deernet | Winter Festivals - Open Video Log (un: gaia)

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Winter Festivals - Open Video Log (un: gaia)

[ Cue Gaia, seated in a comfortable looking room. Her living room which has gotten a enough furnishings to be called that these days. There's a cheery looking fire lit, the soft glow of electric (lunar powered) lights and a brindle furred dog curled up at the foot of her chair. Her omen, a black crowntail betta, swims flamboyantly in and out of the frame though never blocking vision of the girl. A blank page book is open in her lap and she's holding a pen. She looks enthusiastic. ]

So everyone, hello.

I've heard about Christmas and I've heard a few other festival names for this time of year. But we didn't have much like it back home, being that most of the world was swallowed by the Light.

[ But it's fine don't worry about that bit. Gaia continue to speak in an enthusiastic fashion. People that know her might wonder if she'd put a wee too much sugar in her tea. ]

A lot of traditions and so on were lost because of that and really I was never one for reading books even if there was one on the subject. So if we had Christmas or Hanukkah or some other winter season tradition, I wouldn't have a clue.

I've got the idea that people give presents to orphans from Allen's video. And decorate. But how does one decorate? What does one make or give? Though it seems highly questionable, I remember seeing mention of cookies. Do people really bake? What kind of things? If there's cookies, I would need recipes.

[ She takes a deep breath. But it doesn't seem to calm her down. If anything Gaia gets a little more enthusiastic as she continues. The writing utensil in her hand that was poised over an open journal in her lap is waved around. ]

Since I managed to prepare well enough for winter, I have a lot more spare time on my hands than I expected to have. I find myself reluctant to sit around when I can be doing something, but I don't want to look foolish either. So any information you have on these festivities or something like them you celebrate in your world would be appreciated. I'll do my best to bring those ideas to Sanctuary. And probably D's Outpost.

Respond however you like. Video, audio or text. Pictures would be helpful. But any information's fine as long as it's genuine. I'll be very cross if someone tries to pull a prank on me. So I will be checking just so you know.

[ She might be um... very energetic. But in many ways she's still Gaia at her core. ]

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Everyone decorates for Christmas differently in my experience. Some people light their houses up with colorful strands of lights and fill their yards with inflatable reindeer and snowmen and candy canes. They'll decorate the trees in their yard, too, usually with lights and oversized ornaments.

I prefer the more subtle shit. Like ribbons around the porch railing, a simple wreath hung over the door, that kind of stuff. Cheery without smacking you in the face with it.

[ cue furious scribbling. ]

Thanks! But you're going to have to explain what a "raindeer" would be like. I saw the message Darth Maul made but honestly I have my doubts he had it right.

[ Sorry Maul. ]

I really didn't know what a deer even was until I came here.

...And if you don’t mind a snowman? Honestly maybe the candy cane just to be sure. Is that a sweet or a name for a decoration? If it is a sweet do you know the recipe?

What sort of wreath is made? Lights and ribbons I can figure out. Any particular color though?

[ the onslaught of questions makes her laugh ]

Reindeer are just a breed of deer. They're bigger with thicker coats. Usually found in cold environments.

[ but the rest require some visuals ] All right, hold on just a minute...! [ that's followed by the sound of someone moving and papers shuffling, and then the video is flicked on. her omni's camera is aimed at a sheet of paper and sharon quickly begins sketching things out.

first, a snowman. he gets a little carrot nose and a coal smile ] Snowman. You usually roll them up out of the snow, bottom is the biggest ball, then the middle, and finally the head. He gets a carrot for a nose. Sometimes they get a tophat. [ she adds a cartoonish tophat for show ] Most people just get a plastic-shaped version of him to set on their lawn.

[ next, a candy cane. ] That's both a decoration and a piece of candy. As a kid, we'd make them out of red and white pipe cleaners to hang on our trees, but we'd just buy the candy versions from the store. Wish I had a recipe for them, honestly, because I'm kind of craving them. They're just peppermint candies, though, in a cute shape.

[ finally, she sketches out a donut wreath. there's a bow at the bottom and round ornament orbs decorating it. ] And wreaths are made by twisting evergreen branches together and decorating them like so. When it comes to colors for ribbons, you can't ever go wrong with green and red, they're basically the unofficial Christmas colors.

Oh, I do have peppermint tea. I don't know if that would be good for making sweets but it dies mean there is peppermint here in Trench. As for deer, well. I am a bit relieved they are basically deer with more fur. Just to be sure they don't have the ability to conjure rain? Or snow this time of year I suppose.

