I had decided I was too busy to write something for Susanna Leonard Hill's 10th Annual Holiday Contest.  Then, on Saturday morning my daughter said, "I want to get you a robot for Christmas so you have more time to play with me." Ding! There was my inspiration for a holiday helper. Here is what Maddie and I wrote together in less than 250 words. Afterwards we played Barbies -- of course!

 Momma’s Helper

By Elizabeth Muster and 5-year-old Maddie Muster

Word Count 240

On a Saturday morning in early December, Maddie ran into the kitchen and tugged on Momma’s shirt. “Will you play Barbies with me?”

“Not right now,” Momma replied. “I’m fixing breakfast.”

After the meal, Maddie asked if they could watch a holiday movie together. “Maybe later,” Momma said. “I need to clean up first.”

While Maddie watched her tablet instead, a video gave her an idea. “Momma, could we go visit Santa?”

“After I finish folding the laundry,” Momma said. 

That afternoon, Maddie anxiously stood in line to see St. Nick. “What are you going to ask for?” Momma asked. 

“It’s a surprise,” Maddie said.

When it was Maddie’s turn, Santa Claus asked what she wanted for Christmas. Wisps of Santa’s hair tickled Maddie’s nose as she whispered in his ear, “A robot that can do Momma’s chores.”

“Oh, ho, ho,” Santa retorted. “What a nice idea. I’ll see what my elves and I can do. But who will help your mom between now and Christmas morning?”

Maddie knew the answer. It wasn’t a robot. It wasn’t an elf. It wasn’t even Santa himself.

The next morning at breakfast, Maddie set the table. After they finished eating, Maddie put the plates and silverware in the dishwasher.

“Thank you, Maddie.” Momma smiled. “There must be something special you’re wanting. I bet it’s that secret you told Santa.”

Maddie nodded and gave Momma a big hug. “It’s time for us to play!”