Entries for the Deseret News' annual Christmas writing contest, "Christmas I Remember Best," are now being accepted for publication the week prior to and on Christmas Day.
"As far as our research can determine, the paper has been publishing original Christmas stories, with few lapses, for at least 100 years," said Steve Handy, former Deseret News marketing director.
Beginning in 1899, the News published an annual Christmas Edition, a mammoth special including contests for original stories, essays and poetry. Some version of the annual Christmastime observance has continued almost unbroken. Since 1959, the Deseret News has sponsored an annual contest that has come to be known as "The Christmas I Remember Best."
Stories submitted for 2000 should be original and approximately 800 words in length, or about two typewritten pages, double-spaced.
"We always like to remind our participants that our editor/judges prefer stories covering the wide range of the Christmas experience, including humor," said Handy.
Ideally, stories should be written using a computer or typewriter and printed out legibly so they can be easily read, especially if faxed; but legible handwritten entries are acceptable as well.
The author's name, address, e-mail and daytime and evening phone numbers must be included.
For each story that is chosen for publication — four to six in all — the Deseret news will present an award of $100.
The deadline is Wednesday, Dec. 6. Address entries to "Christmas Best," c/o Deseret News, 30 E. 100 South, Suite 400, P.O. Box 1257, Salt Lake City, UT 84110
Fax entries to 801 237-2528. E-mails accepted at johnson@desnews.com. For more information, call 801-236-6062.