I'd Rather Have a Green Christmas

Luke, an avid enthusiast of Christmas, is overjoyed as his long-awaited wish for a heartwarming holiday up north with his grandparents finally materializes. Amidst the play of festive games, indulgence in delightful sweets, and a bounty of gifts nestled beneath the twinkling tree, everything seems blissful. Yet, a curious and somewhat eerie gift from Grandpa unravels an unexpected turn in Luke's Christmas tale. Driven by the intrigue of this peculiar present and folklore surrounding his grandparents' idyllic country home, Luke immerses himself in the twisted local legend revolving around Santa's workshop. Although tales of Santa's workshop are typically reserved for books about elves and children's Xmas books, this book about elves is far different from the holly jolly tales told around a crackling warm fire. Luke's innocent pursuit of adventure takes an unforeseen path as he stumbles upon a darker underbelly beneath the jolly facade. Contrary to the whimsical narratives portrayed in Christmas children's books and the typically cheerful renditions of holiday tales, Luke realizes that the enigmatic charm of Christmas folklore conceals unsettling truths. In this amalgamation of Christmas fiction books and the intrigue of young adult literature, Luke discovers a world where not all elf stories embody merriment and joy. The blend of science fiction and Christmas horror elements adds an unexpected layer to the mystery surrounding Santa's workshop. Tailored for 9-year-olds seeking enthralling Christmas books and young adult fiction aficionados, this elf short story challenges the conventional notions of holiday magic. Penned by a skilled young adult fiction author and illustrator, this narrative uncovers the shadows lurking beneath the festive glow, reminding readers that some secrets surrounding the magic of Christmas are best left undisturbed. Within this tale lies an exploration of the darker corners of yuletide legends, offering a fresh perspective on the enchanting yet sometimes eerie allure of the holiday season.