#the original gift bringers || ( three wise men! )

[santaverse]

@life-and-reclamation asked: Jude had been in the Toontown verse, and came to visit the Santas. By his side was a new friend, a robot duck! "Hello, I hope you're all doing well. This is Oddball!"

" What on EARTH is that thin- OOF!! " Caspar got a swift elbow from Balthazar. Out of all of the Wise Men, Caspar was the one with biggest mouth and no filter.

" Hoho, What Caspar meant to say is, it's lovely to see you again Jude! And it's a pleasure to meet you Oddball!! " Balthazar waved towards both of the visitors.

Melchior knelt down to the duck and began observing him. He stroked his beard then spoke in his usual soft tone.

" What a curious little automaton! Did you make him yourself, Jude? "

[beautiful-basque-country]

Kaixo ~ I’m curious what are holidays or dates that see important to Basque people?

Kaixo anon! Thanks for your ask 😊 I guess there are more local festivities or special days for other people, but I guess these are the most general ones:

St Thomas' fair: a very important date for Basque people since today is the day when winter officially starts - some people think this fair was originally dedicated to the solstice - and also the Christmas holidays: children have their last day of school until January and it’s a day of general celebration. A very big market is set so people can buy their ingredients for the Xmas Eve dinner, and the most traditional thing to do is to eat talo- a toasted cornmeal flatbread - with chorizo or txistorra, a Basque speciality similar to the former, but thinner and juicier. Of course you have to help that food go down with cider or txakoli, our traditional white wine. It's always CROWDED:

Xmas celebrations: more or less like in any West European city tbh, but here we have two parades for the kids. The one of Olentzero (our very own xmas gifts bringer) on Xmas Eve:

and then on January 5th, the parade of the Three Wise men, that's also celebrated by more Iberian nations:

And last but certainly not least, the summer festivities in the capitals: starting with Sanfermines in early July

.. then the festivities in Baiona in mid-July...

... moving on to Maria Zuria celebrations in Gasteiz in early August...

Aste Nagusi in Donostia mid-August...

... and Aste Nagusi in Bilbo to finish the month...

For me they're the Holy Trinity of the special days for most Basque people. Of course there are more local special days and more events that gather many like regattas, 1st Monday of Gernika, Ordizia Cheese Championship, Korrika, several races, Chocolate day in Baiona, Lanterns Parade in Gasteiz, etc.

But these ones mentioned are the biggest ones.

[i-rove-rock-n-roll]

Eden (cause rn there is no better title) Just some writing I felt like sharin.

He dreamt that he was back in prison, the blue walls suffocating, even as he lay in his cell, staring at the ceiling, they closed in on him. A murmur came from the hallway.

“Which prisoner is this?”

“How the hell should I know? All the same to me the damn punks.”

“I think this one's that Southern one. That one with the accent.” The other made a noise of assent and through half closed eyes, Gram saw the guard peer at him through the bars.

“Who cares?” the other guard said, disinterested.

The dream changed to nighttime, and he heard the panting nearby stop abruptly. A shovel was thrown up beside him, as Gram continued to lay, now pressed against the ground rather than the bunk.

“C’mon, Charlie, we gotta get him in the ground.”

“Why do we gotta do it?” The other man, presumably Charlie, whined. Gram felt them pick up his body, lugging it over to the grave, as his mind swirled in a fog not unlike the one surrounding them.

“Bastards got no family. No one to claim ‘im. No one to give a shit, so we get stuck with him.” They dropped Gram into the hole, none too gently, but he felt nothing, staring vacantly at the two men above him.

“Grab a shovel, bud. Get this over with.”

And the dirt covered him.

He awoke in the darkness, unable to breathe, his arms crossed over his chest. Choking on the dirt, he clawed upwards, blindly trying to get out. Finally, Gram’s hand broke out into the air, and he drug his body out.

“Who…” he gasped, “..am I? Fuckin’...Uma Thurman?”

