#Buy christmas kraft bags

[easykartlabels]

Buy Christmas Gift Boxes: Stylish and Practical Packaging for Your Holiday Gifts

The holiday season is the perfect time to show your loved ones how much you care. One of the most important aspects of gift-giving is presentation, and Christmas gift boxes offer a stylish and convenient way to wrap your presents. Whether you're wrapping up a small trinket or a large, thoughtful gift, these boxes not only keep your presents safe but also add a festive touch to your holiday celebrations.

Why Buy Christmas Gift Boxes?

Christmas gift boxes have become a favorite packaging option for many people during the holiday season. Here are a few reasons why they are an excellent choice:

Convenience and Time-Saving

Gift boxes are incredibly easy to use. Unlike wrapping paper, which can take time to measure and cut, gift boxes require no special tools or skills. Simply place the gift inside, secure the lid, and you’re done! This makes them a quick and hassle-free option for busy holiday shoppers.

Durability and Protection

Gift boxes provide excellent protection for your presents. They are designed to keep your items secure and safe from damage during transportation or handling. Whether you're shipping gifts across the country or handing them directly to a loved one, a sturdy gift box ensures that the contents arrive in perfect condition.

Types of Christmas Gift Boxes

There are many different types of Buy Christmas gift boxes, each designed for different types of presents and personal preferences. Here are a few popular options:

Traditional Holiday Designs

Traditional Christmas gift boxes often feature festive designs, such as snowflakes, reindeer, and Christmas trees. These boxes are perfect for adding a classic holiday touch to your gifts. Available in a variety of sizes, they are ideal for both small and large items.

Luxury Gift Boxes

If you're giving a more expensive or delicate gift, a luxury gift box is a great choice. These boxes are often made from high-quality materials like thick cardboard or even wood. They may feature elegant designs, metallic accents, or embossed patterns for a sophisticated look. Luxury gift boxes provide an extra level of protection and make the gift feel even more special.

Eco-Friendly Gift Boxes

For those who are environmentally conscious, eco-friendly gift boxes made from recycled or sustainable materials are an excellent option. These boxes are designed to minimize waste and reduce environmental impact while still offering the same high-quality appearance and durability. Many eco-friendly boxes also come in chic, minimalist designs, making them both stylish and eco-conscious.

Benefits of Buying Christmas Gift Boxes

Choosing Christmas gift boxes comes with several benefits that make them an attractive option for the holiday season:

Saves Time and Effort

Gift boxes eliminate the need for complicated wrapping techniques. Instead of spending time struggling with wrapping paper, tape, and ribbons, you can simply place the gift in a box and secure it. This saves valuable time, especially when you have multiple gifts to wrap.

Professional and Neat Appearance

Christmas gift boxes offer a clean, neat look that is hard to achieve with traditional wrapping paper. They provide a professional finish that makes your gifts appear polished and well-thought-out. Whether you're wrapping gifts for family, friends, or coworkers, a gift box creates an elegant and cohesive look.

Reusable and Multipurpose

Many gift boxes are made from durable materials that allow them to be reused for future occasions. After the holiday season, these boxes can be used for storing small items, organizing household goods, or even reused for future gift-giving. The reuse factor makes gift boxes an eco-friendly and practical choice.

How to Choose the Right Christmas Gift Box

Selecting the right gift box is essential for ensuring that your gift is presented beautifully and securely. Here’s how to choose the perfect box for your needs:

Consider the Size of the Gift

Gift boxes come in various sizes, so it’s important to select one that fits your gift perfectly. Too large of a box might make your gift look lost, while too small a box can cause your item to be crammed inside. Be sure to choose a box that’s just the right size for your present to ensure a neat and tidy presentation.

Match the Design to the Recipient

Choose a box that suits the recipient's personality or the theme of the gift. For example, if you're gifting something fun and playful, opt for a bright and colorful box. If the gift is more formal or sophisticated, a classic, elegant design might be a better match.

Ensure Secure Closure

Make sure that the box you choose has a secure closure, whether it's a lid that fits tightly or a flap that tucks in. This will ensure that your gift remains safely inside the box during transit and handling.

Where to Buy Christmas Gift Boxes

Buy Christmas gift boxes can be found in a variety of places, both online and in stores. Popular retailers such as Amazon, Walmart, and Target offer a wide selection of gift boxes, ranging from basic designs to luxury options. For more unique or custom designs, check out platforms like Etsy, where you can find handcrafted or personalized gift boxes. Local craft stores may also carry seasonal gift packaging options.

Conclusion

In conclusion, buying Christmas gift boxes is a practical and stylish way to present your holiday gifts. With their convenience, durability, and wide variety of designs, these boxes make gift-giving easier and more festive. Whether you're wrapping small trinkets or large, expensive presents, gift boxes offer a neat, professional appearance that adds a touch of elegance to any gift. So, this holiday season, choose Christmas gift boxes to ensure your presents are beautifully packaged and ready to bring joy to your loved ones.

[persimmonteas]

Donations to Food Banks

source

Everyone donates Kraft Mac and Cheese in the box. They can rarely use it because it needs milk and butter which is hard to get from regular food banks.

Boxed milk is a treasure, as kids need it for cereal which they also get a lot of.

Everyone donates pasta sauce and spaghetti noodles.

They cannot eat all the awesome canned veggies and soup unless you put a can opener in too or buy pop tops.

Oil is a luxury but needed for Rice a-Roni which they also get a lot of.

Spices or salt and pepper would be a real Christmas gift.

Tea bags and coffee make them feel like you care.

Sugar and flour are treats.

They fawn over fresh produce donated by farmers and grocery stores.

Seeds are cool in Spring and Summer because growing can be easy for some.

They rarely get fresh meat.

Tuna and crackers make a good lunch.

Hamburger Helper goes nowhere without ground beef.

They get lots of peanut butter and jelly but usually not sandwich bread.

Butter or margarine is nice too.

Eggs are a real commodity.

Cake mix and frosting makes it possible to make a child’s birthday cake.

Dishwashing detergent is very expensive and is always appreciated.

Feminine hygiene products are a luxury and women will cry over that.

Everyone loves Stove Top Stuffing.

Check with your local food bank that they accept fresh produce/meat.

[gutouhua]

𝐛𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐝𝐲 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞

vampire!kaeya x human!f.reader

wc. 1395

tags. kaeya drinking reader's blood, penetrative sex, hickeys, slight dumbification, size difference, cervix-fucking sorta, not edited

a/n. last reader insert piece i'll post for the year! i love the reader fic community very dearly--y'all were the ones that made me want to write!--so even if i'm writing other stuff besides reader fics, know i will always be back! gonna be working on zine stuff & the next part of shrine master's bride in the new year! i hope you lovelies have a gentle christmas and peaceful rest of the year <3

𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐭! 𝐏𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐄 𝐃𝐎 𝐍𝐎𝐓 𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃 𝐎𝐑 𝐈𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐀𝐂𝐓 𝐖𝐈𝐓𝐇 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐔𝐍𝐋𝐄𝐒𝐒 𝐘𝐎𝐔'𝐑𝐄 𝟏𝟖+!

There were times when Kaeya felt that he was made specifically for you. For your needs, your comfort, your pleasure. A knight at his queen’s service. 

At the farmer’s market, he’d carry everything for you even though he knew you were more than capable of doing it yourself. He’d never admit it, but it was just an excuse to be by your side. 

And as you flitted from stall to stall, he’d trail after you with heavy arms, juggling bags and parcels of food and trinkets, and admire your pretty sundress. He told himself that he followed behind to protect you, but it was mostly so that he could enjoy—ogle—the way the cotton voile clung to your ass. 

You’d always buy fresh fruit, vegetables, and meats wrapped in kraft paper. (Bloodied steaks, he’d noticed, were a particular favorite of yours.) 

But the shop you always lingered the longest at was the dessert shop. Dainty frosted cakes, golden flaky pastries, and soft cookies presented prettily in delicate containers was your ultimate weakness. The shopkeeper always had your order of sugar rush ready even before you arrived, and Kaeya was always careful to balance your desserts in expert fashion, careful not to jostle them too much. 

(The last time your baklava got crushed into a sticky, flaky mess, you refused to kiss him for an entire day which left Kaeya very distraught and aching.) 

And when you come back from a mission, your familiar scent smothered by the tang of feral vampires, Kaeya would greet you like clockwork with a kiss and a hug at the door despite his intense aversion towards the smell of ferals. 

He’d hoist you up into his arms and carry you to the bathroom before peeling your hunting clothes off and depositing you into a bath scented with your favorite rose oils. The bathwater would get most of the stink out, but Kaeya knew your muscles would ache from the hunting and that some of the stench would linger, he’d work the knots in your body and scrub at the blood that stained your scarred skin. He always started at your neck and ended with your toes and you’d always try to stop him—you were extremely ticklish—but in the end, he always had his way. 

But archons. When you were under him—

“I swear you get wetter—tighter, ah fuck—” you desperately arch up against his hips, chasing heat and friction, “—when my fangs are on your neck. Why’s that baby?” Kaeya mumbles. Sugar and sin against your beating pulse, so loud you can somehow hear it through the rough rasp of his voice and the erotic sounds of your bodies intertwining with each other. 

Kaeya is mocking, but his tone belies his own control; taut, thin strands of sweet candy floss that could snap at any moment. But your unraveling is always his goal, what’s most important to him, so he squeezes his eyes shut to push the bleeding red from his eyes and tightens his grip on your hips to anchor himself. 

“I—I don’t know—” Your answer comes out as a moan, half-delirious from the steady pressure building between the juncture of your thighs, and you buck against him again before digging your heels into his lower back to keep him inside you. 

But Kaeya simply ignores you with a lazy smile, instead mimicking the drag of his hard length inside you with blunted fangs against the column of his throat. The dull pain slides across your sensitized skin, a numbing, delicious promise. 

“P-Please I, I need, ah,” you whimper brokenly, trying to fight your mind for words when Kaeya presses a perfectly timed callused palm to your stomach. And suddenly it feels like he’s filling you everywhere, consuming all the empty spaces in your body. 

“You need what, darling? You’re a smart girl so use your words,” he chides, dragging each thrust out—slow and honey amidst the haze of your pleasure. “You know I’ll give you whatever you ask for. Command me as you see fit.” 

