Happy holidays?

Not in the movies.

Ask Clark Griswold of “Christmas Vacation.” Or little Kevin in “Home Alone.”

Poor George is going to jump off a bridge in “It’s a Wonderful Life.” John McClane arrives at his wife’s company Christmas party only to be shot at and beat up in “Die Hard.” The holidays aren’t any easier on John in “Die Hard 2.” Yippee-ki-yay, Father Christmas.

And then there’s that kid in “A Christmas Story.”

No, the holidays are tough on folks in real life and reel life.

And here’s your chance to make it both worse and better.

Today we announce our One-Minute Horrible Holidays Film Festival.

We want you to make an original one-minute film about a horrible holiday. It can be about almost anything holiday-related — within reason, of course. Some of our readers are quite impressionable.

Some rules: Films can be no longer than 60 seconds total. They need to be under 500 mg in size. And any music in the video has to be original. No “Jingle Bells,” no “We Wish You a Merry Christmas.” That last rule is a toughie, we know, but our lawyers say you’ll just have to get creative.

Once you’ve finished your film, go to upload it here: videos.kansascity.com/vmix_hosted_apps/p/upload. You may have to register on the site. When you submit your video, you’ll need to provide your name, address and a daytime phone number. Under “genre” choose “Horrible Holidays.” Then send an email to movies@kcstar.com to let us know you’ve submitted a film.

Deadline: 10 a.m. Dec. 10.

We’ll then ask readers to vote on the winners, who will win gift cards to their favorite movie theater.

Just remember, no matter how dire things look, how long you’re left home alone or how many German terrorists try to take over the airport, in holiday movies, everything generally works out in the end.