He shivered, taking in his surroundings. The prison yard was gone, the ugly brick building no longer in sight. In fact, the only thing he could see were trees, strangely tall, in a way that made all others look like saplings. The leaves rustled, and the dark fog gleamed as an animal leapt out, followed by another, and another. Men followed, clutching leashes, but they weren’t quite right, each with grotesque faces, their eyes flashing with malice. The dogs smiled with them in unison, all with teeth sharp and hungry growls. It wasn’t hard to guess the goal of the game they wanted to play. Stumbling, Gram began to run. The trees blurred as he ran, even as his chest burned, reminding him of his lack of exercise, he moved. His legs pumped, barely slowing as he hit the river, drenching his knees with an icy rush. Gram stopped, waiting for them to follow. The not-men did not call to their beasts, but an eerie noise followed from the other side of the river. A horn sounded, followed by something dimly resembling a search light, and Gram took off again, lungs empty.

He collapsed once he reached a small clearing, the same one that contained his gravestone. He was back where he started.

Attempting to get his raspy wheezing under control, he leaned against the stone, staring at the clearly cut letters.

Jonathan Denvers. He blinked, the letters shifting. Ingram Niesler. He blinked again and watched the stone crumble.

The clearing was surrounded.

A figure stepped forward, tall and with blank eyes. The dogs at Gram’s back made no move, but growled softly before the figure’s swiveling head quieted it. Its eyes were like glass, seeing something he couldn’t.

“We have a job for him,” hissed a voice from behind, and Gram jumped. The leader of the not-man stopped a foot away, as if unwilling or unable to come closer. The others holding the beasts shifted in agreement, though none stepped up, even as the not-dogs thrashed against the leashes with incredible strength.

“As do we,” said the being with the glass eyes. “I don’t suppose you could wait your turn?” they asked mildly, ignoring the snarl they received in return.

“I don’t even know who you guys are, so I ain’t doin’ shit.” Gram was painfully aware of how high his voice had jumped up. Both pairs of eyes, clear and gleaming, glanced at him, like he were some sort of minor inconvenience.

“You don’t have a choice, Jonathan Denvers.”

“My name is Gram.” He wanted to scream, but his words came out in a squeak. “Not Jonathan,” his voice was stronger now. “Ingram.”

“You are Jonathan, Jehovah’s gift. And you will do as you are told.” The being twitched irritably and the not-man cackled at the look on Gram’s face.

“Feisty, this one. I like him.” The being slung an arm over his shoulder, cold fingers crawling against his skin. The other tensed even more than Gram. He couldn’t pull away. “Listen, kid, can I call you kid? Anyway--”

“Whatever it is, it ain’t happening.”

“Just hear me out, kid, I got a deal--” Gram snorted and the glass eyed figure seemed to smirk for a moment before becoming impassive again.

“Let me guess, I’ll bet a fiddle of gold against your soul, cause I think I’m better than you? Well, I ain’t Johnny, bitch, so scram.” His courage didn’t leave, even when the face twisted and the nails made pierce his throat. The glass eyed being moved in an instant, somehow, and had the figure down on its knees, a sword pressed against their Adam’s apple. The apple quivered as they laughed silently, eyes glued to the hard face above them.

“Still got it, don’t you, Mike? I think you’re a few feathers short though--urk!” Came the choke as the blade dug deeper into the not-man’s neck, as the being now known as Mike narrowed its eyes. Somehow, and he had absolutely no idea how, Gram had been so distracted by the appearance of the sword that he missed the enormous wings spreading outward, looking very much like a large, threatening bird, but with some gaps in his feathers. Gram swallowed and.began to inch away.

“This has been fun, but I think I’m gonna go home, now…”

“Oh, kid,” came the amused sigh from the being still on its knees. “You can’t go until we let you.” The glass eyed Mike blinked before Gram’s eyes, reappearing only a few inches away. Gram flinched, unable to see anything but the swirling emptiness in the eyes before him.

“Three days, Jonathan. Nicole had her chance, now it’s yours.”

The gleaming eyed being stood up, rubbing its throat loosely.

“Think on it, Johnny. You only got eternity left if you fail.”

“What are you talking about?” Gram blinked, confused.

“Cleaning up the town. That’s what your little cuz thinks she’s doing. Doing a better job than half my..well, I can’t really call them people, but still.” the being waved a hand dismissively. 

“Think of it as a modern day Sodom and Gomorrah.” Mike suggested. 

