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la-femme-au-collier-vert · 2 months ago

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From The Library of Anne Rice (Part 1)

A list of books owned by Anne Rice including annotation information taken from auction listings at Bonham's, October 2024. Will continue in Part 2.

Frazer, James G. The Golden Bough: A Study in Magic and Religion (abridged edition).New York: MacMillan Publishing Co., 1963. She writes on the flyleaf in June of 2012: "When I bought this book I don't know. I know I read it or a copy of it in the 1980s when writing The Vampire Lestat. It is essential to me." On the jacket spine she has added "Sacred!"

Frazer, James G. The Golden Bough: A Study in Magic and Religion. 1981. Marked on the cover, "Gift to Stan from Anne 1985 / Save Always, AR," and internally reads in Stan's handwriting: "A gift to me from Anne because I've never read it."

Gaskell, Elizabeth. Tales of Mystery & the Macabre. Wordsworth edition, 2007. bears Rice's ownership signature to title page ("Anne Rice / May 29, 2012 / The Desert") and is tabbed and annotated throughout.

Gaskell, Elizabeth. North and South. Penguin Books, 2000. bears her ownership signature on the title page.

Hemingway, Ernest. For Whom the Bell Tolls. New York: Charles Scribner's Son, 1940. Original beige cloth stamped cover and spine, in facsimile dust jacket. First edition with the Scribner's "A" on the copyright page. With Post-it note to front pastedown indicating that the book was a gift "From Becket and Christina / Christmas / 2012."

King, B. B. & David Ritz. Blues All Around Me: The Autobiography of B.B. King. New York: Avon Books, 1996. First edition, inscribed to "To Anne / All the best to you / B.B. King / 10-18-96."

Montgomery, L.M. Anne of Green Gables. Cutchogue, NY: Buccaneer Books, 1976. Anne Rice ownership signature dated February 7, 2015, Palm Desert. Annotated on front pastedown; "It's immediately a pleasure, and making me want to write."

Montgomery, L.M. Emily's Quest. Oxford City Press, 2009. Anne Rice ownership signature dated February 21, 2015; annotated and tabbed.

Montgomery, L.M. Emily Climbs. Sourcebooks, 2014. Anne Rice ownership signature dated February 12, 2015.

Montgomery, L.M. Emily of New Moon. Ameron House, c.2015. Anne Rice ownership signature dated February 6, 2015, inscribed: "Reading the paperback and loving it so much I had to have a hardcover."

Montgomery, L.M. The Blue Castle. Sourcebooks, 2011. Anne Rice ownership signature dated May 12, 2015 to title page.

Puzo, Mario. The Godfather. New York: Putnam, 1969. Book club edition. On May 26 and 27, 2013, she writes, "Badly need this, Studying in detail" and on page 74 she writes, "Note how easily it flows." She has great praise for the nimbleness of the novel's p.o.v. and is often asking herself "how can I learn from this?" On p 225 she writes, "This is a most impressive piece of work and is masterly. Again I marvel at vocabulary, tone, and placement—organization of the book. I fight OCD as I write, I've come to see that, and this helps me to see what this novel accomplishes. Presenting the Don as a 'great' man, a 'genius,' without apology is a conscious approach that is so powerful."

Puzo, Mario. The Godfather. Another copy, later edition, lacking jacket. With Anne Rice's ownership signature.

Puzo, Mario. The Godfather Papers and Other Confessions. London; William Heinneman, 1972.

Puzo, Mario. The Fortunate Pilgrim. New York: Random House, 1997. Anne Rice ownership signature.

Wallace, Lew. Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ. New York and London: Harper & Brothers, 1908. Anne Rice re-read this copy of Ben-Hur in 2006, a used copy she picked up somewhere, leaving detailed marginalia throughout and summing up her thoughts on the first flyleaf: "12-12-06: This is an amazing achievement: a Judeo-Christian novel. Jewish history and honor are here! And a woman tells this history to her son! How did we get away from this to The Robe ... 12-15-06: I've spent over two days reading & studying this wonderful book. It does seem unique—and it covers an amazing amt of material including a physical description of Our Lord, the crucifixion, etc. It is not anti-semitic. It presents Jews as exotic, 'oriental.' It has a primitive quality ... why is the prose so difficult? so 'dated'? Compare to Dickens." Rice's notes in the margin often compare the novel to (presumably the 1959 version of) the film, finding the novel superior in every way, and commenting more than once on its structural similarities to Dickens: "the whole spectacle and the co-incidence" (p 166).

Cleland, John. 1709-1789. Fanny Hill or Memoirs of a Woman of Pleasure. New York: Penguin Books, 1985. Annotated and with ownership signature to the title page: "Anne Rice / January 2014 / Palm Desert." Rice underscores Cleland's descriptions of bodies and physical acts, and in particular, wonders about the novel's p.o.v.: on p 108 she writes in the margin, "Is this a man's view? A gay man? An author who is male and female?"

Clinton, Bill. Born 1946. My Life. New York: Alfred Knopf, 2004. Jacket spine with label "From the library of Anne Rice" laid down to tail. First edition, inscribed on the title page, "To Anne—After doing this book, I admire you even more—Bill Clinton." with: a note on the Office of William J. Clinton letterhead: "2/17 —Huma—For author ANNE RICE.—Thanks, Sally." When Clinton published his memoir in 2024, Rice was one of the VIPs to receive a presentation copy, in which he expresses his admiration for her work after having written a book of his own.

Bellman, Henry. 1882-1945. Kings Row. New York: Simon and Schuster, 1943. Annotated and with ownership signature to front free endpaper: "Anne Rice / June 27, 2013 / Palm Desert." Rice has carefully read and annotated this copy, complementing the writing (particularly when Bellamann writes about Father Donovan) and adds a long note on the rear pastedown: "Pages & pages of this book are about the mind—about how the mind learns, expands, grows, experiences." Sometimes her comments are in conversation with the text, as when, on p 153, she underlines the town of Auvergne and writes "Auvergne, what a coincidence! As I plan a trip there and write about Lestat!"

Dickens, Charles. David Copperfield. New York: Penguin Classics, 2014. With ownership signature of Anne Rice dated June 11, 2018, tabbed and annotated throughout. On the preliminary leaf of Copperfield, Rice writes, "Again with my beloved David, and my beloved Dickens. I have just read Claire Tomalink 'The Invisible Woman' and her later bio of Dickens. I'm writing my new novel in my head."

Dickens, Charles. Great Expectations. New York: Penguin Classics, 2008. Signed and dated June 15, 2018, tabbed and annotated throughout.

Rawlings, Marjorie Kinnen. South Moon Under. New York, London: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1933 (undated later facsimile edition).

Mitchell, Margaret, Gone With the Wind. New York: [Simon and Schuster], 2011. Rice reread this copy in March of 2015, tabbing dozens of pages and commenting in the margins.

Tolstoy, Leo. War and Peace. New York: Alfred Knopf, 2007. The first date on this copy of War and Peace is June 30, 2010, and Rice writes: "The Desert / Being reborn in Tolstoy, studying at his feet—Searching for the Christ who is bigger than religion." In a different ink, Rice adds at the top of the same page, "Revisiting 7-16-17—Having seen much of the new BBC series with Lily James as Natasha." Rice has tabbed the pages throughout this volume and made extensive notes on character development and theme. On the rear flyleaf, she adds, "'Life is everything...' p 10064— use for L" as well as "The guiltlessness of suffering (do we make ourselves suffer to be guiltless)?"

Tolstoy, Leo. Anna Karinina. Translated by Rosamund Bartlett. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2014. Signed and annotated February 19, 2015. Heavily tabbed, especially in the center part of the novel, and noted on the front flyleaf: "Reading chunks of the story of Levin & Kitty / So beautiful and smooth—"

#Anne Rice #The Vampire Chronicles #Interview With the Vampire #Inspirations

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sweetcomicval · 3 days ago

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𝐆𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐄𝐑𝐁𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃 | 𝐉𝐉𝐇

pairing: jeong jaehyun x fem!reader song choice: silver bells - dean martin word count: 1.5 k PEACH & PINE MASTERPOST

It is the day before Christmas Eve, and the family is preparing to visit your in-laws for a special holiday gathering tomorrow. Jaehyun carefully sifted icing sugar into a large bowl while you leaned over the counter, rolling out cookie dough with Teo by your side. The kitchen buzzed with energy and the smell of vanilla and cinnamon.

“Teo, do you want to cut out the stars or the trees?” you asked, holding up the cookie cutters.

“Stars!” Teo shouted, grabbing the cutter with more enthusiasm than precision. His hand wobbled a bit as he pressed it into the dough, and you smiled at him and his determination.

Jaehyun glanced up from his sifting, watching his son in action. “That’s a solid star, buddy,” he said, placing a tray next to Teo, though his grin suggested otherwise. Teo’s apron was smeared with flour and hung slightly crooked; it was a gift from his grandparents that was already seeing plenty of love. “These cookies will definitely be… unique,” Jaehyun chuckled, shaking his head as Teo went back for another star.

While the cookies baked, you got everything ready to prepare a pistachio dacquoise, one of Jaehyun’s favorite desserts. Meanwhile, Jaehyun and Teo were making icing of different colors for the cookies. After they cooled, you decorated them with icing and sprinkles. Jaehyun took a moment to reflect; in the hustle and bustle of your busy lives, this intimate family time was a treasure—the laughter, the messy kitchen, and seeing you and Teo smile.

“Mommy, can we make cookies for Santa too?” Teo asked, looking at you with his big and cute eyes. “Of course! He deserves the best cookies!” You replied, pinching his cheek.

Once the cookies were ready, you packed them in cute, festive boxes. The sweet scent wafted through the house, making your mouths water in anticipation. “Tomorrow is going to be amazing!” Teo exclaimed joyfully.

Just then, Jaehyun kneeled down to Teo’s level and said with a chuckle, “You’ve worked hard today, baby. I think you should have a bath. You’re covered in flour and icing!” Teo giggled, glancing down at his messy hands.

After helping Teo clean up and getting him to bed, Jaehyun headed downstairs to do the dishes while you were finishing up the things for the dacquoise. He dried his hands on a towel and turned to you. “Hey, love, how about a bath after all this baking?” Jaehyun’s voice was soft as he wrapped his arms around you from behind. “I can throw in one of those bath bombs you love and brew you a nice cup of tea.”

You leaned back slightly into his chest, sighing in contentment. “That sounds perfect. But maybe I need something stronger than tea tonight… How about a gin and grapefruit tonic?”

Jaehyun paused for a moment, a playful grin spreading across his face. “I’ll get that ready while you finish up here.” He pressed a quick kiss to the top of your head before heading to the kitchen.

Later, as you sank into the bath, the soothing scent of lavender surrounded you. Jaehyun walked in with two glasses, a playful glint in his eyes. “Here’s your drink, madam,” he teased, offering the glass with a slight bow. You laughed, rolling your eyes at his antics.

“Everything okay?” he asked softly.

“Yeah, perfect,” you said, your smile easing into something quiet and content. Reaching out, you gently tugged him closer, and he leaned down, meeting you halfway for a kiss that lingered just enough to make the moment feel whole.

As you sipped your drink, you said to him, “You always know how to take care of me.”

“And I love to take care of you,” he said, his eyes sparkling. “How about I join you?”

As stories and laughter flowed, the world outside faded away, leaving just the two of you in your little paradise.