“It’s easy for you to say when you—” 

A sharp thrust, full. His tip kisses your cervix and the stretch almost hurts, making you scramble for a fistful of his hair to steady yourself. Keeping his pace steady, he returns to nibble your neck, fangs teasing and nipping the hollow of your neck. Even when you whine against him, raking your nails down his back, Kaeya doesn’t stop until he feels he’s lavished enough attention on your neck. He licks the blooming purple rose on your neck and draws back to admire his handiwork. 

Kaeya hums. “Is that what you need, baby?”

The vibrations travel straight to your core, and you shake your head and whine. Kaeya grins. He knows that’s not what you meant, but seeing you beg and fall apart is so much better than just giving it straight to you.

He liked the chase almost as much as he liked watching you lose your mind. 

“Y-You know that’s not it. That’s not what I want,” you cry while squirming, trying to seek sweet, hard relief.

“Then tell me, baby.” 

Your muscles tighten with each quick thrust, the heavy drag of his cock like a key twisting your insides tighter and tighter. “I want you to-to—ah, fuck, baby not—”

“Words, baby,” he whispers hotly. Fire and brimstone. 

"I-I can’t,” you sob shakily, tears welling in your eyes. 

Kaeya flips you over and pulls your hair lightly, creating a delicious burn on your scalp. You dig your hands into the sheets, crinkling the silk as you blink wet eyes in an attempt to focus your thoughts. 

“Poor baby,” he coos, not at all sorry if the way he thrusted into your cunt was any indication of his intentions. “Too dumb to speak, are you? Can’t use your big girl words?” 

“Want you, mmf, want your, ah, fangs, please—” 

“Ah, my love.” Kaeya slips two fingers into your mouth, pressing against your tongue. Warm saliva drips down his cold fingers. “I’ve got you now,” he murmured, voice low against the shell of your ear. “You want me to drink your blood, baby?”

You turn, nodding as much as you could given the position.

“Then I need you to cum.” Kaeya pulled out, and you whimpered at the loss, a cry of frustration bubbling in your throat. 

“But I want it now. I don’t care if it hurts,” you whine, eyes glassy with need. 

“I need you to cum so it hurts less though, baby. You know that’s how we always do it.” Kaeya adjusts himself and lines the tip up with your pussy, moving his cock up and down to spread your slick and tease your clit. “So will you be a good girl for me and cum so I can reward you?” 

You nod. You’re so close to the edge that you know you’ll cum the moment he sinks into you again. 

He kisses you. Full-bodied, tongue circling yours, and pulls back when he smells the frustration—arousal—increase. He steadies himself against your cunt before pushing inside without warning in one fluid motion, and remembers that he still has to stay sane enough to give you what you want. (But it’s hard to think when his balls are pressed tight against your ass, and your insides feel tighter than they did before.) Kaeya drags his heavy length out, leaving just the tip inside your wet heat, before achingly pushing back in. 

Close, close—

“Almost there?” he murmurs, voice soft against his hardness. He grinds down on you and sinks deep while pinching your clit hard, watching as you fall apart under him, mouth open, throat straining, vein thickening—long, smooth and—

Sharp fangs sink into your beating pulse. Blinding pleasure streaks through you before syrupy pleasure spills into your veins. Kaeya sees red and struggles to keep himself steady against your soft body and wet heat. 

You seemed to have a habit of doing that to him. Making him crazy, wild, ache for you. With each heavy draw of blood, he relishes the sweet taste, hoping that each additional drop would quench his thirst, but it never does. His mind grows fuzzy, fangs throbbing with each drag.

He might never have enough of you. Never be satisfied. 

Kaeya groans.

You’d be his downfall.

[porterdavis]

Robyn Berg

Robyn Berg:

"So, I spoke to people getting food at a food bank and here are some things I learned from those in need:

1. Everyone donates Kraft Mac and Cheese in the box. They can rarely use it because it needs milk and butter which is hard to get from regular food banks.

2. Boxed milk is a treasure, as kids need it for cereal which they also get a lot of.

3. Everyone donates pasta sauce and spaghetti noodles.

4. They cannot eat all the awesome canned veggies and soup unless you put a can opener in too or buy pop tops.

5. Oil is a luxury but needed for Rice a-Roni which they also get a lot of.

6. Spices or salt and pepper would be a real Christmas gift.

7. Tea bags and coffee make them feel like you care.

8. Sugar and flour are treats.

9. They fawn over fresh produce donated by farmers and grocery stores.

10. Seeds are cool in Spring and Summer because growing can be easy for some.

11. They rarely get fresh meat.

12. Tuna and crackers make a good lunch.

13. Hamburger Helper goes nowhere without ground beef.

14. They get lots of peanut butter and jelly but usually not sandwich bread.

15. Butter or margarine is nice too.

16. Eggs are a real commodity.

17. Cake mix and frosting makes it possible to make a child’s birthday cake.

18. Dishwashing detergent is very expensive and is always appreciated.

19. Feminine hygiene products are a luxury and women will cry over that.

20. Everyone loves Stove Top Stuffing.

21. Diapers

22. Wipes

23. Buns

24. Baked goods

25. Potatoes

26. Nuts

27. Seeds for eating or cooking

28. Raisins

29. Dishwashing pods

30. Rags and cleaning supplies

31. Pet food

32. Pet supplies

"In all the years I have donated food at the Holidays, I bought what I thought they wanted, but have never asked. I am glad I did. If you are helping a Family this Christmas, maybe this can help you tailor it more. It does for me!"

[what-marsha-eats]

Some tips and guidance if you donate to food pantries derived from feedback by those who use them:

1. Everyone donates Kraft Mac and Cheese in the box. They can rarely use it because it needs milk and butter which is hard to get from regular food banks.

2. Boxed milk is a treasure, as kids need it for cereal which they also get a lot of.

3. Everyone donates pasta sauce and spaghetti noodles.

4. They cannot eat all the awesome canned veggies and soup unless you put a can opener in too or buy pop tops.

5. Oil is a luxury but needed for Rice a-Roni which they also get a lot of.

6. Spices or salt and pepper would be a real Christmas gift.

7. Tea bags and coffee make them feel like you care.

8. Sugar and flour are treats.

9. They fawn over fresh produce donated by farmers and grocery stores.

10. Seeds are cool in Spring and Summer because growing can be easy for some.

11. They rarely get fresh meat.

12. Tuna and crackers make a good lunch.

13. Hamburger Helper goes nowhere without ground beef.

14. They get lots of peanut butter and jelly but usually not sandwich bread.

15. Butter or margarine is nice too.

16. Eggs are a real commodity.

17. Cake mix and frosting makes it possible to make a child’s birthday cake.

18. Dish Soap / Dishwashing detergent is very expensive and is always appreciated.

19. Feminine hygiene products are a luxury and women will cry over that.

20. Everyone loves Stove Top Stuffing.

Most people buy what they think food pantry users want, but have never asked them. If you help families, single people, foster youth and the homeless, this list can help better tailor your donations!

Credit - original owner

[custom-mailer-boxes]

From Classic to Modern: How to find the Perfect Design for your Custom Christmas Mailer Boxes

Businesses always want to be different when it comes to Christmas shipping boxes. Customized Christmas mailer boxes have also become an essential part of holiday packaging, and brands can put up a tremendous unboxing experience line that comes with Christmas for their customers.

As for these boxes, their perfect design is a combination of how they would function as well as look, and also for the brand identity.

Whatever your type of Christmas mailer box, there are many ways to personalize it and please your customers.

Why Custom Christmas Mailer Boxes Do Matter.

But beyond providing you with custom Christmas mailer boxes, they can and will be an integral part of your branding strategy.

In addition to packaging for protection, these boxes can be used as a marketing tool, a way to realize your brand story and quirks to customers.

You can definitely make a huge distinction between your brand and other companies by having a well-designed mailer box during the holiday season when products fly out of stores like crazy.

During the holidays, custom mailer boxes give your business the chance to leave a really lasting impression on your customers.

Whether you've got gifts, apparel, home decor, or seasonal decor you're selling, the right kind of custom packaging does wonders for how customers perceive the value of your product, how satisfied they tend to be, and how loyal the customers get to the brand.

It serves as a physical embodiment of your brand, helping you establish a meaningful connection with your customers.

Christmas Mailer Boxes Materials and Finishes

Types of Materials

Moreover, the material of the custom Christmas mailer boxes you buy affects both its functional and aesthetic characteristics.

It all depends on what you're shipping; whether it's fragile items, luxury goods, or eco-friendly products, each material will offer different benefits. Here are some of the most commonly used materials in the USA for custom mailer boxes:

Cardboard: Because cardboard is so low cost and so versatile, it is often sufficient protection for lightweight products. The packaging it provides is widely used both on the retail and e-commerce levels.

    Kraft Card: The rustic, eco-friendly quality of Kraft card makes it popular. If you're looking for a raw, earthy aesthetic that features the company's sustainability efforts, then its natural brown finish is perfect for you.

    Corrugated Cardboard: Corrugated cardboard is stronger and more durable than most flutes for heavy or delicate products.

For long-distance shipping, this material is excellent as it means the contents are safe throughout transit.

However, the material of your product, budget, and shipping needs will play a major role in your decision when it comes to choosing the material for your bag.

With careful consideration of the material used in your custom Christmas mailer boxes, you will get maximum protection while optimizing visual impact.

Types of Finishes

Choosing the finish of your Christmas mailer boxes has a significant effect on the finished packaging. Some popular finishes include:

   Glossy Finish: A glossy finish provides your Christmas Mailer boxes with the perfect bold, bright, eye-catching appeal you are looking for when sending your package.

  Matte Finish: The matte finish is more sophisticated and offers a less in-your-face look: an expensive item or a brand you want to project elegance and class.

  Embossing: Covering one part of your Christmas mailer boxes with embossing can create texture to your design and make particular parts of your design stand out, adding depth as well as a tactile appeal.

Custom Christmas Mailer Boxes benefits

There are many benefits to using custom Christmas mailer boxes, which continue beyond simply protecting your products.

Here are some of the key benefits that make custom mailer boxes a wise investment:

Brand Recognition: Custom packaging allows you to really show off your brand's logo, color, and values to stand out.

By investing in unique, eye-catching designs, you are ensuring that your packaging matches your brand identity and improves brand recall.

Increased Customer Satisfaction: The unboxing experience is greatly improved with a beautifully designed, protected mailer box, which encourages a higher level of customer satisfaction with repeat business.

Protection: Custom boxes are specific in that they can fit your products right and exactly the way they need to be. Which means they're less likely to break during shipment.