The figure rolled its eyes, waggling a finger in Gram’s direction. “If you don’t behave Uncle Sammy won’t give you your present.”

“I’ve never been one much for surprises.”

“I know.” The figure rolled its eyes. “Made you such a boring child.”

“I thought your name was Lucifer, anyway.”

“Newsflash, once upon a time I had a different name.” The Devil gave Gram a pointed look. “Sam was my name just as much a Lucifer is now, Jonathan.” Gram opened his mouth, but he held up a hand. “Don’t get so riled. I’m proving a point.”

“A pretty shitty one.”

“I’m guessing you didn’t do any research before picking your name?” Mike said dryly. “Of all the names you could have chosen for yourself, you chose an old Norse name.”

Gram blinked. “Is it? I just liked the sound of it.”

“It means ‘Ing’s raven’. Or ‘raven of peace’. Whichever sounds catchier.”

“You’re like a walking dictionary.”

“No, I just know how to use google.” Gram huffed, muttering something about prison and piece of crap computers. “Why go by Gram? I mean, spelling wise, didn’t that get you into trouble with paperwork?”

“Graham is a type of cracker, and Gram is shorter.”

“I can tell literally no difference when you speak.”

“That’s cause you’re a da--” Lucifer’s eyes flashed.

“Watch your mouth, kid.”

“Geez, jus’ like the swear jar at home.” Now the Devil’s eyes rolled in response, temper forgotten.

“To get back on topic, I did not choose my name by coincidence.” It drummed its fingers briefly. “The name Lucifer means light bringer. Even as Samael I brought this light to you people, yet I also doled out what everyone feared. The Wrath of God.” Their lips quirked in a humorless smile. “I was not a fluffy little cherub with a harp. None of us--them--” They jerked a thumb towards the army of angels not five feet away. “I mean, are.”

“Depending on who you talk to,” Mike said slowly. “Ravens are symbols of good, or of evil. No one gives a shit about where it actually came from anymore, just like they forget my origins and Sammy’s.” Their lips quirked in a humorless smile. “Definitions are tricky bastards, each language you people make creates new ideas and problems.” 

“Are you guys going anywhere with this?” Gram’s head was spinning, but he refused to sit down. “I’d like to be up in time to get some breakfast before Uncle Lou eats it all.” 

“The point, Ingram, is this: You may bear the name, raven of peace, but what side is the raven on? Peace is subjective. What one considers Heaven another considers Hell, as the twerps in your little town have already decided.”

Gram remembered the car ride with his parole officer, and the low whistle that accompanied the impressed statement. 

“Looks like Eden.” He remembered his own words, half serious, half inside joke,

“Well, we call it Hell.”

“You humans have limited concepts.” The Devil said, eyes twinkling with amusement. 

“That’s the way language works. Try goin’ to Spain and see if they treat you any different.” Gram paused. “What do I call you two? Ma’am? Sir? Captain?” Now it was Mike--Michael-- Gram knew, that rolled their eyes. 

“You don’t need to call me anything. Just do your fuckin’ job.”

“Was that a Friday After Next quote?”

“I plead the fifth.”

“Never thought I’d meet an angel with a sense of humor.”

“Archangel.”

“Or an inferiority complex.”

“Comes with the territory, Jonathan Ingram.” The archangel answered briskly, rolling their eyes with the Devil laughed. “Now, wake up”

[rushsongreviews]

Rush Song Reviews 034: Cygnus X-1 Book II: Hemispheres

LISTEN HERE  

Song Title

Cygnus X-1 Book II: Hemispheres

Album

Hemispheres

Year

1978

Lyrics

PART ONE: PRELUDE

When our weary world was young The struggle of the ancients first began. The gods of love and reason Sought alone to rule the fate of man. They battled through the ages, But still neither force would yield. The people were divided, Every soul a battlefield.

PART TWO: APOLLO (BRINGER OF WIDSDOM)

"I bring truth and understanding, I bring wit and wisdom fair, Precious gifts beyond compare. We can build a world of wonder, I can make you all aware. I will find you food and shelter, Show you fire to keep you warm Through the endless winter storm. You can live in grace and comfort In the world that you transform." The people were delighted Coming forth to claim their prize They ran to build their cities And converse among the wise. But one day the streets fell silent, Yet they knew not what was wrong. The urge to build these fine things Seemed not to be so strong. The wise men were consulted, And the Bridge of Death was crossed In quest of Dionysus, to find out what they had lost.