Though I imagine that may well explain why they could fly.

[ Look. A lot of things are possible with aether in her world. Just saying. Super furry deer having that extra coat of protection when they fly into clouds and cause rain is hardly outside the realm of logic.

Once that matter is settled Gaia focuses more on the drawn examples. ]

I'm presuming plastic is some durable material. As long as it can be shaped and doesn't melt it's good? And the shape is important.

[ She is definitely copying those basic images down. ]

Frankly it sounds like ribbons and wreaths will be the easiest. Oh and the ornaments. Is that any shade of red or green?

What about the lights? Although those might attract too much attention if they're outside. You said you made candy cane decorations as a child? Do you think the orphans would enjoy an activity like that?

Come to think of it I wonder if anyone in Trench celebrates like this. I wasn't here during this moon last year.

The ones that Santa uses can fly and one has a nose that glows, but all other reindeer are just normal deer. And the 'rain' in their name is 'r e i n', which may mean something but I don't know what.

Yes, plastic is a durable material. Well, depends on the plastic and how thick it is. The fact that it's plastic doesn't really matter, there's not much of it here that I've ever seen. It's all about shape. They're more like... cheap statues, I guess?

You could go with any shade of red and green. I prefer darker reds and greens and it's never a bad idea to throw in some golds.

[ Sharon draws up multiple strings of Christmas lights, each one with differently shaped and sized bulbs. ] I doubt you'll find any lights like them but the lights are usually multi-colored or they're clear. Some people go all blue lights. But, yeah, might not be great to hang on the outside of your place.

The candy cane decorations would be great for the kids to make. They might enjoy making pinecone ornaments! In school, we'd attach a string to the top of a pinecone and paint each of the little nubs a different color to make a cute little thing to hang on trees!

A nose that glows...?

[ Gaia gives the camera a hard stare, her face scrunched. It's clear she's trying to imagine flying, extra furry deer and one with a glowing nose. ]

Looks like I should concentrate on wreaths, ribbons and lights. I can't even imagine getting the image of reindeer correct.

[ At least she looks amused by it. Gaia is definitely enthusiastic about the lights when they're drawn. She immediately sets to copying them. ]

I think I know just the person to ask about these lights. They may need to be indoors only in Trench, but it sounds like it would be fun. And really, pinecones? Does this festival people to use anything to decorate with?

[ She doesn't sound like she's making fun of it. Just surprised and amused by the variety. ]

I suppose there's something to be said for making do with what's available.

[ sharon gives a smile at that stare ] It's just a children's tale.

Pinecones, popsicle sticks, applesauce cinnamon ornaments — those are just easily available things teachers can get for children to create with. Adults usually just buy premade decorations.

[ Assuming she chose video for a reason and to be a bit more natural, Light matches with a video reply. He's a young man but still older than Gaia, sitting in his early twenties. Light's dressed in a button-down shirt that could have either served as work clothing for the day or just as a fashion choice for someone who likes nicer clothing. He's at a neatly arranged desk with books on blood magic and geography behind him. ]

The traditions are different even in the same world. I'm from a country called Japan where the tradition is a little different than in more Western countries. There, the holiday focuses on the kids, but in Japan, it's known as a more romantic holiday. Couples exchange a gift and eat a special meal. Some families do give small kids presents, but it's not as common. I've never believed in Santa even though it's a big story in some places.

[ Video is about as close as it gets to face to face and the teen definitely prefers that over text. Gaia seems very interested in what everyone has to say regardless. ]

That certainly stands to reason. Though hm. I imagine what Allen had in mind was not the 'Japan' type of festival. His suggestions certainly seemed more children oriented than romance.

Still, the idea of a meal together wouldn't be too bad? More for many than a romantic one, mind. Something to gather around, if we can make sure the area is protected enough.

[ Notes are jotted down. ]

Or perhaps assembling meals people can have delivered? Not everyone will find it easy to move around. What sort of meals are associated with this festival? All I've heard mentioned so far are sweets.

[ Gaia smiles faintly. ]

I imagine the children wouldn't mind an entire meal of sweets, mind you. But I expect there's more options.

In this context, I agree. He's probably not celebrating the Japanese way.

When families do celebrate in Japan, it's with a meal that's ironically from the West. Big, family meals that have people gathering together are very common for Christmas in that part of the world. They serve turkey and ham with sides and desserts. Japan is a small country with a large population so cooking for and setting the many people isn't plausible for most people there.

It's not the same here.