Sustainability: The eco-friendly process means many brands are choosing to use kraft cards and other recyclable materials in order to appeal to the public who want to see an environmentally friendly brand. It can also contribute to enhancing brand loyalty.

Custom Mailer Boxes are surprising in the Mailer Box Field.

As the packaging field has progressed, custom mailer boxes have come to play a vital role as they have demonstrated the most excellent versatility, design flexibility, and functionality. Businesses can tailor the design, material, and size of each box to ensure their products are packaged specifically for their target audience.

Depending on what you are shipping: delicate items, seasonal gifts, or apparel, custom mailer boxes can be a solution that is both functional and visually appealing.

We create high-quality custom mailer boxes out of quality materials such as corrugated cardboard, kraft cards, and premium cardboard.

We work closely with our clients to design Christmas mailer boxes that look appealing and protect your content aptly.

We have a wide selection of finishes, sizes, and designs to offer so that your packaging is designed specifically to suit your requirements, and your customers will always remember it.

We want to help you make the perfect custom packaging for the holidays and for the rest of the time, representing exceptional quality and excellent customer support.

[prosupplyglobal12]

Shop Christmas Lights Kraft Gift Bags | Pro Supply Global

Buy unique and festive Christmas Lights Kraft Gift Bags from Pro Supply Global -- the perfect way to brighten up your friends' and loved ones’ day this holiday season! Shipping available throughout the United States so you can share the cheer far and wide. Make every present shine a little brighter by getting yours today!

[dailyrandomwriter]

Day 492

As the days count down towards Christmas, I spent my after work hours wrapping gifts. There weren’t a lot of gifts to wrap, since it was close family and friends only I tend to buy for. Yet, wrapping gifts while having a cold and being on cold medicine was an experience. Especially because I had let my last dose run its course only to discover that I had developed a cough on top of everything else.

I ran out of normal Christmas wrapping paper and then attempted to wrap a leather travel bag for 20 minutes using kraft wrapping paper. It was not pretty, it ended up being dumped into a gift bag.

I stared at it for another few minutes wondering if I should be asking my mother for tissue paper as well.

Honestly my sister’s gift wasn’t that well wrapped and that one at least was wrapped with Christmas wrapping paper. Still, it was done for better or for worse.

[merrybrides]

Cute Gift Wrapping Ideas

Add Natural Touches to Craft Paper

For gifts with a rustic, organic feel, use seasonal accents like sprigs, pine cones, and cinnamon sticks to gussy up packages wrapped in kraft paper and tied up with twine.

DIY Paper Poinsettia Gift Wrap

These cardstock poinsettias make a gorgeous gift topper, and also look pretty all on their own. Bring them to life by cutting cardstock by hand (find the template here), then secure with a button and finish with a fringed ribbon.

INSPIRED BY CHARM

In lieu of a gift tag, attach an oversized paper mâché letter of the recipient's first initial to the top of the box. Bonus: The letter is also a fun décor gift too!

Earring Tree and Necklace Wreath Idea

Think outside the box for gifting jewelry with these festive wreath and tree cutouts.

Get the tutorial at Sarah Hearts.

Photo Gift Tag Idea

There are a lot of things to love about this super cute and personalized gift wrap idea. Adding a photo of yourself and your giftee also gives the bonus gift of a sweet keepsake!

Cardboard Box Snowman Idea

Do you want to build a snowman...out of presents? Your kids will love unwrapping this cute stack of gifts.

Get the tutorial at Smart School House.

Reindeer Thumbprint Paper

Feature Rudolph all over your wrapping paper by using your thumb and colorful ink pads to re-create this pattern.

Get the tutorial at Splash of Something.

DIY Paper Straw Star Gift Toppers

Buy in bulk and you can create this ex-straw-dinary gift wrap idea on the cheap.

Get the tutorial at Splash of Something.

Easy DIY Holiday Paper Bags

Sometimes gift wrap just won't cut it. These simple bags, adorned with merry messages, work for gifts of all shapes and sizes.

Christmas Chalkboard Packaging

With black kraft paper and some white paint markers, these creative packages will look great underneath your tree.

Gift Toppers

These colorful creations add wow factor to humble brown paper packages.

Honeycomb Ornaments: Cut 1 ½" and 2 ½" half circles from honeycomb paper. Hot-glue one side of folded half circle to package; unfold and glue other side of sphere to box. Use a silver paint pen to draw ornament hangers.

Paper Straw Christmas Tree: Use a pencil to draw a triangle on the top of package. Cut paper straws in graduated lengths to fit horizontally within triangle. Adhere with hot-glue. Cut two 1" pieces of straw and glue vertically at base to form a trunk. Weave a piece of string down the length of tree, adhering with dots of hot-glue along the way. Glue small buttons along length of string.

Yarn Pom-Pom Twirl yarn around four fingers 50 times. Cut excess yarn and slide loop off fingers, making sure that it doesn't unravel. Cinch at middle with yarn. Use scissors to cut loops and fluff with fingers. Wrap package with coordinating yarn, using ends to tie on pom-pom.

Candy Cane Topper

Make your gifts even sweeter by adorning them with everyone's favorite Christmas candy.

Rudolph Gift Wrap

Create your very own fleet of reindeer with this easy craft that you can display under your tree or anywhere in your home.

Get the tutorial at Frog Prince Paperie.

[spanglespants]

From a Mutual of a Mutual on FB

Tricia Anne Meyer

NfSotvoe0minber s19i at 2:08 orPegdMm ·

So, I spoke to people getting food at a food bank and here are some things I learned from those in need: 1. Everyone donates Kraft Mac and Cheese in the box. They can rarely use it because it needs milk and butter which is hard to get from regular food banks. 2. Boxed milk is a treasure, as kids need it for cereal which they also get a lot of. 3. Everyone donates pasta sauce and spaghetti noodles. 4. They cannot eat all the awesome canned veggies and soup unless you put a can opener in too or buy pop tops. 5. Oil is a luxury but needed for Rice a-Roni which they also get a lot of. 6. Spices or salt and pepper would be a real Christmas gift. 7. Tea bags and coffee make them feel like you care. 8. Sugar and flour are treats. 9. They fawn over fresh produce donated by farmers and grocery stores. 10. Seeds are cool in Spring and Summer because growing can be easy for some. 11. They rarely get fresh meat. 12. Tuna and crackers make a good lunch. 13. Hamburger Helper goes nowhere without ground beef. 14. They get lots of peanut butter and jelly but usually not sandwich bread. 15. Butter or margarine is nice too. 16. Eggs are a real commodity. 17. Cake mix and frosting makes it possible to make a child’s birthday cake. 18. Dishwashing detergent is very expensive and is always appreciated. 19. Feminine hygiene products are a luxury and women will cry over that. 20. Everyone loves Stove Top Stuffing. In all the years I have donated food at the Holidays, I bought what I thought they wanted, but have never asked. I am glad I did. If you are helping a Family this Christmas, maybe this can help you tailor it more. It does for me!

[easykartlabels]

Affordable Christmas Gift Boxes That Don’t Compromise on Style

The holiday season is a time for giving, and when it comes to gift-giving, presentation is just as important as the gift itself. A beautifully wrapped gift shows thoughtfulness and care, and one of the most stylish yet budget-friendly options for presenting your presents is Christmas gift boxes. Whether you’re on a tight budget or simply prefer to save without sacrificing style, affordable Christmas gift boxes can still offer elegance and charm. In this blog, we will explore how to find affordable gift boxes that look stunning without breaking the bank, and how you can use them to elevate your holiday gifting experience.

Why Choose Christmas Gift Boxes?

Before we dive into the details of finding affordable yet stylish Christmas gift boxes, let’s discuss why Christmas gift boxes are such a great choice for the holiday season.

Easy to Use: Gift boxes are simple to assemble and quick to wrap, saving you time during the busy holiday season.

Sturdy and Secure: Unlike gift bags or wrapping paper, gift boxes are more durable, ensuring that fragile or oddly shaped items stay protected.

Reusable: Many gift boxes are made of high-quality materials that can be reused, either by the recipient or for future occasions.

Eco-Friendly Options: Many Christmas gift boxes are made from recyclable materials, making them an environmentally responsible choice.

Whether you are gifting small trinkets or larger presents, Christmas gift boxes offer the perfect combination of style, durability, and convenience.

How to Find Affordable Christmas Gift Boxes Without Compromising on Style

The key to finding affordable Christmas gift boxes that still look chic and festive is to shop smart. Here are some strategies to help you find the perfect gift boxes that are both budget-friendly and stylish:

1. Buy in Bulk

One of the easiest ways to reduce the cost of Christmas gift boxes is by purchasing them in bulk. Many stores offer discounts for bulk purchases, especially during the holiday season. This is a great option if you have multiple gifts to wrap and want to save on packaging costs.

Look for bulk deals that offer a variety of designs and sizes. This will allow you to mix and match, ensuring each gift still has a unique and thoughtful presentation. Bulk buying also allows you to take advantage of affordable prices per box, reducing your overall packaging costs.

2. Choose Simple Designs

You don’t need to opt for over-the-top designs to achieve a festive look. Simple, classic Christmas gift boxes can be just as stylish and appealing as more elaborate options. For instance, kraft paper boxes with minimalist designs, such as simple red bows, Christmas trees, or snowflakes, are a cost-effective way to bring elegance to your gifts without breaking the bank. These types of designs allow the gift itself to stand out, while still maintaining a seasonal vibe.

Opt for boxes in solid colors like red, green, gold, or silver. These hues are inherently festive and give your gifts an instant holiday feel. You can also personalize the boxes with your own added touches, such as a handwritten name tag, to make them feel special.

3. DIY Embellishments

You don’t have to buy expensive, pre-decorated Christmas gift boxes to make them look stylish. With just a few inexpensive supplies, you can easily add your own embellishments to plain boxes, creating a custom look for your gifts. Here are some affordable ideas to decorate your Christmas gift boxes:

Ribbons and Twine: Add a beautiful ribbon or rustic twine to your gift box for a classic and elegant look. Choose colors that match your gift box or go for a contrast to make the box pop.

Personalized Gift Tags: Create personalized gift tags by cutting out shapes from craft paper or using small wooden tags. Add names, messages, or holiday greetings to make each box unique.

Pine Sprigs or Berries: For a natural, rustic touch, use sprigs of pine or holly, or even faux berries, to decorate the top of your gift box. These small additions bring the holiday spirit to life.