Christmas Eve arrived with a fresh layer of snow covering the streets of Seoul, the kind that makes everything feel quiet and new. You, Jaehyun, and Teo bundled up in your winter coats, laughing as Teo attempted to catch snowflakes on his tongue outside Jaehyun’s parents’ house.

When you stepped inside, the warmth hit you instantly. The smell of cinnamon and apples mingled with the sound of holiday music, while Bomi the dog yapped excitedly, circling Teo.

Jihoon and Miyoung greeted you both with wide smiles and warm hugs. Teo rushed forward, carefully presenting the cookies to his grandparents. “We made this just for you!” he exclaimed, his voice brimming with pride. “Teo, these look wonderful!” Miyoung exclaimed as Teo showed them the cookies with pride, though a few were a bit misshapen from his enthusiastic cutting earlier.

“Merry Christmas Eve!” Jaehyun said, pulling his mother into a hug. His father ruffled Teo’s hair, laughing as the boy beamed up at them, clearly enjoying the attention.

“Merry Christmas Eve!” Miyoung beamed, ushering Jaehyun and you inside. “It’s so wonderful to see you!” She said to you, wrapping you in a hug.

“Happy Holidays!” Jihoon added with his dimpled smile. “We’re glad you could join us!”

The dining table was a beautiful sight, adorned with a festive tablecloth and decorated with a centerpiece made of pinecones and holly. The family gathered around and began setting the table together, placing the cookies and the beautifully decorated pistachio dacquoise alongside some Korean dishes, like tteokguk.

As everyone settled down for dinner, Miyoung began sharing heartwarming stories from their time in the US. Teo listened intently, with Bomi curled up at his feet.

As the warmth of the home wrapped around you all, Miyoung turned to you. “Sweetie, how’s your family doing? We’ve missed hearing about them.”

You smiled, your eyes shining with fond memories. “They’re doing fine, thank you! Everyone’s busy with their own lives, but we keep in touch. I really hope to see them soon.”

Jihoon nodded, encouragingly. “Send them our greetings! We wish them a merry Christmas and a great year. Any plans to visit?”

“Hopefully, yes!” you replied, excitement creeping into your voice. “I’m trying to plan a trip back home soon. We could go together; my house is big enough for everyone!”

Miyoung’s face brightened instantly. “That would be amazing! We’ve heard so much about your country—and the nature there, it sounds incredible!”

After the meal, Jaehyun and Miyoung decided it was time for some music. They moved to the grand piano in the living room, and as Miyoung began to play a cheerful Christmas melody, Jaehyun joined in, harmonizing beautifully. The music wove through the room, drawing everyone closer together.

As the night drew on, the house hummed with energy, the fireplace casting a soft, golden glow. Jihoon raised his glass, his voice calm and steady. “To family, to love, and to all the little things that make moments like these last,” he said with a smile, his eyes meeting each of yours.

Teo couldn’t sit still any longer. He hopped off his chair to start the gift exchange. One by one, the presents were unwrapped, each followed by laughter and playful teasing.

“Teo, you outdid yourself this year,” Jaehyun said as Teo handed out a final package to his grandparents with a flourish. It wasn’t the most neatly wrapped present, but the joy on his face made it perfect.

As the evening drew to a close, Jihoon and Miyoung gathered you, Jaehyun, and Teo in the living room for a warm goodbye. “Thank you for a lovely evening!” you said, your heart full. “We had such a great time.”

Once outside, Jaehyun gently carried the sleeping Teo in his arms while you held onto the bags filled with gifts. As you arrived home, you tiptoed into the living room to avoid waking the little one.

“Let’s put the gifts under the tree,” you whispered, a hint of excitement lighting up your expression.

As you carefully placed each gift beneath the beautifully decorated tree, you suddenly remembered something. “Jay, you have to eat the cookies and drink the milk!”

Jaehyun chuckled, his stomach full from the delightful dinner. “Baby, I can’t. I’m too full.”

You pouted playfully. “But we have to! Teo will get sad if he sees them untouched! I’ll eat the cookies; you drink the milk.”

“Why can’t you drink the milk?” Jaehyun asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Jaehyun, I can tell it’s whole milk,” you replied with a teasing smile. “I only drink plant-based!”

“Fine! I’ll drink the milk; you eat the cookies.” Jaehyun gave in, shaking his head with a grin.

With laughter echoing through the room, you carried on with the little holiday tradition—sharing cookies and milk and making sure Teo would wake up to a delightful surprise in the morning. The cozy warmth of the evening stayed with you, a perfect prelude to the magic of the Christmas ahead.

a/n: last week i was so busy i couldn’t post 😭 but i’ll try to post the rest when i can 💌 reblogs and comments are appreciated 🫶🏼

#jeong jaehyun x reader #jaehyun #jeong jaehyun #jaehyun x reader #nct x reader #jaehyun fic #kpop fanfic #kpop fluff #nct fanfiction #nct fic #nct #nct 127 #nct dojaejung #sweetcomicval #peach & pine

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periracha · 1 year ago

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Waiting

☾ pairing: Dad!Chan x Mom!Reader ☾ wc: 2k ☾ genre: fluff, boring domesticity (gasp) ☾ cw: Christmas themes, kids, suggestive jokes, me trying to be funny idk, language, chan being chan ☾ summary: the bangs get in the holiday spirit! ☾ a/n: wanted to get a whole aesthetic and masterlist up for this blog before i posted anything but this little idea had my brain in a chokehold all day so,,,,enjoy ! also, let me know if I should continue writing this family so i can give them names, etc. yes this piece is fluff but this blog is 18+, MDNI

Ripples start to splash against the inside of your mug as you set it down on the coffee table that has been pushed aside for the evening to allow enough room for you and your husband.

“Clearing the living room floor the second both kids are down and out?” Chan asks with a wiggle of his eyebrow.

“Bit risky but I can work with this” he says while straining his neck and pulling his left arm across his chest in a stretch in preparation.

You look up at him when a scoff falls from your lips, “ha yeah you wish. Now get the wrapping paper from the closet”

“Please” you add with a sarcastic smile and sweet like honey tone.

He blinked at you silently for a split second before he huffed out a big sigh, “Oh thank god. I don’t think my back could handle these hardwood floors like it used to” he finishes as he makes his way to the hallway closet.

“Mmm unfortunately the only action these floors have been getting lately is spilled juice and probably some dusty cheetos the kids kicked under the couch” you joke as Chan meets you on the floor with wrapping supplies and gifts.

A quiet laugh in agreement leaves his lips.

“She’s gonna love this” Chan says with a grin so wide it meets his eyes.

He’s holding up a Bluey plushie that plays a few catchphrases from the show when its paw is squeezed.

“She better…. I’m running out of reasons why she can’t buy it every time we go to the store” you say as you cut wrapping paper big enough to wrap the doll and hand it to him.

Your daughter had wanted this little plushie for months now, always asking to stop by the toy section whenever you visit your local department store. You quickly learned that simply telling her the store didn’t have anymore wasn’t gonna fly with her. She always found a way to swindle you into the toy aisles, finding the plushie every time. Distracting her with books or other small toys could only get you so far; luckily Christmas was only a few days away and you both would soon see the joy on her face when she opened her gift.

“How do you even wrap these things??” Chan huffed out with a bewildered look on his face; his brows drawn tight and his eyes wide open. The piece of wrapping paper you had given him was creased all over, and covered in way too many pieces of tape that didn’t actually do anything to keep the paper together.

A giggle started in your chest but you choked it down with a fake cough. Chan was used to being good at almost anything he put his mind to.

Dancing? Easy.

Singing? No Problem.

Writing thousands of unique songs that differed in their own ways? Piece of cake.

Sports? Absolutely.

Wrapping a small gift for his three year old daughter? Not so much.

Carefully, you took the small doll from his hand and replaced it with a box of bath toys for your son.

“Here, let me handle this…and you wrap these” you said nonchalantly as soon as you made the switch; immediately working on your new task at hand.

Chan gawked at you with a goofy smile on his face, “You don’t think I can do it?...you’re demoting me to only wrapping boxes?” he laughed while feigning offense.

“No no no!”, you waved off, “you’re just soooo good! Better than me! The best actually!” you rushed out while trying to contain your laughter but ultimately failing.

Chan looked at you with pointed eyes, but had a wide smile plastered on his face the entire time. He looked like he was going to say something in retaliation but decided against it, letting out a small chuckle and shaking his head instead while he got to work on the box.

Many presents later you were both feeling the ache deep in your lower back from hunching over on the floor.

“Okay that's enough for me, I’m tapping out,” Chan said stretching his back with a yawn.

You yawned and simply shook your head up and down in agreement, thinking about how you were too tired to even keep your eyes open.

You got up and gathered all your wrapping supplies to store away.

“Oh! Can you take all those and put them under the tree?” you asked him while pointing to the group of gifts.

He hummed a quick mhm and started gathering them in his arms.

“Make sure to put Bluey on top of the one of the taller presents so they can’t get to it” you called out as you made your way to your room.

“Yep, got it” Chan quickly responded before placing all the presents down and making his way to follow you to your bedroom.

The next day went blissfully as usual; waking up way too early to cries before the sun is even fully out, only to finally get your son back down and you barely back in bed before your daughter barges in demanding French toast stat.

Did you even have all the ingredients for french toast?

You already got one kid handled, Chan could handle this one.

You lightly kicked him in the leg as he laid beside you to wake him up before you made yourself comfortable to fall back asleep.

When you did wake up, you grabbed your son and met your husband and daughter in the living room, setting him down to crawl around the rug.

“Good morning love”, Chan greeted you with a kiss to your cheek and sliding his arms around your waist in a loose hug.

You hummed a good morning back before resting your head against his chest.

“My turn! My turn!” your daughter yelled entirely too close to your eardrum as she stood on the couch in an attempt to be as eye level as she could with you.

“Coffee?” Chan asked with a smirk as he let you go and made his way to the kitchen.

“Ohhh yeah” you answered before turning your attention fully on your daughter.

She puckered her lips and stood on her tiptoes in an attempt to copy her dad’s previous actions. You bent down and she kissed your cheek, “Good morning, mommy!”, she giggled before flopping down on the couch.

“Oh it is a good morning!” you smiled back to her before tickling her to get some hugs in.

Chan met you back in the living room with your fresh cup of coffee as you both sat on the couch, watching your children play together in the early morning hours.

Your son crawled towards the christmas tree and before you could get up to grab him he had already bumped into a few presents, causing one of them to go off.

“Hello! Hehehe”

The noise immediately caught your daughter's attention and her head snapped towards the tree before her eyes widened. You could see the wheels starting to turn in her head to try and make sense of what just happened when you looked over at Chan who was sporting a mortified look. Jaw hung open and downward, eyes widening and moving around the room at everyone’s faces.

The damn Bluey doll had gone off and one of her most wanted presents was most likely spoiled now.

“WHAT WAS THAT?” she rushed out, walking closer to the tree.

“Your brother!” Chan blurted out way too quickly before tightening his lip into a flat line, realizing what he just did.

Your daughter stopped dead in her tracks and looked at the both of you.

“What???” she asked again, her eyes darting between yours and Chan’s a few times.

“He can talk??, “ she screamed, bewildered at the new information being thrown at her all too quickly, pointing at him and eyes wide as saucers.

You let out a huff of air and forced yourself to take a sip of your coffee, hoping to buy you some time, waiting for your brain to kick on. It was too early for this.

Chan looked at you waiting for you to come in and save the conversation but you had nothing. How were you supposed to convince a 3 year old that her 8 month old brother could now speak when he’s never done that before.

