Anna’s face to show my approval, then barked.

Anna giggled. “Merry Christmas to you, too!�

T

Cole Stoltzfus

he holiday season is always exciting, fun, and full of surprises. Weather you receive a surprise, or give a surprise. On December 25, 2017 it was Christmas morning, and Ellie and Wade, my two siblings, and I were all very excited to open the gifts our parents gave us. All of us loved Christmas day, we loved all the presents, all of the food, and all the time we got to spend with our family and friends. This year though, was especially exciting because our aunt came here all the way from Luxembourg, Europe.

When I woke up I realized it was Christmas morning, so I jumped out of bed and ran to wake everyone up. Once everyone was awake we started to run down the stairs very

Age 12, Gap

Essay Contest - December 5, 2018 - 9

quickly, and started to open our presents. Once we finished opening all of the gifts our parents gave us, my brother Wade noticed one more gift hidden behind the tree. So we raced to get it, and we realized that there was no name on it. We didn’t think it was much because it was so small. I thought it could just be some pencils for all of us to share for school, but we opened it anyway. Then we saw a folded up paper that read, you and your friend Gabe are going skiing for a week in Vermont. We all beamed with joy knowing that in a week we would be going down the slopes of Vermont’s beautiful mountains. We were so excited to go! We all started thanking and hugging our parents.

A week later we were ready to leave for Vermont. All of our stuff was packed up, and ready to go to Vermont skiing for seven days with one of my best friends!

Keira Connolly

O

n the morning of December 25,2017, I was looking at a beautifully wrapped, itty, bitty card. I kept wondering what it was and couldn’t wait to open it. My brother, sister, and I were all opening our three gifts and were very surprised about what we received.�This last gift is an exciting activity!� said my joyful dad. We tore open the cards and saw a blue and white ticket.�What is this?� said my confused sister. �It’s a ticket to Sight and Sound Theater!� I said very excited. We were as happy as mice with a whole block of cheese. I jumped up and gave my parents a hug. �Thank you so much,I can’t wait!� I said. We couldn’t hide our enthusiasm! A few days later we were off to see “The Miracle of Christmas� at Sight and Sound. We looked out the window when our parents told us we were close. �Cool!� said my brother, looking at the magnificent scene in front of our eyes. Sight and Sound was beautiful on the outside and inside. The performance was incredible! I am so glad we got to make a memory at Sight and Sound. It was definitely a trip of a lifetime!

Age 11, Elverson

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Savannah Lantz

Essay Contest

H

olidays are f i l l e d with fun surprises. I experienced a surprise from my parents one winter, near Christmas. It all started a couple of months after my cat died, I was feeling really unhappy about it. A couple of months later, my mom took me to a pet store and I had no idea what she was planning...until we went up to the cat section filled with so many breeds. My mom then told me that I could pick out any cat that I wanted, so I decided to pick the cat that was all alone. I thought it looked lonely and I felt bad. My mom and I filled out a form about ourselves, and one of the people that worked there said that the cat that I chose was a very good and shy cat. They also told us that his name was Fritz. We decided to keep his name, since he already knew his name clearly and we didn’t want to go through the struggle of changing it. I was so excited! Then it came time to adopt him! So we stuffed Fritz in our car (which he didn’t like, in fact he wouldn’t stop meowing) and we headed home. He had to warm up a bit but it sure didn’t take him long! Now, it’s two years later and he is an amazing cat just like everyone said he was, however he can still be naughty at times. My family also figured out that he is a huge cuddle bug! I learned that it felt really good to be given a surprise or gift.

Age 11, Gap

Amy Wilkinson

- A Christmas Surprise

Grace Petersheim

O

ne winter holiday surprise was when my friend and her family came down to my beach house in Ocean City, Maryland. First, my parents told me that her family was coming down, a few days later we went down to the beach house. The next day, they arrived. Second, they unpacked all of their clothes.

Then, we went to sit on the back porch for about an hour, and we played some games that included Clue and War. That evening, we went out to eat at Higgins Crab House.

Right after that, we went to see the movie Jumanji. The next day, we went down to the beach to watch the polar plunge (which is when people jump in the freezing cold water). Later that day, we went to the boardwalk, we rode some rides, then we went to the arcade and played there for about an hour, then we ate and went home. A few days later, on New Year’s Eve, we watched a movie for a little. Then the countdown was starting, and one minute later, everybody screamed “HAPPY NEW YEAR!” Then we went outside on the porch and watched the fireworks until 12:15. They were still going on, but we all went upstairs to go to bed. That morning, we got up, ate our breakfast, packed the cars and left. I learned on that trip that if you are just with your family you can have fun, but when you add your friends, you can have even more fun. That is my winter holiday surprise!

Age 11, Gap

Charity Palmer

H

olidays are full of surprises, just like one Christmas when I was in second grade, I realized something important when I gave my father a special gift. It all started the night before Christmas, when my parents brought the presents inside our house. My father needed help wrapping them, so I helped and I spent all night doing it. In the morning he told me that there wasn’t enough time to wrap my presents. I said “ok” and went on with wrapping. By the time everyone was down stairs, I remembered that I didn’t get my father anything. I then quickly went up the stairs and grabbed a pencil and paper. Then I wrote the words “I love you daddy” on it. It had a picture that I drew of him and I. It also had really sloppy handwriting, but everyone was downstairs waiting on me so I had to go. I thought to myself that my father wouldn’t like it, but when it was time I gave it to him. I could tell by the look on his face that he liked it. He looked super happy too! That is when I learned that it is not the gift that counts, it’s the thought, the love, the time, and the effort you put into it that makes it so special. Even though I hadn’t put much into his gift, it was evident to me that he was truly touched by this small demonstration of love.