Stamps and Stickers: You can easily stamp festive designs like snowflakes, reindeer, or Santa on your gift boxes. Stickers are also a great option for quick and simple decoration.

These easy DIY techniques are both cost-effective and creative, and they’ll ensure your Christmas gift boxes stand out under the tree.

4. Repurpose Old Gift Boxes

Another great way to save money on Christmas gift boxes is by repurposing old boxes. After receiving gifts in the past, you can reuse sturdy boxes that are still in good condition. Simply remove any old wrapping, labels, or stickers, and repackage them for your holiday gifts.

If the box looks too plain or outdated, consider giving it a makeover with some wrapping paper or paint. A fresh coat of red, green, or metallic gold paint can instantly turn a plain box into a beautiful Christmas gift container. Adding a bow, some twine, or other festive decorations will complete the look.

Repurposing gift boxes is a great way to recycle while still presenting your gifts in a stylish way.

5. Look for Sales and Discounts

Many retailers offer sales and discounts on Christmas gift boxes during the holiday season. Be on the lookout for clearance items, end-of-season sales, or discounts for purchasing multiple boxes. Shopping during post-holiday sales is another great way to stock up on gift boxes for next year while saving money.

Online stores, in particular, often run promotions and offer discounts on bulk purchases. Keep an eye on special deals to find quality Christmas gift boxes at a lower price.

6. Go for Minimalist Packaging

Minimalist packaging doesn’t have to be boring. In fact, it can be incredibly stylish and modern. Simple, high-quality Christmas gift boxes in neutral colors or elegant patterns can look just as chic as ornate designs, while often being more affordable.

For a modern twist, consider using black or white Christmas gift boxes with subtle metallic accents. These minimalist options create a sophisticated and timeless look that works well for any recipient.

Alternatively, you can go for natural materials like kraft paper or recycled cardboard. These sustainable choices give your gifts an eco-friendly and rustic charm, which is especially appealing for those who appreciate a more down-to-earth style.

7. Choose Multi-Use Boxes

Some Christmas gift boxes are designed with multiple uses in mind. For example, some boxes are part of a set that can be stacked to form a decorative display, or others are designed to be easily repurposed as storage boxes after the holidays. These multi-use boxes are a great investment because they can be reused for other purposes, making them both practical and affordable.

Some boxes even feature built-in compartments for small items, making them perfect for jewelry, gift cards, or other delicate presents. These types of Christmas gift boxes often look elegant but are also reasonably priced.

8. Shop Local or Handmade Options

If you're looking for something truly unique, consider shopping for Christmas gift boxes from local artisans or small shops. Handmade gift boxes often offer a one-of-a-kind design that mass-produced boxes can’t match, and they’re often reasonably priced. Not only will you find something distinctive, but you’ll also be supporting local businesses during the holiday season.

Handmade options, such as hand-painted boxes or crafted wooden containers, may be slightly more expensive than mass-produced ones, but they are often worth the investment due to their uniqueness and quality.

Conclusion

In the midst of all the hustle and bustle of holiday shopping, it’s easy to overlook the importance of Christmas gift boxes. However, the right box can elevate your gift presentation, making the entire experience feel more festive and thoughtful. You don’t have to spend a fortune to find Christmas gift boxes that are both affordable and stylish. By purchasing in bulk, choosing minimalist designs, adding DIY embellishments, and repurposing old boxes, you can create a memorable gift-wrapping experience that doesn’t compromise on style.

With these tips, you can find beautiful, affordable Christmas gift boxes that will make your gifts look stunning while keeping your holiday budget intact. Whether you're wrapping a small token of appreciation or an extravagant present, a well-chosen gift box will always add that special touch to your Christmas celebration. Happy gifting!

[artificialqueens]

Galactica, Chapter 74 (Group Fic) - TheDane/Veronica

A/N: Click here if you’re looking for previous chapters (or here if you’d rather read on AO3). 💫

Previously: Galactica shut down for the holidays, and Bianca turned Courtney’s shitty day around.

This Chapter: Christmas Eve. Fame plays hostess for Juju and Detox’s family, Bianca and Courtney jet off to Puerto Rico, Violet spends the evening with Sutan, Raja and Raven, and Pearl thirsts for Dahlia.

***

“Patrick?” Fame called over her shoulder, a big porcelain vase on the table in front of her.

“Yes darling?” Patrick was sitting in an armchair, his finger holding his place in the crime novel he was reading, Charles curled up on the floor in front of the crackling fireplace.

“What do you think of this?” Fame took a step back, showing off the greenhouse bouquet she had arranged, their gardener bringing them in after his rounds, snow covering the ground outside. “I was hoping they could be the centerpiece for tonight?”

They were upstate, in what Karl had jokingly started to call The Farm one summer. In reality, it was a mansion with several acres of land, the incredible garden the reason for the nickname, though Karl had insisted it was because upstate New York was basically Hicksville.

Fame and Patrick had bought it forever ago, the property supposed to be a real estate investment, but when they had visited it to oversee the remodel during the fall of the year they got it, Fame had fallen in love instantly.

She adored The Farm, loved the open land, loved the space that reminded her of her childhood’s free roam, loved that Charles had all the space in the world, the property so big that no one ever bothered them while they were there.

“I think that’s lovely dear,” Patrick smiled, taking a sip of the spiced eggnog the chef had made. “Juju’s going to love that.”

“Good.” Fame smiled, a moment of happiness washing over her body. Juju and Detox were coming up for Christmas, bringing their children along, the bedrooms already prepared for them.

When Detox and Juju had accepted her invitation to join them upstate, Fame had been overjoyed, spending the holiday with her friends instead of family so much more enjoyable, and best of all, it required absolutely no flying.

Unlike the Manhattan townhouse, The Farm was decorated in a traditional Christmas red and green, a fresh cut actual pine tree set up in the parlor, copious amounts of gifts for Kelly and the twins already under the tree.

“I’ll go check up on the chef.” Fame put down her garden shears, quickly drying her hands on her tea towel, collecting the scraps for the compost out back. “Make sure they’re cooking the Brussels sprouts correctly.”

The night's dinner was a wild lemon and honey salmon, a spinach salad with goat cheese and beets, the dessert spiced tea-poached pears for the adults and a sundae bar for the kids.

“And the mac and cheese?” Patrick raised an eyebrow.

“Of course,” Fame smiled. “I specifically instructed the chef to go for the mega size Kraft. The little ones should know it’s Christmas too.”

In reality, Fame had requested a complete restock of what Patrick lovingly called the kids cupboard, a whole section dedicated to the Sanderson kids, Kelly always going straight there the second she stepped foot inside. Just because she was a teenager who rarely attended family events anymore didn’t mean that Fame would forget about her.

“The sleds are ready to go too.”

Fame had never wanted kids of her own, but she loved and adored her entire chosen family, especially the little ones. Spoiling them had been one of her favorite pastimes since they’d met, when Kelly was still a chubby little baby with a passion for sticking jewelry into her mouth.

Today, she’d planned a lovely afternoon of fun in the snow for when everyone arrived. Fame had even bought a new snow set, the pure white Prada demanding to go home with her, her new mittens lined with rabbit fur so she could truly get down and dirty while building the snowman she hoped they had time for.

It was one of the most liberating things about The Farm, the acres of land meaning that there was a sense of privacy she could never feel in the city.

“And did you go for the wood?”

“Of course I went for the wooden sleds,” Fame rolled her eyes, Patrick so often playing stupid on purpose just to rile her up. “The antique German design.” There was no way Fame was going for anything but the best, and Julia and Owen deserved the best sledding experience money could buy, gourmet marshmallows and Jacques Torres hot chocolate already in the kitchen ready to go.

“Mmh?” Patrick smirked, taking another sip of his egg nog, and Fame went over to kiss him, just to wipe it off his face.

***

“Kelly Sanderson! Don’t you forget your scarf!”

“Yes mom,” Kelly rolled her eyes, but snatched her scarf, putting it around her neck before walking towards the house with her gym bag over her shoulder, and Juju couldn’t help but smile.

They were emptying out the car, the drive upstate a complete pain since she had been nauseous the entire time, Detox driving while Kelly was in the front seat, so Juju had been alone in the back with the twins because someone had to keep an eye on them, and Kelly refused.

“Okay champ,” Detox looked at his son who was still in the car, Julia standing on the snow-covered ground in her Frozen jacket. “I’m going to unbuckle you, but that doesn’t mean that you can-“

“Bye dad!!”

“Fuck!”

Juju laughed as Owen ran as fast as he could towards the front door, his sister right behind him.

“We got them!”

Juju turned to see Patrick call from the door, a big smile on the man's face, Fame right behind him.

“Your death wish!” Detox yelled, and Juju smiled before digging back in, her husband quickly gathering enough suitcases to make his first trip up to the house, Juju taking a moment to enjoy the blessed silence of private property upstate.

She fished her phone out of her handbag, a sense of relief washing over her when she saw that Bianca had texted. They had only spoken once last week, when Juju called her to apologize for the dinner party pile-on, and Bianca said it was okay, but she also seemed a bit rushed and distracted. Juju was hoping that it was just work, that she wasn’t genuinely mad, but she couldn’t be sure, especially since she hadn’t responded to any messages the night before. Looking at the messages today, though, it really did seem like they were good.

JUJU: Hey there. Thinking of you, hope you’re good.

JUJU: To be clear, I was thinking of you because I got up to take a very large dump.

JUJU: :-D

JUJU: Hehe

JUJU: <3

JUJU: OK goodnight! xo

JUJU: Merry Christmas Eve, lady! I love you.

BIANCA: Love you too, kiddo. Sorry for being MIA last night.

BIANCA: I’m taking Courtney to PR for Christmas, we’re heading to JFK right now.

BIANCA: Tell the monsters that I owe them some presents when I get back.

JUJU: Oh wow!! Have fun!!!! (And trust me, they will collect on those presents, lol)

She sighed, slipping the phone back into her bag, thinking that perhaps she should keep Bianca’s vacation plans under wraps for now. She turned towards the house, watching Fame on her knee, unlacing Julia’s shoes. Yes, better not to be the messenger for this particular news.

***

“So...is it everything you imagined?” Bianca asked, a wry grin on her face. She’d been a bit shocked when Courtney revealed in the car that she’d never flown first class before. She thought that surely someone as cute and charming as her had been slipped a free upgrade or two by a flight attendant trying to hit on her.