PART THREE: DIONYSUS (BRINGER OF LOVE)

"I bring love to give you solace In the darkness of the night, In the heart's eternal light. You need only trust your feelings; Only love can steer you right. I bring laughter, I bring music, I bring joy and I bring tears. I will soothe your primal fears. Throw off those chains of reason And your prison disappears." The cities were abandoned, And the forests echoed song. They danced and lived as brothers; They knew love could not be wrong. Food and wine they had aplenty And they slept beneath the stars. The people were contented And the Gods watched from afar. But the winter fell upon them And it caught them unprepared, Bringing wolves and cold starvation, And the hearts of men despaired.

PART FOUR: ARMAGEDDON (THE BATTLE OF HEART AND MIND)

The Universe divided As the heart and mind collided, With the people left unguided For so many troubled years. In a cloud of doubts and fears, Their world was torn asunder into hollow hemispheres. Some fought themselves, some fought each other. Most just followed one another, Lost and aimless like their brothers, For their hearts were so unclear, And the truth could not appear. Their spirits were divided into blinded hemispheres. Some who did not fight Brought tales of old to light. My Rocinante sailed by night On her final flight. To the heart of Cygnus' fearsome force We set our course. Spiraled through that timeless space To this immortal place.

PART FIVE: CYGNUS (BRINGER OF BALANCE)

I have memory and awareness, But I have no shape or form. As a disembodied spirit, I am dead and yet unborn. I have passed into Olympus As was told in tales of old, To the city of immortals, Marble white and purest gold. I see the gods in battle rage on high, Thunderbolts across the sky. I cannot move, I cannot hide, I feel a silent scream begin inside. Then all at once the chaos ceased. A stillness fell, a sudden peace. The warriors felt my silent cry And stayed their struggle, mystified. Apollo was astonished; Dionysus thought me mad. But they heard my story further, And they wondered, and were sad. Looking down from Olympus On a world of doubt and fear, Its surface splintered Into sorry hemispheres. They sat a while in silence, Then they turned at last to me. "We will call you Cygnus, The God of Balance you shall be."

PART SIX: THE SPHERE (A KIND OF DREAM)

We can walk our road together If our goals are all the same. We can run alone and free If we pursue a different aim. Let the truth of love be lighted, Let the love of truth shine clear. Sensibility, armed with sense and liberty, With the heart and mind united in a single perfect sphere.

Summation of song in one sentence

The mind requires balance between wisdom and love

Best Lines

Apollo was astonished; Dionysus thought me mad. But they heard my story further, And they wondered, and were sad.

We can walk our road together If our goals are all the same. We can run alone and free If we pursue a different aim. Let the truth of love be lighted, Let the love of truth shine clear. Sensibility, armed with sense and liberty, With the heart and mind united in a single perfect sphere.

Worst Lines

None.

Overall song impressions/thoughts

So all that bitching I’ve done in the past about hating science fiction and fantasy? I’m going to be a hypocrite and say that I love this song. As a matter of fact, of all of Rush’s “long” songs, this is my favorite. I know that this is blasphemous, but I like this song more than 2112 

Why?

I struggle with remaining objective and rational while still trying to engage with others personally and emotionally. Trying to find a balance between wisdom and love is a universal trait in all of us. I’m pretty sure that’s what’s argued when the disembodied spirit of the explorer from Cygnus X-1 Book 1 is deemed the god of balance by Apollo and Dionysus.

I love everything about this song (the music and the lyrics) when the explorer catches the attention of Apollo and Dionysus. There’s a sense of triumph in emerging from the black hole of Cygnus X-1 and bringing balance to the two hemispheres of the mind.

This song (and the Hemispheres album as a whole) almost broke the band, but it also marks a shift from pure science fiction and fantasy towards a more introspective, humanistic approach to lyric writing.

And if there’s anything we here in the United States need right now1 it’s a balance between the heart and mind.

Ranking

5 Hentor Sportscasters out of 5

Up next: “Circumstances”

1. I’m really trying to avoid political statements, but it’s hard to do right now considering the state of political discourse in this country in 2017.

