Compassion would be a key element. Just as in Buddhism the idea of compassion towards all beings is central, in a Buddhist Christmas story, a character might show great compassion to those in need during the Christmas time. For example, helping the poor get food or shelter.
The journey of Joseph is also a bit hidden. He had to deal with the situation of Mary's pregnancy, his own doubts perhaps, but still followed God's guidance. He protected Mary and Jesus, and his role as a foster father was vital. He took them to Egypt to escape Herod's wrath, which shows his resourcefulness and commitment to his family, which was an important part of the Christmas story.
Characters with good hearts, like kind children or friendly neighbors. For example, a child sharing their Christmas treats with others. Also, acts of giving, such as donating toys or food. And of course, the Christmas spirit, which could be shown through decorating the house or singing carols together.
In the Buddhist creation story, one key element is the concept of karma. It is believed that actions in past lives influence the present and future. Another important aspect is the cycle of rebirth. Beings are constantly reborn based on their karma. Also, the idea of enlightenment plays a crucial role. It is the ultimate goal that beings strive for to break free from the cycle of suffering and rebirth.
There are often DIY projects gone wrong. For instance, building a sleigh for Santa out of old car parts and plywood. But when they try to test it out, it falls apart. Also, the food can be a great element. Maybe they try to make a gingerbread house but use cornbread instead because that's what they have on hand. And animals can play a part too. A redneck might try to train their hunting dog to pull a small sled with presents on it, but the dog just runs off with the presents instead.
One possible main element could be the Christmas spirit. The story by Leanne Guenther might tell about how the whole town or community gets into the festive mood. There could be descriptions of the snow - covered streets (if it's a story set in a place where it snows during Christmas), the carol singers going from house to house, and how the simple act of giving a small gift can bring so much joy to someone. It could also feature a character learning an important lesson about love and forgiveness during the Christmas period.
The separation of families due to war can also make Christmas a war story. Usually, Christmas is a time for family reunions, but in a war story, families are split apart, with soldiers far from home and civilians in danger or displaced. The emotional turmoil caused by this separation during the Christmas period is a significant element in making it a war story.
There is no traditional "Buddhist Christmas story" in the pure sense as Buddhism and Christmas come from different religious and cultural backgrounds. However, in a modern and inclusive world, one could imagine a story where a Buddhist monk shows kindness and compassion during the Christmas season. For example, a monk might visit an orphanage on Christmas day, bringing gifts of food and words of wisdom, sharing the Buddhist values of loving - kindness and generosity with those who are celebrating Christmas.
Betrayal could be an element. For example, a friend might tell lies about another friend during a Christmas party, causing a rift. Greed is also common, like someone trying to take all the best food or gifts for themselves.
Fake Christmas stories may include elements like Santa having a wild adventure. For example, he could be kidnapped by the Grinch's cousins and has to be rescued by his reindeer. Another element could be Christmas trees that come to life and dance around the town square. This adds a sense of wonder and fun that isn't part of the traditional, more grounded Christmas tales.
There could be elements of different cultures. Since Christmas is celebrated in various ways around the world, the left and right might symbolize different cultural interpretations. For example, the left could represent a more European - style Christmas with elaborate markets and the right could be a more American - style with big family dinners. And the 'free' aspect could mean that the characters are free to experience both.