“It’s perfect.” Courtney tilted her champagne glass towards Bianca for a toast, her eyes taking on that slightly glazed, naughty look as she sipped on her third glass.

“Perfect, huh?” Bianca asked, clinking her glass lightly. “Then I guess you don’t want another present…”

“Wait, no...I do!” Courtney exclaimed, suddenly looking so serious that Bianca couldn’t hold back her cackling laughter.

Drunk Courtney was turning into one of her favorite people, the comically exaggerated faces she made when her defenses were down too cute for words.

“Oh, well in that case…” She reached into her bag and pulled out a box wrapped in sparkling pink and gold.

“How did you fit that in there?” Courtney asked, letting Bianca take her glass so that she had both hands free for the large gift, examining it closely. “Are you Mary Poppins?”

“Yeah, that’s me. A g-rated singing nanny.”

“Hot,” Courtney giggled, and Bianca gave her a stern look. “What, I like sexy nannies. Maria Von Trapp...Fran Fine?!”

“You’ve gotta be kidding me.” Bianca shook her head, amused.

“Oh no, am I being naughty? Are you gonna spank me?” Courtney’s eyes glittered.

Well, this was an unexpected turn. Perhaps something to explore when they weren’t flying thirty thousand feet over an ocean, surrounded by people.

“Open your present.”

“Yes, ma’am…” Courtney said, making Bianca laugh again as she tore into the package, first pulling off the excessive ribbons and bows (Joslyn really shouldn’t be trusted with that kind of thing) and then the glittery paper. She lifted the lid on the box, revealing 5 brand-new designer bathing suits, all from this year’s hottest resort collections. Her eyes lit up. “Ooooh, wow! This is much better than the plan I had.”

“What was your plan?”

“I was just gonna go without a suit,” she said, shrugging a bit as she fluttered her lashes.

“Huh.” Bianca’s brow furrowed in mock disappointment, adding, “Yeah, no, I like your plan better, give these back.”

She reached over and attempted to swipe the box from Courtney’s hand, but Courtney clutched it greedily to her chest.

“No! They’re mine now!”

Bianca laughed, leaning over to press a kiss to her cheek, just as Courtney grabbed her face and went right for her lips.

“Thank you, B. I love them. I love you.”

“I love you too, sunshine.” Bianca rested her forehead against Courtney’s with a happy sigh. “And I can’t wait to see you in them...or out of them.”

***

“Are you sure it’s okay that I’m not helping?” Violet asked. She was sitting on a silver bar stool and feeling absolutely useless, her fingers drumming on the marble breakfast bar.

Raja and Raven’s apartment looked like something from a catalog, big art pieces hung everywhere, fresh flowers in vases even though it was December. Violet had spotted the heavy oak Raja preferred, and the green and gold she gravitated towards, but it was clear that Raven was the main decorator.

“Of course,” Raven smiled, flashing her teeth over her shoulder. She was standing at the counter, filling up the sink so she could rinse off their dishes.

“Let her have the fantasy,” Sutan grinned, putting the empty tray he was carrying down, Raja right behind him. “This is the one time of year Raven pretends she’s the perfect housewife,”

“Fuck off.” Raven flipped him off, “I’m always perfect.”

When Sutan had told Violet he usually spent Christmas Eve with his sister and Raven, Violet hadn't been surprised. What had surprised her was when Sutan told her that Raven insisted on cooking every year. It had been a simple meal, roasted chicken and potatoes with gravy, but it did really seem like Raven had made it herself, Raja in charge of buying the dessert.

It was the first time Violet had celebrated Christmas Eve with anyone since she was 17, and while it was very different from what she usually did, which was wine and a movie, it was nice.

“You are, Princess,” Raja smiled, pressing a quick kiss against her hair as she dropped their dishes. “Now, does anyone want another drink?”

“Me,” Raven grinned, and Violet had to fight not to show the surprise on her face when Raven just grabbed the dirty dishes. She had never thought Raven would be someone who did chores, who’d willingly get her hands dirty.

“I’m driving tomorrow, so no,” Sutan was leaning against the counter, a smile on his lips. He was wearing a blue turtleneck sweater, and Violet had to admit that he looked stupidly hot in it.

“Actually…” Sutan paused, narrowing his eyes. “Raven, what’s going on with your nose?”

“Her nose?” Raja tilted her head, looking at her fiancée. “What do you mean?”

“It looks different. There.” Sutan pointed with his pinky at the edge of her nose.

“She seems normal to me.”

“Can’t you see it? Here, I’ll adjust- Let me push her head back.“ Sutan was just about to reach for Raven’s chin, when he was cut off.

“Hey!” Raven pulled away, “Crazy agent, I’m in the room.” She raised an eyebrow, her tone sharp, “I’m trying a new makeup technique.” Raven pushed Susn’s hand away from her face. “Is that a problem?”

“Of course not…”

“Good,” Raven rolled her eyes. “Now can we please get this done so we can watch a movie?”

“Sure.” Sutan rolled his eyes too, grabbing a dish towel before bumping his hip against Raven, making her yelp, laughter filling the room.

Violet let out a breath of relief she hadn’t even realized she had been holding, the knot in her stomach slowly releasing. She was probably overreacting, a childhood of tense Christmases just under her skin, but it had almost felt like Raven and Sutan were about to get in a fight.

Violet took her glass, a smile on her face as she took a sip of her wine, the uncomfortable feeling thankfully already fading.

***

Earlier, Courtney had enjoyed a healthy buzz from all the first class champagne, but then she fell asleep for half of the flight, and by the time they got to the resort, she felt refreshingly, deliciously sober, closing her eyes to feel the warm, fragrant ocean breeze blow in through the windows.

As Bianca directed the hotel staff with their suitcases, Courtney wandered over to the glass doors, eyes widening when she peered out at the terrace.

“B! Omigod, is this an infinity pool?” She threw open the doors and stepped outside, where a table was set up with a romantic, candlelit dinner. But even better, what was clearly a private infinity pool, which made her so excited she squealed with glee. “I’ve seen pictures of those but I never thought I’d see one in person!”

Bianca appeared in the doorway, a smirk on her face as she replied, “It’s not an infinity pool. It’s an infinity hot tub. The pool is down those steps.”

Courtney giggled, already slipping off her shoes to feel the heavenly warm water. She sat down at the edge of the hot tub, letting her legs dangle into the water while she gazed out at the gorgeous view, the gentle waves under a night sky sparkling with stars. When she mused last week about wanting to go to the beach, she certainly wasn’t imagining a private beach at this posh resort. But for once, everything in her life had worked out perfectly. All because of Bianca, who was now chatting with the hotel manager about their meal.

“Es esta la comida? Todo es vegano, verdad?”

“Si, of course. I hope everything is to your liking, Señora.”

“Es perfecto. Gracias.” She pressed some bills into his hand, adding, “Feliz Navidad!”

As soon as he left, Bianca turned back to Courtney, head tilting curiously when she took in her enraptured expression. “What?”

“I just think it’s sexy when you speak Spanish,” Courtney explained, biting her lip.

“Oh yeah? That’s what gets you going? My shitty high school Spanish?” Bianca asked, strolling towards her, dimples deep in her cheeks.

“Uh huh. I like the accent. Say more things…” Courtney leaned back, lashes fluttering, as Bianca laughed and pretended to think real hard.

“Hmm…” She settled in beside Courtney at the edge of the hot tub, slipping an arm around her waist and pressing a kiss to her shoulder. “Dónde está la biblioteca?”

“Ahh, yeah, that’s it,” Courtney growled, and Bianca laughed some more.

“Tu eres una gringa loca…”

“Uh huh…wait, what does that mean?”

“It means you’re a crazy white girl.”

“Oh. Yeah, fair.” Courtney cupped Bianca’s face in her hands, pulling her in for a kiss. Things were just starting to get a little heated when Courtney’s phone began to ring. She had a brief moment of panic before realizing that it was her personal phone, not her work phone. And since very few people made phone calls anymore, she was fairly certain that it would be her parents.

Coming out to her parents had been strange. She knew already, from how they reacted to Ben’s coming out when he was just 13, that they would be fine with her not being straight. But Ben hadn’t been dating someone nearly 20 years his senior.

So she was nervous, more than she’d have admitted, when she finally told them everything that was going on in her life--that she was dating, or rather in love with, a woman.

A woman who was, incidentally, a famous fashion magazine editor many years older than her.

Turned out, it was even more of an anticlimax than she anticipated, Mum giving her some bland platitudes about how love is love and Dad telling her to make sure she takes her vitamin D.

Which at first seemed like an innuendo, but actually was just him being his usual health-conscious self. Either way, they seemed both unsurprised and unbothered by the whole situation, which was a relief, she supposed. It was strangely reminiscent of when she was 16 and she’d announced that she wanted to graduate from high school early and go to America for University. Measured, unemotional support.

Courtney reached for her bag, pulling out the phone and answering, her family’s face popping up on the screen as she tried to figure out the time difference. It must already be Christmas morning in Brisbane.

“Hi, Mum! Happy Christmas!”

“Hello darling!” her mother cooed, elbowing Dad and Ben on either side of her, who she’d clearly forced into position, sitting on the sofa with the Christmas tree behind them, the picture of suburban bliss. “Happy Christmas!”

“Happy Christmas, love!” said Dad, pretending that he wasn’t thoroughly engrossed in whatever crime novel Courtney could see open on his lap.

Mum poked Ben again with her sharp elbow, and he scoffed.

“Yeah, yeah. Happy Christmas. How’s your rich girlfriend?” Ben asked.

“Great. How’s single life?” Courtney shot back, and Ben opened his mouth in mock offense.

“You fuckin’ cunt-”

“What was that, dickhead-”

“Kids!” Mum interrupted, putting on her best scolding voice as Courtney and Ben both broke out into giggles.

“She knows I’m kidding, Mum. Calm down.”

“I’m perfectly calm,” Mum said, rolling her eyes. “I’m just trying to have a pleasant conversation with my daughter, thanks very much.”

“Thanks Mum,” Courtney said, kicking her feet in the warm water. “It’s fine, though. It wouldn’t be Ben if he wasn’t giving me shit.”

“That’s called love, ya slag! Appreciate it!” Ben cut in, and Courtney blew him a kiss.

“Well darling, we just want you to know that we miss you terribly, but we’re so happy that you’re having a nice vacation. Right?”

“So happy,” Ben echoed, sticking out his tongue.

