Announcing the first-ever Writer's Lair Writing Exposition!

For a long time now, I've been toying with the idea of hosting some kind of writing contest or something of that nature here at the Writer's Lair. I know a lot of my followers are incredibly talented writers, and I would love an opportunity to showcase some of that talent. You know me, though - never one to do things the same way everyone else does it. : )
After putting some thought into what I could do, I decided to scrap the contest idea all together, and instead decided to host a writing exposition. There's no competition involved, just skillful writing and creativity. (And besides, how could I resist the steampunk appeal of a term like 'writing exposition'? It brings to mind things like the World Fair and the old-time Science Expos. Totally delicious.)

So, ready or not, it's time to announce the Christmas 2011 Story-Writing Exposition!

Here's how it works:
-Write a piece that follows the specific Expo guidelines listed below.
-Submit it as a .doc or .docx file attached to an email to editor(dot)thewriterslair(at)gmail(dot)com on or by December 23, 2011.
-Be sure to include "Christmas Expo" in the subject line.
-Feel free to include a one-sentence blurb about yourself to be posted with your submission (e.g. "Jane lives in Montana and enjoys sushi and polo"). You may also include a link to your blog or website if you have one.
-A new blog page will be created here at the Lair, and all entries fitting the submission guidelines will be posted there in alphabetical order by author's last name on December 24.
-All copyrights will remain in the author's name.
-Your submission must be no longer than 1000 words.
-While your submission does not have to be 'preachy' or teach a specific moral (in fact, preachy-ness is discouraged), it must be Christ-honoring in its content (i.e. no foul language, sexual innuendos, etc.).

And here are the guidelines specifically for the Christmas Expo:
-Your story's plot or theme must revolve around or be otherwise closely tied to the lyrics of a Christmas song. This can be a traditional Christmas carol, a contemporary Christmas song, or something in between (such as a Tran-Siberian Orchestra remake of a traditional song). Really any song will do, as long as it's about Christmas.
-Your story can be fiction of any genre you'd like (I'd love to see some renditions of the Christmas story and/or message in speculative genres, hint-hint ; ), or it can be non-fiction, such as an account of a personal experience. Whatever you choose, just remember that the goal of this Writing Expo is to showcase skillful, well-crafted writing.

Have fun! I can't wait to see what you all come up with! I'll be writing a story for it too, by the way, so don't worry. I haven't just submitted you all to a bunch of guidelines I don't intend to follow myself. : )