#Unique Christmas gifts for workers
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Unwrap Laughter: Funny Santa Mid Year Report Still Naughty Merchandise
"Funny Santa Mid Year Report Still Naughty Christmas in July" combines several humorous concepts to create a playful twist on traditional Christmas themes. This idea plays with the notion of Santa Claus keeping tabs on behavior year-round, not just during the holiday season.
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Imagine Santa, dressed in his iconic red suit but with sunglasses and flip-flops, sitting at a beach desk reviewing his infamous naughty and nice list in the middle of summer. The "mid-year report" suggests a comedic corporate-style performance review for children (and perhaps adults) worldwide.
The phrase "Still Naughty" implies that despite having half a year to improve their behavior, some individuals haven't managed to move to the nice list. This could be depicted in a funny chart or graph showing a lack of progress in the "good behavior" department.
"Christmas in July" is a popular concept in many countries, offering a taste of winter cheer during the hottest month. In this context, it adds to the absurdity of Santa working on his list out of season.
This humorous concept could be used for various products or media:
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Greeting cards with a mid-year warning from Santa
T-shirts featuring a frazzled Santa surrounded by "naughty" reports
Social media memes reminding followers to shape up before December
Novelty office supplies like "Naughty List" sticky notes
The idea taps into the universal experience of trying (and sometimes failing) to be on one's best behavior, adding a laugh to the often-serious task of self-improvement.
Christmas gifts for employees are a thoughtful way for employers to show appreciation and boost morale during the holiday season. These gifts should strike a balance between professionalism and personal touch, while considering company culture and budget.
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Popular options include practical items like high-quality travel mugs, power banks, or desk organizers, which employees can use daily at work. Tech gadgets such as wireless earbuds or smart home devices are often well-received.
For a more personal touch, consider customized items like monogrammed notebooks, engraved pens, or company-branded apparel. Gift cards to local restaurants or popular retailers offer flexibility and are generally appreciated.
Wellness-focused gifts like fitness trackers, meditation apps subscriptions, or ergonomic office accessories show care for employees' well-being. Gourmet food baskets or artisanal treats can be a delightful surprise.
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For teams working remotely, consider gifts that enhance the home office experience, such as noise-canceling headphones or comfortable chair cushions.
Remember, the best employee gifts reflect genuine appreciation and consideration for individual preferences while maintaining workplace appropriateness. A thoughtful accompanying note can significantly enhance the gift's impact.
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so many househusband jade thoughts because of the new card,, like the domestic aura of this card,,, ggggggrrrrr i’m biting him!!!!! (ʘдʘ╬)
i keep imagining everyone thinking your husband is just some boring guy, way too normal to be a living person. he doesn’t do extraordinary gifts and lives a moderate life. each new years, you send out (christmas-like) cards of you and your husband in plain old matching pajamas. something jcpenney-level, you two look like you were copy and pasted from a kohl’s magazine, utterly plain.
the only thing that is a like ‘unique’ about him is his mushroom fascination but like everyone has their hobbies??? so no one bats an eye at that single eccentricity.
but you’re the only one that really knows what he’s like behind closed doors. sure, he tending to his terrariums in the morning but he’s also telling you of how he single-handedly tore down an oligopoly with just a few pulled strings. you’re the only one that sees that boring, regular guy come home, hands splattered with blood because he just rearranged someone’s jugular. no one would ever guess he is trained in self defense until he beats all his male co-workers in arm wrestling with nothing but that polite, customer service smile on his face.
the utter quotidian routine of him packing his pipe bowl in the morning, sharing a true story about some ‘shady business’, and bidding you goodbye with a sweet kiss on the cheek.
i love a wolf in sheep’s clothing!!!!
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NRC Oc #3: Salem Pachemi
Basics
Salem Pachemi (He/They), otherwise known as Sal, is a sentient life sized doll that is a Pomefiore student. He's a character who is twisted from Sally Skellington from The Nightmare before Christmas. In the game he would mostly just be a passing background character with a unique character design. But he does indeed have a story of his own! And I can't really get into detail with this section without spilling the entire thing so let's just move onto the quirks!
The quirks of Sal (Personality n stuff)
Sal is written to be rather shy and closed off, Which is very different from the usual expectations of a Pomefiore student. He spends a lot of time in his room sewing, sketching, and longing to be a part of something bigger. He feels he doesn't belong in Pomefiore and finds solace in a group of students who he shares a general aesthetic with. We simply call this group "the spookys", which is basically a group of other students who are also based on TNBC characters.
Sal likes to make gifts by hand, Mainly via sewing. He has a hobby to design clothing and sew them himself, picking out fabrics and putting his metaphorical heart and soul into it. He also offers to tailor clothing when asked for that sort of assistance. His talents are what outshine his looks and he holds that sentiment with pride. Despite his shy nature, he is still a very determined and hard worker with just about everything he puts his mind to. On another note, Sal is also rather paranoid with just about everything. He doesn't mean to be a downer most of the time, but if he gets a bad (metaphorical) gut feeling, it's not gonna go away for some time. He's wary about so much as the sounds of someone's footsteps and can even identify people by the way their shoes sound when they walk. It's a habit he learned at a young age that we will get into in the section after this next one.
Generally, Sal is a sweetheart that means well despite his paranoia. He's very awkward in trying to fit in with those around him, but he's really trying.
Funky party tricks (Talents and abilities)
Starting with the signature spell, it does not have a name yet (subject to change). But he has the ability to see glimpses of the future using dead plants as a canvas. He must be very detail oriented when using this spell, as it doesn't just spell the answers out to him. He must watch everything that happens to this plant, from every sparkle to sparks of flames, and he pieces together the answers from what the vision on the plant implies to him. When he wants specific answers for certain outcomes, he has to ask the plant a specific question before he does the spell so it doesn't just show him a random vision. Because of how detail oriented he is, he more often than not does get a pretty good idea of what the plants are trying to tell him. And his words are mostly accurate. This causes several students to occasionally flock to him to offer favors in return that he uses his magic to check things like whether or not they'll pass a test or if their crush will like them. Most of the time he declines unless it is a request from a friend. He can only use his sig spell three times a day. Any more than that and he'll be overusing his magic and would be at risk of straining himself. So he likes to use this power as sparingly as he can. Besides, his visions often tend to fuel his paranoia.
Trauma /j (Backstory, life back home)
Sal... Didn't really have the best upbringing. He was created by a mad scientist who originated in the Spectral Realm and moved to twisted wonderland to gain more knowledge on the living world. But this scientist wasn't in the best condition, finding it difficult to balance taking care of himself and focusing on his work. So to combat that, he decides to make a servant of his very own with fabric, dead leaves, and other definitely legal means. This experiment ended up leading to Sal's birth(?). Although for a while, he wasn't all that sentient. All he knew how to do up until he was 6 was to follow orders and do things like cook, clean, and generally take the role of a caretaker of his creator. However, Sal one day did gain sentience and a mind of his own over time. His creator wasn't all that fond of having to actually start treating Sal like a child and not walking free labor. And in a way, he kinda didn't. Only being a father when it was convenient to him and keeping Sal like a bird in a cage. But as you know, strict parents raise sneaky children.
Sal knows all of the shortcuts and escape routes in the book. Every way to tiptoe around anyone and go completely unnoticed. He has a habit of entering and leaving places via the window rather than the front door out of disliking the sound doors make when they open and close. He sneaks off to observe things like ongoing events and parties, wishing he could join in on the fun and dance along with them. But despite those silent wishes, he finds himself stuck in place no matter what
Relationships (Philia, Storge, Eros, etcetc)
(Wip, will get back to this later)
Closing message
Posting this sooner rather than later due to the upcoming event on Twst. I made Sal like a year or so ago and I just wanted to share him before he gets ripped off (/j)
Usually I would show off media like other art, picrews, rh screenshots, or maybe even a playlist link, but I kinda do not have any of those at the moment! I will update this post in the future for any changes that may be made to this character.
#ocs with aether#twisted wonderland oc#twst oc#twisted wonderland#Salem Pachemi (real???) (not clickbait???)#Disney ripped me off :( /j#the nightmare before christmas
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emoji writing prompts
(inspired by this post)
96 prompts up to your interpretation. take literally, reverse, mix and match! (works well with taking ask suggestions, using random number generators, or rolling dice)
1-6 genre or tone:
🥰 fluff
💔 angst | sad ending | angst with a happy ending
🔞 smut | explicit | suggestive
🔍 mystery
🎃 spooky | horror
😎 crack | humor | meme inspired
+ 1-90 prompts:
🌸 hanahaki | pining | mutual pining
⌛ time travel | reincarnation | time loop | time is running out | immortality | time hijinks | this time they will do it right (do they?)
