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Eve: A Christmas Short Horror Story
It's the night before Christmas and Eve's parents aren't entirely sure they've made the right decisions with regards to presents for their daughter. They repeatedly asked her to write Santa a letter, detailing what she wanted, but she said there was no need because he knew. Apparently, when you're magic like he is, letters are a waste of time. He reaches out to children in their dreams, according to Eve, and learns all they truly want.
That might have been easy for the parents to do too; watch their child and see what she is paying attention to but Eve is closed off to pretty much everyone, including them. She spends most of her time in her bedroom, or just looking out of the window. She doesn't have a favourite cartoon, she shows no care for the latest toys. They don't feel like they really know her and - in the morning - the last thing they want to do is disappoint her by presenting the wrong gifts.
As the clock struck midnight, they knew they only had a few more hours before she'd wake and their day would begin. Neither of them could sleep. Neither of them wanted to ruin the magic of Christmas by having Santa "guess wrong"...
This is a short story, for your enjoyment on Christmas Eve
That might have been easy for the parents to do too; watch their child and see what she is paying attention to but Eve is closed off to pretty much everyone, including them. She spends most of her time in her bedroom, or just looking out of the window. She doesn't have a favourite cartoon, she shows no care for the latest toys. They don't feel like they really know her and - in the morning - the last thing they want to do is disappoint her by presenting the wrong gifts.
As the clock struck midnight, they knew they only had a few more hours before she'd wake and their day would begin. Neither of them could sleep. Neither of them wanted to ruin the magic of Christmas by having Santa "guess wrong"...
This is a short story, for your enjoyment on Christmas Eve
15 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 24, 2019
24 people are currently reading
238 people want to read
About the author
Matt Shaw
534 books2,213 followersBiography
MATT SHAW was born, quite by accident (his mother tripped, he shot out) September 30th 1980 in Winchester hospital where he was immediately placed on the baby ward and EBay. Some twelve years later (wandering the corridors of the hospital and playing with road kill when he was on day release), the listing closed and he remained unsold, he was booted out of the hospital to start his life as a writer and hobbit – beginning with writing screenplays and short stories for his own amusement before finally getting published when he was twenty-seven years and forty-five seconds old.
Once Published weekly in a lad's magazine with his photography work, Matt Shaw is also a published author and cartoonist. Has to be said, can be a bit of a flirt and definitely, without a shadow of a doubt, somewhat of a klutz.
Favourite books
"Roald Dahl's Collection of Short Stories"
Tim Burton's Melancholy Death of Oyster Boy
Anything, really, written by himself. Because he is that good.
MATT SHAW was born, quite by accident (his mother tripped, he shot out) September 30th 1980 in Winchester hospital where he was immediately placed on the baby ward and EBay. Some twelve years later (wandering the corridors of the hospital and playing with road kill when he was on day release), the listing closed and he remained unsold, he was booted out of the hospital to start his life as a writer and hobbit – beginning with writing screenplays and short stories for his own amusement before finally getting published when he was twenty-seven years and forty-five seconds old.
Once Published weekly in a lad's magazine with his photography work, Matt Shaw is also a published author and cartoonist. Has to be said, can be a bit of a flirt and definitely, without a shadow of a doubt, somewhat of a klutz.
Favourite books
"Roald Dahl's Collection of Short Stories"
Tim Burton's Melancholy Death of Oyster Boy
Anything, really, written by himself. Because he is that good.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
December 16, 2020
Very short, twisted story about a little girl and what she wants Santa to bring her for Christmas. Enjoyable for how short it was, even though I guessed what was coming in the end.
December 29, 2020
That was short and demented 😃
Mel 🖤🐶🐺🐾
Mel 🖤🐶🐺🐾
January 12, 2020
Short short story - If you know how Shaw's mind works, there is only one thing that can happen.