Age 11, Honey Brook

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t was that time of year... with laughter and cheer.

Singing carols, playing in the snow, and most of all surprises (presents). Christmas Eve was coming soon, all the children of the Petersheim family slept softly in their beds. Dreaming of presents, and also surprises. Finally, the next day had come. Jackson jumped out of bed and said “It’s Christmas!” Lily woke up and Dontae did too.

Grace woke up, and surprised little Haven with some cheer. She said “Christmas is my favorite time of the year!”

Then, mom woke up and to the joy of her eyes, found her children singing, and standing side by side.

“The party is just starting” Dad said, while mom made pancakes when Dad was in his bed.

Soon after that, hours had passed and it was time for Christmas dinner. Everyone sat on their chair, and prayed a prayer. Mother brought in, to my surprise, a big plate full of mashed potatoes, peas, meat, and the most important thing of all, the Christmas cake that I had been waiting for! The smell was so nice, it tasted sweet and soft.

After dinner and desert, the time had come to open the presents. But, just then, before we could open our presents, we heard a sound that was coming from… the DOOR! I hurried and ran to see what was there, but before I could open the door, the door was already open, and I saw my aunt and uncle and my cousins singing Christmas carols! I ran to my family and said “look, someone’s here and they want to say hello to everyone near!” Everyone ran to the door to say hello. We invited them to come and celebrate Christmas with us. It was the best time of the year!

Age 11, Gap

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10 - December 5, 2018 - Christmas

Jordan Stauffer

H

James Good

I

Matthew Phillips

M

olidays are full of surprises. Last Christmas, I gave books to a hospital in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. I give books every year to a hospital called Chop, and I donate there because my sister died of brain cancer in that hospital in 2012. In school, we have a book fair shortly before winter. At the book fair, my mom and I spend a couple hundred of dollars on books for the kids in the hospital. A couple of times, we also donated stuffed animals to Chop. After we purchase the books, we put all the books in boxes. I do the honor of taping the boxes every year.

Last year, my mom and I were taking the boxes to the hospital and then we told the front desk that we had books to donate. My mom and I were about to pass the books out to the kids. All we could hear were monitors beeping and making strange noises. We could smell all the medicine. I felt super sad watching all the people and kids laying in their beds. I got to meet some of the Wish kids and it was really cool watching all of the kids be super happy over getting a 15 page book. After we met kids and passed out all of the books, we started to head home. Shortly after, The New Holland Early Learning Center and I teamed up with the idea to build a garden for my sister. We worked months on it and the best part was that I got to surprise my mom with it. I went there for daycare for multiple years. The little kids there are able to play on the Garden with their toys. I’ll always remember the feeling of giving books to kids during Christmas!

Age 11, Narvon

t was December 25,2017 it was snowing outside and everyone was playing in the snow enjoying themselves and begging for tons of presents from santa and making snowpeople. There was one kid though who was not begging for a ton of presents from santa instead he was in the church praying to the heavenly father. That kid was not praying for a tablet or toys but instead he was praying to meet Jesus for Christmas instead of presents . On that exact night he prayed and went to bed as usual but when he fell asleep he was not in a dark world he was in Nazareth. Where was he in Nazareth you may be asking well he was in a barn behind a haystack all of the sudden he heard a cry. Once he heard the cry he knew where he was in the barn where baby Jesus was born the one who made christmas in the first place. When he saw baby Jesus he weeped ,his prayer has been answered he got to see Jesus the heavenly father and he got to hold baby Jesus and meet Mary and Joseph to. This was one of the best days he ever had and then at 12:00 am he left that world his christmas surprise has ended and he got to see the day Jesus was born.

Age 13, Denver

y favorite Christmas ever was last year - by far! The Eagles were on their way to the Super Bowl, and, my baby cousin was bom.

On Christmas Eve, it was extremely obvious my parents were trying to hide something from me. They were behaving in an incredibly curious manner. They kept saying odd things to me and were doing their best to keep me away from our Christmas tree. Their constant gaze toward the tree was a dead giveaway - an awesome gift was waiting for me.

Christmas morning finally arrived, but, surprisingly, my parents forced me to wait to open one gift until after church.

I was really stoked about what the surprise might be. When I was handed the envelope, I carefully opened it with anticipation. A ski trip to Utah with my dad was my gift. Did I mention I absolutely love skiing? I do! To make things even better, my dad and I had never been on a ski trip together before. I could not wait! The weekend came and went, and my father and I had a great time ( even though I fell a lot.)

At first, I was horrified to go on the super tough “double black diamond” slopes; but, in the end, it was amazing!

After falling like marbles out of a bag, I leamed to steady myself, and we eventually went on to ski even harder slopes.

In addition, the time spent with my dad made skiing an even more memorable adventure. It was the best Christmas gift I had ever received!

And, oh, by the way, two months later, the Eagles won the Super Bowl. Best. Christmas. Ever.