✉ epistolary | chat fic | letters | postservice au
🧙♂️ magic | urban magic | fantasy | be careful what you wish for
☕ coffee shop | restaurant | food industry
🩹 hurt/comfort | fix-it fic
💭 mind-melt | mind-reading | telepathy
🏳🌈 queer | queerer | unique queer experience relevant to exactly one person
🌊 merfolk au | stranded on an abandoned island | pirates
🍀 everything goes right | luck doesn't exist but somebody really does make it seem like it does
🥀 unrequited love | dealing with loss | grief
📆 slice of life
📦 delivery | package sent to the wrong address | swapped luggage/suitcase | there's some kind of mix-up happening | move in
🎬 celebrity | actor | PR hell | youtuber | streamer au
💻 internet | social media | bloggers | fandom au | two customers with radically different reviews on a product and they take it personally
🔪 revenge | murder | assassin
📞 wrong number | wrong address | wrong person | customer service | tech support | long distance
🩺 doctor | sick fic
⚽ sports | team | competition | challenge | dare
💍 engagement | marriage | arranged marriage | marriage of convenience | accidentally married | poorly-timed proposal
💋 first kiss | first relationship | first romantic experience | teaching one another how to Romance
👑 royalty | nobility | servant | butler | unequal power dynamic | undying loyalty
🎨 any artist au
🎁 gifts | surprise | keepsake | christmas | holiday | birthday
🤰 pregnancy | mpreg | alternative offspring acquisition options
👶 baby | kidfic | de-aged | age regression | accidental kid acquisition | single parent(s)
👥 resurrection | came back wrong | dark alternate character | came back right but everything else is changed
🦋 butterfly effect - change a seemingly insignificant detail in source material and write how it affects the story
🐾 pet au | animal transformation | pet acquisition | animal-to-human transformation | object-to-human transformation | object-to-animal transformation (you get the drift)
👻 ghost | afterlife | paranormal | supernatural | modern supernatural | mixed supernatural genes
😈 demon | a different kind of hell | pact | soul as acceptable transaction payment | the villain's in charge now
🤡 idiots in love | platonic buffoons | only one brain cell among them | they're so stupid
🏳️ surrender | hope | bargaining
❔ oblivious | didn't know they were dating | mistaken identity | amnesia | nobody remembers them
🛡️ protect | guardian | bodyguard | rescue
💼 office | workplace
✂️ separation, chosen or forced | abandoned | cutting ties
🎓 school | university | academic professions | mentor
🏠 domestic | roommates | neighbours
🧩 soulmates (ideas) | platonic soulmates | destined to be enemies | 3+ soulmates
🏖️ beach episode | change of scenery | more than 'a lot' self-indulgent
🏩 pwp | escort | sex worker | stripper | sugar relationship
🤝 found family | putting differences aside to work together
🧬 appearance/body/behaviour modification | shrunk down | made bigger
💾 found a lost disc/usb drive/notebook/diary | lost phone | decades-old journal/letters found among the belongings of a person who's no longer there
⚖️ getting justice, one way or another | rebellion | protest | doing the dirty work so others can thrive | balance | lawyers au
⚙️ android | futuristic | science fiction | physical workers | making it work
👁 obsession | abduction | kept captive | hostage | stalker | drugged | private detective au
⚠️ make it as messed up as you want | forbidden | taboo
🕳️ something is missing | unsettling | out of the corner of the eye | nearly, almost, not quite | not enough
🤞 must pretend | spy | secret identity | identity reveal | undercover | fake dating | secret relationship | fake-married | fake [insert role] | essentially, they must pretend to be somebody they're not/to be in a dynamic they're not
✨ under a spell | truth compulsion | forced to say the opposite of what they mean | a curse made them do x
🐌 slowburn | sped-up slow burn | over the years
🧸 childhood friends (to a dynamic of choice) | separated in childhood, reunited in adulthood
⚔ enemies (to a dynamic of choice) | meddling enemies | rivals (to a dynamic of choice)
🔁 transmigration | isekai | swapped places | role reversal | body swap
🔀 crossover | fusion | characters from X piece of media put in the world of the last piece of media you've enjoyed | make it your favourite piece of media from your childhood
⁉ miscommunication | misunderstanding | wrong place, wrong time
🔆 harem | reverse harem | poly relationship
🛏 bedsharing | accidentally falling asleep on one another | passing out | dream-sharing | invite to stay over
🔮 fairytale | mythology | folklore | legend | prophecy
😶 love triangle | two-person relationship/love triangle (they know each other as two people) | one-night stand turns out to be the new boss/professor/awkward dynamic
🔒 forced proximity | locked in a room | trapped together | handcuffed together | snowed in
🤲 huddling for warmth | sharing body heat | touch starved
💬 rumours | lies | misconceptions and dealing with them
💥 set off the (conflict) bomb | right before the blow-up | argument | fight | pranks
✊ superheroes and supervillains | superpowers | the chosen one(s) | deemed to be the cursed/unlucky one
🔥 rebirth | sacrifice | sacrifice of something other than their life | destruction | letting go | ritual | change
💁♀️ spite fic (write literally anything you like that fandom/somebody else complained about that you disagree with) aka "they're wrong and i'm going to keep having fun"
#️⃣ love at second/third/nth sight | meet ugly | annoyed at first sight | reluctant
🖤 blind date goes right | blind date goes wrong | stood up | matchmaker
🚗 travelling together | commute | road trip | hitchiking
❕ confession | interrupted confession | confessing when it doesn't matter anymore
🚫 getting what they want but not in the way they want it | not like this
🖊 doomed from the start | it was always going to end like this | it didn't have to end this way
🐱👤 did a crime on accident | did a crime very much not on accident
👭 doppelgangers, lookalikes | twins | they meet their alternate self from an alternate word/different time
👂 as they go through their day, they hear a voice and it's strangely familiar (oh no) | the voice in their head actually has their best interest in mind | two souls trapped in one body fighting for control
❌ the plot is trying to incite an event for them but they refuse to have any part in it and they will outrun it
🍸 alcohol/substance use | in vino veritas | choices were made and all that's left is regrets | choices were made and there are some gains actually | remembers nothing of what they did while drunk (others may be kind enough to spare no detail)
👍 support group | dealing with issues | compromise
82. 👪 meet the family | meet the friends 83. 💰 CEO | rich x ordinary | two different worlds collide 84. 🌠 rarepair! | rarer! | unlikely friends 85. ⚡ The Realisation | oh moment | oh no moment | learning something crucial yet horrifying they wish they could forget | the antagonist was right after all 86. 0️⃣ last day alive | apocalypse | they truly only have each other left 87. ✔ it was somebody's plan all along | they sure were aware the whole time it was somebody's plan all along | scheme | trap | gotcha | test 88. 🎲 choose an action for character to take and roll d20 - that's how well it goes, write it 89. ➕ anything at all inspired by an emoji not from this list sent in an ask or randomly generated 90. ® get a string of 3+ random emojis from an emoji generator (e.g. this one or this one or any other) and write a story based on them
if you're disappointed that a prompt you wanted to find isn't on the list, take it as a sign to write it 👀
and if none of these spark creativity, check out Hatch's Plot Bank with 2300+ plot ideas
screenshots of the emojis under the cut
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Vampire AU | Relaxing Day at Hometree
It was a day and a half before the humans congregated at Hometree to meet the new arrivals, aside from Kung who went straight to the gatherers and picked up a basket and went.
Jake had been in the face of a lot of pouty people, both human and Na’vi who had expected him to be in his avatar but today, he had opted to be in his human form. He knew most wanted to check out his new loincloth and whistle (the humans that is) and he was sure the Na’vi wanted to see how it fit and how his hair looked now.
Ashley now looked to be in her human body for the first time at Hometree, the dressing on her throat was gone and revealed a red scar healing against her windpipe, and the bruising around her face was gone aside and looked relatively healthy. The doc was still absent in tending to Harper still, who was up on her feet again but not ready for Hometree from what had Jake last heard this morning for a head count.
The only people in their avatars were Zane and Ruby who had vanished off with Morgan so Jake had an inkling of what was going on. He hadn’t gifted the knife to Morgan yet, but he wanted to make a sheath for it as well.
Jake sat in the bone carving circle with Kendra who was learning the ropes by handing the tools. Jake was tasked with overseeing her as Hukinli prowled around the groups in each of the sectors.
“You know, I have tools that can make this go so much faster.” Kendra wrinkled her nose a little. “Much easier too.”
“There’s no place for electric hand drills here.” Jake chuckled softly. He could get that frustration for real and it was painful not seeing a whole’s day work not amount to something so quickly but… that was just impatience on top of the personal pressure to see results. “Don’t worry, you can take as much time as you need on your work.”
Tsyra glanced over, sensing the woman’s mood change.
Kendra huffed a little. “I feeling unproductive. I need to see it work!” She twirled her project around in her fingers, a loom shuttle that was half done.
“<What is she upset about?” Tsyra asked, “<she’s learning fast.>”
Jake sighed a little. “<She thinks she’s too slow to produce good work.>”
“<Her work is adequate for her skill level.>”
“<It’s not just that, Tsyra. It’s… a culture thing we were raised in.>” Jake said, scratching the back of his neck. “<On earth, if you’re not producing immediate results or meeting to a time of completed work then that reflects poorly onto you. You’re considered a poor worker, unable to meet conditions and that reflects how you’re viewed in the workplace. Socially. If you work too slowly, you’re not meeting the conditions required so as a result, other people may be pulled into aiding the slow worker and this adds to the other’s workloads which can build resentment towards the slow worker. They’ll be considered lazy.>”
“<But... people aren’t going to produce results so immediately; they’re unique and learning is variable. That makes no sense for judgment>” Tsyra frowned, her sharp eyes narrowing a fracture. “<Is that many of your people are discomforted about rest times during the rain?>”
“<They’re not used to it, but they’re trying to adapt. It’s hard to shake the notion of ‘work till you drop’ out when it’s all they’ve been taught to do. Working with your clan brings back the notion of working for a company; to provide for you with that same mindset.>” Jake finished with a shrug. “Kendra, do you know where the notion of ‘work till you drop’ comes from? Aside from… you know, Capitalism?”
Kendra hummed thoughtfully. “Slavery, most likely. Puritans is another option given they had a large religious movement that has impacted how the America’s evolved from the 17th century. They hated idleness and even banned festival events, like Christmas as they were considered a distraction from worship.”
Jake’s eyebrows rose. “Really?”
“I had to do an essay for detention once for mucking about in history class. They told me to do something based on American history. I did Puritans to highlight a comparative nature between Puritans and American schools. They expected me to do something about the Civil War or the Boston Tea Party.” Her voice soured up on that last one.
It was almost amusing, was she upset about the Boston tea pay still? It’s been nearly four hundred years since that fateful day. Ah, the British.
“Still sour about that, huh?” He teased.
“Don’t,” Kendra warned, pointing at him with her hand tool as if she was gonna stab him with it, he knew better but still… funny.
Jake held his hands up but thankfully, returned to his work with a grin on his face. “<it’s a work in progress for us to…unlearn generations of this ‘No work, no food, no life’ nonsense enforced upon us up until we left the RDA. Some humans may adapt well or will need convincing they don’t need to work themselves into exhaustion.>”
“<I see.>” Tsyra pondered quietly.
It took a few minutes before there was the echo of ‘Miners!’ before he turned to see Xanthe, Xavier, Alejandra, and with five others who were unfamiliar make their way behind Tsu’tey. There were more curious eyes towards them but many returned to duty. Jake pardoned himself, clambered into his chair and wheeled to meet them with a welcoming smile as Eytukan also descended down. Mo’at close behind to observe.
