The Big Sandy Mountaineer -

Several weeks ago "The Mountaineer" asked Big Sandy English teacher, Miss Voellek, if she would have her high school students write a Christmas story, then have them judged at the school and submit the best three to "The Mountaineer" and we would use them in our annual Christmas issue.

We were amazed last year at the Christmas stories that came from the high school. We were even more amazed this year as the top three stories are simply great. We know that you readers will be as amazed as we were to get this quality of stories from high school English classes.

Thanks to Miss Voeller and all the high school students who submitted stories. You made our Christmas issue of "The Mountaineer" even better.

Christmas Kitten

By Madison Reichelt

'Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the house, Kaylee the Christmas kitten was running rampant. Half eaten gingerbread cookies were strewn across the floor, and little kitty scratches were carved into the door. Shredded stockings hung above the mantle, and under the tree lain dolls, whom were all dismantled. Shattered ornaments were littered across the scene; why would Santa bring presents to a kitten this mean?

The kitten tumbled and swatted her paws, then down the chimney came ole Santa Claus. His jolly grin turned to a frown, "How did this living room get turned upside down?"

Suddenly Kaylee kitten became scared, "I'm sorry Sir Santa," the kitten declared.

"Sorry doesn't bake my cookies," Santa Claus scolded.

Santa set his bag of goodies on the floor, and told Kaylee the kitten, "This can happen no more."

The newfound friends started to clean, until everything was restored with gleam. Santa took care of the cookies and stockings, while Kaylee swept up the ornaments at a rate that was shocking. Santa looked down at the wee little feline, "You fixed your mess just in time." When he lay the presents under the tree, he handed a little box down to Kaylee.

"Thank you for helping cleaning up this enormous mess. I really hope you like your presents."

He stepped into the fireplace and up the chimney he went, behind he left a night, that Kaylee would never forget. Kaylee opened her present only to find, an empty box with a label inside. The label read responsibility, because that was what she learned, and oddly enough it was the only present for which she yearned.

So Christmas was a blast, her present had been better than any other she had received in the past. Her family rushed down to the tree, as Kaylee pondered her new gift of responsibility.