“And we’ve been talking about it, and-” she patted Dad on the thigh, then hit him harder when he didn’t say anything.

“Oh, yes. Ahem. We’ve been talking about planning a trip to New York next year,” Dad said. “How does that sound?”

“That sounds fantastic!” Courtney exclaimed. She hadn’t seen any of them since a quick trip to Australia last spring, before she moved to New York.

Bianca sat down beside her again, silently handing over a glass filled with ice and some kind of milky liquid along with a sexy wink, just out of camera range.

“Guys, check out the view!” While her family exclaimed over how beautiful it was, Courtney took a small sip of the drink, eyes widening with delight. “Omigod, this is like Bailey’s but better. Cheers!”

“Cheers,” Bianca murmured back.

“Hi, Bianca!” Mum called loudly. “Thank you for the wine!”

Apparently, Bianca had sent a whole case of high-end wine to her family home--and even signed both of their names on the card, although her family knew for damn sure that wasn’t something Courtney could afford.

“Um...hi. You’re welcome,” Bianca grinned, giving a quick, friendly wave and then leaning back out of frame, tilting her head towards the table with their food. Courtney nodded, reaching over to squeeze her thigh.

“Mum, thanks for calling. But we should go, we have dinner here and it’s getting cold.”

“Alright my love,” Mum said, smiling warmly. “Have a wonderful night. So long, Bianca!”

“Bye, Mrs. Jenek. Merry Christmas,” Bianca said, and Courtney giggled behind her hand.

“Mrs. Jenek…” she snickered, and Bianca grimaced, then put a hand on her hip.

“Well...shut up, I’m from the South. That’s just what we do.”

“You could at least say ‘doctor.’ She has a Ph.D.”

Bianca facepalmed, and Courtney laughed again, kissing her on the cheek. It was adorable how much she cared about making a good impression on Courtney’s family. “I’m just kidding, she doesn’t care about that stuff.”

“I care, though.”

“I know.” Courtney nuzzled into Bianca’s face. “And I love you for it.”

***

“Hey! I saw that!” Trixie gasped, pointing at Kim, who had just skipped a square on the Monopoly board.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Kim smirked, leaving her car piece as she took another cookie.

They were all gathered around the coffee table, mugs of hot cocoa and Katya’s Christmas cookies on plates, a crackling fire playing on the TV, music playing from the speakers.

“You’re cheating,” Trixie looked around. “Say something!”

“I didn’t see anything, sugar butt,” Katya smiled, her knitting needles in hand. She was weirdly good at Monopoly, Katya dominating the majority of the board. When Trixie had asked her how, and what her strategy was, Katya had simply grinned and told him it was simply how it was done in Soviet Russia.

“Pearl, what about you?”

“What?” Pearl looked up from her phone. “Oh. Sorry. No.”

“Who are you texting?”

Pearl smiled. “No one.”

“Not again,” Trixie groaned, not even interested in whatever girl had managed to capture his best friend’s attention for more than two seconds. “Pearl please. It’s Christmas.”

“Relax Trix,” Pearl grinned, leaning over so she could press a kiss against his cheek. “You’re the only one for me.”

***

PEARL: Was just thinking about you...so I thought I’d say hey ;)

DAHLIA: Oh yeah?

PEARL: Uh huh

DAHLIA: What were you thinking about?

PEARL: Mostly I was hoping to be suffocated by your thighs real soon.

PEARL: Your thighs are the stuff of dreams

DAHLIA: Right now, my thighs are stuck to the plastic cover on my grandma’s couch...but thanks.

PEARL: Hot

DAHLIA: Lol

PEARL: Can I tempt you to sneak away at some point in the next few days? Without pissing off the fam, of course

DAHLIA: Possibly...I have like 40 cousins, so no one would even notice I’d gone

PEARL: Fan fucking tastic

PEARL: Hey guess what?

DAHLIA: You’re horny and wanna fuck?

PEARL: Yes

DAHLIA: Patience, darling

PEARL: But also...it’s midnight. Merry Christmas.

DAHLIA: Shit, I missed mass again!

DAHLIA: For the 7th year in a row!

PEARL: Hahaha

PEARL: Oh god. My roommates are singing happy birthday to Jesus.

PEARL: With a fucking cake and candles

DAHLIA: LOL, HBDJ

***

[iswateredibletho]

How would the tf2 mercs wrap gifts?

To anyone who still has trouble getting into the holiday spirit or calming down from the stress around holidays (like me), I present:

the mercenaries gift wrapping headcanons!

Scout

He's bad at wrapping, he gets his fingers tangled in tape, paper is crumpled in multiple places. It's done, it's finally done. Realizes that he left the price tag on. Tears away the paper again, removes the tag, slaps a bow on it. Throws it in a gift bag and calls it a day.

He's got a regular paper gift bag, he didn't have anything particular in mind when he went to pick it, but he found something that he personally liked and thought was nice to look at, one day will just buy a plain paper bag and decorate it himself.

Uses no ribbon.

Gift is accompanied by a really neat completely hand drawn card that he spent hours making and got everyone on the team to sign.

Soldier

Uses too much tape, somehow manages to wrap it. He often uses not enough paper which results in a bald spot where the paper is missing. He repairs it but the pattern is mismatched. There's so much tape wrapped around it that it'll be impossible to open for anyone. He's proud.

Steals borrows wrapping paper from Engie and Pyro, regular plastic duck tape, sometimes uses silver tape when he runs out.

Probably no ribbon. Slaps on one of those pre-made shiny bows if he's feeling fancy!

No name tags, just writes peoples names straight on the wrapping paper in his crooked handwriting. Slides little sweets and Christmas cookies along with gifts.

Sniper

He doesn't find particular enjoyment in the process, but he gets it done quickly and for the most part efficiently.

Uses brown Kraft paper. He likes things simple.

Uses no glue and ties natural twine 2 to 4 times around it to hold the paper in place, somehow it works out for him.

Sometimes he ties a little pine twig or other evergreen into the twine bow which adds a really homey touch to his gifts. Doesn't use name tags, he just hands the gift over to the person directly and watches them open it. Doesn't usually do cards but when he does it's always something wacky he found in a souvenir store while travelling and found it funny, so he had to get it and now you have to see it too.

Engineer

Has extremely precise measurement and folds. Never wastes wrapping paper. Never has a single crook or imperfection on the finished gift, looks like a machine did it. He sometimes plays around with elaborate ways to wrap gifts, like wrapping diagonally, combining multiple wrapping papers together etc. Always puts items in a box before wrapping them. Uses paper cutter, never scissors. This man is a gift wrapping god.

Classic wrapping paper with geometric and cheesy holiday patterns of no more than 3 colors. Either uses glue or some sort of advanced origami magic because his wrapping holds together perfectly, and there's never any tape.

Uses classic fabric ribbon to finish off everything. Plays around with the placement, tying it around the corners, diagonally, etc. Gets help with tying the bows from Demo.

Ponders adding name tags because he doesn't want to break the visual composition of his master work. Will hand you your gift with a mug of hot cocoa with cream and a big smile.

Demoman

Demo always wraps gifts straight on without any box, even if it's things like clothes or odd shaped items. He somehow manages to wrap them well on a first try!

Wrapping paper with pressed pattern texture, very pretty and fun to run your hands over. Nobody knows where he got it from, and he seems to have an unlimited supply of it. Uses washi tape and wraps it around the gift as a finishing touch instead of ribbon.

Rarely uses ribbon, but when he does, he hand-ties the pettiest bows.

Expect cutesy colorful name tags. If he gave you a Christmas sweater he's not going to leave you alone until you wear it. Will give long warm hugs that smell like Christmas spices and a hint of eggnog.

Medic

Puts item in a small box then puts that box inside a box then puts it all inside a bigger box, then wraps. Masterful folds and clean cut edges, similar to Engie. Doesn't go crazy inventive with the ways of wrapping, sticks to the simple folding patterns. Indulgent scissor glider.

His wrapping paper has simplistic geometric patterns of 2 colors. He uses that really nice matte scotch tape and places it tastefully without using too much of it

Uses excessive lengths of that shiny thin curly ribbon, plain name tags.

Don't mind the occasional little splatters of blood and bird feathers that might make their way onto the wrapped gifts, he really tries. Sings holiday carols loudly and encourages everyone to join.

Heavy

As of wrapping, he manages. I's not as neatly done as Engie or Medic, but he manages to make it look well-thought-out. Clean folds. Uses paper tape.

Uses dense tissue paper in earthy tones. Occasionally borrows wrapping paper from Medic.

No ribbon.

Gifts have little heartfelt written notes in them. Gifts smell nice, like old wood, herbal tea and beeswax. Heavy gives tasteful minimalist typography cards to everyone. Will talk about his favourite holiday themed literature & plays to whoever shows interest.

Pyro

Uses too much paper so theres a lot of wobbly folds around the wrapping. Wraps gifts boxless. Wraps multiple small gifts individually, they get scattered everywhere, decides to put them in a small bag and adds some colorful shredded filler to top it off. Loves scissor gliding but does it very clumsily.

Wrapping paper with crazy and cluttered patterns on it, with childish motives like cartoons and animals, colorful, will bring a smile to your face just by looking at it

Gets tangled in ribbon and usually decides not to add it. Decorates name tags with stickers!

Gifts are accompanied by small handmade candle holders (decorated with macaroni art, pompoms, glitter!). Gifts are confetti bombs and card may or may not be a glitter bomb, also hand drawn!!

Spy

It's not that he doesn't care, he's a perfectionist and wants things done right, handled by the right people. So he usually pays someone at the store to wrap his gifts for him. Will come to Engie for help if he's running out of time/options, but he'll bring his own paper, and he'll have annoying questions and prompts the entire time. He just wants it to be perfect he's stress on two legs ok.

Solid color wrapping paper that somehow feels expensive, really sturdy and nice to the touch, sometimes with minimal patterns like gold flakes.

Fancy singular ornament placed on top (think pre-tied fancy bow with excess stuff, like charms attached to it).

His gifts smell nice, like an expensive cologne and exotic spices. Doesn't give cards but accompanies his gifts with a very warm speech wishing you a happy holiday and shares long meaningful eye contact.

// I really wanted to request this prompt on a writing blog but I just couldn't decide which one, and I already had so many ideas so I just decided to write some myself. Feel free to add your own stuff/do your own takes on this, I would love to see them!

I wish you all wonderful holidays!