The other five consisted of two women; one with short, light brown hair tucked under her a baseball cap with some sort of neck flap, no doubt to protect her neck. Dressed up in brown pants, kneepads, short sleeves with a dark brown, faux leather waistcoat. She also had a fanny pack and a bag on her shoulder.
The second woman looked closer to SecOps than MineOps but was clearly a miner from her knee pads. She wore a baseball cap too (with MineOps on the front), but her dark brown here was pulled into a ponytail to keep the hair from her face, and her top half was only in a white, grubby tank top and shoulder holster with a knife attached to. On her hands had leather gloves, covering her palms and exposed backs of her hands so it was mostly for her bass ass look she was going for. She had tattoos up her left arm that finished at her neck.
The other three were male.
The first was a tall, white, lanky male with some buff to his muscles and a mass of curly blond hair that was pulled up into a man-bun.
The second was a short man with very little hair and a large burn scar that looked to trail down the right side of his head, dipping down to his cheek even and under his collar that seemed to end just under the sleeve of his blue camo shirt.
Lastly, the man behind was tall with a buzz cut and strong jaw, he had dark skin and large brown eyes that looked to be taking everything in behind his mask.
Jake didn’t interrupt as Eytukan explained the general go-to’s and average expectations of them, their duties and basic etiquette. A few relaxed at the sight of him, and a few nervous looks were given to the chief but remained waiting for what had to be said before Eytukan was finished.
Jake pushed forward. “Nice to see you all. Now, I assume you know most of the people that’s bailed?”
Alejandra’s eyes swept across the large open space, picking up on the humans that were occupied. Zeke waved from his spot.
“Hi!” Even with the distance, his voice echoed which earned him a few looks from human and Na’vi alike and he flushed then ducked into the fibre sorting.
One of the men snorted a little. “Ah, Hodge.”
“How many people are here?” Alejandra asked curisouly.
“As in defectors in total, twelve that left the RDA, then we have two avatars that were assumed dead and one human also abandoned that leaves us to sixteen. With all of you, that’s… twenty-eight”
Alejandra frowned and then shook her head. “Then there’s at least two unaccounted for. You got Kung? I see her spawn by the butchers.”
“Yes, we have the Kung’s.” Certainly colourful choices of words in regards to Bree. However… “Who are we missing?”
“A couple. Leah and Jodi Brooks. They ditched when Kung Jr bombed the fence out. They took advantage of the distraction as well.” Alejandra said, “One’s a repair mechanic for AMP suits and the other worked as an Engineer technician.”
Jake frowned, passing a look to the Olo'eyktan. If two had ditched along with Kung then that was a lot of time for two small unaccounted humans to be out in the wild. Although the fact that Bree had bombed something did throw him off a little, he refocused on the important parts.
“Any indication of direction?” He asked, hopefully. It could give the Na’vi a starting point if the miners got a good amount of gossip after the fact.
“None useful. Headed west, the opposite of Hometree but they could be anywhere at this point. I thought for a moment they might be part of one of your groups. Leah’s a good friend of mine.” She looked a little disappointed but shrugged it off.
“We will keep our eyes further out. The Sky people have ventured closer into our territory than we expected. I doubt that will stop but we will ensure they’re not close to the camps of those with Uturu.” Eytukan spoke firmly.
“Thank you.” Alejandra nodded but held her hand out to the unnamed woman with the bag who handed her the bag without question. “I brought gifts, as a further thank you. Stones we found from the cave.”
Mo’at tilted her head. “There is more like the ones you gave to us?” She stepped closer and around her husband.
Jake suppressed a snort at the paraphrasing Mo’at used. ‘Gave’ instead of throw. By the twitch of the camp leader’s lips, it wasn’t missed either.
“Yes, a ton more. Since the cave system goes far and into different terrains we’ve got access to a lot of other minerals than just Quarts, like Geodes, Aragonite, Calcite, Obsidian…. Just to name a few.”
Eytukan crouched down curiously as she set the bag down and opened it up to pull out a few large stones and let them sit in her palms for the clan leader’s viewing. Some white and cloudy, a splash of blue through one, Rough and unpolished but it didn’t seem to matter. Eytukan picked up a blue one of her hand curiously, tilting it in his hands.
“We will accept these but I would like to see where you find these before you continue to remove them. I don’t doubt the stone’s beauty but stone is not so easily replaced or renewed.”
“Fair. We’ve almost got an entryway set up to let in visitors but we ran out of rope. We can show you our current accommodations once we’ve found more.”
“Why don’t you spend the day with the weavers? They can show you how to make more rope and other things of relevance.” Eytukan gestured to the weavers where a few were clearly making cords of rope for the clan.
Xanthe nodded, tapping Xavier on the arm to depart towards them together.
“I’ll go to the ones gathering the fibres.” The short, brown-haired woman said.
“Can I work with leather and hide?” The other woman asked sternly.
“The Leatherworker and tanners are south ease by the far root.” Jake said, “What’s your name? I… don’t want things to get awkward but I think we bypassed the proper introductions.”
“Maria Leon,” The short woman said then scurried off happily.
“Danielle Cassidy.” The other woman said, “Blonde-y is Will Murphy, Blue Camo is Marcus Freeman and Shorty is Austin Flinty.” She tossed a thumb to each one as she spoke then departed with a high head in search of her new job for now.
“Jakesully, why don’t you show them to the bead makers, they can put these stones to use.”
“Of course, I can’t stay too long. I’ve got to return to my bone projects soon.” His knife sheath wasn’t gonna be done by sidetracking. He wanted to gift it to Morgan today if he could get the last few bits and pieces made for it before the man descended down to join him.
Jake led Alejandra and Austin with him towards the bead makers, nodding for them to empty their bags and there was an immediate uproar of excitement from both elderly and children alike as the new gems came to light and a few scrambled forwards.
“<Ooh, these are stunning!>”
“<Pink!>” Ruzu exclaimed picking up what looked like rough rose quarts. “<Eywa has crafted so much beauty!” Turning it over in his hands, “<Mother, look>”
“<Everyone, Calm. Put them all back and let’s sort them. Do not let your desires of these new stones overcome you. These are big enough to break down and can be divided.” Ten’nel called over the group. “There may be more to come but let’s not be hasty or greedy.”
There were a few complaints as many hands began to sort and separate the stones by colour and size. Jake however took the pecking needles and shared them between the newcomers and picked some of the softer pebbles from the pile.
“You ever made anything with stones?” He asked.
“Only with an electric drill.” Austin spoke, “Nothing old school.”
Jake nodded. “Well, bead-making is fairly simple to understand anyway. Now, don’t stab yourself with one of these, it hurts.” He held up the pecking needle. “My avatar has a fading scar across the back of its hand where I slipped once. I do not recommend it.”
“Noted.” Alejandra seated herself down beside his chair, examining her new needle curiously, testing out the point’s sharpness with a small tap.
Jake handed them each a pebble and then began to talk them through the process of how to use the needles but it was no surprise really that the miners would have no problem with handing stone so they caught on quickly.
Jake watched them work before he noticed... Alejandra’s mask was different. Sure, it looked like a standard Exo-mask but all along the straps, it looked like it had been painted on with a few patterns, subtlety as well. Small… shards of gemstones also looked to be glued on, a little haphazardly.
“You’ve decorated your mask.” He stated, “Cool, I never thought to do that!” It was a cool concept. To add to their mask; to make it look exciting and…personalised. It made sense, really why and it…felt obvious now. They could have been doing so much more!
“Huh? Oh,” Alejandra’s fingers came to the strap. “Well, this was Xanthe’s idea. She used to get in trouble for doodling on the glass before she left.”
“Well, it’s an awesome idea. Maybe we can do the same. It’ll be nice to… make this boring equipment look good. As long as it’s functional, why not?”
“I suppose. Thankfully, the exopacks can be used indefinitely with the proper care of the filters. We’ve got spares but we do with them more down in the caves. We’ve cut through a few walls to access other cave systems and the rock dust can linger and fill the filters up quickly.”
“We’re collecting up link-shacks and moving them for now and split the goodies. We can find you some spares quickly.” Jake promised.
“You collecting-oh, that’s a good idea. We had a link-shack but we’ve only emptied it out.” Austin said this time, “Alejandra had a lot of equipment moved in advance before we ditched and hid them out so we took them and carried on our way.”
“What sort of equipment?”
“General mining tools, air scrubbers, caving equipment, mask glass replacements, wires...” Austin listed a few. “Marcus had smiting tools and is trying to build a still so we can get more adventurous with our consumables. Maria’s looking into plants we can turn to mash.”
Jake cocked his head but couldn’t help but be impressed. “Wow, a blacksmith?” That was a rare talent these days outside of Earth’s construction or manufacturing rigs. “Are you trying to make alcohol here? Vodka? Moonshine? Mead?”
“Kinda… but it’s hard to do when we’re not equipped for it. We have to make what we need and find suitable plants. We didn’t prioritise those sorts of tools. If we made moonshine, would it even be moonshine if it’s not earth plants?” Austin wondered.
“Why don’t you talk to the cooks or gatherers about what plants to use later? They make Kava, which is a very strong alcohol for Na’vi. Lethal for humans but they should know some fruit or veg that can be safe and distilled. They can show you how they make it, I’m sure.” Jake pointed out, “Plus, new alcohol, you can make your own name for it?”
“Ooh..” Austin looked very tempted by that. “I can definitely look into it. The Flinty special?!”
“No.” Alejandra gave him a look. “If you’re gonna make a new alcohol, I think prefer a neutral name. If the Na’vi get involved and want some as well, they’re not gonna call it that either. At a bar for a personalised drink name, sure but not on its own.”
Austin scowled a little, almost stabbing himself but reluctantly nodded. “Fine.”
Jake made a few more beads and carved a purple one for Neytiri, a green for Jerome, a blue for Kim and a white quart for Morgan. Nadine didn’t or wasn’t putting beads in her hair yet so they’d be redundant as a gift for her. He’d make something else for her later.
He set the beads into his pocket for now and returned back to his bone project.
