Unexpected events. For example, like a snowman coming to life in a story in a completely non - magical world. It catches the reader off - guard and is humorous.
Character traits play a big role too. A clumsy character who is constantly slipping on the ice or a character who is overly confident about their winter survival skills but fails miserably can make a winter short story very funny. Their over - the - top reactions to their own misfortunes and the situations they get themselves into can bring out the humor.
Animals in winter can add humor. For example, a squirrel trying to hide its nuts in a snowman and getting confused when the snowman melts a bit. Or a dog that jumps into a big pile of snow and comes out looking like a white, furry monster.
A play on words can be really funny in a short story. For instance, if a character named Ben is a baker and he says 'I'm Ben the baking man, I bake till I make', it gives a chuckle. Also, the reversal of roles, like a mouse chasing a cat, can create a humorous short story. Incongruity between the setting and the action, such as having a penguin at a desert party, is also great for humor.
Snow is a very common element. For example, stories about building snowmen that come to life in a funny way, or someone getting buried in the snow while trying to do something silly. Another element is ice. Maybe someone slipping on ice and doing a comical fall. Animals in winter can also be in these stories. Like a reindeer getting into mischief in a snowy forest.
One element is unexpected twists. For example, in a story where a rich man tries to buy happiness but ends up finding it in the simple friendship of a poor beggar. The contrast between his expectation and the actual outcome is both funny and profound. Another is the use of simple yet deep - rooted characters. A character like an old tree that has seen generations come and go can convey profound wisdom in a funny way as it comments on the silly things humans do. Also, a play on words or misunderstandings can add humor while also leading to a profound realization, like when a character misunderstands the meaning of 'fortune' as just money but later realizes it means much more, like health and relationships.
Humor in a short love story can come from cultural differences. If a couple from different countries start dating, they might have funny misunderstandings about dating customs. For example, in one country, a gift on the first date is normal, but in the other, it's considered too forward. Also, the use of pets can be funny. Say a girl has a big, slobbery dog that always jumps on her new boyfriend, but the boyfriend starts to love the dog as much as he loves the girl. And then there's the use of inside jokes. A couple that has their own unique jokes that they laugh about constantly, which makes their relationship special and also adds a touch of humor to their story.
Surprise elements often make a xmas story funny. For example, when a gift turns out to be something completely unexpected like in the story of the boy getting a mini - plush dinosaur instead of a real - life - size one. Another element could be animal antics. Animals not behaving as expected during Christmas, like the reindeer eating the Christmas tree, can be really humorous.
Surprise is a key element. For example, in a story where a person thinks they are getting a romantic dinner but end up at a petting zoo for Valentine's Day. Another is miscommunication like when someone sends a love letter to the wrong person and the chaos that follows. Also, the use of humorous characters, like a clumsy Cupid who keeps missing his targets with his arrows.
Surprise is a big one. For example, in the story about the man seeing spots and the doctor's reply, the unexpected response from the doctor makes it funny. It's not what you would normally expect in that situation.
Satire can play a role. When a short story makes fun of a common behavior or stereotype in a clever way, it can be funny and have that 'nasty' edge. For instance, if it satirizes people who are always on their phones by having a character so glued to their phone that they walk into a pool. Also, unexpected character actions. A character who is supposed to be a 'goody - two - shoes' suddenly doing something really naughty like stealing a cookie from a baby (in a very exaggerated and comical way).
One element is the innocence of kids. Kids see the world in a different way. They might misinterpret things in a really cute and funny way. Another is the simple situations they get into. A simple act like giving a pet a bath can turn into a hilarious event because of their inexperience. And of course, the reactions of the kids themselves. Their over - the - top reactions to normal things are what make these stories so funny.