Age 13, Elverson

A Christmas Surprise - Christmas

C

hristmas is a time to be happy, cheerful, and grateful, even if your gifts is big or small. One thing I remember from my experience is my face, when I saw my dog Max for the first time. I was in shock. My parents said they had a Christmas gift like two weeks before Christmas. My parents came in the living room where I was waiting, I was thinking of all kinds of gifts, anything but a new pet. I think that is my best gift I have gotten.

Later that day, nearly sleeping, my new dog laying on my lap, I smelt burning firewood. My brother left to get supplies for Max, it was like a Christmas for my dog. I was filled with emotions but mostly happy. Around 11pm, my brother came back with toys, dog food, and more. “WOW,” I thought. My dog woke up, I was so happy, I wanted to play for so long.

That was my Christmas surprise.

Age 11, Gap

Matthew Sauder

I

was six years old and I wanted a big toy T-rex.

One day I went to get a ruler for my mom, and I found the T-rex. I got the ruler and being the not so smart kid I was, I said to my mom, “I really hope I get the T-rex”. So every night before supper, I would look at the toy. My mom never said she got it even though she knew that I knew she did. So one day I looked and it wasn’t there. I asked my mom what happened to it and she just said, “You weren’t being a good kid so I took it back.”

We were going to our cabin for Christmas that year, and I was very disappointed that I didn’t see my parents pack a big box. I didn’t even do anything and I got in trouble. So when my grandparents arrived, they put their presents under the tree and I saw a big box. On Christmas morning I opened the big box and it was a pirate ship that I wanted. I finished opening my presents and didn’t get the T-rex toy. I went to the bathroom and when I came out, I saw another big box under the tree and it was for me. I was really excited when I saw it and I opened it up and as you can imagine, it was the T-rex.

I played with the T-rex so much and I was so thankful that I got it. I was really excited to tell my friends and play with it when I got home. I wanted to play with it on the ride home, but my parents said that we might lose a piece. So I brought it home and still have it.

Age 12, Denver

Avery S.

D

ec. 24, 2016

It was Christmas Eve night. We went to our family Christmas party. When we arrived home, I asked my dad, “Is Amanda coming over to open presents tomorrow?”. “No,” my dad replied. That night we opened presents from Amanda. I got water color paper, paints, and paint brushes. My dad got create a ugly sweater sock kit. He also got a crystal growing kit. After we opened all our presents from Amanda, I went and got some cookies, carrots, and milk for Santa and his reindeer. I even put out a little stocking for Santa mouse and then went to bed.

Dec. 25, 2016 It was Christmas morning. I woke up and went to my dad’s room. “Wake up, wake up, it’s Christmas morning!” I yelled.

“Okay,” my dad said. “Why do you have two phones?” I asked curiously while looking at the two phones on his dresser. My dad replied, saying, “Because. Let’s go open the presents”. I said madly, “We opened all of my presents from my grandfather, my dad, my cousins, and my great grandma.” “Well, I guess I have to wait for grandma to get to open more presents.” I whined. “Wait I’ll be right back.

Can you hand me that bag please?” my dad replied. When my dad came back and gave me the bag, it had a present in it. I opened it and it was an Ipod. “An Ipod,” I said. “It’s the best surprise ever!” I screamed! Then my grandmother got to my house. I opened all my presents from her. Then my dad went to Dunkin Donuts to get us drinks. When he came back we sat outside because it was so warm and had our drinks. Another fun Christmas achieved!

C

old, shivering, frostbitAlayna Derby ing cold. This was all Age 12, Reading Chloe knew of. It was never warm in the little tent she’d call home her entire life. She was currently hunting for sticks for a fire. It was winter, so it was easy to find sticks, but

Liz Gerig

I

t was a very cold night on the Eve of Christmas, 2012. As I sat on my bed looking out the window at the brilliant twinkling stars, I wondered what would be under the tree the next morning. Little did I know that I would receive an unexpected gift tomorrow morning- a true Christmas surprise!

I woke up with a start. As I cleared the sleep from my brain, realization struck me, it was Christmas! I ran down the stairs (at lighting speed,) heading straight for the tree.

I stared in wonder at the presents under the pine branches. Time flew by as I opened the beautifully wrapped parcels. Just when I thought I had opened all my gifts, I saw one hidden behind the tree. It had my name on it. I was very curious about it. I tore into the pretty wrapping paper and opened the box. Inside the box sat the most beautiful doll I had ever seen. “An American Girl Doll!!” I exclaimed, as I took her our of the box to closely study her. She had radiant green eyes that shimmered like emeralds, and short silky hair the color of corn during harvest season. To me, she was perfection.

I could not put in to words how much I loved her. All the elation I felt came bubbling to the surface like a geyser ready to burst. With tears of joy threatening to overflow, I gushed to my parents repeatedly, “Thank you!” I played with my doll until my parents said it was time to go to bed. I was so worn out that I easily complied. One of my final thoughts before drifting off to sleep was how 4270 Horseshoe unexpected this gift was - a sweet Christmas for sure.

Age 14, East Earl

Essay Contest - December 5, 2018 - 11

Laura Allan

I

woke up one Christmas morning and went downstairs. I could not believe my eyes! All through the house there was string EVERYWHERE!!! When I got to the living room and there sat my mom, dad and siblings. My siblings seemed puzzled too. I asked my mom what was going on and she explained to us what we had to do. “Your string color is pink. Choose a pink string and follow it. At the end there may be a surprise, but be careful which string you take because it might bring you to a dead end.”