-
It took a while and after lunch did he see Morgan resurface with both avatars in tow from the second floor and boy, did they look different.
Ruby’s long hair was in small coiled braids from scalp to end and a portion was pulled back into a bun. A few loose locks had some beads woven in and light decoration added. She wore a loincloth that reached her knees with dark burgundy colouring and moss green threading but it’s design was similar to Jake's in that it too had a back cover. She had dark coco brown paint covering her eyebrows and eyes and smudged down her cheeks with a few dots of dark shell red and pewter grey along her cheek and forehead. Nothing too dramatic or signifying but you’d not be able to tell she had eyebrows; the dots added depth to draw the eye away.
She was still lacking a Na’vi shirt but she had cut her tank top to only cover her breasts but it was a mismatching combo. Not everything was ready yet but almost.
Ruby looked stunning still and her yellow eyes were alight and seemed to take in the new whistles sent her way before the weavers got to her in excitement, a few hands coming to touch at her hair and titter about her shirt choices
Zane himself…looked equally good. He didn’t need a shirt to cover up his chest so he was without. His chest was bare to the world with only a knife in a holster across it and with some body paints of grey and green also decorating his skin but kept to an almost watery design and fluid in how it went with the natural stripes of his skin. His eyebrows were covered and the paint went straight to his hairline. He had a circle on his forehead that looked to be likening of an eclipse. His hair looked to be set into thicker locs than his girlfriend’s and significantly shorter as well, touching at his shoulders and the front pulled back from his face with fibre strands that looked to have been added to the front few locks.
“<ooh, that’s a view.>”
Jake tried not to choke on his saliva as he heard one of the warriors remark quietly behind him.
“<I never thought a…Dreamwalker would look good>” Another remarked to the first one. “<Zanemadaki looks…very decent>” He eyed him up more curiously. “<Shame he’s courting Rubycarr,>”
“<Shame he’s not Omatikaya.>” the first warrior added back.
Ruby seemed to blush a little at the attention but turned her focus to the weavers and allowed them to pull her away to work and to listen to their suggestions.
Zane pulled her back to kiss her cheek fondly and earned a few more whoops before he departed off with pink ears.
Morgan sighed heavily, flexing his fingers but looked very pleased with himself. Jake nodded him over, glad for one to have just about finished.
“lunch soon?” he asked, “You know, teaching three Na’vi how to crochet hair into locs was a little harder to do than I expected. Hopefully now when more Dreamwalkers come, they’ll take over putting their hair up.” He shook his hands a bit. “Thank god Zane’s was there. His size and experience with these hairstyles make it all the easier to translate than letting them watch and struggle. My crotchet needle is far smaller than theirs.” Morgan threw himself down, setting his hands on his thighs. “I need a beer. I miss beer.”
Jake snorted a little. “Later. I still have that whisky in my shack still.”
“I think I’ve earned it.”
“Indeed you have. I don’t think I’ve thanked you enough for your help so….” Jake reached to the bag on the back of his chair, simply to carry a few things like his gift and work tools, and pulled out the wrapped former. He felt a little bad that he hadn’t finished the sheath but now was the golden opportunity and he was taking it.
Morgan watched him curiously, leaning forward with a quizzical look and accepted the leaf wrap. He eyes it in his hands for a moment before he carefully unwrapped then a short gasp left his lips, eyes widening as he tossed the leaf away to hold the blade in both hands.
Jake’s heart thudded nervously. “So... like I’m still working on the sheath for it, It’ll take a few more hours once I get the hide but I thought this could fit onto the back of your belt? I know it’s not gonna be as strong as your metal one but—“ Jake didn’t get a chance to finish before Morgan seemed to launch upwards and into him.
Jake grunted in both surprise and the lurching feeling (and noting in the back of his mind that he didn’t put the breaks in his chair on) with the man’s surprising weight and the almost clashing of masks before he felt himself move backwards, Morgan slipping against him but still clung onto his shoulders.
Thankfully, he didn’t go far as he felt his chair hit something and stop. His neck craned up to see Tsu’tey holding onto the back of his chair with one hand for a moment before the warrior straightened up and let go with a slight uplift and a sniff but didn’t try to play his action off. Normally, having people touch his chair would bother him but Jake wasn’t a fool to want to be floored here.
“<Thank you.>” Jake whispered up to him, patting Morgan’s back. He blindly reached down with his other hand, finding the leaver to put the break on.
Morgan pulled back after a moment, looking very…touched but elated and pretty much sunk to sit on the floor beside his knees, knife to his chest. “Thank you!” He exclaimed. “It’s… so thoughtful and stunning!” He ran his finger down the side of the blade, feeling the work he put in. “Thank you!”
Jake let out a shuddered breath, nodding. “i-I’m glad. I just…I really appreciate all your work. Like I have a lot to be thankful for and I don’t think I’ve said it enough the last couple of months. Like the ramp you built for my shack, helping with my avatar training and hair. It’s worth more than the knife.”
Morgan shook his head. “No, it’s beautiful and I’ll treasure it. I think… I’m…gonna go and cry happy tears down in that root space Bree found. Excuse me…”
-
Grace was acting different. Norm was not oblivious to everything and he knew he fumbled a lot through life and being on Pandora was no different. He had been so happy to get to meet his idol, but like all things, he supposed, he hadn’t realised how different of a person she was from his… assumption of who she was. A pedestal he had perhaps put too high that hindsight was now telling him.
There was no denying that Grace was smart, sharp and intelligent and he enjoyed the conversations they had when they worked together. There was no mistake that she loved her work and had a great passion for it. Interactions with her outside of work…. He didn’t enjoy it nearly so much.
She always seemed to work, always disinterested in eating together or keeping the cups of coffee or tea they had made for her. Often times he had seen her tip them down the sink which was a little hurtful so he had been bordering on the idea of stopping. There was a distance between them. He didn’t know what it was but it always felt that he and Trudy were being held arms-length away and now, he had noticed.
In a way it pushed him and Trudy together and their relationship was still budding. Trudy had remarked on him on being a little slow on upkeep now but that was now because he had spent a little over a month or so living in a shack in the Hallelujah mountains with no one else besides Trudy to talk to when Grace got shirty or dismissive. She wasn’t wrong.
But today was different.
Unsettlingly different. She hadn’t gotten out of bed and blanked them entirely when they had tried to coax her out or offer her food. Grace had used a few magnets under her blanket to stick it to the ceiling to allow the blanket to become a curtain and shut them out rather than completely becoming a burrito on the top bunk.
Norm was frustrated, to say the least, and concerned about this change of behaviour. He wanted to help and it itched at him to try but he didn’t know where to start. She had always tried to keep things at a ‘professional distance’ and had done a very good job at it but he wondered why when they were out here, in each other’s personal space in the middle of nowhere. He was smart to see that perhaps there was something else in play that motivated her to do that. People who pushed everyone away did it out of emotional reasons and from what he had seen… he suspected he was right.
But what it was, he didn’t know but he intended to get to the bottom of it to help, if not for her sake then at least for everyone else who had to work with her.
Norm had spent a portion of the morning out with Trudy in his avatar which he enjoyed. He had hoped getting Tsyorina'wll samples would be a means of coaxing her out of her makeshift bat cave. He did, thankfully. Lanutral too, since he was lucky.
Returning back to the mountains, he hoped Grace would be in a better mood to at least peek at what he had brought. If this wasn’t gonna get her attention then… he was just gonna let her stew in her own misery until he could figure something out. Even if he was there for the ride and he didn’t want to be.
As the engines began to slow, Norm jumped from the Samson with his pack, putting that in the airlock before he set his avatar back in their new field lab. Grace’s avatar was still lying dormant but the only relief he saw was the bottle of water he had left for her was empty, as was the plate which was stacked up neatly. So Grace had linked up at least once. A mild relief. Norm pulled off his cap and shoes, letting himself lay into his hammock before closing his eyes and—
He opened his human eyes to the inside of his link bed. Norm licked his lips, pushing up the lid and clambered out, taking a moment to stretch and feeling the click down his neck and spine before he shoved his shoes back on. He had eaten before he had linked up but his mouth was dry.
“Grace, you alive? I got some samples if you’re interested?” Norm had expected to be talking to a curtain when he passed but movement by the kitchen pulled his attention. Grace was… up and about
Still in her night clothes of PJ pants and a loose open jacket, barefoot and her hair looked a little unkempt. She still looked pale, or paler than usual and dark shadows under her eyes but the fact she was about settled some of his concerns.
She barely turned toward him but simply pulled the tea bag from the mug with a light sigh. His sample pack was…already on the table. Unopened. The airlock hissed as Trudy began her way through.
“Here,” Grace turned, setting the tea down in his direction but also pulling out a second cup—Trudy’s travel flask— to be exact filled with coffee and held that out to the pilot.
Norm blinked at the surprising kindness but gladly accepted the cup. “Thank you?” He took a heavy sip, glad for once that it wasn’t too hot but he was surprised that… it was his favourite blend of tea. Not too much sugar or milk for the matter either. He looked at her in surprise. She knew how he took his tea, he hadn’t expected that. He had never told her…but she had eyes. Maybe she noticed.
“Ooh, thanks.” Trudy didn’t hesitate to take a sip, relishing in the spurt of caffeine. “Ooh, that’s good. Did you add something to it?”
“Just cinnamon. We had a little, why not?” Grace shrugged airily, turning and wiping down the counterside.
Norm eyed his girlfriend who was giving Grace a thoughtful look but jutted her chin towards her nonetheless, a hint to… talk to her. Sure, he could try.
“I’ll drink this and swing by hell’s gate. Got word our supplies are ready for pick up on our return”
“Don’t forget my stuff from MedOps.”
“I know, doc.” Trudy nodded, offering a thumbs up as she headed and grabbed her tablet off her bed to look through it as she headed to the airlock.
Norm frowned deepened as he sipped the tea, moving to seat himself at the tiny kitchen table and pulling his bag closer. “I got some plant you might enjoy, Grace.” He went to unzip but he blinked as grace seemed to detour away. “Grace.” He couldn’t help himself, reaching and grasping her arm.