[nikhilgraphic]

I'm a Procreate Illustrator: Here Are the 7 Tools I Can't Live Without

It wouldn’t be an irony to mention that Procreate has changed my life. Before the times of the double-finger undo, with ink-stained hands i might frustrate discard sheet upon sheet of paper, feeling like i used to be wasting both precious paper and time, learn graphic designing the most essential for company just find the best institutions which have provided the best graphic designing course in Delhi service and join them get started.

Or I’d carefully lay out twenty wet-paint illustrations on the ground , hoping a gust of wind from the balcony wouldn’t flip them over and stain my floor.

Then there was the scanning. Oh, the scanning, which I loathed.

Enter the iPad into my life, and with it, the Procreate app. i used to be amazed at how quickly I could create my illustrations, with such realistic-looking brushes! And once I added the proper screen protector (more thereon later), the experience felt just like the real McCoy . the method was quick, clean, and portable! My workflow was such a lot more efficient, and projects took half the time. i used to be hooked.

After a couple of years of trial and error, I’m here to share with you my seven tried and trusted tools that I simply can’t live without.

1. The proper Pencils

If you’re anything like me, you start any project with a sketch. And though you'll easily sketch with, say, a Procreate ballpoint pen- wouldn’t you agree there’s something perfect a few scratchy 2B? While I’m hooked in to the 6B pencil that comes with the default Procreate app, I’ve purchased quite few pencil brush sets, and consistently add my favorites to a Procreate brush set I’ve fondly named “Shelly’s Toolbox”. What makes an honest pencil in my opinion, you ask? For a pencil brush to tick all of the boxes on behalf of me , it's to reply well to the Apple Pencil’s tilt, has got to have good smudge-ability (that’s a word, right?), and be just grainy enough. i do know it once I see it.

2. Paper-like Screen Protector

The first thing i like to recommend people buy once they treat themselves to an iPad, is that the PaperLike Screen Protector. It’s a matte screen protector with an ever-so-slight texture that does exactly what its name suggests: it perfectly mimics that slight resistance you get from drawing on real paper. So if you’ve been sliding around on your glass screen and can’t understand why you only can’t seem to regulate your linework such as you can in your sketchbook, this is often the merchandise for you. It’s on the pricier side with an almost $40 tag , but the pack includes two screen protectors. I’ve found them to be super durable and straightforward to wash . In short, I’m never going back.

3. Paper Textures

One of the most important compliments anyone can give me is to say that my digital illustrations don’t look digital. There’s nothing wrong with digital art that does appear as if it’s been created on a computer, except for my particular drawing style, i really like that I can sometimes trick people into thinking my work is all analog. My most up-to-date discovery, one which I find brings my drawings from good to great, is digital paper textures. i prefer them subtle, but the proper paper texture just makes a bit more tangible.

Check out my quick illustration above, shown with and without a digital texture. You can find these during a huge range of textures and colours (kraft paper, anyone?). you'll find that applying certain blending modes creates the simplest effect – Multiply blending mode works best on behalf of me . fiddle and see which is that the best fit your illustration style. the proper combination of blending modes and textures can make your art come to life. Find a set that most accurately fits your style, like this Magic Paper for Procreate or these Paper Texture Brushes.

4. Portable Battery

In a perfect world, my iPad would have endless battery life and that i could spend all day under a tree drawing away. Alas, that it not the case. Always faster than i would like it to, my battery drained when running Procreate and that i was left with no choice but to get a cute little portable charger. Just charge it fully, and toss it into your bag- you’ll thank me later.

5. Beautiful Art Brushes

I’ve mentioned pencil brushes, and people are wonderful for sketching. except for my work, I often wish to achieve a textured paint-and-colored pencil search for the ultimate colored versions. Procreate brushes are engineered in such how that they believe a source file (imagine the form that defines the comb ’s tip) and a grain file (imagine the feel upon which you’d apply the brush strokes). When a brush is made well, those two elements-along with another really important settings- can create pure magic on your screen.

6. Texture Brushes

So much depth are often added to illustrations by layering some stippling, hatching, and shading to your work. In the spirit of saving time, I’ve also rounded up a couple of wonderful texture brushes that do this work for you! fiddle with a bunch of various brushes and see which works best together with your illustration style.

7. Procreate Grids

As a children’s book illustrator, I often pair my illustrations with lettering, oftentimes within the sort of a book cover. i will be able to often scour Pinterest for hours trying to find fun and artistic text layouts to inspire me. With the assistance of a handy grid guide, you'll create balanced, eye-catching lettering. Just use the stamp brushes to plan your lettering, and voila! Beautiful lettering designs in seconds!

I used a Grid Builder to fiddle with lettering layouts for a book cover sketch. And there you've got it. I’ve shared my Procreate tools with you, and hope you’ll love them the maximum amount as I do. Please share a number of your Procreate must-haves with me below! Shelly Las lo may be a children’s book illustrator living in Israel. She is represented by Christmas pudding Illustration Agency. She has worked with some wonderful clients including Penguin Random House, Osborne Publishing UK, and bravado Magazine. you'll find more of her work here and here.

[wildeswiftieuk]

Sustainable wrapping 🎁 Did you know that Brits throw away around the equivalent of 108 million rolls of wrapping paper each year? And most of that is non-recyclable 😳 Did you know that most wrapping paper can't be recycled? This year I have opted to reduce the amount of wrapping paper I use by buying reusable jute and cotton bags and putting presents in those. Once opened I can collect them up and use them every year! No plastic tape involved to keep it together, and only add a recycled paper tag to each one 🙌 Plus they look super cute too! . For any items which don't fit in the bags, I opt for wrapping paper made from 100% recycled paper and is also itself fully recyclable (this one is Kraft paper and I got it from paperchase, they do a great range of eco wrapping paper) plus I use paper tape which uses a plant based adhesive that is fully biodegradable (from 'the plastic free shop') 🎉 all of this can be successfully recycled and none of this will go to landfill. The best way to check to see if your wrapping paper is recyclable is to scrunch it in a ball, if it stays scrunched IT IS recycleable, if it starts to move/straighten out then it's NOT ❌ . Have you tried to be more sustainable with your wrapping this year? What changes have you made? ✨ . #sustainablewrapping #jutebags #cottonbag #presents #recycledpaper #eco #fullyrecyclable #bemoreecofriendly #ecofriendlychristmas #nomoreplastictape #christmas #saturday #paperchase #theplasticfreeshop https://www.instagram.com/p/CI-8wUBF7mR/?igshid=1fsmh7e83gm7x

[earthafromearth]

Fanfic | Cook a Goat Lamb With the Goat's Mother's Milk 1/3

AO3：https://archiveofourown.org/works/23343103/chapters/55920346

yes i translate my own work just because i know there gotta be more people still want to read some fanfic about those two and I want to make friends, okay? basically any feedback is highly welcomed

and of course im not an english native speaker

so... you know... there maybe some serious English mistake and typo

i cant even type Chinese right for god sake.....

Adolescence was as annoying as that board whose makeup was so heavy that seemed to make her impossible to get up from Charlie’s lap.

Meyer was lying motionless on the bed. He took a deep breath. His mother was cooking in the kitchen, the room filled with that rotten smell of stale beans. The sunlight outside the window was dazzling but without any bit of warm. Meyer pressed his arm against his eyes, hard enough to cause his eye sockets hurt, seeing some scattered sparkles in the dark behind his eyelids.

He had dreamed of Sicily. The window leaked, making every pore in his arm shrank tightly and dry, but the sheet was still moist on Meyer's lower abdomen. Meyer's Sicily was a total fake. He had never been exposed to Italian’s hot sun, New York's sun never brought any bit of heat with it, especially in winter. He had never experienced sweat flowed down his spine into the pants, maybe he should go to Cuba later and get some sun. But Charlie was real, Charlie whose hair was wet with sweat and clung to his forehead; Charlie whose whole upper body naked ,vest throwing on his shoulders causally; Charlie whose belly is tight and soft at the same time; Charlie whose pants hanging loosely on his buttocks ; Charlie, who tasted like lucky strikes but more salty … …Charlie could be real, but Charlie who bit Meyer's throat could not be real. A teenage wet dream. Meyer hated adolescence.

"Mey, are you alright? " Meyer heard his mother's voice and sat up quickly. But before he could shake his head, Jake rushed into the room. "Meyer wet his bed!" Shouted that little bustard. His mother blushed faster than Meyer himself. "Charlie want me to see him later." Meyer said, holding the quilt in a pile and putting it in the large basket filled with dirty clothes of the whole family. If mother noticed that he had purposely straightened his arms and put the sheet deliberately in front of his thighs, neither of them say a thing.

Adolescence made the streets of New York even more noisy, and the woman standing at the alley would wink at Meyer as he passed by, as if she could see through Meyer's wet dream at a glance, while Meyer just happened to notice, really accidentally, that the woman's shabby skirt was folded up and smashed into her underwear. The desire was being hit by a truck head-on, and all of a sudden, his pants seemed to be one size smaller, wrapped around his thighs. He lowered his head slightly and looked at himself, taking each step with extreme cautious, heels landed first then the toes, body moving forward with the toes, walking like a normal person, but he knew he had been founded out.

Meyer should have told Benny that he had seen Charlie dined with a woman at that Italian restaurant a week ago. Those two sitting in the corner of the window, and the woman was leaning her legs to Charlie’s under the table, and her toes were touching Charlie's calf bones again and again. He should have told Benny, so that Benny would chase Charlie over and over until Charlie told him all about it, then Meyer would have known who that woman was, "just a broad." Meyer also knew Charlie would say that. But Meyer didn't say a word to Benny. He just stood quietly across the street and a glass window. He stood there and stare quietly for a moment until he caught himself and hurried away, like a normal person.

Maybe the woman dining with Charlie was also a whore who would stand at the alley and show her thighs. Maybe the woman dining with Charlie was a hot mother of someone bets on their dice, or maybe Charlie was like him, just wanting a head from that woman, touching up and down on that smooth thighs. And that woman would cover Charlie's hand with her skirt. He refused to think about what Charlie would look like at that moment, but he knew at heart that Charlie would hold the woman's ass, hugging her and reaching into her underwear. Meyer wasn't just hit by the truck head-on. He was run over by the truck alive, his flesh felling to the ground, unable to save himself and had to wait for death. Desire was becoming more and more violent.

The hat shop Charlie was working for had a "rest" sign on the door, and Meyer stood still in front of it. He dragged his jacket down, picking up the body crushed by the truck with his bare hands, pieced together a decent body again, and pushed in the door.