You’re on your own here. You thought to yourself as your eyes met Chan’s again. His face still stuck in the same shocked expression.

“Uhh…yeah..yeah…?” Chan tried to get out nonchalantly but it ended up coming out more like a question and high pitched tone, before clearing his throat.

Your son had now crawled toward your daughter and started grabbing at her legs to get her attention.

You needed a moment to think but your daughter would absolutely follow you wherever you went to…. Unless…?

You coughed into your arm dramatically, “ooooh mommy needs medicine, I will be right back” you said before quickly standing up and making your way to the hallway cabinets before she could stop you.

Even the possibility of being around cough medicine, seeing it with her own eyes, was enough to keep your daughter from following you. She was not about to risk having to take that, yucky grape stuff, as she likes to call it.

Chan followed after you, staying in the open area to keep an eye on the two kids.

“So our 8 month old is saying full words now is he?” you asked, raising your eyebrows when he got closer to you.

“I panicked okay!”, he screamed in a hushed tone.

“So you blame it on the baby?!” you asked in disbelief, a laugh starting in the bottom of your throat. You tightened your lips in an effort to stop the smile you knew was coming.

“What else was I supposed to say it came from?” Chan asked with a strained laugh, “you were no help!” he accused, pointing his finger and narrowing his gaze.

“I don’t know Chan! The TV? Your phone?” you huffed out off the top of your head and throwing your hands in the air.

“Hm. yeah that would’ve been good”, he said staring at the floor, realizing just how easy those would’ve been to explain away to a child.

He stepped back from you to get a better look at your kids a few steps away. His brow furrowed so you stepped forward to see what he was looking at.

Your daughter was sitting directly across from your son with a serious expression on her face, no more playing going on in sight.

“What..what are you guys doing?” Chan asked loud enough for your kids to hear.

Your daughter looked back at him, “Waiting,” she said matter of factly before refocusing her attention back on her brother.

“Waiting foorrr?” Chan asked, raising his eyebrows as you both took a step toward them.

“Him to talk again” she answered without bothering to even look at Chan this time, her serious gaze never leaving her brother's face. He was babbling and drooling while playing with the legs of her pajama pants.

You both couldn’t contain the laughs that came from your mouths. Today was going to be a long day.

You couldn’t wipe the smile from your face as you thought about your family’s antics. Never a boring day in the Bang household, but you wouldn’t have it any other way.

“Hey Chan, what did you do with the matching talking Bingo we wrapped last night?”

“Shit”

©periracha, 2023.

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roseofdarknessblog · 1 year ago

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Christmas baby | Levi Ackerman

You’ve always loved Christmas and everything that came with the holiday season. But for the last couple of years, Christmas has been special thanks to your partner. Since Levi was a Christmas baby, as you loved to call him, the holidays became even more remarkable to you.

Making everything perfect for Levi and his special day was your priority every single year. He didn’t like big noisy celebrations or people making a fuss out of his birthday. So every year, you made sure to spend the 25th of December in a calm and loving atmosphere. Sometimes at home and sometimes away on a little vacation somewhere nice.

„Good morning, sleepy head,“ you said with a huge smile when Levi walked into the kitchen. It was bright and early, the sun was only coming up, making the thick layer of snow outside sparkle in the sunlight. Your whole house was full of warm yellow glow, making everything seem extra cozy. „Breakfast is almost ready.“

Levi shook his head with a sleepy smirk, coming up to you and hugging you around the waist from behind. His lips pressed a warm kiss behind your ear, while you were finishing up with the special breakfast for your most beloved.

„Happy Birthday and also Merry Christmas,“ you said joyfully, looking over your shoulder to meet his lips in another tender kiss. His grip around your waist tightened a little, keeping you close.

„Thank you, love. Merry Christmas to you too.“ He rested his head against yours, watching you finish his favorite French toast with pieces of fried bacon. It was a lovely combination, mainly with Levi’s special winter-flavored caramel tea. „Do we have any plans for today?“

„No, not really. Maybe we could go for a walk if the weather stays nice. I love how quiet and peaceful the world outside is during the holiday season.“

„Yeah, that sounds nice. Maybe we can visit my mom, too.“

„I talked to her yesterday, she’s coming over for lunch tomorrow. And she’s expecting us for dinner today.“ You and Kuchel had an amazing relationship. She truly was a saint, who always had so much love for both you and her son. Even her brother Kenny liked catching up with you when he came for a quick visit or if you met at Kuchel’s house.

As you kept talking, both of you sat down at the dining table and enjoyed breakfast together. While you served the food, Levi made tea. Since there was nowhere to hurry, you could truly enjoy each and every moment, cherishing the time spent together on this very special day.

The house was nice and quiet, and all you could hear were the sounds of nature from outside. When you looked out the window, you saw tiny snowflakes drifting around and making the outside scenery even more lovely. It was such a huge contrast to everything you saw around you in the house – the Christmas tree, all the decorations and the fire peacefully burning in the fireplace, making the house warm and cozy.

The day of Levi’s birthday nor Christmas were ever about giving one another a huge amount of gifts. The best thing about the entire holidays were actually the days leading up to them. When you found time to decorate and bake together. Dance around the house to gentle Christmas music and fool around the kitchen, making a huge mess in the process and then cleaning it all up while tasting your sweet creations.

Yes, the actual holidays were beautiful and filled with love and gratitude, but those very last days before them had some unique kind of magic you looked forward to every single year. And Levi too. He adored helping you get everything ready. Despite all the tasks, he found it relaxing and assuring in a way. All the hustle before the holidays made him feel grateful that he had a special someone to share all of this with.

„What?“ Levi asked, when he caught you looking at him with a smile on your lips, while he was still finishing his breakfast. You shook your head and looked into your already empty plate. „No, tell me. What’s the matter?“

„Nothing, I just... I love you.“ He smirked at your shy expression as you said that. Almost as if you were saying it for the very first time. „And I’m so grateful that we can celebrate another holiday together,“ you added, reaching out your hand and stroking his cheek lovingly.

Levi slightly turned his head and pressed a kiss into your palm, leaning into your touch a bit more. The calm and content expression on his beautiful face made you feel all the joy in the entire universe.

„How about showing me just how much you love me?“ he teased and before you knew it, he pulled you over to sit on his lap, his arms wrapping around your waist tightly.

„Don’t you want to unwrap your presents first?“ you asked, playfully running your thumb over his lower lip. With a smirk, Levi’s hands slipped under your shirt and onto your lower back, his touch warm and gentle.

„Hmm, there’s one very special gift I can’t wait to unwrap,“ he mumbled in a low voice, his lips gently brushing against your mouth. One of his hands traveled up your back underneath your shirt, holding you close. His eyes locked with yours, full of love and hunger for your body. „Maybe we could get to it now, so later we can go for that walk you mentioned earlier,“ he continued teasing you, while his other hand slipped out from underneath your shirt and into your hair.

„It’s your special day. So you’re the one to say that we’ll be doing.“

„Trust me, I’ll enjoy this fact very much,“ he whispered into your lips and stood up, lifting you off his lap. With your legs wrapped around his waist, he made his way back to the bedroom, your lips staying pressed together in a passionate kiss for the entire time.

It was his birthday, after all. So it was only fair to grant him every little pleasure his heart desired.

#levi ackerman #levi ackerman x reader #levi ackerman x you #aot x reader #aot x you

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peggy-sue-reads-a-book · 1 year ago

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Friends, Romans, mutuals!

My sister will be home for Christmas from her job at a children’s home in a third world country (I will not specify the organization in the interest of the children’s privacy). All the toys in the home are secondhand and hard plastic. That is to say, the toddlers are able to choose violence, which no one wants. There are no soft toys nor any personal belongings for the youngest children. Between now and my sister’s return, my goal is to handmake 25+ teddy bears to send back with her. I will not be able to send these fuzzy bois by mail because American goods are taxed too heavily. The clock do be ticking and also like this bear is such a little guy.

My heart is as full of love as my bank account is full of cobwebs. Consider help my dumb broke ass buy yarn by contributing any amount to this fund.

However, certain contributions will come with the following rewards:

$5 USD — 10 HCs for a mythical/folklore ship of your choice, including self ship.

$10 USD — Single page minimum one-shot, again, ship of your choice OR editing service for a 1k word fiction.

+ $10 at least two pages of your silly little scenario you twiddle your thumbs to at night. I see you over there. Yearning. Alternately, I can help you with a 2k word piece of your own.

Again, I do not chose to reveal look-upable info on the children’s home, but any and all contributors will receive a picture of their sponsored 🧸 in their ask box as online (read: eternal) evidence of their legitimacy and good-personhood. The Theodore Bears (named for my youngest son) are an original pattern I wrote myself and will be handmaking. Please consider what it means to a child to have a unique gift, purely to call your own.

Even if you are not able to contribute, (we get it) it would mean so much to us were you to share or blaze my post for a quick signal boost.

Much love to you all,

Peggy

#go fund me #the theodore bears #teddy bears #social justice #non profit #not for profit #children’s home #charity #knitting #crochet #crafting #attention #mutuals

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bucket-barnes · 1 year ago

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(Suggestion from @shouldwemaybe)

Isle Christmas traditions

The Isle of the lost isn’t a place many would consider “merry”…quite the opposite actually, joy is an unknown emotion to most residents of the Isle, schadenfreude sure, but not any forms of Joy or merriment. When winter rolls around, and when Auradonians start getting ready for the holidays, Isle residents find their own ways to celebrate…though that term is used loosely, more so “things done to make the winter more bearable”.

The pirates often found winter to be the ample time for “caroling”, or more accurately “getting drunk and singing sea shanties at the top of your lungs to distract yourself from the frostbite” (pirate ships aren’t exactly known for being warm places to sleep). This was a tradition that the lost revenge crew found themselves partaking in during Uma’s absence (Uma wasn’t very fond of the tradition as the pirates drunken singing often drove away customers). Harry, as de facto captain in Uma’s absence, was definitely a leader in this intoxicated choir, because if he drank enough rum and sang enough shanties…who’s to say his fingertips weren’t turning dark blue? Severe frostbite? No! You’re just drunk! (Safe to say Uma was less than pleased once Gil spilled the beans after she asked him where all the new scars on Harry’s hands came from)

The Tremaine’s were a more sophisticated lot, often decorating their apartment above the salon with whatever tossed out and broken ornaments from Auradon that came in on the barges, Anthony doing his best to make a nice dinner with whatever food was the least spoiled, and little Dizzy making gifts for her family, often taking inspiration from what she saw Evie wearing on TV and daydreaming about when she would get to Auradon and would be able to give her grandmother a broach made of real emerald or give Anthony a new coat not made from leather scraps

If you were of the more religious variety, Claud Frollo often held church services from inside the crepery (a church to some), though attendance tended to be low since most people abandoned their gods once they realized they were on the isle. The Tremaine’s were often in attendance, on occasion Captain Hook would be there if the sober guilt started getting to him, maybe a couple goblins wandered inside. Claudine didn’t mind her father’s sermons, it was nice change from him berating her and calling her a sin and disappointment. She always sat at the register listening to her father speak as she continued to serve customers that weren’t there for religion

The Legume family had their own traditions. Gaston would take his sons on a “hunting trip” on the far side of the isle, well…except Gil, he was too busy making sure no one had to cut off Harry’s hands because of the frostbite he refused to acknowledge. This hunting trip usually consisted of picking off whatever wildlife managed to survive on the isle and then taking it home for Gaston’s wife to cook into…they wouldn’t call it a feast, more so the only decent food the Legume boys are gonna see for a while. Gil’s stepmother, though married to Gaston, wasn’t terrible, she always saved a little bit of meat for Gil for when he came home, it wasn’t much but, better than nothing

Overall, the Isle of the lost is far from merry or very festive but…people adapt

Hope you liked this! It’s kinda short and admittedly not my best work (it’s kinda hard to come up with unique traditions while keeping the Isle’s normal levels of overall shittiness) I’d love to flesh out some of these ideas though so let me know if you have one in particular you’d like to see made into it’s own story! And feel free to keep giving me festive writing prompts!