He was met with surprisingly cool skin, letting go a little. “Are you okay?” he asked in concern. “You’re cold.” She must be ill or something.
“I’m fine.” Grace pulled her arms to her chest, “I have poor circulation. Downside of 15 years link-bed usage.” She shrugged. “I’m going back to bed.”
“C-can’t you help me? I’d love your help with these samples.” Norm offered. “I know it’s been a while since you’ve seen dandetiger given where they grow but the samples of its resin are fascinating.” He opened his bag and held out the first tub to her hopefully.
Her eyes lingered on it thoughtfully, lips pursing before she shook her head decisively. “I’m…not in the mood, Norm.” She said, quite bluntly. “Good night.”
Norm watched as she easily clambered elegantly up the ladder and into her personal canopy. He stared a little dumbfounded before he was on his feet.
“Is everything alright with you?” he asked before he could stop himself, pulling away of one her makeshift curtains aside in frustration which shone the light into her little cave and made her squint down at him. “You’re not like this usually and you’re being very…distant.” Which was putting it lightly, “or have I done something?”
A scowl crossed briefly crossed Grace’s expression, pulling her pillow to her chest and hugged it against herself. “Today is not a good day, that’s all you need to know.”
“Then mind talking to me than dismissing me? You ignored us both this morning, made us some drinks and now you’re gonna ignore us again? It’s very jarring and I was just…don’t understand why?!” he exclaimed. “It’s incredibly frustrating and I just want to help, Grace. I don’t like getting worked up here.”
Grace’s eyes dropped down then away, her arms tightening on her pillow before she sighed deeply and reached up. The blanket fell as she removed the magnets and…let the blanket become its intended purpose again before she pulled out a tablet and… a photograph.
Norm was glad for his tall statue to not be bothered by the bunk bed’s height and easily took the photograph from her first and turned it around to see what it was of.
“Oh.”
It was of Grace, decades back. She looked young… perhaps leaving her teen years. Her auburn hair was longer but far curlier than her short style now; she looked happy with a wide smile but.. Norm found himself focusing on the…toddler that sat in her arms. A little girl leaning into Grace’s chest with straight auburn hair that was pulled into two little antennas atop of her head, a blue binky in the little girl’s mouth and noticeably, heterochromia eyes; her left eye a vivid blue and her right, a familiar brown. She clutched what looked to be a massive Tardigrade plushy in her little hands.
“That’s…. Ridley. My daughter.” Grace spoke, her tone turning soft and almost a whisper.
Norm gaped a little, his mind putting the two easily without her words; the toddler looked… like a spitting image of Grace. A little button nose, and a more heart-shaped face but… the likeness was unmistakeable, even with the kid’s age. Maybe one and a half, two at the latest.
“Wow.” He blinked a little. “I…never thought you had a kid.” But it explained Grace’s comments and experience when she had to babysit that little blond infant, Miles. Babies weren’t children like she had had at her school, but he hadn’t considered…options beyond that.
Grace licked her lips softly. “I never told anyone. It’s…in my medical file but… it’s not something I tell people. I had her… very young.”
“Teen pregnancy?” Norm guessed. It would explain a lot still. There was still a lot of stigma against teen parents but it had to have been worse when this little one was born.
“I was… eighteen when I left. She just turned two. By the time I got here, she was eight and I was still eighteen.” Grace let out a dry snort, shaking her head. “I didn’t want the questions or the judgment for leaving her behind.”
Norm felt his frustration fizzle away as he felt… a little more understanding. To leave a kid behind always carried some level of social judgement but in most cases, adults left their already grown kids or kids that were grown enough. To leave a baby or a toddler carried a different weight to it. He had a feeling, that if she could have, Grace would have brought her here. Babies can’t go into cryo.
“I’m sorry.” He held the photo back to her.
“She’s dead, Norm.” Grace sucked in a heavy breath. “Three years ago today, the IVS Density was stuck and lost.”
Shit.
Norm reached forward, a hand coming to her knee to offer some comfort as she refused to look his way, her eyes looking more welled up as she dropped the tablet to hug her pillow more.
“I’m sorry.”
He couldn’t imagine…that loss. To lose a child like that…had to be horrific. At least, typically they and ways to come to terms with loss, like a burial but… missing was always the worst thing to endure. Not knowing. The IVS had waivers and systems in place in terms of passenger policies; he himself had to read the small print of the cryo-systems and what would happen in an emergency.
Years lost was no short amount of time. Cargo would last that long, but cryo vaults of that many people? The power required to maintain that? The passengers would be euthanized to preserve power for the teams that ran the ship. It was more likely the ship broke apart when it was hit, the IVS ships were old and fragile. Unable to stop so quickly or divert…
Norm had read a lot about what the RDA had to offer to know more about what he was going to be riding on for six years to get here.
“I’ll-I’ll put the sample away in the field lab. We can look at them when you’re feeling up for it.” Norm decided. It was the least he could do. Still, she could have mentioned it was an emotional anniversary for her but he wasn’t gonna point that out.
Grace nodded softly with a grateful but tired smile. “Thank you.” She moved to lay back down, pulling the blanket over her head as well. “Tomorrow. A better day.”
Masterlist
#avatar#avatar au#avatar james cameron#grace augustine#avatar the way of water#avatar rda#jake sully#norm spellman#Tsu'tey#eytukan#neytiri te tskaha mo'at'ite#mo'at#neytiri#ashley sloan#vampire#vampire au#vampire grace#nadine reza
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CHERISHED GIFTS !genshin snippet
note // ahahaha… finally writing again :D very sorry for the delay, the network was a bit more work than i thought. ty for my beta-readers ^^ ( @venexus ; @k-zu ) for reading trough my first yae miko writing and editing/commenting it. coming back from such a long (unplanned) hiatus is kinda hard. this is one of the works that is part of the network’s first writing event! i will link the masterlist here as soon it’s posted, check it out for more awesome works!!
network writing event; ice & snow
Yae Miko isn’t the biggest christmas partier in Inazuma. But she organizes a celebration with her shrine maidens, one that is well-known and well sought after. Of course she knows this, yet she keeps the celebration relatively small. She could use this event to expand her influence, or make it purely business. Most would think this Christmas party to be a wasted opportunity; too often the managers of the Publishing House begged her to expand it. She never listens to it and continues to celebrate Christmas in a small circle.
How could she not? Not when you always come to her party, one of the few non-shrine maiden attendants, bringing small gifts for everyone. Yet her gift is always the best one, the most thoughtful one. A rare book, a handwritten poem on the most expensive paper, dried sakura petals and so much more.
Every year you bring her the best gifts, one better than the other and of course she takes care of them. All your gifts are displayed in her room, taken care of and never touched by anyone else but her.
Miko knows Christmas is not about the gifts, but the time spent together. Yet, when she rarely sees you, she will take any gift of yours and treasure it– just as she treasures every moment with you together. It makes your gifts special, unique and her little gems.
Of course, she doesn’t hesitate to spoil you either. But, unlike your gifts, which have an emotional connection to the both of you, she gifts you the most lavish things she can get her hands on. Be it a rare collection of the first printed book series, a bottle of the best wine one can find in Teyvat or one of her many talismans, which are crafted with the best materials and clearly of higher quality than those she normally gives to other visitors of the Narukami Shrine.
Many years this has been going on, and for many years Yae Miko celebrates Christmas with her shrine maidens, all the workers of her Publishing House and a few selected guests. And, since the first year, you have been part of the celebration. A special something, a special guest, someone dear to her. This will continue for many more years, with many more gifts exchanged and more treasures for Miko to admire.
ASTRANNE 2022
#yaepublishinghouse#genshin impact#genshin x reader#genshin x gn reader#yae miko#yae miko x reader#yae miko x gn reader#yae x reader#genshin imagines#yae miko imagines#genshin scenarios#yae miko scenarios#🪐 galaxy milky way
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holiday prompt → louise dolsen.
001. under the mistletoe—
Louise has always been on the pickier side when it came to who's lips have gotten to grace her. What? She could be what some consider to be picky. If she had to retrace her steps, she'd say one of her first kisses due to mistletoe would certainly have had be Willa to the ooooh's of those around them. A quick kiss to Emmett Newbury. A sloppier one by an intoxicated Damon. And of course, her latest one had to be J.
002. in front of the fireplace, cuddled up under a blanket with a hot drink.
That would certain by J Winston, a first in quite some time due to his philanthropic efforts aboard. As for what's running through her mind in those more quiet instances, a sense of calm. Gratitude. She has her boyfriend back by her side— she can intertwine her fingers with his, she can curl her fingers through his curls, she can poke him playfully. She didn't realize how much she missed that until she had it back.
003. snowed in from a heavy snow storm.
off of the top of her head- who she'd like to be stuck in a room with from rosewood; 1. her twin brother; alfie. her best friend, who else can say their best friend was born with them? 2. tahani parkinson. she's an actual supermodel. the amount of questions she has ready to ask her. 3. prince balcoin. if only to begin planning out his outfits for his upcoming promotional tour. 4. chan balcoin. because she has no idea what his deal is, and that's something she doesn't do well with. 5. two-bit. she has no idea why her fathers and he avoid each other like the plague.
004. at a busy dinner table, food piled on the center and family chaos ensuing around the house.
It certainly depends on where it is that they spend the holidays. Growing up, her fathers often did the holidays aboard so their holiday dinners were quite glamorous affairs. Something that even in her younger age, she came to realize was quite unique to her family. Now, if their holidays plans kept them in Rosewood, it was very much an extended family affair at the Dunn household as Kirby and his family are certainly the glue that kept everyone together when they all found themselves in Rosewood in the future.
005. standing in front of the christmas tree, decorating it with an assortment of baubles, lights and tinsel.
I think that would have been a Cristiano job, but Louise is very much her fathers daughter so she picked up his knack for putting together a stellar tree over the years. I think now a days, she's very much the project manager and the men in her family have simply accepted that fact.
006. setting out snacks for santa and his reindeers. don't forget the milk and cookies for christmas hardest workers!
Keegan, hands down. But I also believe there was a year, the family found the cookies eaten and that most definitely was Alfie's doing.
