DRABBLE PROMPT

Joe, Holiday Party,
Ugly Christmas sweater

DRABBLE
by JoAnn Baca

The vote wasn’t even close. Everyone agreed that the fluffy multi-colored hand-knit sweater with the extra-long sleeves qualified as the ugliest anyone had ever seen, even without the blinking red eyes of the attached felt Rudolph.

“Three years in a row!” Catherine handed Joe the tinned fruitcake that was the “prize” at the annual office holiday party – the same prize as in years past, because nobody ever wanted to eat it, and returned it for the next reluctant recipient.

“Never tell my sister her first knitting project wins me this award!”

She smiled. “Blackmail information! Christmas came early for me!”

* * * * *

GOOD INTENTIONS

by Linda S Barth

Horribly late, Joe tore off his jacket and flung it at the attendant hovering by the entrance to Tavern on the Green.

Ignoring a startled, “But, sir!”, Joe strode through the doorway. And froze.

Chandeliers, champagne flutes, orchestra, tuxedos, designer gowns.

Where were the Christmas lights, beer mugs, ‘80’s rock, and…

Other images like the one displayed on his chest — a sunburned Santa wearing a sequined Speedo, sipping a martini on a sandy beach, proclaiming, “I got my Christmas wish!”

He spun for the exit but not before hearing smothered laughter in a familiar feminine voice.

“Joe, the ugly sweater party is tomorrow night!”