December 3, 2020, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story that includes family traditions. It can be related to any holiday or situation. How does the tradition impact the story or change the character? Go where the prompt leads!
An Advent Tradition – by Hugh W. Roberts
Not only have the new family in your area won the Christmas lights competition, but they’ve become known as the kindest and friendliest people in your district.
Next time you’re out walking, don’t look through their dining room window and watch them carrying out the tradition of raising a glass or two of red wine.
What you don’t realise is that the dark red liquid is that of one of your neighbours.
Unless you’re a vampire, you won’t know about this Advent tradition that has been going for over 666 years.
I’m dreaming of a red Christmas. Are you?
Written for the 99-word flash fiction challenge hosted by Charli Mills at the Carrot Ranch. Click here to join in.
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Hugh's Views & News 
Vampires in the neighborhood is always a refreshing change. Either you stay young forever, or you’re soon to die.
No garlic, running water, or stakes in the house, though. All deadly to a vampire (I understand).
A vampire Christmas Celebration. Yikes! How ’bout celebrating New Year? Hahaha
I think this is a tradition they’ll do at any time of the year.
Brilliant story, Hugh. I especially like the closing line. Enjoy your red Christmas! 🙂
Thank you, Liesbet. Short and sweet endings are the ones I like most of all.
Cheers to your ability to twist a story! Well done, Hugh.
Thanks so much, Charli.
A Christmas Roberts special, lol. Well done Hugh! 🙂 x
Thanks, Debby. Glad you enjoyed it. 🎄
I am glad I drink only white wine! Unless of course O negative is negative red blood cells! Happy holidays Hugh!
But do you drink other red drinks? Maybe cranberry juice or tomato juice? 😈
Seasons Greetings to you. 🎄
Good one Hugh!
Thank you, Debbie.
Ooh. Disappearing neighbours. I don’t think I like that tradition.
It could depend on who the neighbours are Norah. I’ve known a few in my time that I wish I hadn’t moved in next too. However, most of them have been lovely neighbours. And I’ve even drunk red wine with some of them.
I agree with you, Hugh. I think I’ve had similar experiences. 🙂
Of course Hugh’s take would totally subvert Christmas!!
I could not with a prompt like that from Charli? I’m still blaming her. 😀
Tradition with a twist. Yikes!
Especially if you’re not a vampire.
Ohhhh, a Christmas twist, Hugh! I loved the ending. LOL! Have yourself a merry vampire Christmas. LOL! Well done. ❤
Thanks, Colleen. As soon as I saw Charli’s prompt, I pictured the scene of a family of vampires toasting those passing by their home, with a glass of what looked like red wine.
LOL! I think that is brilliant! Your flash was a pleasant surprise. I like when you do those endings that make you say, “What???” ❤
Thanks, Colleen. I always enjoy addin g twists towards the end of my stories.
I’m out of practice. I’ve got to get back in the swing of things. 🤣
A few months ago, I was in the same position, Colleen. I think I’m back on track now. I’m sure it won’t be long before you’re joining me.
We’re on the move again, Hugh. This time to retire in Michigan. I’ve had some health issues so it was time to get somewhere we can settle down. Arizona is so hot! By the middle of January 2021 we should move into the new house. After that, I will be better. Between Carrot Ranch and my poetry challenge I aim to stay busy. LOL! ❤
Oh, wow! Moving again, Colleen? I don’t think I could live in Arizona because the weather is so hot. I don’t do ‘hot.’ Sorry to hear about your health issues. I will email you. xx
Thanks, Hugh. ❤️❤️❤️
I don’t know befriending the vampire neighbors could be good. I mean I could arrange them to meet the guy with the barking dog, or the lady who is constantly running over the bush at the end of the druve.
Merry Christmas
Seek laughter in all its forms
It’s a great way to get rid of the annoying neighbours, isn’t it? Vampires aren’t fussy. They like all blood types, although ‘AB’ negative is a little iffy.
Merry Christmas.
Well you have to understand It upsets their sensitive tummies. Merry Christmas to you
Merry Christmas to you too. 🎄
Well, of course you went there, Hugh. Well done! Happy I don’t drink red wine!
But do you drink cranberry or tomato juice, Terri?
Just cranberry with a shot of vodka, but I may rethink, Hugh! 🤪
Ew! I’m never going to look into another window again, lol
Not even to see the festive light, Jacquie?
Ohoh… watch out!
Because vampires are about…
Right 🧛♂️
And I thought it was going to be a sweet story!! Super 😊
Thank you, Esther. The only ‘sweet’ I do are the ones that come with custard or ice cream. 😋
🤣🤣
You are sooooo naughty! I see what Donna meant about recognizing your style. 🙂 LOL I’m checking out my new neighbors with care, Hugh!
I wouldn’t invite them over for drinks or dinner until after Advent, Marsha. And not forgetting until the local restrictions in your area also allow you too, of course.
LOL, I wouldn’t trust them after Advent either! This puts new meaning to the term bloody friends.
‘Bloody’ friends, ‘bloody’ neighbours? They’re all the same to a vampire, Marsha.
You ghoul!
I blame the prompt! I couldn’t resist.
A likely story! A good piece, though 😊
Thanks, Clive.
Love it Hugh you know Vampires are right up my street 💜
No, I never knew that, Willow. So, who is your favourite vampire?
Vlad my Immortal Vampire 💜💜
That’s quite read, Willow. And I had no idea you were blogging in 2011. How long have you been blogging?
I have been blogging nine years now, only wrote to stories about Vlad. Oh! Yesterday I got an email from wordpress entitled “Especially for you a beginners guide to blogging” 😂😂😂😂
Oh, that’s so funny about them sending you that guide, Willow. I wonder if they’re sending it out to all their users?
I think they might well be 💜
https://willowdot21.wordpress.com/vlad/
Oh my! Red wine may never taste the same.
Unless you’re a vampire. 😀