Whatever could it be, I asked myself? I followed my string and then I got to a fork in the path. “What way should I go?” I thought. I chose the 3rd string but it brought me to a dead end. I went back and I followed the 2nd string and that brought me to my surprise. I was so excited when I found a nicely wrapped present in the closet! It had a bow and everything! I kept following string paths until I found them all. It was the BEST Christmas surprise EVER!!!

Age 12, Morgantown

O Come Let Us Adore Him

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harder to find food. Her father often found rabbits and hares, but that was about it. Chloe shivered and started to head back home with her sticks. And then suddenly it all went dark…

Sunlight hit her eyes the next morning. What? Where was the cool welcoming of her tent home? Chloe sat up, bewildered. She wasn’t in the woods at all, or in the tent!

“Father?” Chloe whispered then with wide eyes began to look at her environment. She was in a warm cottage and she was laying on a exam bed.

“How did I get here?” she murmured.

“Dear dear” a nice looking nurse waddled into her room.

“I found you in the woods, shivering. Where are your parents? Why were you out that night?”

The nurse stroked her head and Chloe responded “I- I don’t know,” Chloe stuttered.

“Do you know that today is Christmas?” the nurse cut over Chloe. “You know, a family gave me money for this very reason, a homeless child.” the nurse mocked.

Chloe coughed and then sat up and walked out of the room without the nurse even knowing. Something was crinkled in her pocket. She took it out and it was a check for $2,000.

“Wow!” Chloe breathed.

They really had given her money.

“Chloe? Chloe!” Chloe recognized the voice of her father.

She ran toward the voice and said “Here Daddy, look!”, showing him the check.

“Wow…They do care! They gave us a gift to remember!”

Her father was delighted, and so was Chloe

12 - December 5, 2018 - Christmas

Landon Richard

O

Stanley Nolt

O

Essay Contest

ne Christmas morning, I woke up to the smell of warm cinnamon rolls and hot chocolate. I ate my delicious breakfast and drank the warm hot chocolate. Afterwards, my parents said that we could open presents - they said one of them was a huge surprise! My brothers and I were so anxious to find out what it was. I opened my presents super quickly. Some of the things I got were new sneakers, a new basketball, an Xbox, and an iPhone 6. And then it came, the huge surprise! It was tickets to go somewhere, but we couldn’t figure out what they were for. I read them over and over, and finally I understood that they were Philadelphia Eagles season passes! I was so excited! I could go to all of the Eagles football games! I ended up going to a lot of games, and the Eagles ended up winning all of them! It was a lot of fun being with family and watching football.

Age 11, Reading

nce long ago there was a mother named Mary and a father named Joseph that walked the many miles to Bethlehem to pay their taxes.

When they came to Bethlehem all the inns were full. But one kind inn keeper told them they could sleep in his stable.

Late that night there came a baby into the world that would change everything.

And that is what the world has as a Christmas Suprise for a very long time.

Age 13, Martindale

Haven Eager

Age 11, Narvon

T

he fire blazed and roared in Jessie’s eyes as she made her way out of

her bedroom.

Smoke blinded the ten-year-old girl, forcing her to keep her eyes closed. Her throat felt like sandpaper. As she unlatched the front door of the house, her eyes fluttered open and she saw the ceiling of her bedroom. Relief flooded over Jessie as she realized it was just a dream. The recent fire on Jessie’s house had given many nightmares since it had taken place 3 weeks earlier and fatally wounded her beloved dog, Clover.

The next morning, during Christmas Eve breakfast, Jessie read out loud from her Bible.

“The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble.’ Psalms 9:9” “So, God will give us refuge?” questioned her brother Henry. “Then, why did he let our house burn down?”

“How am I supposed to know?” Jessie responded, disappointedly.

“Will you come to church with me?” Jessie begged her parents later.

“We have a lot of gifts to wrap this evening,” her mother responded.

“Oh, okay” Jessie replied dejectedly. They always had an excuse for not going.

But that night sitting with her friend Charity at church, Jessie was overjoyed when she noticed her family sitting towards the back of the church.

Having been invited to Charity’s house along with her family after the service, Jessie opened the door and a puppy jumped into her arms.

“Her name is Clover and she belongs to you,” Charity announced.

“Mine? Thank you!” Jessie exclaimed.

Lying in bed that night with Clover, Jessie remembered gratefully and joyfully how her family had knelt in Charity’s living room and accepted Jesus into their hearts. Pondering the future, Jessie realized she could trust God with her nightmares too.

- A Christmas Surprise

Jelena Gard

C

Kathryn Wegner

W

hristmas was always a dream. It is a day filled with joy and happiness.

Waking up as soon as daylight hits my eyes. Running throughout the hallways with no care. Jumping and shaking until my parents open their eyes. Asking for the world, knowing I won’t get anywhere near. All of my friends had the opportunity of getting what they wanted, a phone. While I did ask every year, hoping the final gift would be mine, but it never happened. After so long I gave up. A phone would come, but I didn’t know when.

With every tradition the same, we all get our stockings to start the day of surprises. After all the presents were opened, and thank you’s passed around.

My mom proceeds to say, “Give everyone their last gifts.”

