Each year, the Mirror asks readers to share memories from Christmas’ past.

This year, after a Mirror staffer laughingly told the tale of a too-big Christmas tree that required the use of hedge trimmers inside the house, we knew we had our theme — holiday happenings that could ruin Christmas, but instead live on in stories passed down through the years — or, to make that mouthful much more palatable, hilarious holiday horror stories.

Readers are invited to share stories via an email or snail mail. If you have photos of the event, that would be great, too.

Please tell us when and what happened, the final outcome and with whom you share the memories.

Please include your name and town, along with a phone number. Phone numbers will not be published and are used only for confirmation.

Stories can be submitted via email at news@altoonamirror.com. Please tag the subject as Christmas stories. Mail can be sent to Editorial Department, Holiday stories, 301 Cayuga Ave., Altoona, PA 16603.

The deadline for submissions is 5 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 17. For more information, call Holly at 814-946-7451.