#disney descendants #harry hook #descendants 3 #gil descendants #ben descendants #carlos descendants #jay descendants #evie descendants #mal descendants #disney #christmas #festive #i don’t care that it’s november i want to be christmas festive #descendants fandom #descendants fanfiction

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thewildwitchkeziah · 3 days ago

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the Winter Ones: Folkloric Figures of Winter, Yule, & Christmas

by Keziah

The winter holidays are ebbing ever closer for those of us in the Northern Hemisphere. With each passing year, more and more practitioners of witchcraft and/or followers of pagan paths have looked to taking up the customs of their ancestors or incorporating those customs into their practices in some way. Holidays have become a popular way of embracing such traditions, traditions that can make diasporic practitioners feel a little closer to home, traditions that can bring one nearer their ancestors, traditions that can aid in making one’s practice and customs truly unique to them.

Winter has many customs and traditions, and those practices differ from region to region. One of my favorite aspects of winter is the amount of figures associated with the season – folk figures unique to the regions from which they hail. For many people, if you ask them about figures they associate with winter, you’ll hear Father Christmas, Krampus, and maybe even a nod or two to Hans Trapp, but there are so many more winter figures out there! In this post, we’ll meet a variety of these folk spirits, and we’ll learn a bit about their tales. It’s my hope that readers of this blog may find a new way of incorporating beliefs or customs of their ancestors or of their homelands (for our readers who are members of diasporic populations), and that, in doing so, their winter holidays may be brighter for it. Now, shall we dive in? Who to meet first…

GRÝLA, JÓLASVEINAR, & JÓLAKÖTTURINN

Grýla, the Yule Lads, and the Yule Cat

(Icelandic Folklore)

A prominent feature in Icelandic Christmas and Yule folklore is the tale of a mountain-dwelling family that descends upon Icelandic communities during the Yule season, or during the 13 days leading up to Christmas. This family consists of –

Grýla – a large, frightening giantess, ogress, or half-troll/half-ogre (depending on what version of the tale you hear) who feasts upon naughty children;

Jólasveinar / the Yule Lads – Grýla’s thirteen thieving, tricksy sons;

and Jólakötturinn / the Yule Cat – Grýla’s pet cat, a massive, vicious, people-eating creature.

According to lore, throughout most of the year Grýla and her crew keep to themselves in some isolated mountainous area. If not in the mountains, it’s often said that Grýla and co. live in Dimmuborgir (lava formations in north Iceland). During the Yule or Christmas season, though, Grýla and her brood leave their domain behind to bring a bit of terror to the inhabitants of Iceland.

For thirteen nights, Grýla’s sons, the Yule Lads, will leave gifts for (and party with, play games with, and perform for) well-behaved children, and leave tricks or warnings for naughty children, but this version only came about after a shift in the tone of the tale. Most sources state that the Yule Lads were once purely horrible and simply wreaked havoc for the thirteen nights leading up to Christmas. Why the change? Well, apparently the original lore was so terrifying that the parliament of Iceland officially outlawed its use as a scare tactic against children. Thus, the brighter lore of playfully mischievous Yule Lads was born, differing greatly from the ‘creepy and revolting’ ways exhibited in the earlier tales.

As the stories go, one-by-one, the Yule Lads go into inhabited areas of Iceland and sow a little terror and chaos, each carrying out his own special form of mischief. They could only do their deeds at night, and were quite terrifying to behold – large, dirty, and ‘humanoid and bestial in equal measure’ (though now most depictions of the Yule Lads feature cheerful, bearded men with woolen clothes and pointed hats). The Yule Lads arrive (one per night) starting thirteen days before Christmas, and each continues their mischief spree for thirteen nights, only then departing (again, one per night).

The Yule Lads are:

Stekkjastaur ‘Sheep-Cote Clod’ – from the 12th - 25th of December, Stekkjastaur sneaks into pens and stables to harass sheep, attempting to suckle them all, though this is made difficult by his long, stiff, wooden legs, which don’t allow him to bend his knees and kneel on the ground.

Giljagaur ‘Gully-Gawk’ – from the 13th - 26th of December, Giljagaur hides in the gullies near homes until all the household has fallen asleep. Then, he makes his way to the cowsheds to steal milk.

Stúfur ‘Stubby’ –Stúfur will, from the 14th - 27th of December, steal into homes and nab anything leftover in the pans. Some versions say he steals the pan itself, for he likes to eat the ‘crust’ left behind on them from cooking.

Þvörusleikir ‘Spoon-Licker’ – from the 15th - 28th of December, Þvörusleikir sets about his diabolical task of breaking into homes and licking all the spoons (in particular, the wooden spoons).

Pottaskefill ‘Pot-Scraper’ – from 16th - 29th of December, Pottaskefill breaks into homes to steal unwashed pots so he can lick up all that’s left, be that the remnants of sauces, broths, and gravies, or leftover bits of food. He’s also said to eat any unfinished foods from plates.

Askasleikir ‘Bowl-Licker’ – from 17th - 30th of December, Askasleikir hides beneath beds, lying in wait for anyone to set their askur down. An askur is an Icelandic wooden bowl with a lid, which, according to these Yule tales, would sometimes be carried off to bed whilst one was enjoying a late-night snack. The bowl would then be placed on the floor beside the bed or just under the bed, where Askasleikir would be waiting to scarf down whatever is left in the askur.

Hurðaskellir ‘Door-Slammer’ – from 18th - 31st of December, Hurðaskellir starts his rounds, going around slamming doors. He finds it even more fun to do whilst everyone is sleeping.

Skyrgámur ‘Skyr-Gobbler’ – from 19th of December - 01st of January, Skygámur commits the heinous act of robbing any and every pantry or refrigerator he can find of skyr, a traditional Icelandic dairy food similar to yoghurt.

Bjúgnakrækir ‘Sausage-Swiper’ – as if Skyrgámur’s antics weren’t enough, Bjúgnakrækir is a rotten old sausage thief. He sits in the rafters of homes, waiting for everyone to go to bed or to look away. Then, he steals as many sausages as he can manage. Bjúgnakrækir makes his arrival on the 20th of December and leaves on the 02nd of January.

Gluggagægir ‘Window-Peeper’ – perhaps the creepiest of the lot thus far (though someone licking all the spoons is the stuff of nightmares), Gluggagægir makes his rounds from the 21st of December - 03rd of January, peeping through windows into homes, hoping to spy something to steal.

Gáttaþefur ‘Doorway-Sniffer’ – from the 22nd of December - 04th of January, Gáttaþefur, lured to your home by the scent of freshly baked laufabrauð (‘leaf bread,’ a traditional Icelandic Christmas bread), arrives to one’s doorway and will attempt to steal the laufabrauð.

Ketkrókur ‘Meat-Hook’ – from the 23rd of December to the 05th of January, Ketkrókur would find a way to steal the meat from your kitchen. He’d hide in the pantry, behind doorways, in the rafters, up the chimney, and he’d use his long, hooked staff, or meat hook, to quickly snatch away the meat either while it was being prepared or from the holiday table itself.

Kertasníkir ‘Candle-Stealer’ or ‘Candle-Beggar’ – from the 24th of December to the 06th of January, Kertasníker, the last of the Yule of Lads, steals candles, especially from children. Candles were once typically made from tallow and were edible, and some lore states that Kertasníker would steal the candles to snack on.

Nowadays, the Yule Lads are said to leave candies and small gifts for good children, placing the goods in the shoes that kids leave on their windowsills in hopes of finding them later filled with presents. Bad children, however, are said to be left nothing but rotten potatoes.

As for Grýla, well… Grýla comes and kidnaps naughty children, loading them into her sack and carrying them back to her husband, Leppalúði (who most sources say is quite lazy and prefers to stay in his cave than to go with Grýla and the Yule Lads to terrorize Icelandic children). Grýla and Leppalúði then eat the naughty children, cooking them up in Grýla’s giant pot or cauldron. Though Grýla and Leppalúði are known to have a particular fondness for eating children, some sources also warn that they’ll eat adults caught outdoors on their own during those long, dark winter nights.

If Grýla and her husband weren’t bad enough, you still have the Yule Cat to worry about, especially if you didn’t receive any gifts of new clothes for the holidays. It’s said that the Yule Cat, on Christmas night, eats anyone it catches that isn’t wearing at least one new item of clothing.

LA BEFANA

(Italian Folklore)

With particular association with Epiphany Eve (the night of the 05th of January), La Befana is witch in Italian folklore (sometimes called, fondly, the Christmas Witch). She’s said to fly around Italy on her broom on the night of Epiphany Eve, when she visits each household with children and fills each child’s stocking with gifts or punishments, depending on whether they were well or poorly behaved. Well-behaved children receive gifts and sweets, while those who were naughtier receive a coal lump, black rock candy, or a stick. Some tales also say that La Befana (who is obsessively tidy in some variations of her origin story) may sweep or clean your house before she leaves.

La Befana is said to be a very old woman with a cheerful, kindly disposition. She dresses simply, usually wearing a shawl either around her shoulders or tied over her hair (sometimes both), and her clothes are soot-covered, as the tales say she flies into each home via the chimney. She carries a wicker basket or cloth sack filled with all of the gifts and sweets she must deliver.

In some Italian regions, bonfires are burned on Epiphany, and those bonfires sometimes feature effigies of La Befana. Many people dress as La Befana at various Epiphany events and festivals in Italy.

ST. NICHOLAS & KRAMPUS

(Central European Folklore)

On Saint Nicholas Day (observed on the 5th or 6th of December, depending on the region), many children throughout Europe (and in diasporic communities around the world), wake up excited to check in their shoes or under their pillows for gifts from St. Nicholas. St. Nicholas, is a tall, lean, cheerful old man with a long white beard, usually depicted as being dressed in fine vestments, including a cape or chasuble, and almost always wearing an ornate miter atop his head. In Central European (and some Eastern European) folklore, though, jolly old St. Nicholas does not work alone.

The Krampus travels as Saint Nicholas’ companion. Usually depicted as a large red, black, or brown demon with cloven hooves and the legs and horns of a goat, pointed ears, a long, pointed or forked tongue, and a frightening, human face with a crazed or menacing expression, Krampus is truly the stuff of childhood nightmares. Saint Nicholas and Krampus make their rounds on Krampusnacht – the night of the 05th of December. While the well-behaved children received gifts from Saint Nicholas, naughty children meet punishment at the hands of Krampus. The punishment varies from one tale to the next – some say that Krampus switches the children with birch branches; some say that Krampus devours the children, often swallowing them whole; and still other tales say that Krampus nabs the children, loading them into the basket or pouch he wears upon his back and taking them to hell.

Despite attempts by the Catholic Church to ban Krampus, belief in the goat demon is very much still alive, with festivals and parades dedicated to Krampus, such as Krampuslauf, booming in popularity.

