A Love-Centric Christmas Challenge on Beloved

’Tis the season to celebrate love, connection, and the magic that binds us together as a community

Photo by Clem Onojeghuo on Unsplash

Hey there Belovers,

As the holiday lights twinkle this December, get ready to embrace the spirit of the season with our Beloved Christmas Challenge.

Beloved has always been more than a publication; it’s a haven for those who seek stories that transcend boundaries, a place where the essence of love knows no gender.

We’ve created a space that invites everyone to share their stories with a unique sense of unity and understanding.

This Christmas, we want to extend this invitation to you through our unique challenge.

Seven is the number of magic, so this holiday season, we invited you to pick from our seven magical threads:

1. “Mistletoe Moments”: Prompt: Share a heartwarming story of a special moment under the mistletoe. Whether it was a surprise kiss, a declaration of love, or an unexpected encounter, let the magic of the mistletoe illuminate your memoir.
2. “Gifts of the Heart”: Prompt: Reflect on a memorable holiday gift that spoke volumes about love. It could be a handmade present, a thoughtful gesture, or a surprise that captured the true spirit of giving.
3. “Christmas Lights and Love Bites”: Prompt: Share a story set against the backdrop of twinkling Christmas lights. Explore how the festive ambiance and the glow of holiday decorations became the perfect setting for a romantic encounter or a significant moment in your relationship.
4. “Santa’s List of Love”: Prompt: Imagine your love story being written on Santa’s list. What acts of kindness, gestures, or moments of love would ensure you’re on the ‘Nice’ side of the list? Craft a story that embodies the true meaning of love during the holidays.
5. “The Ugly Sweater of Love”: Prompt: Share a lighthearted story centered around the infamous ugly Christmas sweater. How did this festive fashion statement become a symbol of your love, laughter, and shared holiday traditions?
6. “Sleigh Bells and Heart Swells”: Prompt: Dive into a story where the sound of sleigh bells marks significant moments in your love story. Explore how holiday sounds and melodies created a rhythmic backdrop to your shared experiences.
7. “New Year’s Resolutions”: Prompt: Share a story that revolves around New Year’s resolutions for your relationship. How did you and your partner commit to strengthening your bond in the coming year, and what lessons did you learn from the past?

In the spirit of the season, we challenge you to explore the profound connection between love and the magic of Christmas.

Feel free to use these prompts to inspire holiday-themed love stories that capture the warmth, magic, and joy of the Christmas season.

Let your creativity be sparkled by the glow of a cozy fireplace shared with a significant other, the shimmering lights that adorn a cherished family gathering, or the radiant love that transcends the boundaries of tradition, we want to hear your personal stories, reflections, and everything in between.

Submission Guidelines:

Deadline: Submissions will be accepted until December 31st, allowing ample time to immerse yourself in the holiday spirit and craft your story.

Length: Aim for at least 1,000 words. We’re seeking substance and style, so let your creativity flow.

How to Submit: Navigate to your story editor, select “submit to publication,” and click “Submit Your Story.” Choose Beloved.

Don’t forget to tag your piece:

Beloved Challenge

Why Participate?

Besides the joy of sharing your story with the Beloved community, we’ve prepared some festive incentives for you:

• Top Picks: Our editorial team will handpick standout stories for special features and promotions across our social media platforms.
• Featured on Beloved: All challenge stories will grace the Beloved homepage, creating a beautiful mosaic of love stories for all to cherish.
• Featured on our social media channels: Follow us here and subscribe to our newsletter for additional visibility.

Join the conversation in the comments section. Share your experiences, offer recommendations, and revel in the collective celebration of love.

Beloved has recently joined the Alchemy Publications consortium, opening the doors for you to become a part of our extended family.

Explore opportunities at Engage, Zenite, Rock n’Heavy, and, of course, Beloved — all currently accepting submissions from new writers.

So, let love be your muse, let the lights guide your words, and start crafting your “Love Lights” story. We can’t wait to unwrap the magic you’ll bring to this festive season!

Love on, write on, and happy holidays!

A.N. If you’ve been tagged it’s because you are a writer with us, and we don’t want you to miss the chance of joining the fun. Don’t worry, we don’t do it often! If you don’t wish to be tagged, please let us know via private note and we’ll remove you from the list. The authors' handles are hidden to ensure privacy.