Now, I really would have been impressed if it was something completely different...like, perhaps (and I'm just spitballing here):
Eve's plan was actually to kill Santa himself, because she didn't get what she wanted the last time she wrote a letter. After her arrest, her statement could have been something like:
"I was 4, right? And I asked for a recipe to make my own moonshine. Hey, Kindergarten was around the corner, my parents lock up their booze, how the hell else was this bitch supposed to get paid, yo?"
Of course, I've lost touch with how the cool kids speak at age six, so I have no idea if she would have called it "moonshine" or perhaps "Daddy's happy juice", so don't judge me too harshly on the terminology...
Now, I really would have been impressed if it was something completely different...like, perhaps (and I'm just spitballing here):
Eve's plan was actually to kill Santa himself, because she didn't get what she wanted the last time she wrote a letter. After her arrest, her statement could have been something like:
"I was 4, right? And I asked for a recipe to make my own moonshine. Hey, Kindergarten was around the corner, my parents lock up their booze, how the hell else was this bitch supposed to get paid, yo?"
Of course, I've lost touch with how the cool kids speak at age six, so I have no idea if she would have called it "moonshine" or perhaps "Daddy's happy juice", so don't judge me too harshly on the terminology...
December 24, 2020
‘I don’t need to write a letter,’ Eve said. ‘You don’t? Why not? How will Father Christmas know what to get you?’ ‘Because he’s magic.’ ‘Magic?’
A sick, twisted xmas quick read... and the ending was not the one I was epecting for.
A few pages more to flesh up characters and it could have been a five stars read.
Dani was more optimistic than Tony and reassured him, ‘I’m sure she’ll love it all.’ She added, ‘It’s just a snowman.’ ‘Snow-monster.’ ‘Okay. It’s just a snow-monster. It doesn’t mean she won’t like any of her gifts.’ ‘I hope so.’ ‘She will. It will be fine.’
Ho ho ho!
December 7, 2020
This is an author I have never read before but I would like to read more to see if there is more scary stuff out there by him. The characters are nicely represented and come across as mostly three-dimensional but without a lot of personalities. The story is kind of vague since you don't have any idea of why they keep asking her about what she wants and her reluctance in doing it. This is a very short story but does a decent job of telling the tale.
Every Christmas has been the same as Eve's parents try to get her presents that she will truly enjoy. They have tried to get her to write a letter to Santa but Eve refuses and insists that he is magic and will simply know. Here it is the night before Christmas once again and they are wondering if they've made the right choices or whether they will get the polite Thank you of years past.
I have said this was a good read and to make things better the ending was a bit of a surprise even though I knew to expect something of a macabre nature.
Every Christmas has been the same as Eve's parents try to get her presents that she will truly enjoy. They have tried to get her to write a letter to Santa but Eve refuses and insists that he is magic and will simply know. Here it is the night before Christmas once again and they are wondering if they've made the right choices or whether they will get the polite Thank you of years past.
I have said this was a good read and to make things better the ending was a bit of a surprise even though I knew to expect something of a macabre nature.
December 25, 2024
A very uncomfortable and uncertain experience here. Perfect for the holidays. Lots of great foreshadowing and lead-up, but the finale fell flat. This didn’t need to be some monumental 500 page epic, but there was tons of promise in 15 short pages. And there absolutely could have been plenty more to carry the short story much further. Not great, but still not a bad way to spend 15 minutes on Christmas Day. Happy holidays everyone!!
December 13, 2022
Well that got me in a murderously festive mood.
A short, easy yet entertaining read.
A short, easy yet entertaining read.
January 16, 2020
This was my first read from Shaw. It was pretty short but it did hold my interest throughout. Eve's wish wasn't quite what I was expecting but it was definitely chilling!I look forward to checking out more from this author.
November 29, 2022
I don’t think Eve’s parents really want to know what she wanted for Christmas lol
January 1, 2025
I just needed more
When it comes to Matt Shaw, I expect "more". More description, more blood, guts, gore. I feel like maybe 5 additional pages to continue this through the end would've been possible. However, if this was meant to be a cliffhanger then, Mr. Shaw, you did it right. I still love this author; this was just an extremely quick story.