BELSNICKEL

(Germanic Folklore)

Belsnickel (also often spelled Belschnickel or Beltznickle) is a figure of Germanic folklore that finds its origins in Rheinpfalz, a historic region of Southwestern Germany. The belief in Belsnickel finds life still yet in some areas within this region, as well as in diasporic German peoples (and the descendants thereof) in Pennsylvania Dutch communities (birthed from settlers from the Rheinpfalz region) throughout the US.

Belsnickel is a man dressed in tattered, dirtied furs and clothes. In some versions, he also wears a mask with a long, pointed tongue. Belsnickel travels around at night (usually on the night of Christmas Eve), wielding a long switch in one hand and carrying a sack filled with cakes, candies, fruits, and nuts in the other hand or on his back. Poorly behaved children would receive a switching, while well-behaved children would be given sweets from the sack.

Brown’s Miscellaneous Writings features a first-hand account (having taken place around 1830) of one Beltznickel tradition from Maryland, USA –

‘One hand would scatter the goodies upon the floor, and then the scramble would begin by the delighted children, and the other hand would ply the switch upon the backs of the excited youngsters – who would not show a wince…’

In some Pennsylvania Dutch communities, it’s said that Belsnickel arrives one-to-two weeks before Christmas to ‘check in’ on how the children were behaving, punishing the bad children and serving as a frightening warning and reminder that they had better correct their ways before Christmas.

PERCHTA

(Alpine Folklore)

Known by many names, such as Pehta Baba (in Slovenian lore), Frau Perchta, and Frau Faste (in some Swiss and Slovenian lore), Perchta is a goddess associated with winter, spinning, and folk magic, particularly in Germany and Austria.

Perchta’s association with winter bears particular emphasis on midwinter and Twelfth Night. It’s said that Perchta would enter homes during the twelve days between Christmas and Epiphany, and she would dole out rewards and punishments. Children and servants of the home who had worked hard throughout the year and who had been good people would wake the next morning to find a small gift left by Perchta (usually a coin or trinket, though some modern customs say she may leave candies).

Her punishments, however, were far greater than her gifts. For children and servants who had been poorly behaved, unkind, and lazy, Perchta enters their bedrooms while they slumber, cuts them open, and replaces their stomach and guts with straw. Some tales say she does not replace one's entrails but simply fills the stomach with straw. It’s also said in some tales that Perchta delivers this same punishment to those who on the night of Perchta’s feast day eat something aside from the traditional foods of her feast day (those foods being fish and gruel).

Perchta’s association with spinning also comes into play in some variations of this tale, in which Perchta’s punishment is reserved for those who did not complete their spinning by the time of her visit. She was also said to trample or set fire to any half-spun fibers she discovered.

Perchta’s links to midwinter come from her ties to the legend of the Wild Hunt. Some tales of the Wild Hunt feature Perchta as the leader of the hunt.

As for Perchta’s appearance, there are two main versions. Perchta is sometimes described as a beautiful, young woman, with white or very pale hair and fair skin, usually dressed in white or silvery white hues. This Perchta differs greatly from that featured in some old depictions, which describe a hag woman dressed in rags, with a wrinkled face and a large beak-like nose made of iron. Some descriptions say this woman carries a cane, and many depictions feature her keeping a knife or blade beneath her skirts or robes.

The difference in these two depictions of Perchta is also reflected in the two variations of Perchten – a term that is used to apply to both the masks worn at festivals and processions honoring Perchta, as well as to figures associated with Perchta and seen as her subjects or helpers. Of these figures, there are two types –

Schönperchten: the beautiful, bright Perchten dressed in silvers and whites, said to deliver blessings of wealth and good luck during the Twelve Nights,

and Schiachperchten: the monstrously ugly Perchten with fangs and tusks, horns, tails, and beastly, fur-covered faces. The Schiachperchten are said to drive away evil spirits, ghosts, and demons.

SPILLAHOLLE

The Spillaholle – also known as Mickadrulle / Mickatrulle, Popelholle (‘Hooded Holle’), Zumpeldrulle – is believed to be a regional variation of Frau Holle or Perchta. She is said to be a very short old woman dressed in ragged, tattered clothing and a hood, and is, in some tales, said to carry stinging nettles with her.

The Spillaholle appears in towns and villages during winter, especially nearing Christmas or during the Twelve Nights of Christmas. The Spillaholle, who is strongly associated with spinning, is said to travel through town, peeking in the windows of each house to check to see ‘if the children and spinsters are spinning diligently.’ If their spinning hasn’t been taken care of by evening or nightfall, it’s said that the Spillaholle will dole out punishments. It’s even said that the Spillaholle will take the lazy spinsters away, beating them with the stinging nettles she carries with her. As for those who have finished their spinning, instead of a punishment, the Spillaholle leaves a blessing of protection – a single nettle is left upon the stoop or at the threshold of the home, a nettle that shall protect the house from various misfortunes for the next year.

MARI LWYD

(Welsh Folklore)

The origins of the Christmas tradition of the parading of the Mari Lwyd are up for debate. Some say it’s an early Christian practice, while many others believe that it’s a surviving pre-Christian tradition that’s been Christianized throughout the years. Believed to have come from a wassailing custom, the Mari Lwyd (said by some to mean ‘Grey Mary,’ ‘Holy Mary,’ or ‘Blessed Mary,’ and by others to mean ‘Grey Mare’) is a hobby horse, puppet, doll, or effigy that is paraded through town, carried from door-to-door by wassail-singing groups. This is done during the Christmas season, often ‘between Christmas Day and Twelfth Night.’

The head of the Mari Lwyd is usually a skull of a hoarse (and in most cases, the same skull is to be used each year), though there have been accounts of a head being carved from wood or shaped from a pillow. The skull (or makeshift horse head) is beautifully decorated with flowers and ribbons (the ribbons usually making up the Mari Lwyd’s mane), and has lights, baubles, or bottle glass for eyes. A white cloth is draped from the horse’s head down over the base of the Mari Lwyd, concealing the carrier of the doll underneath. A spring or stick is usually attached to the lower jaw of the skull, so that the jaw can be made to open and snap shut.

The parade is to begin at dusk or sundown. Singing and dancing is to be enjoyed whilst the Mari Lwyd makes her way along. At each door, the Mari Lwyd procession would perform traditional songs, and the household was to reply (usually through the closed door) with improvised, taunting poetry, usually delivering some kind of funny insult. A competition then ensues, a back-and-forth between the Mari Lwyd party and the household (this is a ritual called pwnco), until one side was bested and gave up, having no reply. Should the Mari Lwyd procession singers lose, they leave empty-handed. Mari Lwyd winning and entering the house, though, is believed to be a blessing that will bring good fortune to the household for the coming year.

The Mari Lwyd is said to be mischievous as well – chasing people, gnashing her jaws to scare children, and even trying to steal things or knock things about when she enters a home.

DED MOROZ & SNEGUROCHKA

(Slavic Folklore)

Ded Moroz (also called Dedushka Moroz – and other variations of Grandfather Frost – and Morozko) is familiar to many as Russian Santa, but Ded Moroz is much, much more than that. Ded Moroz finds his origins in pre-Christian Slavic paganism and folklore as a great magician and wizard of winter. Belief in Ded Moroz and customs surrounding him were banned during the early Soviet era. Nevertheless, Ded Moroz not only lives on, but has become a winter icon in East Slavic culture and is now the main figure associated with Novy God, the secular Christmas-like Russian celebration of New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.

Ded Moroz – a tall, old man with rosy cheeks and long white beard, who dresses in a floor-length fur coat and fur hat, and usually wields a magic staff – travels about (usually depicted travelling by a horse-drawn sleigh) delivering gifts to children. Some tales say that he delivers gifts all through December as well as on New Year’s Eve night, when he places the gifts under the New Year Tree whilst the household is sleeping.

One aspect of Ded Moroz’s tale that is rather unique is that of Snegurochka – Ded Moroz’s granddaughter who helps him make his deliveries. Snegurochka (also called Snegurka and the Snow Maiden), unlike Ded Moroz, doesn’t find her roots in pre-Christian Slavic lore, but rather in 19th century Russian fairytales. Snegurochka wasn’t depicted as Ded Moroz’s granddaughter until after 1935, when the holiday of Novy God was permitted by the Russia Federation. From then on, Snegurochka became Ded Moroz’s granddaughter and assistant, and has since been more commonly depicted as wearing wintery silver and blue cloaks and a fur hat (sometimes a crown made of glistening snowflakes).

SOURCES & FURTHER READING:

Þjóðsögur Jóns Árnasonar - the Collection of Folklore of Jón Árnason The Icelandic Yule Lads and their evil mother Gryla A Journey Around the Figure of the Befana – Manciocco, Claudia; Manciocco, Luigi Krampus | Definition, History, & Facts The Origin of Krampus, Europe's Evil Twist on Santa ‘the Krampus and the Old Dark Christmas: Roots and Rebirth of the Folkloric Devil’ – Ridenour, Al The Winter Goddess: Percht, Holda, and Related Figures: Folklore: Vol 95, No 2 ‘Deutsche Mythologie’ – Grimm, Jakob Holda: Between Folklore and Linguistics Who is Belsnickel in Pennsylvania German Christmas lore? ‘Brown’s Miscellaneous Writings’ – Brown, Jacob Yes Helen, there is a Belsnickel ‘A Dictionary of British Folk Customs’ – Hole, Christina The Mari Lwyd ‘Ritual Animal Disguise: A Historical and Geographical Study of Animal Disguise in the British Isles’ – Cawte, E.C. Mari Lwyd, a Welsh Christmas Tradition ‘A Tour Through Part of North Wales, in the Year 1798, and at Other Times’ – Evans, J. ‘Perchta the Belly-Slitter and Her Kin: A View of Some Traditional Threatening Figures, Threats and Punishments’ – Smith, John B. Felix und Ulrich Mueller - Percht und Krampus ‘the Old Magic of Christmas: Yuletide Traditions for the Darkest Days of the Year’ – Raedisch, Linda "Дед Мороз и Снегурочка" (Grandfather Frost and the Snow Maiden) –Dushechkina, E. B. ‘Encyclopedia of Russian & Slavic Myth and Legend’ – Dixon-Kennedy, Mike

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psalmonesermons · 3 days ago

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Our best ever Christmas presentI

Immanuel our best ever Christmas gift

Isaiah 7:14 and Matthew 1:23

Isaiah 7:14 says The Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold a virgin shall conceive and bear a son and shall call his name Immanuel.

Permit me to explain

These gracious words were spoken by the Hebrew prophet Isaiah about 700 years before the birth of Jesus Christ. This prophecy like some other old testament prophecies seemed to have a double fulfilment.

That is the prophecy was fulfilled in the days around when it was first given for King Ahaz.

However, its second and much greater fulfilment came several hundred years later when Jesus Christ was born.

We know this Immanuel prophecy about was about Jesus because the Gospel of

Matthew 1:23 quotes the prophet Isaiah 7:14 scripture as follows;

Behold a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

Please note that both spellings are acceptable that is Immanuel and Emmanuel.

So, what does Emmanuel or 'God with us' mean?

Emmanuel in a sense is an overview of God's full plan of salvation for mankind.

First God becomes an actual man of flesh and blood, he can feel pain and the full range of human emotions.

This brings God in a new way into a full identification with mankind.

He now knows exactly what it is like to be a human being.

