I had everything laid out, planned to a T. The milk, the cookies, the stocking hung carefully at the foot of my bed. I spent all year waiting for this, counting down the days until the night of Christmas Eve. 

I was finally going to kill Santa.

My father tousled my hair and told me that “He won’t come until you're asleep”. Of course he won’t. I’m counting on it. Grease in the chimney flue, a bear trap under the fireplace coals; I almost lost a finger trying to load it. And of course, if that isn’t enough I’ve laced the milk with rat poison, enough to kill a reindeer. 

I’m lying in bed now, waiting. The perfect little murderer in his red flannel pyjamas. 

I hear the patter of hooves on the roof and then a resounding thump in the living room. Took him long enough. I lie on my back, surveying the scene as best I can through my eyelashes. I wait, listening intently to the boots on the wooden floor, then hallway carpet. 

For a while he just hangs there in my doorway, backlit by the flickering glow of the fireplace in the living room. The bulging silhouette blocks the light that usually shines across my bed. I’m not scared of the dark, I’m not six anymore. No, at the refined age of eight-and-a-half-years-old, I’m much more concerned by what lurks in it. Things that skulk around at night through houses, lingering over sleeping faces. People always think they would be dark, black creatures with claws and teeth of shadow. But I know better. He is drenched in red. 

I realise then that I’ve failed, that the poison in his little snack wasn't enough, the trap I hid under the fireplace coals mustn’t have sprung. He inches closer, practically oozing through the wooden doorframe. I shut my eyes and fight to control my breathing, keep it even. Maybe if he thinks I’m asleep, the fat man will leave his “gifts” and then leave me alone. With my eyes shut, all I can do is listen. Listen as the floorboard at the foot of my bed creaks, listen as the small silver bells adorning the stocking give a soft tinkle. 

I can’t take it anymore, I open my eyes. He is gone from the foot of my bed. I let out a breath. I let my head roll to the side of my pillow. His coal black eyes are an inch from mine. 

The man in red cocks a smile and I can see the blood vessels threading his cheeks, a dimple in each one.

“Well, hasn’t someone been naughty this year?”

Here’s a cliché for you: I love Winter. Because I love snow.

The first time I can remember seeing snowflakes, I was 4. The images are blurred by time, but I can distinctly feel the warm hand of my father leading me, and the deep, fuzzy red of my scarf and mittens, a stark contrast to the astonishingly white snow. I looked up to a silver sky, gently raining diamonds. One landed on my nose, and my eyes blinked in wonder, feeling its cool touch. 

Boring, right? Everyone loves snow, especially shrill voiced-toddlers.

I hate children. But I treasure snow. I can’t imagine living somewhere without it.

Besides, snow helped me kill someone. 

It was a lovely morning on the 1st of December. The first tiny flakes of snow were falling, coating the ground with their luscious, heavy drawl. Did you know that no two snowflakes are the same? Each one has a slightly different journey, and even the smallest change in temperature while they travel down can change their appearances completely.

I didn’t really mean to kill Hannah. Hannah - a generic, boring name, traits no one would have attributed to its owner. She was bright and golden, the star at the top of a christmas tree while the rest of us watched her from below. I hated her. I tend to throw around the word hate quite often, as you may have noticed. But it was different with Hannah. She had everything I wanted: a fiancé, perfect highlights, style, and unlike me, a family.

We got to talking that night. I couldn't help but be fascinated, and slightly repulsed by her. I wasn’t drunk - but Hannah was, stumbling about, her long lashes fluttering and cupid bow’s mouth laughing - looking absolutely perfect. 

“By the way”, she slurred. “I heard about your family. So sorry, what an unlucky fire and your dad, such a hero, trying to save you-” She fell lightly. Being Instagram slim doesn’t help in the self-defence department. I did it because I envied her, because I was bitter, wretched and wanted to drag her down to my level. But mostly because I wanted her to shut up. 

I dragged her into my car, and drove to the nearby woods. It seemed strange to me, to be next to someone who wasn’t breathing.

I left her somewhere under a tree, half buried under snow. I knew tonight’s snowfall would entirely hide her. 

I suddenly noticed that the forest was completely silent. No birds, no insects. Just judging silence. Snowflakes began to fall. For the first time, they didn’t feel cool or refreshing. They felt like tiny pin pricks, scratching me like death by a thousand cuts. 

I ran. A coward. I drove home as fast as I could.

That night, I dreamt of being suffocated by my own bed sheets. I woke up sweating, but there was nothing but cool, calm silence.

I couldn’t help wondering if Hannah was still alive, somehow. She had seemed so lifeless and yet… Was there a body, in the middle of nowhere, still breathing and warm, unable to move?

Waiting for those last, glacial snowflakes to finish weaving their blanket of smothering snow.

Top 8 Most Popular Christmas Movies! 

Alan Gu, Y12

2. "It's a Wonderful Life" (1946)

Directed by Frank Capra, this classic film tells the heartwarming story of George Bailey (played by James Stewart) as he learns the value of life and the impact he has on others. A heartwarming and thought-provoking film, the character of George Bailey and his journey of self-discovery resonates deeply with audiences, making it a perennial favorite during the Christmas season.

3. "Miracle on 34th Street" (1947)

This heartwarming tale revolves around a man named Kris Kringle who claims to be the real Santa Claus. It explores themes of faith and the magic of Christmas and the power of imagination. It has become a holiday classic, known for its endearing characters and messages of kindness and generosity

5. "A Christmas Carol" (Multiple adaptations)

Based on Charles Dickens' classic novel, there have been numerous film adaptations of "A Christmas Carol." The story follows Ebenezer Scrooge as he is visited by three spirits and learns the true meaning of Christmas. The tale of Scrooge's transformation from a bitter and selfish man to one of compassion and generosity embodies the spirit of redemption and the power of Christmas.

5. "A Christmas Carol" (Multiple adaptations)

Based on Charles Dickens' classic novel, there have been numerous film adaptations of "A Christmas Carol." The story follows Ebenezer Scrooge as he is visited by three spirits and learns the true meaning of Christmas. The tale of Scrooge's transformation from a bitter and selfish man to one of compassion and generosity embodies the spirit of redemption and the power of Christmas.

6. "The Polar Express" (2004)

This animated adventure, directed by Robert Zemeckis, takes viewers on a magical train ride to the North Pole, where a skeptical young boy learns about the power of belief and the spirit of Christmas. The film's enchanting visuals and heartwarming message have made it a popular choice, exploring the importance of faith, imagination, and the true spirit of the holiday season.

7. "Love Actually" (2003)

A romantic comedy-drama, "Love Actually" weaves together multiple interconnected stories of several characters set during the Christmas season, exploring themes of love, heartbreak, friendship, and family. It showcases different forms of love (romantic love, familial love, and platonic love) as well as highlighting both joyous and bittersweet moments, capturing the range of emotions that come with it. With many iconic scenes and emotional moments, the film has become a feel-good favorite for many.

8. "The Nightmare Before Christmas" (1993)

 Directed by Tim Burton, this animated musical blends Halloween and Christmas in a unique and enchanting way, following the journey of Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, who discovers Christmas Town and decides to take over the holiday to chaotic effect. The story follows a memorable cast and weaves a tale of self-discovery, identity, and love. Blending elements of Halloween and Christmas, the film has since become a cult classic.