Santa Hates Seattle — Merri Hiatt

"Santa hates Seattle," a television news reporter declares after airing an interview with an inebriated gentleman who stumbled from Polanzky's Pub, slipped on an icy patch of snow and told reporters Santa Claus hit him with his sleigh. Eight-year-old Samantha Kinsey can't believe her ears. Her mother reassures her that Santa could never hate Seattle, but Sam is not convinced. She decides to send Santa an e-mail and make him a gift to show him how much she loves him. When Christmas rolls around the following year, Sam asks for an intangible gift. A wish even Santa will have difficulty granting. This short story is approximately 15,000 words.