When it comes to Matt Shaw, I expect "more". More description, more blood, guts, gore. I feel like maybe 5 additional pages to continue this through the end would've been possible. However, if this was meant to be a cliffhanger then, Mr. Shaw, you did it right. I still love this author; this was just an extremely quick story.
December 28, 2019
I enjoy Matt Shaw's writing. This story was nice and creepy and, although it could have been much longer and detailed, it was a fun read. It didn't take the direction I expected and that was cool. I'm glad this was part of my holiday horror reading this year! :)
February 10, 2020
An absolutely twisted and dark holiday story which is just what I would expect from Shaw :o) This was a quick but very entertaining read with quite a twist at the end. It would really make a great addition to a series on Shudder or Netflix someday.
December 13, 2021
If only it were longer! But it was fun
December 12, 2022
That ending gave me goosebumps.
November 30, 2023
This was a short but impactful little Christmas tale about a child's belief in Santa Claus.
December 19, 2025
I enjoyed the writing and atmosphere but I needed more. There wasn’t enough gore in this horror story. The story could have been longer and more detailed. Shaw does end the story on a cliffhanger which leaves the reader thinking about future events.
December 10, 2023
Quick little Xmas story about little eve and her Xmas wish 😉
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 4, 2020
A New Favorite Christmas Horror for Me! ;)
Matt has definitely created another favorite to add to my Collection, hitting my twisted funny bone. Okay, some people may not laugh at a lot of his stories, but I just can't help myself.
No noticeable typos or errors in sentence structure, a well developed storyline with enough character development to get to know and like the characters (some might not think so, but come on, what more do you want from a short story?). Highly Recommended.
Matt has definitely created another favorite to add to my Collection, hitting my twisted funny bone. Okay, some people may not laugh at a lot of his stories, but I just can't help myself.
No noticeable typos or errors in sentence structure, a well developed storyline with enough character development to get to know and like the characters (some might not think so, but come on, what more do you want from a short story?). Highly Recommended.
December 28, 2019
All I Want For Christmas
Is to be able to believe in Santa Claus again. I might try to build a Christmas Monster myself. Maybe if I wish hard enough...my dreams might come true.
#HolidayHorror
Is to be able to believe in Santa Claus again. I might try to build a Christmas Monster myself. Maybe if I wish hard enough...my dreams might come true.
#HolidayHorror
December 12, 2023
‘… Does it not bother you?’
‘What?’
‘That we don’t really know our own daughter?'
Meh.
E-📖
‘What?’
‘That we don’t really know our own daughter?'
Meh.
E-📖
November 22, 2024
Another great short story for your Christmas needs! This one was twisted as hell. I really enjoyed it. 15 pages of a truly troubled young girl and her Christmas wish being unfulfilled yet again.
It's Christmas Eve and Eve's parents are worried their daughter won't be satisfied again this Christmas. Eve never lets them know what she wants as she insists that Santa is magic and he just knows. Why would she need to write a letter every year? She has also been a good girl as every year has passed on.
The father is more worried about their daughter than the mother. Eve has always been a loner and on the quiet side. She doesn't seem like she's happy and doesn't show any emotion whatsoever. They both feel like they've let their daughter down and they truly have no idea who she is.
This year Eve is really trying her best to get Father Christmas to fulfill her wishes. She has built a snowman that she believes will help her get his attention.
The ending was CHILLING. Definitely add this one to your Holiday reading list!
It's Christmas Eve and Eve's parents are worried their daughter won't be satisfied again this Christmas. Eve never lets them know what she wants as she insists that Santa is magic and he just knows. Why would she need to write a letter every year? She has also been a good girl as every year has passed on.
The father is more worried about their daughter than the mother. Eve has always been a loner and on the quiet side. She doesn't seem like she's happy and doesn't show any emotion whatsoever. They both feel like they've let their daughter down and they truly have no idea who she is.
This year Eve is really trying her best to get Father Christmas to fulfill her wishes. She has built a snowman that she believes will help her get his attention.