This baby born in a manger, grows up to become the Messiah the Saviour, who at the end of his life saves mankind from our greatest foe...not the Romans, not the Egyptians, not the Russians… mankind's biggest foe is sin or we could say acting against God's wishes.

This unique baby went on to provide a way back to God for mankind for all of us have gone astray.

Imagine that, God the Son was with us and is still with us!

What does that mean to you?

Yes, that little baby in the manger, grew up to become the suffering Messiah who has provided a way back to God for all who want it.

We can rejoice in Emmanuel

We rejoice that God is with us.

We can rejoice in God’s greatest ever gift Christmas gift- Immanuel, Jesus Christ who came to take our sins. If this is new to you then check out the teaching below 'How to be born again'.

Amen

Personal prayer

#christianity #bible study #bibletruth #blog post #blessings #psalmonesermons #faith #victory #devotional #imman

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weddingfavorsoutlet · 4 months ago

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Holy Family 925 Silver Argento Tear Drop

Price - $16.99

Celebrate the joy of the Christmas season with this plaque featuring the holy family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. This Italian plaque features a unique teardrop design that encapsulates a scene in the stable at Bethlehem.

The Holy Family Icon plaque is crafted from 925 silver on cherry wood back and elegantly displays Joseph’s pride in his new son as Mary dotes over a newly-born Jesus. Popular uses Religious favors, first communion party favors, first communion decorations, baptism party favors, or christening favors ceremonies or it can be given as a gift to commemorate the occasion. Visit Here.

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noisycowboyglitter · 5 months ago

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Best Bartender Ever: How to Create an Unforgettable Bar Experience

"Best Bartender Ever" is a title that celebrates the exceptional skill, personality, and service of a highly regarded mixologist. This accolade is often bestowed upon bartenders who go above and beyond in their craft, creating an unforgettable experience for their patrons.

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The best bartenders possess a unique blend of qualities. They have an encyclopedic knowledge of drinks, from classic cocktails to cutting-edge concoctions, and can expertly customize beverages to suit individual tastes. Their mixology skills are impeccable, with precise measurements and techniques that result in perfectly balanced drinks every time.

Beyond technical prowess, the best bartenders excel in customer service. They have a keen ability to read people, offering just the right amount of conversation or respectful silence. They're adept at managing the atmosphere of their bar, ensuring everyone feels welcome and comfortable.

Creativity is another hallmark of top bartenders. They often experiment with new flavor combinations, innovative presentation methods, and even their own infusions or bitters. This creativity keeps regulars intrigued and coming back for more.

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The best bartenders also demonstrate professionalism in high-pressure situations, maintaining composure during busy hours and dealing tactfully with challenging customers. They're often seen as confidants, offering a sympathetic ear when needed.

Ultimately, the "Best Bartender Ever" transforms the simple act of serving drinks into an art form, creating memorable experiences that extend far beyond the glass.

A Cool Funny Bartending Gift Christmas combines humor, practicality, and holiday cheer for the mixologist in your life. These gifts often feature witty slogans, bartending puns, or humorous illustrations related to cocktail-making or drinking culture, all with a festive twist.

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Examples might include a Christmas-themed cocktail shaker with funny instructions, novelty bottle openers shaped like Santa's sleigh, or a set of coasters with cheeky drink-related holiday jokes. Other ideas could be an ugly Christmas sweater with a bartending theme or a festive apron with built-in bottle holsters.

These gifts not only bring laughter but also serve a practical purpose in a bartender's toolkit. They're perfect for adding a touch of humor to holiday parties or bringing some festive flair to the bar during the Christmas season.

Ultimately, these gifts celebrate the fun side of bartending while embracing the joy of the holidays.

Christmas Gifts for Son encompasses a range of thoughtful presents tailored to bring joy to a beloved child or adult son during the holiday season. These gifts often reflect the son's interests, hobbies, or needs, showing a parent's understanding and care. Options might

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include tech gadgets, sports equipment, books, clothing, or personalized items. For younger sons, toys and games are popular choices. For adult sons, practical items like tools, accessories, or experience gifts might be appropriate. The best Christmas gifts for sons combine sentimentality with functionality, creating lasting memories and strengthening the parent-child bond during this special time of year.

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marine-indie-gal · 9 months ago

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Here's a brief Final Finished Design that I have done for my own Rudolph ever since Last Year. I didn't really like on how I did with the First Redesign of Rudolph since I believe I made look too similar to the Rankin Bass, so I've decided to add an adjustment to my Rudolph Redesign (in order to avoid confusion with the R/B one (most likely the first one other than the sequels)). I also added in his Adult form just in case.

Speaking of which, here is a brief Bio for My Rudolph for a preview of my Adaptation;

Rudolph was Born during a Snowy Cold Blizzard when his Mother (Elizabeth) was pregnant with Dasher's Son while his Father was out on Christmas with the Other Reindeer searching for every Home that they could find for Santa bringing each of the Good Children their own Gifts. As Elizabeth was hurried to the hospital, the Elf Nurses and Elf Doctors took her to a Barn where they helped out the Desperate Reindeer Mother to give birth to their own Son (Thus, Rudolph was born). As Elizabeth cleans her own Baby, the Elves call Santa to tell one of his Reindeer that his Wife have just given birth. When Dasher came in for a surprise at the Barn, He and his Wife were joyfully happy to have a child of their own. They named their Son "Rudolph" and for once, they believe that their Son will be beloved by all one day.

Little did they know, their own Son had a Deep Blessing Gift from his Ancestor named "Sol" (A Reindeer with Great Power that the ability to Glow to create the Northern Lights). Rudolph's Gift was given by a Yule Goddess by the name, "Frau Holle" for deep down, the Gift of Light knew that Rudolph would one day save Christmas forever and even his own Power against Evil just like his Ancestor.

On that faithful night when the Couple went to sleep, Baby Rudolph's Nose began to Glow so Bright, it cause the both of his Parents to wake up. To their surprise, they've never seen a Reindeer's Colorful Nose that can glow so Shiny before. They felt very concern on how the rest of the Townfolks in the North Pole around Christmas Town would feel about their Son walking around with a Unique Nose that is part of his Body. Deeply unaware of the fact that their Son's Nose was truly ever meant to be a blessing, the Entire Citizens of Christmas Town were very shocked to see a Reindeer with a Red Nose that can Glow. Some of them were surprise while others felt concerned. Knowing that it was the very first time to see a Reindeer with a Glowing Power ever since during the Modern Era, Santa was impressed by Dasher's Son's Nose and wonder if there ever is potential in him to become a Sleigh Team Member.

During Child Years when Rudolph grew, he was constantly bullied by Other Reindeer Yearlings because of his Nose as he was even made fun out of the way he was born with, even the Son of Blitzen (Storm) always made fun of him ever since. But there were Other Reindeer who didn't bully Rudolph and liked him as a Friend as a Group of Yearlings (who were other Children of Santa's Other Reindeer) always supported Rudolph since he was the Son of the Lead Reindeer. One Reindeer Friend (who was a Doe) named "Ava" (The Daughter of Cupid) was the one who brought Rudolph into their own Friend Group as he given in to be part of a Small Reindeer Club thanks to her kindness since Cupid's Daughter never made fun of Dasher's Son for Ava always saw what was special and unique about him.

However, one particular and the most infamous rival of them all (Storm) was super jealous towards Rudy and never wanted to occur to him as a friend, wanted Ava to be his own Friend but seeing on how that Ava was more sided with Dasher's Son than Blitzen's Son, this cause Storm to hate Rudolph even more but with all of the Bullying that Rudolph suffered, little did Dasher's son knew that Blitzen's Son would instantly trick him. One day, when Storm was pretended to be very friendly towards the Red-Nosed Reindeer as he lied to Rudolph of having a change of heart after when the accident that Rudolph had with his own Nose at the Reindeer Games that when Storm and his own Gang wanted to show Rudolph something surprising in the woods that would spark Rudolph's eyes in the Woods. When they got there, there was absolutely nothing but Trees as the Buck Yearlings were far away from Christmas Town but when Rudolph finally came to his surprise, Storm instantly pushed Rudolph right off the hedge as Rudolph rolled all the way down through a small cliff in the Woods as he fell down and landed in a different part of the Woods. Realizing that Storm had lied to him and emotionally manipulated him, Storm and his Gang leave Rudolph behind as Rudolph tried to climb up but sadly he couldn't manage to get back up there as he was left to be rotten to die.

Not much later in the woods that Rudolph was lost that he terrified around in the forest until he was ended up being taken care of an Old Wise Woman named "Grizelda" who tells Rudolph that his own Nose might have a secret power that he could only find within himself which cause the Young Yearling to feel curious on what his true Nose could be as a Blessing Gift. After being taken care of for only One Day, Rudolph decides to find his way home by himself as his Journey begins alone through the North Pole.

While wondering around in the Artic, Rudolph tries to find his own way back to Christmas Town to get back home, he was in an Dangerous Trip at first with a Cold Blizzard and even watching out for Danger as the Poor Reindeer Yearling was completely lost and nowhere near out of sight. However, during his Journey across the Artic (where he is actually very far away from his home), Rudolph stumbly upon a Group of Penguins in the Isle of the Penguins where he meets a couple of Misfit Trio of Artic Animals (A Penguin, A Harp Seal, and even a Snowy Owl) who were stuck in a middle of a troubled situation of Dopey being stuck through the Frozen solid water as Silvino and Wallace try to pull him back up but Rudolph tends to help them get their Dimwitted Friend up. After the help, Rudolph introduces himself to his New Friends as The Misfit Band welcome him and even promise to help him to get his own way home.

During their Journey to find Christmas Town, the Gang had go through some stormy blizzards and even rest for the nights where they had to find food and even some extra shelter for themselves despite some random hijinks that they went through their own Journey to help their New Reindeer Friend. Rudolph somehow grew much close to the Trio as if they were like his Family Members. The Artic Trio even told Rudolph their own lives and how they shared their own experiences on how being Different ain't so bad and that on how it can definitely make the World unique with everyone who has their own differences and special traits. Fortunately as the Journey went on, Rudolph and his Friends met some unexpected foes or friends. One time, they were captured by the Yule Giants (ruled by Queen Gryla and King Leppaludi) and at the Second Time, they were greeted by a Royal King and Queen in a Kingdom to stay over for the Night. The Third Time, when they were robbed by a Gang of Skeletons who worship over Mari Lwyd as they were about to use one of the Misfits for a Sacrifice but when Rudolph's nose beam, they decide to let him and his friends go.

But throughout the Long Journey, Rudolph kept having dreams about his own prophecy that he will be able to defeat Krampus to stop Santa's arch-nemesis from taking over the world. Regardless of what Grizelda said about his Nose, Rudolph was afraid if whether or not if his dreams might predict the future as his Nose kept glowing to keep out of danger throughout the Friends' Journey.