Originally published August 27, 2017

[j-kaiwa]

Discussion Article December 18th

Christmas: a brief history

It's Christmas time again, with trees, gifts and Santa Claus. But how did we come to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ how and when we do? We take a look at some key points in the history of Yuletide.

The pre-Christian origins

The history of Christmas does not begin with Christ. The winter solstice – the shortest day of the year – has been celebrated in one form or another for millennia. Northern Europeans called it “Jul” (a term remembered in the English word Yule, which now means Christmas); in ancient Rome it was the Dies Natalis Solis Invicti, or "the birthday of the unconquered Sun”. Through sacrifices and feasting, pagans celebrated the beginning of the Sun's revival.

The prophecies foretell...

The birth of a Messiah to the Israelites had been heralded in many books of the Old Testament. There is some debate, however, over whether the prophecied “virgin birth” was actually a mistranslation: the Hebrew word that is translated to “virgin” more usually means “young woman”, which would be considerably less miraculous.

A child is born

Or is he? The existence of Christ the historical figure is still a controversial topic among scholars of the period. The most problematic point is the date. Mediaeval Christians put it at (what we now call) 0AD, but the Gospels say it is in the reign of King Herod, who died in 4BC. Further, the Gospel of Luke says that Joseph and Mary travelled before his birth to Bethlehem for a great census. The closest such census took place in 6AD. But as Humphrey Carpenter says in his book Jesus, we can regard it as “virtually certain” that a Jewish religious teacher was born around this time, and was executed by crucifixion between 28AD and 30AD. It is just far from clear that he was born in December: some early reports put it in May.

Emperor Constantine

Famously, the Roman Empire did not immediately take to the young religion, burning some Christians and throwing others to the lions. But as the new creed gathered momentum, polytheistic Rome had to take notice. Constantine I was the first Christian emperor of Rome, and in 313AD passed an edict permitting the practice of the religion and forcing the return of goods confiscated from the Church. He also worked to make Christianity more palatable to his still pagan subjects, by co-opting the December festivals of Saturn and Mithras for a celebration of Christ's birth.

The 12 Days of Christmas

After the birth of Christ, according to tradition, the Three Wise Men, or Magi, trekked from their Eastern home to see the new King. Their arrival 12 days later was celebrated as the abovementioned Epiphany. But the famous “12 days of Christmas”, lasting from Christ's birth until their arrival, were not celebrated as a single holiday until the 12th century. In some Christian cultures, gifts are given on the 12th day; in others, on all 12.

They're banning Christmas!

Certain commentators still claim this, usually in by-the-numbers “it's-political-correctness-gone-mad” articles about some local council or other (see Winterval, below). But back in the 17th century, this was actually true. The English parliament under Oliver Cromwell, and Massachusetts Puritans, both tried to ban the celebration of Christmas; in England because it was “popish” and pagan, in America, because 25 December was viewed as an arbitrarily selected date, rather than the true anniversary of Christ's birth, and because drinking, eating, dancing and having fun were not things that went down well with 17th-century American Puritans generally.

Underneath the Christmas Tree

Trees, specifically evergreens, were a common part of pre-Christian solstice celebrations, but in England it wasn't until Victorian times that the idea of having one in the house was revived. It was the Queen's own family who introduced the custom to the country: her German parents were familiar with the custom, which was widely practised in their Rhineland home.

Santa Claus is Coming to Town

Santa Claus and Father Christmas are, or were, two different people. St Nicholas of Myra, the patron saint of sailors, ships, archers, children, students and pawnbrokers, became in Dutch folklore a bringer of gifts at Christmas, known as “Sinterklaas”. He originally was shown as a large, bearded man in a green cloak, like the Ghost of Christmas Present in Dickens' A Christmas Carol. Father Christmas, or Pere Noel, was a depiction of the Christmas spirit of cheer, but was not associated with gift-bringing. The two myths were merged, until they became synonymous. Until the 1930s Santa wore a variety of colours, but a Coca-Cola advert by Haddon Sundblom showed him in red and white, and the image has stuck.

