Common elements include characters facing challenges. In 'How the Grinch Stole Christmas!', the Grinch faces the challenge of his own bitterness towards Christmas. There's also often a sense of wonder. When the little drummer boy meets the baby Jesus, there's a feeling of wonder. And a transformation of some sort is common too. The Grinch transforms from a Christmas - hater to someone who loves it. Also, the Christmas spirit itself is often an element that either the characters are lacking at the start and gain by the end or that drives their adventure.
Well, in adventure themed Christmas short stories, a quest is often present. It could be a physical quest like in 'The Polar Express' or an emotional quest like Scrooge's in 'A Christmas Carol'. Another element is the presence of helpers or guides. In many stories, there are characters that help the protagonist on their journey, like the elves in some Santa - related stories. And the Christmas setting itself is a common element. The snow, the decorations, and the general festive atmosphere all contribute to the adventure and often set the stage for the story's events.
One common element is a journey. For example, in 'The Polar Express', the journey to the North Pole is central. Another element is discovery. In 'A Christmas Carol', Scrooge discovers the importance of kindness and generosity. Magic also often plays a part. In 'The Nutcracker and the Mouse King', Clara discovers a magical world. And of course, there's usually a happy ending, like in 'Rudolph the Red - Nosed Reindeer' where Rudolph is finally accepted.
Costumes are also a common element, sometimes in a more symbolic way. In some stories, a character's costume might seem to come to life or have some sort of power. For instance, a child dressed as a werewolf for Halloween might start to exhibit actual werewolf - like behavior. There is also often an element of danger or threat, whether it's from a real monster or from the actions of other characters. This danger keeps the reader on the edge of their seat, waiting to see how the characters will escape or overcome it.
One adventure themed Christmas short story is 'The Polar Express'. It takes readers on a magical journey to the North Pole on a train filled with children. Another is 'A Christmas Carol' which, while not a traditional adventure in the sense of a physical journey, Ebenezer Scrooge's adventure through time as he is visited by ghosts is quite an adventure of self - discovery. There's also 'The Nutcracker and the Mouse King' where Clara embarks on a fantastical adventure in a world of toys and magic.
One common element is a brave hero or heroine. They are often the ones who drive the story forward by facing challenges. Another is the unknown or dangerous setting, like a haunted house or a deep cave. Danger is also a key element. It could be in the form of a villain or a natural hazard. For example, in many adventure short stories, there's a storm at sea or a band of thieves.
One common element is a challenging journey. For example, in 'The Hobbit', Bilbo Baggins goes on a long and dangerous journey. Another element is the presence of obstacles like in 'The Odyssey' where Odysseus faces many monsters and gods' wrath. Also, there's often a sense of discovery, whether it's a new place or a hidden truth.
Characters often face challenges in a Christmas adventure story. These challenges can be related to the Christmas spirit, like helping someone in need or finding the true meaning of Christmas. Also, there is usually a sense of wonder and magic. This can be shown through things like talking animals or enchanted objects. For instance, a magic snowflake that leads the characters to a hidden treasure which turns out to be the key to saving Christmas in their town.
The Vermont countryside is often a central feature. There might be a big old farmhouse or a rustic cabin where the main characters stay or visit. This rural setting, with its forests, frozen lakes, and wildlife, provides opportunities for outdoor activities during Christmas like ice skating or chopping firewood together, which in turn deepens the relationship between the romantic leads.
Well, many spooky Christmas short stories include a sense of isolation. Maybe it's a family stuck in a snow - covered cabin where strange things start to happen. There's also the use of traditional Christmas symbols in a menacing way. Take the Christmas tree for instance. In some stories, it could be a portal for spooky entities. And then there's the idea of Christmas being a time when the veil between the living and the dead is thinner, so ghosts and spirits are more likely to make an appearance.
Well, in many Christmas short horror stories, there's the presence of something that seems innocent at first but then turns out to be evil. This could be a cute looking Christmas elf doll that comes to life and starts causing havoc. Another common element is the idea of a Christmas miracle gone wrong. Instead of a positive event, it brings something terrifying. And haunted places related to Christmas, like an old church where a Christmas mass ended in tragedy long ago, are also often seen in these stories.
The birth of Jesus is the central element. It's often described with details like Mary and Joseph's journey to Bethlehem. Angels are also a common element, as they announce the good news of Jesus' birth. The presence of the shepherds who come to worship the baby Jesus is another important part.
One common element is the presence of a goal or a standard that the character has to meet. For example, in a work - related submission story, the goal could be to get a promotion or recognition. Another element is the struggle that the character often faces. This could be internal, like self - doubt, or external, such as competition from others. Also, there is usually a process of growth. As the character submits to the requirements, they learn and develop new skills or qualities.