One common element is the disruption of family traditions. For example, a sudden illness in the family on Christmas day that prevents everyone from gathering around the table for the big meal or opening presents together. Another element could be bad weather. Snowstorms or heavy rain that stops people from traveling to see their loved ones or causes power outages so the Christmas lights and heaters don't work. Also, problems with presents are common, like getting the wrong gift or having a gift go missing like in the burglary story.
Well, I think the fear of the unknown in a school environment is a big one. Like having a new teacher that is really strict and you don't know what to expect from them. Then there are issues related to popularity. Some students might have nightmares about being completely left out or being the target of mean jokes. And of course, the fear of not fitting in, whether it's because of how you look or your interests, is also common in school nightmare stories.
One common element is the use of dark and isolated settings like old houses, forests at night, or abandoned places. These places create an atmosphere of unease and fear. Another is the presence of the unknown, such as shadowy figures or strange noises that can't be easily explained. Also, there is often a sense of being trapped, whether it's physically in a haunted location or mentally by a terrifying situation.
A frequent element is also the fear of public speaking in class. Standing in front of the whole class, feeling everyone's eyes on you, and your mind going blank. And sometimes, in nightmare school stories, there are problems with the school facilities, like the toilets being really dirty or the cafeteria food being inedible.
One common element is food - related disasters like the turkey getting ruined. Another is problems with decorations such as Christmas lights causing a fire or falling over. Also, bad weather can be a common factor, like snowstorms ruining parades or making travel difficult for those going to family gatherings.
One common element is the unexpected. For example, when normal things suddenly behave in very strange ways, like your pet dog turning into a flying unicorn in a nightmare. It's so out of the ordinary that it becomes funny.
One common element is misrepresentation. People often lie about their appearance, age, or relationship status. For example, someone might use a really old photo on their profile that doesn't look like them at all now.
One common element is food disasters. Like the turkey getting overcooked or the Christmas cookies being burnt. Another is pet - related chaos. Pets can be so unpredictable during Christmas, whether it's knocking over the Christmas tree or stealing the presents.
The unknown is a very disturbing element. For example, in a story where you hear strange noises but can't see what's making them. It plays on our fear of the unexpected and makes our imagination run wild.
Well, rudeness often plays a part. Just like in my first example where the guy was on his phone the whole time. It shows a lack of respect for the other person. Then there's the physical discomfort factor. Maybe the date is in a place that's too hot or cold. And sometimes, there can be a mismatch in expectations. One person might think it's a casual date while the other is thinking it's a more serious, romantic encounter.
Weather can be a common element. For example, a sudden storm on an outdoor wedding can ruin everything. The decorations might get blown away, and the guests get wet. Another common thing is problems with the vendors. Like the florist delivering the wrong flowers or the photographer being late. Also, family drama often plays a part. There could be arguments between family members during the wedding day, which can put a damper on the celebration.