The ending was CHILLING. Definitely add this one to your Holiday reading list!
December 4, 2024
Eve siempre se porta bien, y sin embargo, Santa no le ha traído lo que desea. Dani y Tony, sus padres, insisten en que debe escribirle una carta para que Santa sepa lo que ella quiere.
Eve piensa que eso es una tontería, Santa es mágico!! Si puede recordar los nombres de todos los niños y sus direcciones, no debería necesitar una carta para saber lo que ella más desea.
Este año Dani y Tony están un poco nerviosos, esperan que lo que le han comprado a Eve por Navidad sea lo que ella quiere, sin una carta a Santa como referencia, únicamente pueden tratar de adivinar y cubrir todas las posibilidades.
El año pasado Eve se veía realmente decepcionada con sus regalos. Así que esperan haber acertado esta vez. Sólo que, ni en un millón de años podrían si quiera imaginar los oscuros deseos del corazón de su hija.
Cómo me encantan las historias de terror navideño!! Ésta es genial, es corta y sumamente perturbadora e inquietante!! Me dejó bastante apachurrado el corazón.
Eve piensa que eso es una tontería, Santa es mágico!! Si puede recordar los nombres de todos los niños y sus direcciones, no debería necesitar una carta para saber lo que ella más desea.
Este año Dani y Tony están un poco nerviosos, esperan que lo que le han comprado a Eve por Navidad sea lo que ella quiere, sin una carta a Santa como referencia, únicamente pueden tratar de adivinar y cubrir todas las posibilidades.
El año pasado Eve se veía realmente decepcionada con sus regalos. Así que esperan haber acertado esta vez. Sólo que, ni en un millón de años podrían si quiera imaginar los oscuros deseos del corazón de su hija.
Cómo me encantan las historias de terror navideño!! Ésta es genial, es corta y sumamente perturbadora e inquietante!! Me dejó bastante apachurrado el corazón.
December 5, 2021
🎄🎁 Book #3 for #Christmas2021 🎄🎁
Eve: A Christmas Short Horror Story
Eve doesn't understand what she's done wrong. She's been good. Her parents have even confirmed it. So, why hasn't Santa brought her the gift that she desires most? Worrying that she'll go without for another year, Eve decides to pursue what she's been dying for by herself.
This chilling tale packs a powerful punch. Absolutely not at all what I was expecting 🤭. I really love the way Shaw can use such little word space and give me the creeps. This makes me enjoy his work more because sometimes less is actually more and he does a great job of showing that with his books. 4 🌟
Eve: A Christmas Short Horror Story
Eve doesn't understand what she's done wrong. She's been good. Her parents have even confirmed it. So, why hasn't Santa brought her the gift that she desires most? Worrying that she'll go without for another year, Eve decides to pursue what she's been dying for by herself.
This chilling tale packs a powerful punch. Absolutely not at all what I was expecting 🤭. I really love the way Shaw can use such little word space and give me the creeps. This makes me enjoy his work more because sometimes less is actually more and he does a great job of showing that with his books. 4 🌟
March 14, 2025
“You don’t think we’ve made a mistake?”
It’s Christmas Eve, and there’s a heavy blizzard outside.
Dani and Tony are with their daughter, Eve (8).
Eve made an incredible snowman outside. Exceptional detail, especially for her age.
Dani tries to get Eve to share her Christmas list. But Eve refuses; she says Santa doesn’t need it because he’s magical.
On closer inspection, Eve’s snowman is quite disturbing.
The parents are concerned by Eve’s odd behavior. Perhaps she needs therapy. After all, what child creates a snow-monster?
Not crazy about the ending; was hoping for more creepy snow-monster and less creepy child.
“I love my presents, but I wanted something else from Father Christmas, and he didn’t bring it.”
It’s Christmas Eve, and there’s a heavy blizzard outside.
Dani and Tony are with their daughter, Eve (8).
Eve made an incredible snowman outside. Exceptional detail, especially for her age.