007. at the mall, waiting in line to sit on santa's lap and spill your christmas gift wishes. will you be deemed naughty or nice?
I want to say that Louise certainly belongs on the nice list. Whilst she can be snobby and her opinions might be a bit harsh at times, she truly has people's best interest at heart at the end of the day.
008. exchanging and open gifts, anticipating what gift they may get. is it something cool or just another pair of socks?
Her first designer object would be her most cherished christmas gift. An emerald green quilted chanel purse gifted to her by Lana.
009. auditions are now open for the town christmas extravaganza !!!
Louise is not one of the lucky few that has the voice of an angel. Her position would have surely be more the managerial variety. She certainly ran a Rosewood production like if she was running the navy, much to the dismay of everyone behind the scenes.
010. in the trenches of snow forts, amidst a war of a snow fight! who will win?
Oh, she's definitely one of those person who acts as if they are above such things as snowball fights, until one comes hurling her way and then it's full on war.
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Winterfest Temp Career 🎄
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! And we need workers, Newcrest Temp Agency needs your help to make this season magical!
(Due to this being a singular season temp job there is only one level per branch, but they do make 250 a day for Christmas :D)
Level 1 - Induction
Just a little warm up to see where your skills will be best placed this holiday season.
Branch 1 - Father Winter
So you want to be the jolly man himself? Good because the regular quit and this position needs to be filled.
Branch 2 - Gift Wrapper
Having perfectly wrapped presents under the tree makes for the ultimate Winterfest aesthetic, just not everyone is quite so skilled in that department but don’t worry that's where you come in!
Branch 3 - Mince Pie Chef
No not the ones with meat in, these sweet and savoury delicacies are a favourite with Father Winter himself and he would be honoured if you could make them.
Branch 4 - Tree Decorator
While we love to decorate our own trees there are some out there who want a professional touch, now go out there and make us proud!
Branch 5 - Tree Seller
Obviously there is a great market for trees this time of year, unfortunately it isn’t commission based.
Branch 6 - Winterfest Card Designer
Unique Winterfest cards decorating the mantle is a lovely thing to come home to at the end of the day, just draw a tree in several different ways and you are golden!
Branch 7 - Winterfest Photographer
A Winterfest portrait isn’t just for well, Winterfest. Get ready to capture some beautiful memories.
This career includes no script file so XML Injector is needed or it will not work, if you don't already have it there are download instructions on the page.
SimFileShare (No Ads)
Patreon (Free)
Thanks for the Download =)
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Christmas and mushrooms have a surprisingly close tie. It all begins with Santa, the beloved figure associated with Christmas festivities. Santa is often depicted in a red-and-white suit while toting a sack of goodies. Still, many are surprised to learn that this jolly character's outfit has its roots in mushroom harvesting attire.
When fungi harvest was famous in Europe (particularly for shiitake mushrooms), workers were required to wear brightly colored outfits– such as red and white– so they could be easily seen from a distance when among the rows of tall trees. The unique garb eventually evolved into what we know today as the traditional "Santa Suit" - fit for Saint Nicholas himself!
The similar resemblance between a mushroom cap and pointy stocking caps must not be overlooked either! In Flemish culture specifically, these hats are referred to as 'Mushroom Caps' or 'Straw Hats' due to their strict association with fungus gathering – which later inspired the design of classic Santa hats on shelves across the world during Christmas time each year.
To further connect mushrooms and Christmas, there is even an old European tradition known as "mushroom hunting at night by moonlight," where families would venture off through dark forests carrying lanterns or torches accompanied by baskets specially designed for holding mushrooms - much like families gather around decorated Christmas trees adorned in twinkling lights come December 25th each year!. This act of foraging for fungi during winter solstice has been conducted since ancient times, signifying how closely connected our festive traditions remain with nature's gifts – even if it's just part of present-day folklore!
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CHRISTMAS SEASON AS A MIRROR OF FILIPINOS’
COMMUNICATIVE BEHAVIOR
The Christmas season reflects the culture of the Filipinos in terms of communication. From the vibrant and shimmering parols displayed everywhere, the gigantic trees with hanging ornaments and decorations, and the cold weather filling the air of jam-packed streets with Filipinos rushing to buy some gifts—one can definitely feel and sense that Christmas is just around the corner. Since then, Filipinos are known to possess these habits as soon as the first day of September comes. For the latter, Christmas is not just a one day thing, but months of celebration and preparation.
From the foods, home decorations, and songs played on the radio, each Filipino household does its best to ensure a perfect and well-curated celebration of the season of love and giving. However, Filipinos get so used to these habits that they tend to forget how to deeply analyze such behaviors. Thus, it is important to ask questions such as, “how does the Christmas season reveal the communicative behavior of Filipinos?”, and “how can we further understand such behaviors through the lens of our culture?”.
It is essential to take into account the history of Christmas in the Philippines to lay foundation to the preceding culture. In particular, religion has a huge role to play on why Christmas is widely celebrated in the country. Evidently, the 3 decade colonization of Spain brought the country into its present-day number of 92.5% Filipino Christians (Stanford Medicine, n.d.). Due to this faith, it is deeply embedded in Filipino culture that Christmas is an important occasion to commemorate the birth of the savior, Jesus Christ, and to therefore radiate love among fellow Filipinos and loved ones during the season— just like what Christ would do. This belief may seem like a mere or usual teaching in Sunday school, but it is surprisingly the foundation of some of the Filipinos’ communicative behaviors especially during Christmas.
In particular, Edward Hall and Midred Hall’s concepts of high-context (HC) communication and low-context (LC) communication give us a glimpse of the Filipino culture’s concept of giving and receiving during the holiday.
An example of low-context communication during Christmas is the well-known caroling tradition of Filipinos wherein they sing and perform often in the neighborhood to ask for some pamasko. In this case, Filipinos directly express their intention to ask for some gifts or money from other people.
Also, the concept of exchanging gifts or monito monita falls under such communication since each participant is well-informed that they’ll give and receive in the said Christmas tradition.
Lastly, the monetary benefit of workers during the Christmas season called 13th month pay is also a form of low-context communication. Such benefit is explicit as it is even part of the Labor Code of the Philippines which obliges employers to provide their employees with (DOLE, 2022).
High-context communication also occurs during the season. Specifically, during Christmas, most children already expect to receive gifts from their parents, godparents, and other family members. Such expectations are often indirectly expressed because it is already understood that children are meant to receive gifts or aginaldos during Christmas. Also, similar high-context communication happens towards working adults who are no longer expected to receive gifts, but are rather assumed to give or provide for the family during the season.
On the other hand, the Filipino’s way of celebrating Christmas is also seen in Jose Lacson’s “Filipino Communicative Behavior” which refers to the unique communicative behaviors of Filipinos based on experiences and culture (Lacson, 2005). Under such, he discussed several mindsets of Filipinos that are heavily associated with how Filipinos communicate. Among the stated mindsets, the “Deprivation-Deservation Syndrome” along with “Sense of Humor” are the most evident during Filipino Christmas.
An example of deprivation-deservation syndrome among Filipinos during holidays is seen on how they overspend. Filipinos have a mindset that Christmas only happens once in a year and that they deserve to spend over the budget and spoil themselves and their family in exchange for all the hard work they’ve done during the previous months. Because Christmas is tagged as the season of “giving”, some Filipinos even fall into debt and complete financial mismanagement after holidays just to meet the said “giving” culture (Lastimosa, 2019).
This mindset is also in connection with Filipino ways of interpersonal communication that were explored by Maggay in 2002. In particular, Filipinos overspend not just to satisfy their families, but to also establish a good impression among others, or to have a celebration better than others. Specifically, Filipinos often display pagpapakitang giliw and paglalantad ng sarili during Christmas to have some pabonggahan or pabidahan (Maggay, 2002) against some of their relatives, neighbors, or enemies. This also sometimes leads to financial debt as some Filipinos prioritize their image more than their financial stability.
Furthermore, the sense of humor mindset of Filipinos are also highlighted during Christmas wherein it is seen that no difficulty can stop Filipinos from celebrating the season. Since the country is prone to typhoons especially during “ber” months, some areas are often targeted by such calamity during the month of December. An example is how most parts of Surigao were wiped out last 2021 by typhoon Odette. In this case, Filipinos from Surigao continued to celebrate Christmas with the help of volunteers despite the devastating circumstance in front of them (Catoto, 2021).
To conclude, Christmas is a great reflection of the Filipinos' communicative behaviors. On a good note, the Filipino way of celebrating the season is something to look out for in other countries. Indeed, it is amazing how Filipinos unite and do their best to celebrate the most-awaited season. Also, it’s heartwarming to see how undeniably selfless Filipinos are when it comes to their loved ones. However, the negative side which is unfortunate to witness is how Filipinos forget to draw the line in terms of how much they will spend during the holidays. Perhaps, the best way for Filipinos to iron out their toxic communicative behaviors during Christmas is by also looking at how other countries celebrate the season.
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Decorative Christmas Bells: Rustic Harmony Cowbell Set – A Perfect Holiday Touch for Your Home 🎄🔔
The holiday season brings with it an air of joy, love, and celebration. One of the most wonderful parts of the festive season is the ambiance that fills our homes. The warmth, the lights, the smells of delicious meals, and of course, the sounds that herald the arrival of Christmas. If you’re looking for a special way to add charm and a dash of rustic beauty to your holiday decorations, look no further than the Decorative Christmas Bells: Rustic Harmony Cowbell Set from Aladean. These bells are more than just beautiful décor; they carry with them the spirit of tradition, love, and a timeless appeal that is sure to captivate the hearts of anyone who lays eyes on them. 💖✨
The Rustic Harmony Cowbell Set: A Touch of Tradition and Charm 🔔
The Decorative Christmas Bells: Rustic Harmony Cowbell Set are the perfect example of how traditional designs can be seamlessly woven into modern-day celebrations. Made with meticulous craftsmanship, these bells exude a rustic charm that instantly transports you to a simpler, more peaceful time. The set features beautifully crafted cowbells with an earthy finish that blends perfectly with both modern and classic holiday settings. Whether you’re decorating your tree, mantel, or even your front door, these bells bring a touch of old-world charm to any space.
