The Last 6 Words of ’25: Holiday Memoir Contest

So here we are again. Almost at the end of another year.

This time of year gets me every time. My youngest on Christmas morning, tearing into presents. New Year’s Eve when everyone’s hugging at midnight and we’re all bumping into each other. Or just me, sitting alone after everyone’s asleep, tree lights still on, wondering where the year went.

The holidays give us these moments—little snapshots that stick. The good ones, the messy ones, the ones that make you laugh five years later or tear up for reasons you can’t quite explain. And before we close the book on 2025, I want to know what yours are.

Here’s the deal: capture one of those moments in exactly six words.

Your warmest memory. Your biggest laugh. Your quietest moment of gratitude. That beautiful chaos when everyone comes home. Whatever made your heart feel full this season—Christmas, New Year’s, Hanukkah, or just a random Tuesday in December when something clicked.

Six words. That’s it. Think Hemingway’s famous six-word story, but wrapped up with a bow instead of tragedy.

The Rules:

Your holiday memoir must be exactly six words – no more, no less
It can be about any winter holiday moment that mattered to you
Enter as many times as you want
Deadline: January 2, 2026 (get them in before midnight!)
Post your entries in the comments below

The Prizes:

Bragging rights
That warm fuzzy feeling you get from sharing something real
Being awarded the Master Writer Award from Every Writer

Some examples to get you started:

“Grandma’s kitchen. Laughter. Her hands. Home.”
“Snow fell. Kids played. Time stopped.”
“Finally home for Christmas. Worth it.”
“Midnight kiss. New year. Old love.”

I want the moments that make you smile when you think about them. The ones you’d tell a stranger if they asked what makes the holidays special for you. Funny, touching, bittersweet—whatever it is, if it made you feel something good, I want to read it.

Drop your six-word holiday memories in the comments below. Make us feel it. Remind us why this season matters, even when it’s messy and nothing goes according to plan.

This is our last six-word contest of 2025. Let’s go out with some light.

Leave your 6-word stories in the comments. Enter as many times as you like.

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Richard

Richard Everywriter (pen name) is the founder of EveryWriter and a 25-year veteran of the publishing industry. With degrees in Writing, Journalism, Technology, and Education, Richard has dedicated two decades to teaching writing and literature while championing emerging voices through EveryWriter's platform. His work focuses on making literary analysis accessible to readers at all levels while preserving the rich heritage of American literature. Connect with Richard on Twitter Bluesky Facebook or explore opportunities to share your own work on ourSubmissions page. For monthly insights on writing and publishing, subscribe to our Newsletter.

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