Christmas truce in the Trenches

Three months after the start of the First World War, an amazing thing happened. In long stretches of the Front, as German and British troops stared across No Man's Land, a spontaneous ceasefire broke out between the two armies. It began as German troops started hanging candles on trees and singing carols, notably Stille Nacht (Silent Night). The British troops responded, and eventually, cautiously, representatives of the two sides crept out into the wasteland and exchanged gifts. In places, impromptu football games broke out between the enemies. Proper burials of the dead were possible as both sides mourned. In places, the truce lasted until the New Year.

Winterval

Or, They're banning Christmas – the reprise. In 1997, Birmingham City Council decided to call the period between 20 November and 31 December, which covered Diwali, Christmas and the Chinese and Western New Years, “Winterval”. There was a predictable outcry; it was suggested that it was an attempt to avoid using the word “Christmas” in case it offended minority faiths. This was not the case; Christmas was still called Christmas, but fell within the overall Winterval period. This is reminiscent of a 1957 controversy in the United States, when the Church League of America claimed that the term Xmas was an attempt by “world Jewry” to subvert Christmas, using the symbol X as an “unknown quantity” and a “blasphemous omission of Christ”. In fact, X stood for the Greek letter chi, the first letter of the word Christ in Greek. But the idea of a war on Christmas continues in the popular mind and the press, even as the holiday is more widely celebrated than ever before.

[santaverse]

Meet the New Santas for 2022!

[ Hello again, everyone! Thank you for all the support towards Part 1 of the fic I posted this morning! I’ll be posting the parts throughout the Holiday Season, so I hope y’all will look forward to North, Nicholas, and Sleepy Santa’s adventure! ]

[ Now onto the exciting part! Here are the Santa Clauses I’ve added this year! ]

( feel free to go to the muse page to get... more or less, more cohesive blurbs about the characters! )

1. Apalpador

The Galician Santa Claus is here! This year, thanks to a movie called Pixi Post and the Gift Bringers (or Pixi Saves Christmas), I’ve added different Santa Claus depictions from around the world! It was a huge learning experience, but a very intriguing one! I hope you all enjoy Apalpador and the other genies from this series!

2. Bolly Santa

This Santa Claus is from an animated music video where he dances in celebration of the ick-vaccine. If that premise alone didn’t hook you on the idea of a Bollywood dancing Santa, then I don’t know what else will!

3. Boomer Santa

Did you know there was a 2006 retelling of the holiday classic; A Year Without a Santa Claus? Well, it exists! And boy, is it a mess! A chaotic movie with an equally chaotic Santa Claus. This dude really gets mad that kids are playing Soul Calibur 2. Mans need to get a GRIP.

4. Cap’n Claus

Leave it to a Nick Jr. Cartoon to give me another compelling Santa Claus! (I’ve gotta thank my Niece for being glued to that channel lol) This Santa Claus is pretty clearly a pirate, right? He’s got the cool clothes and captain’s hat! Well, in all actuality, this Santa Claus spends the entirety of his appearance learning how to be a proper nice pirate! It’s just a pure as it sounds! You’ll definitely get charmed by this Santa. He does these cool poses and winks at the camera a lot- Dude KNOWS he’s cool!

5. Hoteiosho

Celebrated in Japan as a Santa Claus figure, Hoteiosho brought something to my attention that I never noticed. He’s a Buddhist Santa Claus. ...Those two concepts have so much in common, having one as a gift-bringer makes so much sense. He wasn’t in the movie for long (he was captured first), but dang it he’s gonna get his flowers on this blog! 

6. JACKED Santa

The Villainous Santa Claus from Captain Underpants!!! I ADORE Captain Underpants, but never watched the Cartoon at all! It’s a shame because I’ve missed out on one of the most hilarious portrayals of Santa Claus yet. He’s an absolute dude-bro meathead who demands you give HIM presents for Blissmas. Amazing, incredible, 10/10, love this guy.

7. Manga Claus

An obscure pick from a mid 2000s book, This Santa Claus may appear docile at first, but when he wields his twin blades (The Miyaguchi Daisho), he reveals his decades of training and absolutely intimidating stature. He’s the definition of edge, and I LOVE it.

