A Christmas Kludge
velutinous -soft & smooth like velvet eldritch -weird; supernatural; eerie kludge -an inelegant improvised solution to a problem transpicuous -easily seen through *The four words were to be used in a piece for this week's Mid-Michigan Word Gatherers meeting. I was/am sick, but thought you might enjoy this short story. I've included the definitions for those of you not willing to head to the vocabulary site yourselves. :) You're welcome! A Christmas Kludge, by Kristine E. Brickey It was Christmas Eve. She’d made it. She’d sworn this year that she would find joy in the holidays or die trying. She’d shopped and wrapped. Played holiday tunes as she baked and frosted Santa shaped cookies and strung popcorn on string. Now, her living room glowed as bright, multicolored lights illumined the perfect tree, so big that the angel’s halo brushed the ceiling. Now, nestled on the couch, covered in a dove gray velutinous blanket, she could finally relax. It was