When they finally manage to get Rudolph back to Christmas Town, Rudolph thank his Friends for all of the help that they had for him as the Young Reindeer decides to head back home, leaving the Three Artic Friends behind when the Trio had a feeling that they were gonna miss Rudolph as they leave silently to go back to the Artic far from the North Pole. As Rudolph went down in Christmas Town, he saw that everything was completely silent as no one was out. Curious of the Little Reindeer, Rudolph then goes to see his own Home but sees that his Parents weren't back yet. Feeling strange and odd with sadness of what he'd might've missed, Rudolph then checks out his own School of Reindeers where he sees the Janitor (who was an Elf) named "Khimar" sweeping the floor but none of the Reindeer Yearlings were at School. He asks Khimar on where did everyone go and that he didn't saw his own Parents in his House. Khimar explains that his Parents were at Santa's workshop worried about that their own Son was gone and that everyone had still been inside every since a crazy blizzard that happened in Christmas Town last night for Santa and his Elves were actually looking for Rudolph. The Janitor Elf then reveals that Rudolph's friends were also missing too and that they were searching for him as his friends' parents were in such grief. Realizing that it all had been Rudolph's fault of his belief that he was tricked by Storm, he then decides to go back to the Artic to find his Friends before it's all too late, for the Red-Nosed Reindeer flew away from Christmas Town again to search to where Ava and their Friends went.

Throughout his New Journey to search for his Missing Friends back at his town, he searches from the deepest cold parts of the North Pole that being the Land of Krampus in which he meets up with his Artic Friends and gets lost through a cold blizzard. But when a Green light flash causing the entire Sky to turn Dark Bloody Rain...Krampus' revenge rose against the North Pole. It was then that it was now Krampus' turn to have his Revenge against Santa as it was revealed that he kidnapped Rudolph's friends (since they were already out looking for him) as a horrifying experience comes across through the North Pole and into Christmas Town where Rudolph felt completely terrified that all of the residents in Christmas Town were in deep trouble of some dark magic, for Krampus was starting to takeover. Realizing that half through the North Pole that the Dark Magic will start to lead to all of the Good and Bad Children in the World before the Day of Christmas Eve comes, Rudolph decides to fight back Krampus as his Artic Friends rescues Rudolph's friends to stop Krampus' minions when Rudolph decides to confront Krampus himself.

When Rudolph comes to confront Krampus, the Young Reindeer and the Christmas Demon start to battle against each other upstairs and even outside of Krampus' castle where Krampus reveals a Dark Future into Rudolph's vision where all of the Citizens in Christmas Town (along with the Children from Different Towns) will be dragged to hell, even his own friends, to suffer and die with Krampus now leading Krampus. Eyes filled with Grief and Sadness with Anger in his Eyes, Rudolph is sicken by the future of his own town but he then remembers of Grizelda's advice and how his nose can hold a special power. He then instantly uses his Power against Krampus to stop him from preventing to taking over the world as Northern Lights appear being held by Rudolph's powerful nose as the Northern Lights shine over Krampus' hell hole as it prevents from stopping all of the chaos in the world which eventually shines over Krampus to lose all of his Dark Power in the World, leaving him to be overthrown by Rudolph (thanks to his Nose) as it causes Krampus to froze in fear. With Krampus now gone, Rudolph then sees a Spiritual Reflection of his Great Ancestor (Sol), surprising his own Descendant from his Great Ancestor as Sol was very proud of him (only quickly to leave his Rudolph behind, in both confused on who that spiritual Reindeer was). With Krampus now defeated, Rudolph and his Artic Friends then run up to Rudolph's Friends as Ava was so happy to see her Best Friend again as the Young Yearlings reunite with each other (after being so far apart from one another).

After taking through the Long Journey ahead to Home, Rudolph and his Friends went back to Christmas Town where they reunite with their own Families (especially that Rudolph also reunited with his Parents after Days of being Missing), even the Artic Friends introduce themselves to Dasher and Elizabeth. Santa was very glad that the Yearlings were finally found and was afraid that some of his People would've had never seen their own children again. Rudolph and his Friends had told everyone the whole story of how it all happened, which comes to the conclusion that Blitzen blames it all on his own Son (Storm) for causing all of the mess as Storm was punished by his own Father for not getting any Christmas presents until he would have face his own consequences of being a Bully, even after when Christmas would be over.

When realizing that the Weather has now turn into Fog, Santa has No Other Choice but to decide about Cancelling Christmas because of the terrible fog that's still happening, even after Krampus' demise. However, when Rudolph's nose glows in front of Everyone (including Santa), this gives Santa a New Bright Idea as he instantly changes his mind to uncanceled Christmas and have Rudolph join his own Sleigh Team (to in which, Rudolph fully agrees). As everyone was now getting ready for Christmas, Rudolph's Artic Friends and the Other Reindeers (both Young and Adult) helped along with the Elves. Rudolph was officially now the Nineth Reindeer to lead Santa's sleigh, as his Father (Dasher) seemed very proud of his own Son now joining his own Reindeer Team. With Krampus now officially gone as when Santa was ready, everyone cheered as The Nine Reindeer began to pull Santa's sleigh and flew up, leading Rudolph to guide him to where the Other Children are in the World.

After long hours of the Flight when they went back to Christmas Land, Rudolph officially became Famous as Everyone in Christmas Town loved him (even for all who apologized and felt sorry for mocking his nose, even Storm thought that he was too much of a jerk to begin with), as Rudolph would then go one guiding Santa's sleigh every Christmas year to help clear the Fog or a Storm (even his own Friends, Family, and his Ancestor were indeed proud of him). For Rudolph finally knew on what was so truly special of his own Glowing Nose all along after his long lost Journey of getting back home.

But soon, after long years of being the Most Famous Reindeer of them all, Rudolph became an Adult and Marries Ava. To in which, they ended up having their own Child.

Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer (c) Robert L. May

#rudolph #rudolph the red nosed reindeer #reindeer #character design #2024 character design #character redesign #my stories

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p6-rem · 8 months ago

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🌿💤Mechanics I'd include in P6💤🌿 ; (Part 1)

Hello, my name is [REDACTED]!!!

I've had this idea for game mechanics and features for P6 for a long time now, and I thought, "y'know what? I might as well just write them down!". [DISCLAIMER] ; Some of these ideas are heavily inspired from this video, this video, and this video. I also wanna point out that this is simply just my interpretation, not what Persona 6 will actually look like and not what I expect it to look like, now anyways, without further ado ;

1 -. GENDER : Now first things first, I know that everyone who I've ever met wants an option for a female protagonist like in Persona 3 Portable. But may I propose the idea of a non-binary character? No matter what gender you choose, some scenes will play out differently, and you'll have unique social links depending on who you choose, perhaps even unique things that the different protags can say!

2 -. SOCIAL LINKS AFTER COMPLETION : I feel like after you max out a social link there isn't really anything left to do with them, so perhaps you can have the option of simply just spending time with them and hearing about themselves, maybe make the player more invested by having it voiced! After doing this, the player is rewarded with a unique item that can help them out in battle. Perhaps even give them unique dialogue if you decide to romance said character! Which brings us to our next couple of topics

3 -. PARTY INTERACTION : The party members in P5 and I guess P4??? Felt very disconnected with each other besides the protagonist, so why not do a Fire Emblem Three Houses and have the party members interact? For example, you get a notification on your phone and you get to see two characters bond, this will have an effect on the battlefield, kinda like how a Miitopia character will jump in the way of an attack to save an ally once they've become closer. Party members can also have discourses between each other which they ask the protagonist for advice to solve and this also has effects on the battlefield. And all of this leads up to the two characters gaining a special ability that they can do together to tag team the enemies!

4 -. ROMANCE : Repeat after me. WE. NEED.TO.HAVE.GAY.SHIT!!! Now I'm not saying make every party member/social link into the protag no matter the gender, but just some! There are even possibilities to end up in a throuple, but again, this isn't for every character, three certain conditions must be met in order to achieve this, 1, the protagonist must have two romances at most, anywhere over that and this is no longer possible. 2, both characters must be romantically interested in all parties involved, if not then the character has to choose which character they have to let go and remain friends with that social link for the remainder of the game. 3, no you can not include an adult social link. In fact, I think it's just weird that P5 made it so you could date older women, so yeah, no. All in all, if you are able to get the throuple route then not only will it introduce different versions of scenes, but also let you max out 2 social links for the price of 1.

5 -. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! : I always found it odd that we never got to celebrate the characters birthdays considering we have a calendar. You can spend time with this character on their birthday, and you have to give them a gift they like, kinda like in Persona 3 when you gift your girlfriend a Christmas present!

6 -. SIDE QUESTS : What I think would be a good idea would be a mechanic that allows you to grind by simply having fun and experiencing different kinds of wild situations, side quests! For example, a guy wants to buy his son a comic book for his birthday, once you give it to him, by the end of the quest you'll be rewarded! You could be rewarded with stat points, items, maybe even a weapon!

7 -. MAKE THE MASCOT USEFUL : Now I hate an annoying mascot just as much as the next person, all up in your face and telling you how cool you are and what to do. Well, how about you let the protagonist think that for themselves like "Maybe I should go to bed", like in games before P5. As for our mascot, give them a reason to say things, perhaps make them a part of the main menu and they can give you tips. Like in the middle of class you need to answer a question and the mascot says "Hey, maybe if you answer this, people will think you're more knowledgeable!", or you wake up in the morning and they say "Hey, maybe today seems like a good day to spend with (insert character) and (insert another character)". Stuff so that the player can keep tabs on what they are doing at all times, not hand holding.

8 -. GAINING A PERSONA: Instead of having the shuffle time and negotiations with shadows, how about interrogations, y'know how there's the good cop and bad cop tactic? Each one of your party members has a different way to convince a shadow to join your party, think of it like Persona 2 where Tatsuya had his motorcycle impression. I liked when Joker was able to choose different party members to distract and steal the crown from Kamoshida in his boss fight, in this interrogation scenario, the leader can choose a party member who aligns well with a shadow. Say that the shadow wants to laugh, you choose a party member who does something funny, say that the shadow is a loner, you choose someone who sympathises with them, that type of stuff.

And those are all of my ideas so far, I'll see if I can come up with more and make a part 2, until then, have yourself a wonderful day

-. [REDACTED]

#persona 6 #persona series #persona 5 #persona 3 #persona 4 #persona 4 golden #persona 5 royal #persona 3 fes #persona 3 portable #persona 3 reload #persona 6 rem #fanmade

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sweetcomicval · 19 days ago

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𝐁𝐘 𝐆𝐎𝐒𝐇, 𝐁𝐘 𝐆𝐎𝐋𝐋𝐘 | 𝐉𝐉𝐇

pairing: jeong jaehyun x fem!reader song choice: mistletoe and holly - frank sinatra word count: 1.4 k PEACH & PINE MASTERPOST

It was a Saturday morning, and since neither you nor Jaehyun had to work, you both decided to spend the day doing some Christmas shopping. Jaehyun hadn’t gotten anything for his parents yet, and you had only managed to order a few gifts for friends. Teo’s gift was still pending.

“Jay, are you sure we’ll find everything today?” you asked, glancing at the shopping list in your notes app. Jaehyun was searching for a jacket in his closet. “Hopefully. We just need to be strategic. And if we don’t, we can buy the rest online or make another trip later.” He walked over and planted a kiss on your cheek.

“Are you ready, Teo?” You called out to your son, who had mentioned he needed to use the bathroom after breakfast. “Yes, mommy!” he replied.

“I’ll go get the car,” Jaehyun said, not wanting to wait any longer. The days were short, and he didn’t want Teo exposed to the cold. As he headed to the garage, you waited for Teo so he could walk down the stairs with you.

A moment later, you and Teo stepped outside to find Jaehyun waiting by the car, smiling brightly. “Let’s hurry, or we won’t find anything!”