With a sudden turn in my head, I see that presents aren’t over yet. My oldest brother passing them out to all except me. They all open the present with the appearance of a new phone. I get my present, the same shape and size. As I realize, I got a plastic phone. As laughter is heard, I soon get a big box in my hand. I see it’s a bag I wanted from my list. As my dad dials a number, I hear a ringtone from the bag. I unzip the zipper and see it slide out in front of my eyes, my phone. In shock, my fingers shaking, I cry with joy knowing everything my parents had to do to get me this. I knew it was definitely worth waiting. I’m so thankful for parents who aspire to do what will make me happy.

Age 13, Narvon

hen I was a little girl, I had always dreamed of having a “My-Life Doll “then it happened, a Christmas Surprise! Several years ago, on a cold winter’s day, my family and I were having Christmas and Aunt Linda’s house. We were going to celebrate Christ’s birth, sing Christmas carols, and spend time with family. The presents under the Christmas tree varied in shapes and sizes. There were big ones, small ones, round ones, and tall ones - some even had my name on them! At last, it was time to open our gifts! After I opened a few small packages, I glanced under the tree one more time and there was a big box. Who was it from? Who was it for?

I looked at the tag, and it was for me! “What was inside?” I impatiently thought. I excitedly ripped off the pretty wrapping paper - inside was a “My-Life Doll.” She was so pretty; her long brown hair was in cute braids; her cheeks were rosy red, her eyes were big and green, and she was wearing a crisp white shirt and a dark pink vest. She was also wearing jeans and hiking boots with light pink shoe laces. I decided to name her Maggie.

I finally got the doll I had always wanted. Obviously, I was going to play with my doll - I was overjoyed!

Honestly, I was having so much fun playing with my cousins and my doll, I did not realize how much time had gone by. It was time to go home, so, I gathered my things and said my good-byes.

My dream had surprisingly come true. I had been gifted the doll I had wanted for so long. It was the best Christmas surprise, and I knew I would love Maggie forever.

Age 13, Denver

Amelia Culp

O

J. Nolt

T

Corey Baldwin

T

ne day a little girl named Sarah wanted to have a tropical Christmas. Her parents were both working, so after school Sarah had to go to her grandparents’ house until 5:30 PM. When Sarah’s parents finally came to pick her up, Sarah said, “Mommy, can we go to Florida for Christmas?” Her mom said, “We might be able to go, but money is short.” That night Sarah was thinking, Christmas is only 24 days away, I don’t think we can go. As Sarah was thinking she fell fast asleep. Down stairs Sarah’s mom and dad were planning a trip to Florida. Sarah’s dad said, “Sarah will be so happy when we tell her.” The next morning, Sarah was awakened by her mom saying, “Guess what? Sarah we moved some things around, so we can go. Sarah screamed, “Yay, we are going to Florida! “As she jumped out of bed. 17 days later… “I am on an airplane!” Sarah exclaimed. “Shhhh we need to be quiet.” Sarah dad said. Sarah quieted down.

Since the flight was at 6:00 AM Sarah fell asleep. “Sarah, Sarah we are here, “Sarah’s mom said. Sarah said, “Where do we go now?” Her mom said, “First we have to go get our bags, then we 4are going to the hotel.” When they got to the hotel it was already 5:30 PM. Everybody was so tired they went to bed. 4 day later… At breakfast, Sarah’s mom said, “Today is Christmas Eve, so we are going to the beach.” On Christmas morning, Sarah ran downstairs and saw all the presents. She said, “This is the best Christmas ever!” THE END

Age 11, Glenmoore

was the morning of Christmas and Janie and Josie who were twin of Alaska were going to spend the day of Christmas at their Grandparents place. So after breakfast and package opening they speed across the field on their snowmobiles.

Grandma came to the door and said, “Come in. But I really don’t know if we can have a Christmas dinner without a turkey as the airplane didn’t drop off our monthly food shipment yet. (They lived in remote Alaska and airplanes were used to bring in the mail and food) “Don’t you know if it wrecked or something?” asked Mom. “No I don’t since we don’t own a radio,” answered Grandma.

The clock moved closer to dinner time and Grandma started making some tin can food since that was almost all they had left.

Janie and Josie were outside with Grandpa’s sled dogs when Janie said, “What do I hear?”

“Sounds like a snowmobile,” answered Josie.

Sure enough a snowmobile was coming across the muskeg. It slid to a stop and a boy and girl went to the cabin.

The twins ran in and saw a lot of Christmas food and some packages on the table.

“How did you know we were nearly out of food?” questioned Grandma.

“We just had a feeling you might not so we cooked extra and brought it here since it came over the radio that the airplane with your monthly shipment crashed,” answered the girl.

And before they could say thank you the were out the door and away they went.

Grandma said she had given up all hope of a turkey for dinner but here is was.

They had a great Christmas feast.

Age 14, New Holland

he best winter surprise was when I got an awesome dirt bike for Christmas. We were at our house, and my dad said “get in the car, we will go get your gift down at grandma and pappies house.” We got into the car and we went to go get our christmas gift. We got there and we went into my pappes’ garage and there it was. a KTM 65cc dirt bike. It was the best gift I got from my parents because I had wanted it for a long time. My sisters each got a four wheeler. My Bigger sister got a ktm 90cc four wheeler and I love riding that too. My little sister got a tiny 50cc, but it was faster than my other sisters’. They were happy for what they got. It was the cool Christmas like all the others.

