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.

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