"In the back!" Meyer heard Charlie's voice coming from the storeroom. As he walked in, he picked up the cigarette and the match Charlie had thrown on the counter. The door to the storage room was half closed, and the dim light leaked out of the crack. Meyer stepped between the light and shadow cast on the floor. He put the lucky strike it in his mouth, but as soon as he struck the match, Charlie pushed the door open and the fire went out.

Meyer glanced at Charlie. Charlie wasn't wearing his blazer, and his trousers' straps were pulling. Although he didn't roll up his sleeves, he unfastened the cuffs, exposing a section of his wrists, and his carpal was just there, easy to reach. Meyer lowered his head, lighting another match, guarding it with his other hand to lit the cigarette. He took a full puff and let the smoke float out of his nose. Even if Charlie knew that Meyer was delaying his time, he just waited quietly. However, even if he didn't say a word, he couldn't be still. He swayed back and forth, raised his chin slightly and looked behind Meyer.

One side of the hat shop was neatly arranged with men's top hats with little difference in style, and the other side was colorful female hats. On the back wall, facing the door, several popular hats were displayed. Charlie took a low-eave newsboy cap and put it on his head, suppressing most of the curly hair that took a lot of work to tame. Meyer blinked; the lining of the hat must have been stained with Charlie's hair gel. This is the patience of the Italians, superficial efforts which would only cause more trouble.

Meyer caught himself again staring at Charlie's face half blocked by his hat. Charlie was older than Meyer, but still had a little baby fat on his face. That somehow made his cheekbones a little more obvious. He looked like a cub, but the reality was that the fangs had already grown. You think he was cute, however, the moment you reached to him, he would twist his head and bite you so hard you would scream until you lost your voice It wasn't until Charlie took Meyer’s arm and pulled him into the room and the smoke ashes fell on Meyer's hand, he suddenly came back to reality. But the smoke had already fallen to the ground. Fuck.

"Something happened to the joint?" His voice was a little husky. He just smoked too hard. That had to be it.

"There gotta have a problem? I can't ..." Charlie pushed Meyer in front of him. "Just want to have a late lunch with you?"

The storage room had been originally well-organized. Rows of hat boxes had been piled up like rows of walls. Between each row there had been a line of empty space just enough for one person to walk through. Now all the boxes were pushed together, tightly close to the wall. Many boxes protruded or inserted obliquely. However, there were several boxes neatly piled in the middle of the vacated field, like a small coffee table, and there were a few kraft paper bags on it. Meyer glanced at Charlie. Charlie was like a kid squatted next to the Christmas tree, couldn’t help but laughing slyly, waiting for others to open their gifts. Meyer took the bags with different trademarks on it, opening them one by one. Cheese buns, bacon, pickles … … he took out the food and put it on the top of the boxes. Out of the corner of Meyer’s eyes, Charlie smiled like a weasel who had caught the mouse. Meyer took a deep breath and folded the paper bag, neatly lowering it along the edge of the boxes.

Meyer could be seen by whoever was dealing with them as a child whose hair hadn’t grown; he could be seen by a neighbor as a rogue kid who doesn't learn well; and he could even be seen as a shop seconder who could be bullied at will, but he was not Charlie’s prey, the mouse in the weasel's mouth He just was not.

He knew that Charlie wouldn't invite others to dinner for no reason, because he was just like Meyer in his bones and heart. So, what was all this about? I asked you to a fine dinner together so later you would go to a cheap hotel with me?

"It's all kosher." Charlie put a hand on Meyer's shoulder and walked to Meyer's side. He grabbed the cheese from the hat box, and weighed the rectangular bars wrapped in foil in his hand. "Good stuff from uptown." Meyer turned to look at Charlie, and Charlie was smiling so wide that his canine teeth appeared. "Where did you get the money to go uptown and buy food like those?" He heard his voice without a trace of undulation, but Charlie still smiled as if he had secretly hidden lump sugar under his tongue. "I'm good at bargaining.” Charlie threw the cheese on the table, as if it was a hammer from the auction house. Once the hammer is downed, the deal is done.

Meyer squeezed his lips tightly, and Charlie's hand on his shoulders kept him warm for most of his body, as if he was basking in the Sicilian sun. He twisted, and fled stiffly from Charlie to the other side of the table. "You and I both know how you are good at bargaining," he said dryly. He tried to pretend that nothing had happened, but Charlie refused to let him go. He walked to Meyer again, grabbing Meyer's shoulders with both hands, looking down at Meyer, putting Meyer under the newsboy hat he was sneaking on his head. Damn Italian. "What's wrong?" Charlie's hands moved to the sides of Meyer's neck, and Meyer had to raise his head. "Tell me what's wrong, little man, it can't be because of that pile of food."

"You can't cook goat lambs with goat's mother's milk." Meyer whispered, slowing down every byte, as if teaching a baby to speak.

"Meyer." Meyer could feel Charlie holding him harder. It was a warning, a question, and it was Charlie's finger that struck Meyer's skin. Charlie leaned on a fruit tree. The air in Sicily was filled with the sweet smell of citrus and lemon after maturity. He grabbed Meyer's arm and arched his back slightly to lick Meyer's neck and shoulder, exactly where Charlie was holding him now. Meyer didn't know if he was really trembling, but he was trying hard to restrain himself and make him look like a decent businessman, not a stinky boy whose nerves were immersed in hormones. He breathed hard and slowly, taking a small step away carefully. This time, Charlie let go. Although New York is not as cold as Grodno, who had been exposed to a Sicilian’s sun would of course be spoiled.

"I saw you dining with a woman in that Italian restaurant of Masseria." Meyer said fiercely of the word Masseria, but Masseria was not the reason for everything, the name was nothing but said along the way. That’s only Meyer's futile struggle. Meyer knew, obviously Charlie knew as well.

Charlie left out a laugh, and Meyer glared at him. "Little man!" Charlie bent down and patted Meyer's face with his arms stretched out. "It's just a broad, what's the big deal?" Charlie's answer was exactly what Meyer had thought, Meyer knew Charlie, with his eyes closed, his would know where Charlie would go next, which is the worst of adolescent fucking agitation.

Charlie's words were more of an insult than a refusal. Meyer wasn't a captured prey. Meyer wasn't a prostitute standing on the street, bored and playing with her fingers, and Meyer wasn't a cheap whore for Charlie to dine at a fake but fancy restaurant. And now they were in the storage room of a hat shop without even a decent table.

Charlie was still waiting for Meyer's response. Meyer had rushed over. He bumped into Charlie with his shoulders. Charlie was slammed backwards and hit the piled hat boxes. The top boxes fell off, as well as the newsboy hat Charlie wore. The newsboy cap fell on the ground and was covered with a layer of gray ashes. Meyer knew that Charlie would be scolded for this, and Charlie couldn't do anything except to admit it. Good.

Charlie stood up against the boxes behind him. His hair was completely messed up, curled up next to the temple. He arched his shoulders, arms behind him. He was calculating whether to attack or retreat, counterattack or let the matter go. Meyer didn't want to let it go, so he pushed Charlie again. Charlie got to firmly grasp Meyer’s arm this time, Meyer raised his knee and kicked it against Charlie's stomach fiercely. his calf was crippled over Charlie's thigh. Charlie snorted painfully, "Fuck." He heard Charlie scold, and was thrown to the ground almost at the same time. Meyer's back was on the concrete floor tears accumulate in the corners of his eyes, and the hat on the ground deformed in his afterglow. He suddenly wanted to laugh. Charlie's knees rested besides Meyer’s thighs; Meyer's wrists were firmly grasped. Charlie pressed him to the ground, the back of Meyer’s knuckles shattered on the cold ground. "What is this all about? Just because I took a girl to dinner? Didn't I have dinner with you all the time? On your Jewish street!"

"I won't step on your fucking crotch with my feet under the table!" Meyer lifted himself up, but Charlie just pushed him back again.

"Aren’t I sure of that? You just gave me a fucking punch! All because I specially grabbed something nice for you!"

"Fuck you, Luciano!"

This time was Charlie who laughed, short like he choked a mouthful of water. He released Meyer's wrist first. Meyer rubbed the back of his swollen hand. After Charlie saw that Meyer didn't plan to give him another punch, he jumped up to the other side of the room. Meyer sat up on the same spot but didn't stand up. He held his knees to his chest and curled up into a small group on the ground like a child. Charlie turned his back to him, muttering something in Italian, patting his pockets for his cigarette. Meyer took out his own and threw it towards Charlie's back. The cigarette case fell at Charlie's feet. Charlie picked it up, popping one in his mouth, and walked back to sit next to Meyer. "It is not that easy." He handed the cigarette to Meyer. Meyer raised his eyes and waited for him to continue, "You're different, do you understand?" Meyer understands, but at the same time he didn’t understand at all.

"Fuck, I even don't have to tip when I go to Massaria’s little restaurant." They took turns and the cigarette was smoked to its butt. Charlie threw it on the ground and pick another one, "Massaria thinks I'm the next golden boy or some shit." Meyer heard a smirk and said, "Yeah, fuck those old farts!" Charlie finished. He lay down on the ground, picked up the dirty newsboy hat, and nudged it into his chest, but he just pressed the dirt deeper into the texture of the hat, "Fuck." He cursed and clasped the hat on Meyer's head, Meyer immediately grabbed it and threw it out.

"Dairy products are not supposed to be eaten with meat in Judaism." Meyer said quietly. Charlie propped himself up with his elbow. "You can't cook goat lamb with the milk of a goat's mother." Meyer repeated his words before, Charlie hummed, "Then eat the pickles, like I give a fuck."

"You do not give a fuck?"

"Look, I'm only getting these foods because you're Jewish, and I don't give an honest shit about whatever nonsense they say in that book of yours. That book is as thick as a brick, you know." Charlie touched Meyer with his shoulder. Meyer used the half-burned cigarette butt to put on a new one. "I don't care about the shit rules that godfathers or bosses have to follow. I know what I can do. That good enough for me," Charlie snatched the cigarette from Meyer. All of a sudden, no one speak. Meyer heard what Charlie said and his brain just refuse to work.

"Are you going to kiss me or not?” That’s all Charlie can wait,” Or, we could eat ……”

"You fucking dago!" Meyer cursed, grabbing Charlie's collar and dragging him to himself. "Hey! Where did that come from? I didn’t even call you a Kike!."

TBC