Age 11, Gap

A Christmas Surprise - Christmas

T

was the night before Christmas and I couldn’t Age 12, Glenmoore wait for tomorrow. I always loved Christmas. The main reason is to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, but I also like the presents. Every year my family goes to church the night before and then we eat sausage, peppers and onions for dinner. It’s delicious. After we do that, we bake cookies for Santa and put out milk, water, and carrots for the reindeer.

My mom always calls us into the living room to open a box with new pajamas, a Bible ,and more goodies. Mom says,�Ok time to get into bed so we can be nice and rested for tomorrow. I say ok, but I knew I would never go to sleep because I was so excited. I finally was able to fall asleep. “Wake up! Wake up!� I could hear my sister calling. I jumped up. What is it? It’s Christmas! How could I forget. I waited for my mom and dad to get up and I raced down the hall past my brother and almost fell I was so happy! We all got in a circle eager to see what we got. I could see the joy in my families faces. My brother started first because he was the youngest. He got a new, awesome, blue nerf gun! He went over and said thank you to mom. Next was my sister, she got a Barbie doll that comes with a toy dog. Now it was my turn.

I was so excited I couldn’t wait. I grabbed the smallest one because I wanted to save the bigger ones for later. I quickly opened it and found a superhero action figure and was so happy. “Thanks, Dad!� I yelled. Later I went to my MomMom’s and got more presents. This Christmas was awesome!

Blaise Perrone

Callie Couto

O

ne Christmas night everyone was asleep.

With the Christmas tree all decorated with balls, stars, pictures, and the amazing sight of an angel on top. The small angel shown so bright that George awoke. He was only a small seven-year-old and was missing both his front teeth. He got out of bed, looked around and saw the tree ornaments coming alive! “Am I dreaming?�he asked. Then he noticed a little snow globe ornament that was hopping toward him. “Hello, Big One. I am Jimmy.�

Age 11, Geigertown

“I am George. Nice to meet you,� George replied smiling. “Do you always come alive on Christmas?� George asked. “ No, but something made us come alive,� Jimmy replied.

George looked at the old angel they had had for many years. It had been passed down from generation to generation. The old angle was wise and had seen many things. “I have seen this happen before. It happens when a child believes in the true meaning of Christmas and gets saved through Jesus.� “George, have you done that?� Jimmy asked. “Yes, last Sunday. Now I know the true meaning of Christmas,� George replied, smiling from ear to ear.

Isabelle Huyard

I

t was Christmas morning and my family and I were ready to open up our presents under the Christmas tree. Then, my mom gave us kids all a present, then she counted 3, 2, 1 and we opened them.

Inside of those boxes was mickey mouse shirts. I was confused. Then, my mom said that we were going to Disney World! I felt surprised right away!

Then on March 15th, me and my family were off to Orlando. On the way, I was very bored, but at the same time it was a blast. My family and I took the car and we drove through the night. It took us about 18 hours to get there. When we got to the resort, it was around 11 o’clock AM, but best of all, it was my birthday. I don’t remember what our resort was called but it was awesome.

At the resort, there were two water park areas, it was like a little town. On that same day, after we got unpacked, we went to Epcot. Epcot was awesome.

When we got back to our resort, we went to bed. The next day, we went to Animal Kingdom and I went on this roller coaster, I’m pretty sure that it was called Mount Everest. We also went on a bus that drove us around, and we saw a lot of different animals. I had a great time at Animal Kingdom. The next day we went to Hollywood Studios, and we were there the whole day. I loved it there! The last day we went to the Magic Kingdom. At the Magic Kingdom we got to meet a ton of Disney characters. That was the best winter surprise ever!

Age 11, Kinzers

Kyle Haim

Age 11, Narvon

A

h, the holidays! Some of them are really fun!

One in particular was a sur-

prise of my own.

The first detail is we were just about done eating breakfast. When we were done, we walked out to the living room.

There were two more presents for me under my stocking. I reached for the top one. Then, I heard my grandparents walking over. I stopped, got up, and walked over to the kitchen.

The second detail is that I greeted my grandparents. I walked back out to the living room again. They followed me (with an armful of presents for us). I helped carry some (all that I carried were mine) over, and I sat down. Mom and Dad walked over too - with their phones.

The third detail is I (again) reached for my present. Then the dog started to bark. Mom motioned to me to tell me to grab the dog’s present (a bone). I did, opened it, and he ran over and took it from me.

Finally, I was able to get the present under my stocking and open it. A shirt.

That’s not what the surprise was, though. There was one more present under my stocking. So I grabbed it, and Mom got her phone ready. She obviously knew what it was. I opened it, and there was a box with tape on it. Dad got his pocket knife and cut the tape. Then the item inside jumped, making the flaps open. He handed it back to me, so I reached in and felt fur. No, the surprise wasn’t a dog. I pulled it out, and it was a giant stuffed Yoshi!

So, like I stated, Holidays can be full of surprises. This is why I love christmas the best. (Celebrate Jesus too!)

Merle Eberly and His Staff Wish You a Meaningful & Joyful Christmas

FREE ES SAMPL

Essay Contest - December 5, 2018 - 13

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Daniel Wenger

C “

Essay Contest

overed in my sins, there is no hope,” said the Israelites.

But others had hope, such as the shepherds who claimed to see the prophesied Son of God. He wasn’t in a palace, but in a stable.