If you're thinking of being charitable, a lot of places offer centers where people can pick up that kind of food, and it's not unheard of to have it delivered. For the kids, besides the desserts, they hang special Christmas stockings that have small candies and presents that the kids get to open before their presents on Christmas day.

Candy canes are a popular candy.

It can get very elaborate depending on the budget. Are you planning to celebrate?

[ Gaia scribbles away in her journal. ]

Oh, those are very good ideas. The problem with large gatherings is that it could attract monsters and Beasts. But perhaps a meal for the orphanage and also trying to deliver smaller meals to some of the natives. Hmm.

Stockings? I suppose I could see that. Oh, candy canes again! Someone else mentioned that. You don't happen to know the recipe for making those sweets?

[ She looks hopeful. Gaia follows this with a wrinkling of her nose and a blink, as if she hadn't thought so far ahead as to whether she'll celebrate. ]

I... well I don't know. I was looking for something to keep busy with since I'm in a much better place than last year. I suppose if I help the children prepare that would be like celebrating? Unless you mean the romance and gift giving part.

I'm not for the romance but perhaps there are a few I should find gifts for.

I'm not familiar with the recipe for candy canes. I didn't cook very often until I came here and even if I did, most people buy them from the stores. Based on what I've learned, the shape seems like dried corn syrup. Most candies have sugar, and they always taste like peppermint. The colors are probably just food dye. Any guess I have beyond that would just be a guess.

[ He isn't even going to make an assumption of the quantities. ]

The romance element is a Japanese focus so you can probably still give gifts to friends without them getting the wrong idea. Giving gifts to people you care for is a focus that stays true to the holiday across most places.

ok so im prob gonna bump into things sharon says but im not listening to all that so

red and green are christmas colors but this place prob has its own thing for its month, right. with those patrons. and they like the deer. just an idea but you could ask the kids what colors they like and just go with everything

easy decoration to make: paper chains. you get strips of paper in diff colors and then you link them together
you can also get kids to make a silhouette of a shape on paper that's been folded and then you cut it out. but you need to leave a part so it connects. easy ones are angels and snowmen but maybe the kids like the patrons?

tory prob knows this, she works at the orphanage too. i'll tell her to check this out. she can help with supplies

santa is why kids write letters and then get told to put them in a box. if you want to write letters back or just try to get them something close to what they want is up to you

theres a bunch you can do. im just trying to remember what they did in school

Not to worry about overlap. It helps me understand it better. Other than what you are all telling me and what I might be able to search on the Omnis, I know nothing about this festival. Or much about winter festivals in general if I'm to be honest.

[ It will also help her to find out when someone might be trying to pull her leg, but she doesn't mention that! ]

Those seem simple enough crafts. And Tory? I'd appreciate if you could ask her to reach out to me with what she knows. And supplies will always be welcome. I expect it would be best to drop them off at the Sanctuary. I'll speak to Allen about finding a place to store them temporarily so everyone can make use of them.

Sorry, letters to Santa? I remember seeing someone mention Santa as a being that enters homes. Are you saying this is welcomed it's a tradition to invite him in?

the holiday is religious for some but others just like it for getting together. i guess thats the point if you have a big network of friends n family

you come together, swap presents, have a bunch of food

yeah letters. not to ruin the fun but santa isnt real. the letters are so parents know what their kids want and its fun for them

the idea is santa in a place called the north pole with a workshop with tiny helpers and they make presents for kids every year. they know whos been good and whos been bad and what you get depends on how good you were that year

sucks when your parent is poor and cant afford anything but thats why that doesnt work for everyone

can be good for kids though in the orphanage. gives them something fun and you can try and work out some gifts esp if you want to help other people to help buy the presents

Hm, religion, I didn't think about that. I'll have to be sure I'm not offending anyone here that knows of these traditions.

[ How far she'll go on actually checking into that is anyone's guess. But she'll at least not intend on offending anyone. No religious decor (and subsequently getting it wrong) if she can avoid it. ]

Nothing you mentioned yet is particularly religous, is it? If it fits the celebration, I at least want to make sure it's accurate.

Where I come from, it's quite possible to summon something that's considered 'not real' or a legend. Trench would be the type of place you'd expect to see that happen in a way no one wants, should enough people start believing it would actually work.

[ Definitely better safe than sorry. ]

youre fine, the religious stuff isnt santa

and if santa is real here then i hope hes as good at escaping people as he is in the stories. some people want to fight him
just because

oh yeah. did anyone mention about a tree and decorating it? thats where the presents go

[Gaia please slow down for the love of gods -]

Ah... are you feeling all right?

