As my longtime readers know, every year just before Christmas I release a new, original short story as my annual gift to everyone who follows what I do. I’ve been doing it since the year 2000, and I have no intention of stopping anytime soon. This year’s brand-new story is called “Quality Control.” Ivy Cunningham is returning to her hometown of Quality, North Carolina, to take care of her aunt’s estate, only to find a town full of holiday hunks, single dads, and a logistically questionable winter carnival. Something is going on, but Ivy has no idea what’s really happening behind the scenes of this quiet little town.

Fans of Siegel City, this one brings you back to the universe of Other People’s Heroes and Twinkle, Twinkle for a little bit of holiday hijinks. And a tip of the hat to my lovely wife, Erin, for suggesting a better title than the one I had originally. Please, enjoy!

Christmas 2025: Quality Control

And if you’re new and haven’t read my previous Christmas stories, you’re in luck! There’s a full archive of them right here on my site, and most of the stories are free! Twenty-six previous Christmas stories — and ONE New Year’s story — await you right now!

Blake’s Christmas Archive