“We are under the Roman Empire; what will Caesar Augustus do when he hears of this King?” said some. “Will he kill the baby boy?”

Others worried, “If the so-called Son of God becomes king, will he forget about us poor people? Maybe the Scriptures are right when they say the Invisible God is a merciful God, but doesn’t He also exercise His wrath against the unrighteous? Have I been unrighteous?”

The prophesied Son of God, named Jesus, grew up and knew it was time to find His disciples. He chose poor men, such as shepherds, and bad men, such as tax collectors.

Jesus prepared them for the time He would leave them.

But His disciples did not understand why Jesus would ever be gone. Why should a perfect man die? Wouldn’t He more likely live forever? Jesus explained that He must die in order for them to live.

He preached to the crowds. Interestingly, He did not praise those who looked impressive or those who gave huge offerings. He actually rebuked them because they were often proud. This included a group of people called the Pharisees. The Pharisees were mad at Jesus for rebuking them. They felt threatened because people didn’t look up to them as much as they did to Jesus. They went to the Romans. Later, the Romans crucified Him because of the Pharisees’ demands.

This affected all of Israel, especially the disciples. They mourned His death. Three days later, hHe rose from the dead! Because He rose from the dead, we can live with Him for eternity.

Greatest Gift!

Age 13, Denver

- A Christmas Surprise

Bethany Zimmerman

I

imagine the most magnificent Christmas surprise occured about 2,000 years ago. Back when the shephards were tending the large flocks of sheep a mysterious, large, star appeared in the sky. It was about directly above Bethlehem. Just then a dazzling light shone down from Heaven. An angel appeared saying Jesus has been born then Hundreds of angels joined him and gloriously sang, Glory To God in the Highest. The shephards were awed, they quicky left to get get presents an go and see baby Jesus that the angles told them about. I am absolutely sure that was the greatest Christmas surprise ever.

Age 13, East Earl

Adeline Hopkins

S

ara jumped out of bed.

Today is Christmas! She scurried down the stairs and drank some hot chocolate. When her dad came down he had a big smile on his face and said, “Merry Christmas”.

Her mom and her sister Rachel were making cookies that smelled delicious. “Can we open presents now?” Rachel asked as soon as they were done baking. ”I guess so”her mom laughed. Sara opened her present first. She got a new camera “thank you!” She exclaimed. Rachel got nail polish and a gift card and they all got a bunch of candy. When they opened the last of their presents, her dad and mom smiled at each other and said, “Everyone go to the door.” they ran to the door. “Sara, you go out first.” her dad instructed.

When she got outside she was greeted by a cute little puppy jumping on her and covering her with kisses. “Its so cute!” Rachel squealed. ”Thank you!” they cried. “This is the best Christmas surprise ever!”

Age 11, Honey Brook

Megan Hatcher

I

t was 5:00 in the morning.

I had just woken up, a sense of excitement and nervousness shot through my body. I immediately threw the covers off of me and ran to my sisters room to wake her up.

As I sprinted down the hallway I noticed that the eggnog and cookies we left out for Santa had disappeared. When I woke up Emily, we ran back down the hallway to the loft and peered down the stairwell and passed the wall at our presents or at least the little bit we could see. Then we once again ran down the hallway to my parents room and did to them as we did the years prior, wake them up in the rudest most obnoxious way possible. As soon as we got them up we rushed down the stairs and looked at all of the gorgeously wrapped presents and one large random sack of fabric with my name on it. As an 8 year old I wanted that to be first present I opened. My parents insisted that it should be last so I listened to them, because it was Christmas. After a while the presents under the tree started to decrease and the sack was still there. It was all I was thinking about.

Finally I was able to open it up. I jumped up and sprung across the room to the giant lump. I ripped the paper off and saw a gorgeous 2 wheeler bike with rainbow tassels and a bell. I was over the moon and I ran out in my pajamas to take it for a ride. As I raced down the sidewalk I knew that this would be the best Christmas ever.

Age 14, Morgantown

Patrick Pacella

H

ave you ever had friends over for Christmas? I remember when my friends came over for Christmas. First, I woke up, and then I went downstairs. Next, I came downstairs, and I saw my Aunt and third cousin were there. After that, we ate a nice, big breakfast. Finally, we opened presents, one of them was a nerf gun. So this might be what it is like for you to have friends come over for Christmas.

Age 12, Gap

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14 - December 5, 2018 - Christmas

A Christmas Surprise - Christmas

Owen Rohrer

“

W

ake up Wake up “it’s Christmas my brother shouted in my ear. Ok I’ll get up and that’s how Christmas started. What did we get for Christmas? Let’s look I said.

Whoa tickets to Hershey Park! Mom, Dad when are we going? “We’re going next week” Mom said. One Week Later. We’re here dad said. It’s so big. “Let’s go on a rollercoaster” my sister said. Okay let’s go on a fast one. No on a slow one. No, a fast one. Than my parents said that my mom would take half of us and my dad would do the same thing. We should go on a fast one I said. Ok she said. Let’s go on this ride in big words it said Skyrush yes, this one looks fast. The longer we waited the more scared my sister looked. The ride was fun and fast. Hey, we should go on a wooden one. This one was called Lightning racers it was scary at first but, it was fun.

Age 11, Birdsboro

Jackson Hershey

H

Jake Davenport

T

olidays are full of surprises. One of my winter holidays was a surprise.