But... yes, I can tell you a bit about the Starlight Celebration from my world. It seems to share some decorations with this 'Christmas', but it has vastly different origins.

There's the Starlight Tree, which we decorate with ornaments and lights. Children write their wishes and leave them underneath the tree, and the Saint of Nymia is said to grant them. ... In actuality it's usually adventurers that tend to find the notes and deliver the presents, dressed as the "Saint's Little Helpers".

Red vestments with white trim are the traditional garb while going about those missions, and there's usually cookies that are given out to both the children and the 'helpers'. It's gingerbread... I'll have to see if I can find a recipe.

Of course I'm fine! I just didn't realize there'd be this much free time once the snows really started.

[ Honestly it's not that bad. Unless you're having an issue with pent up energy that needs release. ]

Oh, someone spoke about writing letters to Santa. Perhaps it's similar to the Starlight wishes. I can see where it's nearly the same. Other than the names that is. Trees and decorations, lights.... the Saint of Nymeia definitely sounds like Santa Claus.

[ While she rambles a bit, she's writing. Garb, gingerbread... ]

Maybe writing the wishes would be a good idea for gifts. Certainly better than invoking or inviting in... well, someone or something with unknown motives.

[ There's a short pause, then a thoughtful question. ]

I wonder if there was ever any tradition like this on my world. You know, before the Flood.

[It's not bad, just different. Which is often a cause for concern in Trench.]

Right, I wouldn't want to involve something like that. But the traditions do sound similar. Perhaps different origins, but... I suppose many winter traditions must have similar elements.

[... Huh. That's a good question.]

I would think so. People come together and celebrate making it through the winter in a lot of ways, I'd imagine.

[ That sure is some energy, huh.

Maybe Ange would realise where it was coming from if it wasn't for the fact that her own restless energy is manifesting in very different ways - ways that have absolutely nothing to do with being outwardly excited and energetic. So she's taking Gaia's attitude here as just.. weird cheeriness.

It probably explains the scepticism in Ange's voice when she speaks up. ]

You're this excited.. about baking cookies?

[ It sounds like she's trying to get this cleared up first. ]

[ The answer is prompt and the skepticism seems missed. ]

Not just baking cookies, but sweets, decorating, delivering food. Really just anything to be honest. I really just want to have something to do and this seems to benefit a lot of people. So why not?

Besides it'll let me practice a bit more baking. Which isn't to say I'm bad, but I just really started cooking and baking things for myself this past year.

But mostly it's all about something to do.

[ She then peers at the camera as if it would let her scrutinize Ange. ]

Is there something wrong with being excited about baking cookies?

[ Okay so she probably didn't miss the skepticism. She might have a lot of energy but she's not completely out of her head that she wouldn't notice something like that. ]

Not really.

[ It's hard to tell whether she's being honest about that or not - mostly since Ange's tone is so flat. There's very little emotion in it. ]

I was just surprised. [ Even though she seemed more sceptical than surprised.. but this is how these things apparently manifest when you're as obsessed with keeping up a pokerface as Ange is. ] This place tends to get so wild every single month that it almost feels a little too normal to see someone get all excited about baking cookies for the holidays.

We mustn't forget to honor the deer at this time of year given all they do for Sleepers. But what does one get a deer as a present?

[ Gaia has a puzzled expression. ]

Okay well I get that deer are special in Trench. But they are deer. So... grains? Hay? I mean putting it out especially in winter I imagine would go well.

Unless there are carnivorous deer. Gods I hope not.

[ She looks a bit sternly at Maul. ]

Of course I'm not saying this because I think less of them. It's just that... Sometimes a practical gift is far better to honor a life than something we'd push on them because of worship don't you think? At least I don't believe it needs a lot of... well, thinking anyway.

[ However she is seen making a note in her journal. ]

I'll try to put out something myself. It's good advice! As long as it's done carefully.

[ You know, by not attracting predators after the deer after the food. ]

Food is a welcome gift for any being, provided they eat at all of course. Especially for beings which can't store it up like we can.

[He'll be sure to leave some for them outside his door this winter.]

I don't know about non-carnivorous deer. I've seen some deer wandering around with little fangs. They look like they might enjoy some raw meat.

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Winter Festivals - Open Video Log (un: gaia)

audio | un: sds

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un: kickflips, text

text as a courtesy!

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[Voice] un: justanadventurer

Voice it is!

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video; un: ushiromiya

Video in return!

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Video; un: darkness

Sorry got tied up with RL! (also video)

No worries!