All Through the Whirled

Write (and illustrate) a story that takes place in a Whirled room!

Writing Contest: All Through the Whirled
'Tis the season for seasonal creations. We're looking for short stories that tell the seasonal story of a specific room in Whirled. You may create your own room to illustrate your story's setting, or you may choose one of the pre-constructed settings below. Or you may do both. Read on to learn more.

Illustrated Story Category
Arrange a room that has a seasonal theme. You may pick any theme that you associate with December or January, be it cultural, traditional, or a cherished memory. Add details and interactive elements to create a vibrant setting for a story. Once the room is complete, write a fictional story of something that happened in that room.

Story Only Category
Follow the directions for the Illustrated Category above, and instead of making your own room, choose one of the rooms listed below as the setting for your story:
 * Packing Peanuts and Cocoa
 * Snowy Day
 * Picnic on the Beach

The Rules

 * You may post exactly one entry in each category.
 * Illustrated Story Entries go here: Entry Thread
 * Story Only Entries go here: Entry Thread
 * Include a link to the room where your story takes place at the top of your entry. One room per entry please.
 * Your story must fit in one post as text. Be mindful that formatting will count against this limit as well.
 * If you need to make changes to your post, you may edit it up to the deadline. Posts edited after the deadline will not be considered.
 * You may use content listed in the shop and/or your own content when arranging a room.
 * Questions should be posted in the discussion thread (link here). Rule updates and clarifications will be posted there as well.

Judging
Entries will be judged on the following qualities (in this order):
 * How original is your story and/or room setting idea?
 * Is there a logical connection between the story and the room?
 * Is the story well written? (Improper spelling and grammar will not disqualify your entry, but please be as clear as possible so the judges can understand you.)
 * Is the room well designed? (Illustrated category only)

Prizes
Additional prizes may be awarded as the judges see fit.

Grand Prize
For the best entry overall. The Grand Prize winner will receive:
 * An in-whirled customized trophy to commemorate the event.
 * A special avatar.

Best Illustrated Entry
The top ranked Illustrated entry (not including the Grand Prize winner) will receive:
 * An in-whirled customized plaque to commemorate the event.
 * A special avatar.

Best Story Entry
The top ranked Story Only entry (not including the Grand Prize winner) will receive:
 * And in-whirled customized plaque to commemorate the event.
 * A special avatar.

Deadline
The contest will start on December 7th at 12:01 AM Pacific Time. All entries must be posted in the correct thread (see The Rules above) by December 21st at 11:59:59 PM Pacific Time. Late entries will not be considered.