It was a few days before Christmas, and I was feeling bad for my parents. I felt bad because I knew that they felt bad that they might not be able to buy presents. My family was really tight on money. It was just my mom working at the time, and she was picking up extra shifts, so it was very hard. I did not, and my parents did not think that they could buy presents. I started to realize that I didn’t need presents this year from my parents because there would be presents from extended family. However, Christmas morning, I saw presents under our tree! I was amazed at the sight! There were so many presents! I did not know how that was possible because of the situation. That was my most surprising winter holiday!

Age 11, Kinzers

wo years ago on Christmas morning around 8:00 in the morning...

I was in my bed sound asleep, when my little brother came bursting into my room screaming his head off yelling, “IT’S CHRISTMAS!” “IT’S CHRISTMAS!” “IT’S CHRISTMAS!” over and over again. I immediately smelled those delicious cinnamon buns and pancakes being made in the kitchen. After that, I went downstairs and saw all of our presents. It seemed like there were fifty presents altogether. There were many different colors and shapes. Some were green, some were red, but most of them were blue. One of the presents was as big as me! After I thought I had opened all of my presents, I noticed that there was one small little card stuck to the Christmas tree. I opened it and it said that we were all going on a trip to the jungles of Panama! I couldn’t believe it! Then I looked up on Google where we were staying. It looked like a huge treehouse like the one in the Swiss Family Robinson. I was so excited!

That night we went to the airport for the trip of our life. Once we got there, I couldn’t believe my eyes! The treehouse was HUGE! It felt like I was living in a story. We had a blast while we were there. We played with monkeys, parrots, sloths, and dolphins all day. We went ziplining, swimming, creature hunting, and hiking.

Suddenly, I woke up by hearing someone screaming “IT’S CHRISTMAS!” “IT’S CHRISTMAS!” “IT’S CHRISTMAS!”, over and over again, and realized it all was just a dream.

Age 12, Birdsboro

Ayla Clyde

M

ary and her husband Joseph were traveling over the land a long way from home to pay their taxes in their home town, Bethlehem.

“Ugh!”exclaimed Mary as she rode on the donkey.

“Is everything alright?”asked Jospeh kindly.

“It’s all right... just the baby kicking.” as Mary rubbed her swelled stomach.

“It is okay. We are almost in Bethlehem and we can get a room just hold on there,”exclaimed Joseph.

So they continued their journey to Bethlehem.

Once at Bethlehem...

“Come on, you must have at least one open room!”said Joseph, desperately.

“Well, there is a space, but it’s in the stables”said the inn keeper “We’ll take it!”exclaimed Joseph and he ran out to tell Mary the news. “Mary, there is a room, but it is in the stables.”

“Lets just go!” groaned Mary.

Once at the stables...

“It’s coming! Joseph, hurry find help!” yelled Mary.

“On it!” exclaimed Joseph and he ran out of the stables to find help.

Twenty minutes later...

“I can’t find anyone!” Joseph said to Mary in defeat.

“Well, the baby’s coming right now!” moaned Mary.

After birth...

“Isn’t he wonderful.” whispered Mary as the baby rested in a manger wrapped in cloth as the sheperds looked at the child of God, worshipping him.

“Yes, Mary, he is”, Joseph said happily, “and his name shall be Jesus.”

There began Jesus’ time on earth as a spokeman for God. Jesus was sent as a sacrifice for our sins. Thanks to Jesus we an be saved from sin. That’s why we celebrate Christmas, not all about the gifts.

Age 11, Narvon

Essay Contest - December 5, 2018 - 15

Entertaining Made Easy!

Yoder’s would love to prepare Hot Items for your guest guests. gues • PULLED PORK BAR-B-Q • GLAZED HAM BALLS • ROAST TURKEY IN GRAVY • CHICKEN CORDON BLEU • BROASTED CHICKEN • REAL MASHED POTATOES • AU GRATIN POTATOES • SWEET POTATO CASSEROLE • MACARONI AND CHEESE Or ask us to make your favorite food for your party.

Large Assortment of Party Trays:

Meat, Cheese, Veggie, Sandwich & More

Call Yoder’s Restaurant at 717-354-4748 and ask for the manager or Email at: Restaurant@yoderscountrymarket.com.

14 South Tower Road, New Holland 717-354-4748 • yoderscountrymarket.com R023405

16 - December 5, 2018 - Christmas

Essay Contest

- A Christmas Surprise

CLO THIN ERY N IO G • SH OES • FABRICS • STAT

E M O •H

G IN V LI

HARDWARE • GI FTW ARE • W ARE N E H •T C T OY I S •K

After 2,000 years, wise men and women are still following his star.

A blessed Christmas from all of us.

Rt. 23 717-354-4026

(Next to Shady Maple Farm Market)

EPHRATA

QUARRYVILLE

SCHAEFFERSTOWN

(Rt. 322, East of Martin’s Country Market)

(Rt. 222 & 372 Intersection)

(Rt. 501 N. in Dutchway Plaza)

1686 W. Main St. 717-733-7356

333 W. 4th St. 717-786-9028

2499 Stiegel Pike 717-949-2663

Store Hours: Weekdays 8am - 9pm, Saturday 8am - 5pm • Closed Sunday • www.goodsstores.com

R016119

EAST EARL