Do you love the holidays? Do you hate them? Don’t celebrate Christmas, yet can’t escape? Have you experienced a wonderful, horrible, or life-changing New Year’s Eve? How about that time you had one too many at the company Christmas party? Can’t handle obnoxious relatives or uptight colleagues? Cats who shred wrapping paper? Ever receive a really awful (or fantastic) gift? Hate that Elmo? Everyone’s got a story or two! Tell us about it!
First, let’s talk about the posts. I can’t even begin to express my gratitude for the quality of posts I’ve received the past few years. And for the commitment, sense of humor, and investment of the contributors. I even nominated one of them for a blogging award. And she won! The posts ranged from hilarious to heartwarming and paused thoughtfully everywhere in between.
Here’s a highlight reel of the past few years. Guaranteed to please.
Momma’s 12 Days of Christmas Presents Santa Claus: Kind of an Asshole by Mommy Rotten Read it. Trust me.
Momma’s 12 Days of Christmas Presents The Gift by Karyn Gallagher A heartwarming story about kindness that honestly knocked my socks off, and I don’t wear socks that often.
Momma’s 12 Days of Christmas Presents Fuck You, Elf on the Shelf by Mary McCarthy of Pajamas and Coffee Hate that little bastard? She does, too!
I will stop there because I’m likely to post a link to each one. I loved them all. And, remember, they’re all posted in a row, so feel free to poke around at the rest. You will not be disappointed.
The experience has brought me closer to the writers, with whom I’ve since developed solid friendships. The collaboration and support were divine, and the content, just fabulous.
This year, I’ve imposed a strict limit of 12 participants. Last year, I allowed the shindig grow a little bigger than I was able to keep my arms around. This means I will take submissions up to and including November 30, and will let authors know as soon as possible whether or not their posts will be included and what (tentative) date their post will run.
Now, onto the Elf Packs. I’ll be honest: I haven’t started on the Elf Packs yet. But I can tell you that they will be filled with awesome gifts. One writer and one reader will each win an Elf Pack at the end of our 12 Days celebration. To win? Simply leave a comment on any Momma’s 12 Days post or be the guest author of one of our posts. The winners will be drawn at the end of the last day.
Momma’s 12 Days of Christmas will take place this year beginning on December 9, 2013 and rounding out on December 20, 2013. This is a collaborative effort. Writers are expected to promote both their posts and the posts of their colleagues during this time on their blog, and via Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. If your post is chosen, you will be briefed (frequently!) via email throughout the process, so no need to worry about your next move.
Because Momma’s 12 Days is quite an undertaking, posts should be submitted for consideration no later than November 30, 2013. Posts must be organized, edited, and formatted, and that takes Momma a little bit of time. And, please remember, your post submission must be original, i.e. previously unpublished.
The good news? You can submit a post as early as today.
Interested? Good! I hope you are! You can submit to me as quickly as you’d like. If you have an intention, maybe considering submitting a post, drop me a line and let me know as well. If you know someone who would be a great fit, feel free to get them on board. I am considering past participants as well as all new ones. Throw something out there! Let your material speak for you.
Post submissions, questions, concerns, and/or suggestions can be emailed to me at [email protected]. I will respond as quickly as I am able. And if you’d like to run an idea by me, feel free to do so. I am totally accessible during this process, so don’t be afraid to open up a dialogue.
I am looking for twelve guest posters, and you could be one of them. Seize the opportunity to be part of something funny, heartwarming, and magical. Now, forget about all this Halloween baloney, pour yourself some cocoa, slide on your fuzzy slippers, and get writing!!
**If you’re interested in being a sponsor of Momma’s 12 Days by submitting a product, service, or gift card as an Elf Pack prize, please contact me at [email protected]. Any prizes that would make great gifts, are decadent, handmade, or family-oriented are more than welcome. Looking forward to hearing from you!**
christmas 2007 (Photo credit: paparutzi)
