It's a good day to read or write a short story.
What better way to celebrate the shortest day of the year, the first day of winter, than with a good short story? After all, today, December 21st, is National Short Story Day.
About This Day
Like several random days of celebrations I've written about before, there's no clear origin story for National Short Story Day. I couldn't find information about a founder, when the day was first celebrated, or why it was created.
However, someone cleverly decided to honor short stories on the shortest day of the year. Being a short person at five feet tall, I can appreciate a day like today.
Short stories are brief narratives and significantly shorter than novels. They still consist of the main elements that make a great story, but usually only have one character to focus on.
I tend to think of children's books and bedtime stories as examples of short stories. They're stories that can be read or told in one sitting.
How to Celebrate
There are several ways to celebrate National Short Story Day. The easiest is to grab a book or find a website online and read a few short stories. If the story is short enough, you could read one from beginning to end while you're on break at school or work.
You could also embrace your inner storyteller by sharing a short story verbally or in writing. If you're caring for a child this evening, why not tell them a fun bedtime story? You could also encourage the child to tell you a story to get their imagination going.
Perhaps you have an idea you've been meaning to turn into a story? Today's a great day to write your own short story. It doesn't have to be perfect or ready for publication. Just write it for fun and see what comes of it. Today could be your day for creativity and expression!
How I'll Celebrate
Personally, I plan to write down some of the short stories I was told as a child. My Mom loved making up stories on the whim when I couldn't sleep or wasn't feeling well.
My favorite childhood story of hers was about blue crabs that sacrificed their lives for a starving young lady who struggled to capture them.
The childhood story I hated the most but will document to remember for the rest of my life, was the one my late Lola (grandmother) told me about how Santa Claus died.
You read that correctly. Lola first told me this horrific short story of Santa Claus' death when I was five years old. She continued to tell me the same story for many years after.
What's Next?
I'll be documenting the short stories I heard as a child for part of today. I may even write my own original short stories for fun.
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Thanks, and have a great day!
Simply Jelly Jam
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