But these bells aren’t just about looks. Their quality and craftsmanship make them a reliable and lasting addition to your holiday decor collection. Each bell has been thoughtfully crafted to ensure both beauty and durability, making it a meaningful piece that will be enjoyed for years to come.
Why Choose the Decorative Christmas Bells: Rustic Harmony Cowbell Set? ❤️
1. Beautiful Aesthetic Appeal ✨
One of the first things you’ll notice about the Rustic Harmony Cowbell Set is the rich aesthetic appeal they bring to your home. Their rustic charm is timeless. The natural finish and bell design offer an earthy vibe that beautifully complements any holiday decor. Whether your home embraces a farmhouse, vintage, or eclectic style, these bells are the perfect addition. They blend seamlessly with the warmth of a cosy fireplace or the twinkling lights of your Christmas tree, adding a unique touch of elegance that can’t be found in ordinary decorations.
2. Versatility in Decoration 🎄
The beauty of the Rustic Harmony Cowbell Set is in its versatility. You can use these bells in a variety of ways throughout your home. Adorn your Christmas tree, hang them from your front door, or use them as part of your table setting for a more rustic-themed holiday dinner. The bells can even be displayed in a vintage-style wreath or used to decorate your holiday mantle. There are no rules when it comes to decorating with these bells – their charming appearance works in a variety of settings, adding an extra layer of warmth and sophistication to your home.
3. Perfect for Gifting 🎁
Looking for that perfect gift for someone special this holiday season? The Rustic Harmony Cowbell Set is an ideal choice. Whether for a friend, family member, or co-worker, these bells offer a unique and meaningful gift that they will treasure for years to come. Their timeless beauty and versatility make them a wonderful present for anyone who appreciates the spirit of Christmas. Gift them to someone who loves traditional décor, rustic aesthetics, or simply someone who enjoys the charm of holiday bells.
The Meaning of Bells in Holiday Traditions 🔔
Bells have long been a symbol of celebration, joy, and unity. Their melodic chime is often associated with the holiday season, where they carry the message of hope, peace, and togetherness. For centuries, bells have been used in religious ceremonies, celebrations, and festive occasions. They are believed to bring good fortune and keep evil spirits away, making them the perfect addition to your home as you celebrate the holidays.
The Rustic Harmony Cowbell Set does more than just beautify your home – it embodies the very essence of the holiday spirit. Their charming sound, whether they’re ringing gently in the breeze or silently hanging from your tree, serves as a constant reminder of the love and joy that fill our hearts during this special time of year. The act of ringing a bell also signifies the start of something wonderful, much like the Christmas season itself – a time for new beginnings, cherished moments, and connections with the people we love most. 💕🔔
Uses of the Rustic Harmony Cowbell Set 🎉
As we embrace the magic of the holidays, the Rustic Harmony Cowbell Set can be used in a variety of ways to elevate your celebrations. Here are some ideas to inspire you:
Hanging from Christmas Trees: These bells can be used as tree ornaments, adding a touch of rustic beauty to your holiday tree. Hang them strategically for an extra layer of elegance.
Door and Window Hangings: Let your guests hear the joyful sound of the bells as they enter your home. Hanging them from your front door or windows is an excellent way to welcome the festive season.
Table Centerpiece Decoration: Place them in the center of your dining table as part of a rustic Christmas centerpiece. Pair them with pinecones, holly, or candles to create a charming display.
Gift Wrapping Touches: Use the bells as part of your gift wrap decoration. Their rustic appeal will make your presents stand out and add an extra layer of love and thoughtfulness to your gifts.
Home Decor: Add them to your mantle, shelves, or even your fireplace to create a cozy, festive atmosphere. The bells will infuse your home with warmth and charm.
How the Rustic Harmony Cowbell Set Enhances Your Holiday Atmosphere 🎅
Imagine this: It’s Christmas Eve, and your home is decorated beautifully with twinkling lights, a fragrant pine tree, and a cozy fireplace. The fire crackles, and the air is filled with laughter and love. In the background, the sound of gentle bells rings as the Rustic Harmony Cowbell Set sways slightly in the winter breeze. Their simple but beautiful chime reminds everyone that this is a time for togetherness, reflection, and celebration. 💖
It’s moments like these that make the Rustic Harmony Cowbell Set so special. They do more than just decorate – they create an emotional connection to the holiday season, reminding us of the peace, joy, and hope that Christmas brings. As you hang these bells or simply gaze upon them, you’ll feel the love that goes into every detail of their creation and the warmth they bring to your home.
Importance of the Rustic Harmony Cowbell Set in Your Holiday Decor 🎶
The Rustic Harmony Cowbell Set is more than just a decoration; it is a symbol of the Christmas spirit. As we decorate our homes for the holidays, we are not just adding beauty – we are creating a space for memories, for love, and for the traditions that we hold dear. These bells serve as a reminder of the importance of connection and togetherness, which are at the heart of the Christmas season.
In a world that can sometimes feel rushed and chaotic, the Rustic Harmony Cowbell Set invites you to slow down and appreciate the beauty of tradition. Their simple yet timeless charm evokes the feelings of nostalgia, family bonds, and the deep love that surrounds the holiday season. They are a reminder that, no matter where we are or who we are with, the true spirit of Christmas lies in the moments of love we share.
Embrace the Spirit of Christmas with Love and Tradition 💖
The Decorative Christmas Bells: Rustic Harmony Cowbell Set is more than just a festive accessory – it is a way to connect with the heart of Christmas itself. With its charming design, durable craftsmanship, and emotional resonance, this bell set is the perfect addition to your holiday decor. It’s a gift that keeps on giving, a piece that will hold its beauty and sentiment for many Christmases to come.
So, this holiday season, embrace the spirit of tradition, the joy of celebration, and the love that fills your home with the Rustic Harmony Cowbell Set. Let these bells become a part of your holiday memories, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that your family and guests will cherish year after year. 💖🔔
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Food Hampers And Their Misconceptions
The art of gift-giving can be a source of immense pleasure for both the giver and recipient. One of the most enjoyable ways to convey this feeling is through hampers. These carefully planned collections can be tailored to meet any occasion from birthdays to holiday celebrations. The charm of gift baskets is in their flexibility, making it possible to combine and mix items to will meet the personal tastes of your loved ones. It doesn't matter if it's a selection of gourmet foods or themed items that are appropriate for a specific occasion gift hampers provide an excellent way to show your appreciation. When it comes to holiday celebrations Christmas hampers are a common option. In 2024, a lot of people are seeking special and individual options to distinguish themselves. From festive hampers that are filled with seasonal delights to Christmas presents for workers, there's a gift for all. Many businesses choose corporate Christmas hampers as a way to show thanks and gratitude to the employees. This can not only boost positive feelings but also aids in building strong bonds between employees. If you're looking to learn more about food hampers, visit the above site.
Curating a thoughtful Christmas hamper can bring joy to the holidays within any office, making it a memorable gift. The options of Christmas hamper ideas are endless, with choices ranging from luxury treats to items made by hand. Food enthusiasts may enjoy food hampers stuffed with exquisite snacks, gourmet chocolates and premium wines. For those who love cheese, cheese hampers can include a range of international cheeses, along with preserves and crackers. If you select items of high quality that resonate with the tastes of the recipient It is possible to create an item that feels unique. These thoughtful gifts can enhance the satisfaction giving a present, and bring back memories. Birthdays are another perfect occasion for special birthday gift baskets. It doesn't matter if you're celebrating the birthday of the birthday of a family member, friend or a colleague gifts that are thoughtfully designed can be a great way to convey your heartfelt wishes. For birthday baskets for her, consider including beauty products as well as gourmet treats or even an assortment of her favourite wines. A personalised gift that is designed to reflect the persona of the recipient shows you put thought into their gift, making it more meaningful.
These personalizations are what can transform a standard gift into one that is unforgettable. In addition to personal celebrations corporate hampers are great ways to show gratitude to partners and clients. The hampers can be personalized to represent the values and image of the company as well as catering to the needs of the recipients. Offering high-end items or local cuisines can leave a lasting impression and improve relationships with business partners. When designing these hampers you must ensure a balance between professionalism as well as individuality, making sure that the gift is relevant and thoughtful in the professional context. In the end, creating the perfect themed hamper takes careful consideration of the recipient's preferences as well as the occasion. From Christmas hampers to birthday hampers there are plenty of options which allows you to create truly unique gifts. By utilizing different hampers, you can ensure that your presents stand out and convey the most sincere messages. With a bit of imagination and planning, you'll learn the art of gifting and bring smiles to those you care about through beautifully crafted hampers that are a celebration of the special moments in your life.
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"Quirky & Personalized Gifts for Every Occasion – Discover 1MeYouQuirkyGifts!"
Why Choose 1MeYouQuirkyGifts?
Personalized Touch: We know that a gift means so much more when it’s personal. That’s why we offer a range of customized tumblers and other products to help you create something truly unique. Add your name, your favorite quote, or even a design that speaks to your personality—it’s your gift, your way!
Quirky and Fun: Life’s too short for boring gifts! From tumblers featuring fun patterns to festive Christmas stockings, our designs bring joy and a bit of whimsy to every occasion. If you’re someone who loves to stand out and share a smile, our quirky items are made just for you.
Quality Meets Creativity: Each product is carefully crafted using high-quality materials, ensuring that your gifts are both beautiful and durable. Our tumblers, for example, are made to keep your drinks hot or cold for hours while looking as unique as you!
Our Bestsellers
Personalized Tumblers: Perfect for coffee lovers or those always on the go! With a variety of colors and designs, you can make these tumblers your own. They’re great as gifts for friends, family, or even co-workers—because everyone loves something with their name on it!
Quirky Gift Wrap Papers: Why settle for ordinary wrapping paper when you can add personality to your presents? Our gift wraps feature everything from whimsical animals to holiday cheer, making your gifts as fun to open as they are to receive.
Festive Holiday Stockings: Get ready for the holidays with our delightful stockings! Whether you love classic Christmas vibes or something a bit more playful, we have stockings to match your style and brighten your mantel.
