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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64 responses to “An Advent Tradition #flashfiction”

  1. andydacanay avatar

    A vampire Christmas Celebration. Yikes! How ’bout celebrating New Year? Hahaha

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      I think this is a tradition they’ll do at any time of the year.

  2. Liesbet @ Roaming About avatar

    Brilliant story, Hugh. I especially like the closing line. Enjoy your red Christmas! :-)

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      Thank you, Liesbet. Short and sweet endings are the ones I like most of all.

  3. Charli Mills avatar

    Cheers to your ability to twist a story! Well done, Hugh.

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      Thanks so much, Charli.

  4. dgkaye avatar

    A Christmas Roberts special, lol. Well done Hugh! :) x

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      Thanks, Debby. Glad you enjoyed it. 🎄

  5. JT Twissel avatar

    I am glad I drink only white wine! Unless of course O negative is negative red blood cells! Happy holidays Hugh!

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      But do you drink other red drinks? Maybe cranberry juice or tomato juice? 😈
      Seasons Greetings to you. 🎄

  6. Debbie avatar

    Good one Hugh!

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      Thank you, Debbie.

  7. Norah avatar

    Ooh. Disappearing neighbours. I don’t think I like that tradition.

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      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.

      1. Norah avatar

        I agree with you, Hugh. I think I’ve had similar experiences. :)

  8. TanGental avatar

    Of course Hugh’s take would totally subvert Christmas!!

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      I could not with a prompt like that from Charli? I’m still blaming her. 😀

  9. D. Avery @shiftnshake avatar

    Tradition with a twist. Yikes!

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      Especially if you’re not a vampire.

  10. Colleen M. Chesebro avatar

    Ohhhh, a Christmas twist, Hugh! I loved the ending. LOL! Have yourself a merry vampire Christmas. LOL! Well done. <3

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      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.

      1. Colleen M. Chesebro avatar

        LOL! I think that is brilliant! Your flash was a pleasant surprise. I like when you do those endings that make you say, “What???” <3

        1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

          Thanks, Colleen. I always enjoy addin g twists towards the end of my stories.

          1. Colleen M. Chesebro avatar

            I’m out of practice. I’ve got to get back in the swing of things. 🤣

            1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

              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.

            2. Colleen M. Chesebro avatar

              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! <3

            3. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

              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

            4. Colleen M. Chesebro avatar

              Thanks, Hugh. ❤️❤️❤️

  11. Mr. Ohh's Sideways View avatar

    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

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      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.

      1. Mr. Ohh's Sideways View avatar

        Well you have to understand It upsets their sensitive tummies. Merry Christmas to you

        1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

          Merry Christmas to you too. 🎄

  12. Terri Webster Schrandt avatar

    Well, of course you went there, Hugh. Well done! Happy I don’t drink red wine!

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      But do you drink cranberry or tomato juice, Terri?

      1. Terri Webster Schrandt avatar

        Just cranberry with a shot of vodka, but I may rethink, Hugh! 🤪

  13. Jacquie Biggar avatar

    Ew! I’m never going to look into another window again, lol

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      Not even to see the festive light, Jacquie?

  14. Erika avatar

    Ohoh… watch out!

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      Because vampires are about…

      1. Erika avatar

        Right 🧛‍♂️

  15. Esther Chilton avatar

    And I thought it was going to be a sweet story!! Super 😊

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      Thank you, Esther. The only ‘sweet’ I do are the ones that come with custard or ice cream. 😋

  16. Marsha avatar

    You are sooooo naughty! I see what Donna meant about recognizing your style. :) LOL I’m checking out my new neighbors with care, Hugh!

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      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.

      1. Marsha avatar

        LOL, I wouldn’t trust them after Advent either! This puts new meaning to the term bloody friends.

        1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

          ‘Bloody’ friends, ‘bloody’ neighbours? They’re all the same to a vampire, Marsha.

  17. Clive avatar
    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      I blame the prompt! I couldn’t resist.

      1. Clive avatar

        A likely story! A good piece, though 😊

  18. willowdot21 avatar

    Love it Hugh you know Vampires are right up my street 💜

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      No, I never knew that, Willow. So, who is your favourite vampire?

      1. willowdot21 avatar

        Vlad my Immortal Vampire 💜💜

        1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

          That’s quite read, Willow. And I had no idea you were blogging in 2011. How long have you been blogging?

          1. willowdot21 avatar

            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” 😂😂😂😂

            1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

              Oh, that’s so funny about them sending you that guide, Willow. I wonder if they’re sending it out to all their users?

            2. willowdot21 avatar

              I think they might well be 💜

  19. Miss Judy avatar

    Oh my! Red wine may never taste the same.

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      Unless you’re a vampire. 😀

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