In many holiday movies and holiday-themed episodes of popular TV series, a clashing of traditions stands as a focal point: the combination of Christmas and Hanukkah in The O.C.’s “Chrismukkah” episodes; the tension between older and younger generations in Home for the Holidays; attending extravagant and polished parties while withholding truths in Metropolitan and Happiest Season; and the uncomfortableness of houseguests in The Family Stone and Happy Christmas. Write a short story in which these differences come to a head because of a newly enmeshed relationship, whether that be between housemates, a romantic couple, in-laws, or different sides of the family. How do your characters’ personalities reveal themselves over the course of the narrative? Consider the ways you might craft the story to demonstrate how multiple layers of power dynamics operate in both blatant and subtle ways.
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