8. Monopolish

A Roman Santa Claus who was stripped of his powers once he was revealed to be stealing the glory of his genie counterparts. Now he’s the leader of his own multi-billion dollar company (where some defected elves work for him) in which he plans to capture the other genies and get his powers back. He’s a good villain who shows genuine sorrow for not having any children who believe in him.

9. Olentzero

The Basque Santa Claus! (also voiced by Eggman himself) Olentzero is one of the best reasons to watch Pixi Post and the Gift Bringers. The guy is just an absolutely softie. He’ll always do what he can to help, even if he has no clue what he’s doing. He’s great!

10. Robo Santa

This Santa was recommended to me since this blog’s creation a few years back, and I couldn’t see myself adding any Santa that was overly malicious to the blog. Well, years later and a few bad Santas added, here we are! To be honest I’m still not entirely sure how I’m going to keep his more violent nature in-tact, but a robotic Santa Claus that thinks even the most minute action to be Naughty is just an incredible basis for RPing. I couldn’t say no!

11. Skinny Santa

Definitely the most requested Santa Claus I’ve ever had for this blog, and for good reason! Similarly to Robo Santa, I was against Skinny Santa joining the blog because I never thought there was much to him aside from just being a jerk for the entirety of the movie? But there’s a bit more to his character admittedly, and I have a few jerky Santas here now, so what’s one more?

His addition was long overdue.

12. Snegurochka and Ded Moroz

The Russian / Slavic pair of Santa Clauses! In Pixi Post and the Gift Bringers, the Santa Clauses are referred to as Genies, and Snegurochka (the most difficult name in the world to spell) is the de-facto leader of them all! These two bring such a unique portrayal of a Santa Claus, I had to add them!

13. Sporty Santa

A Santa Claus from a relatively underrated Christmas Special, Sporty Santa is a Santa Claus who is that friendly elderly guy who helps you out at a convenience store, or you see at a sporting event! He’s hidden in plain sight and I just think he’s neat! (PS, I neeeed his sweater, it looks so soft!!)

14. The Three Wise Men

If I was going to add just one Genie/Santa from Pixi Post and the Gift Bringers, it was going to be the Three Wise Men. They’ve had their appearances in cartoons before (they have their own day for crying out loud), but never specifically doing the Santa Claus shtick! They’re full of character in this movie too! Caspar’s got a bit of spice to him, getting the other two in unwanted fights- it’s so great. I’m so excited to show y’all this portrayal of this trio!

-

[ phew! that’s all! this brings the blog to 64* (not counting duos, trios, or mrs. clauses) Santas! WOW, I never really expected to find this many new Santas, but each year I seem to find or be recommended something with a unique Santa portrayal! The goal of this year was to be the last Santas added... but I already have my eye on some Santas that are in animated projects lauching next year, sooo.... looks like there really isn’t an end to the Santaverse! ]

[ I’ll be making a Starter Call very soon! Until then, thank you & Happy Almost Holidays!! ]

[santaverse]

" Ooh! " Balthazar and Melchior gazed in awe over Oddball once he was lifted to them. Caspar however scrunched his nose and gave a unimpressed glance towards the bot.

" How intriguing... " Melchior pondered aloud. " To have made him out of essentially spare parts... "

His gaze met the duck-bot's once he started nibbling on his hand. Melchior chuckled, and gently pet Oddball back.

" You've got the skills of an experienced toymaker, Jude! "

" I can't say I much understand him either - " Caspar said, rolling his eyes.

Balthazar shot his fellow Wise Man a look; his eyebrows furrowed and his lip pursed, that read 'be NICE.'

" But... " Caspar cleared his throat. " It's wonderful that you've made a friend, Jude. "

" There are a lot of things we don't quite understand in the world, " Balthazar added. " But, we should treat such things as we would anything else; with kindness. I can't wait to see how the others take to Oddball. I'm sure they'll adore him. "

"Oddball is a complete rebuild. Here..." Jude picked Oddball up so the Wise Men can see him.

"I had been working Salvage Bay 32 in C.O.G.S., and I found him. He wasn't much more han a torso, neck, and head. So I rebuilt him." Jude smiled at Oddball, "The Suits and I realy don't understand each other, but I am making friends!"

Oddball gently nibbled at Melchior's hands, curious.