Snow had fallen the night before, leaving the streets covered in a fresh, frosty blanket. Fortunately, you had decided to head to the mall instead of shopping on the high street. Once there, the three of you began your mission: to find the perfect Christmas presents. Jaehyun was hunting for something special for his parents, and you were helping him with presents for your mutual friends. Meanwhile, Teo was focused on finding a gift for his Secret Santa at daycare, little Eunji, Doyoung’s adorable daughter.

After a while of walking around the mall and buying some presents, you spotted the Tag Heuer shop. Jaehyun had been considering a watch for his dad, so you all stepped inside, where a friendly salesperson guided you through some options. Jaehyun was drawn to a sophisticated model, and you moved to a display with the watch in various colors. “The green one is so cool—Grandpa will love it!” Teo exclaimed. Jaehyun agreed, noting it was unique for his dad. With your encouragement, he confidently chose the steel watch with the pastel green dial. As the associate packaged it, everyone felt happy knowing it would be the perfect gift.

“Let’s get my mom’s gift and then grab some lunch. I’m a bit hungry." Jaehyun proposed, his eyes scanning the bustling mall, searching for the perfect shop.

You entered an elegant jewelry shop, filled with refined necklaces, bracelets, and rings gleaming under the soft lights.

"Hi, could you help us find a gift for my mother-in-law? We're looking for something delicate and unique, hopefully niche," you requested from the salesperson. She replied, "Hello, welcome! We have a lovely range from a Brazilian designer that I’m sure you’ll like."

She led you to the display, and a swan necklace caught your attention; it’s elegant and artistic. “Jaehyun, look at that swan; it’s gorgeous!” You exclaimed, and he agreed, thinking it’d be perfect for his mom. “Let’s get it then. Teo, do you think Grandma would like it? He asked him, wanting him to feel included too. “Yes, it’s pretty!” Teo nodded in approval.

Jaehyun's gaze swept the store, landing on you with a cheeky smile, dimples and all. "What about something for my wonderful wife?"

You smiled at his endearing expression but declined politely. "Thanks, love, but I'm fine. You already spoil me too much."

“Not even matching bracelets? Look at those with lapis lazuli.” He pouted at you, “That blue would look amazing on you, darling.”

You admired the bright color. "It’s a beautiful color... it reminds me of home," you said, falling into the temptation.

“We’ll also take two of those lapis lazuli bracelets, please.” Jaehyun quickly addressed the salesperson before you could say no to her.

With Teo nestled in his arms, Jaehyun asked him, “Teo, what do you want for lunch?” his stomach rumbling after the long morning of Christmas shopping. “Cake! I want cake!” he exclaimed, his face beaming.

“Mmm, we could go for a sandwich and then cake,” Jaehyun said, trying to hold back his own cravings. “Or a brownie with ice cream.”

With an overwhelming amount of bags, the three of you headed to the car and then made your way to a cozy café. It was decorated with garlands, twinkling lights, and festive red and green ornaments. You chose a table by the window with a view of the snowy street. Jaehyun and Teo sat together while you took a seat across from them.

The server soon brought over your sandwiches and drinks, and everyone began to eat. Jaehyun, however, seemed amused by the way you were looking at him. He tilted his head slightly, his eyes twinkling at you. “Why are you staring at me like that?”

Caught off guard, you raised an eyebrow, a small smile tugging at your lips. “Like what?”

“I don’t know,” Jaehyun replied, leaning back in his chair. “But you’ve been staring, and you even stopped eating.”

You chuckled softly. “Have you noticed how your dimples disappear and reappear when you chew? It’s the same with Teo, but it’s more obvious when he swallows.”

Jaehyun glanced at Teo, who was happily munching his avocado sandwich, his dimples showing every now and then. Feeling a burst of pride, he ruffled Teo’s hair.

Teo, completely absorbed in his meal, looked up in confusion, his cheeks smeared with avocado. “What happened?” he asked innocently.

“Nothing, baby. It’s just that you’re a mini version of your dad,” you said warmly. Jaehyun smiled and gently wiped Teo’s face. “Are you having a good time?” he asked, his tone soft and affectionate.

Teo nodded. “The best!” he replied, smiling widely before returning to his food.

“Teo, let’s take some pictures! My parents said they want to see how you’re doing,” you said, pulling out your phone.

Teo put down his sandwich, his face brightening at the mention of his grandparents. “When are Granny and Tata coming to visit?” he asked, his words slightly muffled by a bite.

You took a sip of your ginger and apple infusion, the warmth spreading through you. “I don’t know, maybe in the spring, sweetie. We’ll have to wait for the weather to get a bit warmer so they can travel comfortably,” you replied, hoping to satisfy his curiosity.

Jaehyun's lips curved into a sly smile. "We could go to Jeju. They're going to love it," he said, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

"We’ll see," you replied, though your heart swelled at his enthusiasm. You slid over to sit next to him, and he immediately lifted Teo onto his lap, making room for you. Teo giggled and snuggled into the warmth of his dad's embrace.

You leaned against Jaehyun, feeling the comfort of his arms around you both, and he whispered, "I just want them to see how precious our family is to me."

"They already know," you assured him, placing a gentle kiss on his cheek.

With Teo still snuggled in Jaehyun's arms, you began snapping pictures. "Now one with aegyo!" you said playfully, holding up your phone again.

Teo laughed, making finger hearts while you and Jaehyun playfully poked his dimples. The camera captured the perfect picture of your little family, radiating happiness and love.

Looking at the pictures together, Jaehyun smiled. “Send it to our group chat!” he said.

Outside, snow began to fall lightly, adding another layer to last night’s snowfall. Bundled up in your coats, you all headed to the car.

On the drive home, you recounted the day’s adventures in a cheerful chatter. In the midst of your banter, Teo gasped, “We forgot something for Bomi!” He couldn’t believe he forgot his beloved grandparent’s dog.

You and Jaehyun exchanged amused glances, and you turned to reassure him, “It’s okay, baby. We can get her something another day.”

As Teo relaxed, the car fell into a cozy silence, each of you reflecting on the day's special moments. The holiday season was in full swing, and you knew it would be a Christmas to remember.

a/n: they didn’t get anything for teo 🥲 this is the watch i picked, and the necklace !!! as always, the divider is from @enchanthings. reblogs, comments and feedback areappreciated 💌

#jeong jaehyun #jaehyun x reader #jeong jaehyun x reader #jaehyun #nct x reader #jaehyun fic #kpop fluff #kpop fanfic #nct #nct 127 #nct dojaejung

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ladylilithprime · 2 years ago

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Lils's 2022 Fanfic Retrospective

Haven't done one of these in a while because something about Covid just seriously sapped my creative energies right out of me and I ended up not writing nearly as much as I wanted for 2020 and 2021. But something in Autumn of 2022 perked me back up, and here's what was accomplished:

Broken Hallelujah: My beloved non-linear narrative Archangel Samuel with Sastiel fic, with wonderful art by @jazzforthecaptain! Not a new fic by any stretch, but I did get a new chapter polished up enough to post.

Unspoken Rules Can't Be Broken: A deviation back into the Harry Potter fandom, because my fandom interests are ever-cyclical. This one was a writing prompt for Harry/Hermione with a specific prompted time-travel do-over premise. I'm not the only person to do it, but I seem to have done a few things that are unique according to my readers.

Wer zu Lebzeit gut auf Erden: More Supernatural! This one was a belated birthday gift to my beloved mutual enabler @rodiniaorzetalthepenquin, featuring a canon divergence at Swan Song where Lucifer and Michael were pushed into the Cage without their vessels, Gabriel took over Heaven, and the Winchesters were told firmly to take a few months (or years) off from doing anything that might break the world again. Very Samcentric despite being Dean's POV, and with some definite Sastiel undercurrents.

Every Time A Bell Rings: A platonic Destiel psuedo-sequel to "Wer zu Lebzeit" as a birthday gift for my bae @jupiterjames who deserved to have something sweet to enjoy. Castiel bakes a pie, and Dean has a canon praise kink. XD

Durch du Engel Halleluja: The actual sequel to "Wer zu Lebzeit" with Christmas, family togetherness, expected and unexpected guests, and Sam FINALLY gets to see the photographs Castiel and Dean keep taking. (Only chapter one got finished by midnight of December 31st, but by golly is this thing going to be finished before February!

Living, Learning, Tongue-Tied, Trying: A snippet originally written for Ro as a happy thought piggybacked off one of her fics of Team Free Will 2.0 before Chuck decided to be an assbutt with Jack going off to college. Also heavily Sastiel, because that's how we roll. XD

These Dying Embers: A contemplative Michael in the Cage watching Lucifer taking Sam apart over and over and over. I actually don't remember how long ago I wrote this one for @threshie, though if I took the hours needed to scroll back through my tumblr messaging history with Ro I'm sure I'd find a date range.

Crack Fic Hat Tricks: Also not new, these were born out of a writing challenge issued by @sageclover61 in one of the Discord servers. Despite the series name, they aren't all crack, but they were definitely all fun to write!

Diamonds Falling Down - Bela Talbot/Lisa Braeden

A Vow Unto His Own - Sam Winchester & Garth Fitzgerald IV

And I Feel Fine - Kevin Tran & Balthazar & Chuck Shurley

You Just Gotta Take A Piece Of Me - Gabriel/Donna & Anael

Let's Go Out With A Bang - Tessa the Reaper/Pamela Barnes/Ruby

Burn Your Biographies: Sabriel this time! Possibly unrequited, possibly not, I left it ambiguous because Gabriel was a traumatized little puppy for a while there.

Maybe More Than Enough: What's this? A new installment of the Something Beautiful Sastimmy Soulmate Saga?? In 2022?? Yep, apparently so! Dean gets filled in on the scoop Sam got from Castiel and sets off to get his brother's soulmate and his family some supernatural protection.

Sons of Men, and Angels: WOOOOOO! This is the original start to the Samael series, the very first work that featured Sam time-travelling back to derail the Apocalypse! I started this thing soooooo many years ago, and there's still so much in this universe that I've got written but can't post yet because THIS, this one is where it all started! If you've already read the Sam Squared series, you'll have a ton of spoilers for where this is going. And speaking of that series....

In The End We'll Surely Lose: This baby got two more chapters added to it, and the fourth is almost ready to be put up! Truly this was a good year for working with Samael's stories because...

Margin of Loss: Ouch. This one hurt to write. It was a random little thought of the canon universe that Sam left behind in SoMaA and the seasons of mess that followed and what it meant that Dean said Yes to a Michael from a completely different timeline instead of the one still trapped in the Cage with Adam. (It may also have been the jumping point of another SoMaA spin-off series like Sam Squared; there's a few of them at this point.)

The Dragon's Librarian: Another somewhat random ficlet that spawned in Discord chat with Ro-- literally, I wrote the whole thing in the chat window. Platonic or pre-Sastiel, with Prince Sam and Dragon Castiel as a hefty dose of inspiration from The Enchanted Forest Chronicles because I will probably never stop loving those books.

And last but definitely not least....

Tell It On The Mountain: A fluffy Sastiel story for @mrswhozeewhatsis for the @spnfanficpond Secret Santa exchange, featuring physically manifested wings, truth compulsions, cuddling by the fire, and mutual consideration for consent and bodily autonomy. (With some Accidentally Engaged thrown in for fun. XD)

And there we have it! Everything I wrote, worked on, and posted in the year 2022! Feel free to peruse various prompt lists I have and drop one in my ask box if you've got something you think would be up my alley to write, and let's see if we can't make 2023 even more prolific than 2022!

#2022 fanfic masterlist #supernatural fic #harry potter fic #sastiel #sabriel #rarepairs

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