A Gift for Every Occasion
Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or just because, we’ve got something for everyone. At 1MeYouQuirkyGifts, we love making people smile with gifts that are anything but ordinary. So, if you’re ready to find something special, explore our shop and discover the magic of personalized, quirky gifts!
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The Evolution of Boxing Day: From Charity to Shopping Frenzy
Boxing Day, celebrated on December 26th, falls on the second day of Christmastide and has evolved from a day of charitable giving to a major shopping event in many parts of the world. Originating in the United Kingdom, the holiday has spread to several Commonwealth nations, each adding its unique twist to the observance.
Historical Roots and Etymology
The exact origins of Boxing Day are somewhat obscure, with several theories about its name and purpose. One popular theory links the term to the practice of placing alms boxes in churches during the medieval period. These boxes were used to collect donations for the poor, particularly around the Feast of Saint Stephen, which coincides with Boxing Day. Another theory suggests that the term "Christmas box" refers to the practice of giving gratuities to tradespeople and service workers during the holiday season, a tradition dating back to the 17th century. Samuel Pepys' diary entry from 1663 mentions the custom of giving Christmas boxes to those who had provided services throughout the year.
Traditions Across the Globe
The observance of Boxing Day varies significantly around the world:
United Kingdom: In the UK, Boxing Day is recognized as a bank holiday. If December 26th falls on a Sunday, the holiday is observed on the following Monday. The day was historically a time for employers to give their servants and tradespeople gifts or bonuses, a practice linked to the idea of a "Christmas box" containing money or goods. Today, Boxing Day is synonymous with shopping, as many retailers offer significant sales and discounts. This shift in focus has made it one of the busiest shopping days of the year.
Australia: Boxing Day is a public holiday across most Australian states and territories, except for South Australia, where Proclamation Day is celebrated instead. The day is notable for the Boxing Day Test cricket match held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground and the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, both of which draw significant attention and participation.
Canada: In Canada, Boxing Day is a federal statutory holiday, and many businesses, government offices, and banks are closed. In some provinces, like Ontario, it is also a provincial statutory holiday. The day is marked by retail sales similar to those in the UK and is a major shopping event.
Hong Kong: Despite the transfer of sovereignty from the UK to China in 1997, Boxing Day remains a general holiday in Hong Kong, providing an additional day off for workers and students.
South Africa: Known as the Day of Goodwill, 26 December is a public holiday in South Africa, reflecting the country's diverse cultural heritage and emphasis on generosity and community spirit.
New Zealand: In New Zealand, Boxing Day is a statutory holiday, and employees who work on this day are entitled to additional pay and a day off in lieu. The day is also marked by significant retail sales and public events.
Ireland: In Ireland, Boxing Day is recognized as Saint Stephen's Day, following the Bank Holidays Act of 1871. After the partition of Ireland in 1920, the day continued to be known as Saint Stephen's Day in the Republic of Ireland, while Northern Ireland adopted the name Boxing Day.
Singapore: Boxing Day was once a public holiday in Singapore, but it has since been removed from the list of official public holidays.
Trinidad and Tobago: Boxing Day remains a public holiday in Trinidad and Tobago, where it is celebrated with various festivities.
Bermuda: In Bermuda, Boxing Day is marked by the vibrant Gombey dancers, a tradition believed to date back to the 18th century when slaves were allowed to gather and celebrate during Christmas.
Modern Observances and Shopping Trends
In contemporary times, Boxing Day is often associated with shopping, with many retailers offering substantial discounts and promotions. In countries like the UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, Boxing Day sales have become a major shopping event, sometimes surpassing even Black Friday in terms of revenue. Retailers typically open very early and offer doorbuster deals to attract shoppers. Long queues and crowded stores are common sights, with many consumers eager to take advantage of the sales.
However, the prominence of Boxing Day sales has been affected by the rise of online shopping and the increasing popularity of Black Friday sales. In the UK, for instance, the rise of Black Friday has led to a decline in traditional Boxing Day sales as more retailers and consumers shift their focus to the November shopping event. This trend is also evident in Canada, where Black Friday promotions have become more prominent in recent years.
Despite the shift towards commercialism, the spirit of Boxing Day remains rooted in its historical origins of generosity and community. Whether through charitable giving, shopping, or spending time with loved ones, Boxing Day continues to be a day of celebration and reflection, marking the continuation of the Christmas season.
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Creative Christmas Gift Ideas for Family and Friends
Christmas is just around the corner! If you're already feeling the holiday rush, you're not alone. The season of giving is upon us, and finding the perfect gifts for family and friends can sometimes feel overwhelming. But don’t worry! We've curated a list of creative Christmas gift ideas that will not only impress your loved ones but also add a touch of festive magic to their holiday season. Whether you're shopping for your spouse, kids, friends, or coworkers, these thoughtful and unique gifts are sure to bring joy and warmth to everyone on your list.
The Joy of Giving
One of the most delightful aspects of the holiday season is the joy of giving. It’s a time when we can show our appreciation and love for the special people in our lives. However, finding the perfect gift can be challenging. That's why we've put together this guide—to help you discover unique and creative Christmas gift that will make this holiday season unforgettable.
Classic Holiday Mugs for Him
Who doesn’t love sipping a warm beverage on a cold winter day? Christmas mugs are a fantastic gift idea for him, whether it's your dad, brother, or significant other. You can choose from traditional Santa designs or create personalized mugs with names or special messages. Add in some festive marshmallows, and you have the perfect treat for any special someone on your list. These mugs are not only functional but also bring a bit of holiday cheer into the home.
Christmas-Themed Bottles for the Eco-Conscious
Help your friends and family stay hydrated during the holiday festivities with Christmas-themed reusable bottles or beverage containers. These eco-friendly gifts come in various festive designs, from snowflakes to reindeer, making them perfect for spreading holiday spirit. They are great for gym-goers, office workers, or anyone who appreciates a stylish and functional bottle. Plus, they make excellent stocking stuffers or Secret Santa gifts!
Festive Pillow & Cushion Covers
Bring extra warmth and coziness to your home decor with festive pillow and cushion covers. Available in materials like velvet, cotton, and polyester, these covers feature fun designs such as reindeer, snowflakes, and Santa Claus. They are perfect Christmas gifts for your wife or anyone who loves decorating their home for the holidays. Adding a few matching cushion covers can elevate the festive style of any room, making the house feel even more inviting.
Insulated Tumblers for On-the-Go
For those who are always on the move, insulated tumblers are the perfect gift. They keep drinks hot or cold, making them ideal for sipping coffee on a chilly morning or a refreshing beverage at night. With many festive designs and colors available, these tumblers bring both practicality and joy to the holiday season. They make great gifts for friends, family members, or coworkers who appreciate a good drink while maintaining their busy schedules.
Meaningful Christmas Ornaments
Christmas ornaments are more than just decorations—they are a way to create lasting memories. Choose meaningful ornaments that remind you of your favorite holiday moments. From traditional glass ornaments to those made from wood, ceramic, or fabric, there are endless options to suit any taste. Personalize your Christmas tree with unique ornaments that reflect your family’s traditions and add a special touch to your holiday decor.
Adding Flair with Christmas Towels
Christmas towels are a simple yet effective way to add a festive flair to your home. Tea towels are perfect for the kitchen, useful for drying dishes, wiping down counters, or even as table decorations. Decorative hand towels can enhance the look of bathrooms and add a pop of holiday color. These towels make thoughtful gifts for anyone looking to brighten up their home during the holiday season.
Cozy Christmas Blankets
There’s nothing quite like snuggling up with a cozy blanket on a cold winter night. Christmas blankets are perfect for adding warmth and comfort to any living space. With styles ranging from traditional plaid patterns to whimsical holiday prints, there’s something for everyone. These blankets make great gifts for anyone on your list who loves to get cozy during the holiday season. Don’t forget to add a few festive throws as well, which can be used for wrapping up or accenting furniture.
The Magic of Christmas Scented Candles
Imagine filling your home with the delightful aromas of cinnamon, pine, and gingerbread. Christmas scented candles can do just that. These candles come in various scents, from sweet and spicy to subtle woodsmoke or sugared plums. Place them around your house in areas where you want to spread holiday cheer. They make excellent accents in bathrooms and can even be hung from racks or towel bars.
For an extra special touch, look for candle sets with multiple scents that complement each other. These not only provide a festive atmosphere to your home but also make great gifts. Add a few festive accessories like stockings, garlands, and wreaths, and your home will be filled with the joy of the season.
Bring the Family Together with Christmas Puzzle Sets
Christmas-themed puzzle sets are a fantastic way to bring the whole family together. From traditional jigsaw puzzles to more complex 3D versions, there's something for everyone. Puzzles are a great way to relax and take your mind off everyday life, and they're fun to solve as well.
Look for Christmas-themed puzzle sets with colorful scenes and designs. These puzzles can easily be displayed and shared once completed, making them a great way to show off your accomplishment and holiday spirit. No matter what type of puzzle you choose, Christmas-themed sets will bring the spirit of the holidays to any room.
Make Baking Fun with Christmas Baking Kits
Bring some extra Christmas cheer to your kitchen with holiday-themed baking kits. Whether you're a novice or an experienced baker, these kits make creating festive treats easy and fun. Try cookie decorating kits for a sweet treat that everyone can enjoy. Or challenge yourself with a gingerbread house kit—an impressive project that will have all your guests ooh-ing and aah-ing.
Get creative with these festive kits and make lasting memories in the kitchen this holiday season. If you're looking for even more fun, why not try cookie cutters in festive shapes? Making sugar cookies with seasonal designs is always a hit, just don't forget the sprinkles!
Cozy Up with Christmas Books
Sometimes the best way to get into the festive spirit is to curl up with a good Christmas book. Whether you're looking for something classic or want to find more modern stories, there are plenty of holiday-themed books out there. Classic children’s stories like The Night Before Christmas and A Charlie Brown Christmas have been favorites for generations.
Adults can enjoy cozy mysteries and romances set during the holidays, which are sure to lift your spirits. If you're looking for a unique read, consider nonfiction books about Christmas. You can learn about the holiday's history, traditions, customs, and more. Add a few festive reads to your library this season and enjoy the magic of Christmas through literature.
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