Dani tries to get Eve to share her Christmas list. But Eve refuses; she says Santa doesn’t need it because he’s magical.
On closer inspection, Eve’s snowman is quite disturbing.
The parents are concerned by Eve’s odd behavior. Perhaps she needs therapy. After all, what child creates a snow-monster?
Not crazy about the ending; was hoping for more creepy snow-monster and less creepy child.
“I love my presents, but I wanted something else from Father Christmas, and he didn’t bring it.”
December 25, 2019
I would love to give a 5 star rating, but there is one problem.....the story is too short!! You get involved and bam! It's over, you're left wondering what happens. Even though I found it too short, I still recommend the story to anyone.
I would love to give a 5 star rating, but there is one problem....the story is too short! You get involved and bam! It's over- you're left wondering what happens. Even though I found it too short, I still recommend the story to anyone to read.
I would love to give a 5 star rating, but there is one problem....the story is too short! You get involved and bam! It's over- you're left wondering what happens. Even though I found it too short, I still recommend the story to anyone to read.
December 18, 2021
There’s a Chill in the Air!
Ah ha, a dark little Christmas story with incredibly striking and scary cover art… LOVE! If you aren’t feeling cold enough because of winter’s low temperatures, this story is sure to up the chill factor. There’s an itty bitty twist at the end, but nothing that will catch a clever reader off guard. While it’s overall a pretty tame story, I thoroughly enjoyed this very quick holiday horror read!
Ah ha, a dark little Christmas story with incredibly striking and scary cover art… LOVE! If you aren’t feeling cold enough because of winter’s low temperatures, this story is sure to up the chill factor. There’s an itty bitty twist at the end, but nothing that will catch a clever reader off guard. While it’s overall a pretty tame story, I thoroughly enjoyed this very quick holiday horror read!
December 14, 2022
Another Christmas tale of horror. You will never see your Childs list to Santa list the same again.
Imagine you are trying to coax out of your child their present list to Santa. Your child says Santa is magic and knows what they want.
Imagine been troubled by your child’s words and then their snowman. Unfortunately unbeknown to the parents it is not snowman.
It looks evil
It looks like a monster
It replicates the heart of your child.
A child that is coming for you with
A KNIFE
Imagine you are trying to coax out of your child their present list to Santa. Your child says Santa is magic and knows what they want.
Imagine been troubled by your child’s words and then their snowman. Unfortunately unbeknown to the parents it is not snowman.
It looks evil
It looks like a monster
It replicates the heart of your child.
A child that is coming for you with
A KNIFE
December 25, 2019
Just had to sneak in some sort of Christmas read!
This story would have been good if it had been a little longer. 15 pages is nowhere near long enough for me to get stuck in! I liked the premise (anything remotely messed up will catch my attention). But so we have it! My one Christmas read of the year!
This story would have been good if it had been a little longer. 15 pages is nowhere near long enough for me to get stuck in! I liked the premise (anything remotely messed up will catch my attention). But so we have it! My one Christmas read of the year!
January 10, 2020
Christmas According to Mat Shaw
This is a short story of Christmas as only Matt Shaw can write. The odd, weird, and just plain strange tale is about a little girl and her wish for Christmas. I really like this author and could read his books all day.
I highly recommend you read one of his books.
This is a short story of Christmas as only Matt Shaw can write. The odd, weird, and just plain strange tale is about a little girl and her wish for Christmas. I really like this author and could read his books all day.
I highly recommend you read one of his books.
January 13, 2020
Eve is a terrific story, but way too short! 4.5 stars
I was really getting into it and it just ended. I hate spoilers so I can't tell you anything else...but I wouldn't mind a couple hundred more pages. I will admit the author is terrific and I will be looking for more of his stories, but longer.
I was really getting into it and it just ended. I hate spoilers so I can't tell you anything else...but I wouldn't mind a couple hundred more pages. I will admit the author is terrific and I will be looking for more of his stories, but longer.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews