Holiday wackiness

[cupcake_goth]

It took a bit, but I'm *finally* getting into the holiday spirit. Y'see, I really like Christmas (or any other winter holiday). Oooh, pretty lights! Shiny presents! Carols! Yummy baked goods! Parties and socializing!

(No, I will not use exclamation points to punctuate the entire entry. Really.)

But however much I like Christmas, it always seems to take me a bit to enjoy the season. But I think I'm there now. Thank goodness, because I don't want to feel all growly and grinch-ly.

On Friday, we put up and decorated our tree. Our glowing white tree, with bats.

This picture is from a couple of years ago, but yep! That's what the tree looks like this year.



Yes, those are hand-cut bats, made by stroppy_baggage, because I am a spoiled gothy princess.


Friday during the day, I was kindly liberated from my house by minim_calibre for an afternoon of wandering around and listening to strangers exclaim over what a cute daughter she has. (Very cute, in case you didn't know. Very, very cute.) While we were waiting at the counter of Fran's Chocolates (mmm, chocolate), I heard a man say "Now you must be one of the Figgy Pudding carolers!"

As I start to turn around, I respond with "Oh no, I always dress this ... way ... Santa."

Yes, Santa had left his photo-op grotto to admire my outfit. I hope this means I'm on the 'Good' list this year, and will be getting lots of shiny things.

Saturday was a faaaaabulous party hosted by theda, balzacq, and morfydd. Lots of people I don't get to see nearly as often as I would like, and much cheerful mischief, including theda trying to take a picture up my skirt. (For the record, a lovely photo of nothing but masses of black chiffon ruffles.)

Sunday was mostly spent cooking (note to self, do not try that version of the recipe again), but in the early evening I bundled up and went down the block to the neighborhood park; the local Salvation Army was hosting an evening of Christmas carols. As odd as it may seem, I really like standing outside on a cold winter's night, singing traditional carols. One of these years, I really will find a caroling group to join (even if my voice has sadly declined over the years; not enough practice, drat it all). Yes, various people asked me if I came in costume for the event ("Oh no, I'm just the neighborhood eccentric!" was my usual reply), but I didn't mind. The bandleader/choir director for the Salvation Army complimented my outfit, and thought it was wonderful that I dress this way all the time. Between that and his sincere comment of "I know we have people of all different faiths and practices here tonight, and that's great!" during the event itself, he seemed like a very nice man.

Now I just need to box up some things that need to be mailed, bake gingerbread bats, and get started on wrapping the various presents ...

Comments

[ex-fab891.livejournal.com]

What a beautiful tree! I love the bats . . . mine's white, too, but I haven't gotten around to decorating it and I'm sure it won't come out nearly as cool.

[susanw.livejournal.com]

Annabel's daycare is through that same Salvation Army place, and they do seem like good people all around. They mentioned the caroling thing at the daycare Christmas pageant on Friday (Annabel's class played the sheep in the Nativity scene), but Dylan and I spent the weekend succumbing to and recovering from a nasty 24-hour stomach bug. I'll have to keep it in mind for next year, especially now that I know it's not some kind of pushy come-to-Jesus event, which would make me uncomfortable even as someone who already came to Jesus.

[seven-veils.livejournal.com]

It was great seeing you on Saturday. Also, beautiful tree. I love the bats on it.

[dj-stitch.livejournal.com]

I have such tree envy.

[cindywrites.livejournal.com]

SANTA!!!

What a lovely post. It made me feel all Christmassy to read it. I've seen the photo of your tree before, but never noticed the topper. Is it an angel/fairy dressed in black?

Do you do anything to celebrate Yule or Winter Solstice?

[cupcake-goth.livejournal.com]

The topper is a fairy in a black sparkly dress, with red wings, and swirly eyeliner. A very dear friend made her for us years and years ago. After I unwrapped the fairy, I looked at it, looked at my friend, and she said "Look, I made a mini-you to go on your tree!"

I celebrate Winter Solstice by doing some ritual work out in my backyard, while talking to the apple tree and whatever else may be listening. Then I leave out cookies and milk (or cider, or other alcohol) for whatever spirits may be around that night.

[staxxy.livejournal.com]

one thing I have not been able to figure out - why the apples?

[cupcake-goth.livejournal.com]

Because shiny red apples are a prominent feature of a lot of fairy tales. :)

[staxxy.livejournal.com]

okay, that makes sense. :)

[vwbug.livejournal.com]

Such a lovely tree! Such a lovely post! So glad you're in the holiday spirit. One of these days, I will be too. Maybe when finals are over.

[jola.livejournal.com]

it's a beautiful tree. I just wanted to say how delightful it was to read the words "nothing but masses of black chiffon ruffles" this morning. I'm not sure why, but it just cleanses the soul :)

[cupcake-goth.livejournal.com]

Doesn't it, though? ;-)

When theda showed everyone the photo, the general comments were "Just like we always suspected!"

[fiorituranotte.livejournal.com]

Love your tree!

[sistawendy.livejournal.com]

1) I missed the party. Le sigh.
2) How likely is it that you'll be at the Vogue on Wednesday?

[cupcake-goth.livejournal.com]

1) You were missed. I remember thinking you should have been there.

2) Pretty darn likely.

[sistawendy.livejournal.com]

1) *warm fuzzy*
2) Yay!

[trystbat.livejournal.com]

Lovely tree!!! But it nees more bats & apples & shiny things (sorry, I don't do minimalist well ;-). I do love the possibilities a white tree holds, & you showcase that mightily.

Funny that you do like caroling, given the comments you get. You should put together a gothy caroling group & go around town.

[water-of-fire.livejournal.com]

*claps hands and squeals about your tree!*

[domestinatrix.livejournal.com]

Speaking of glowing bat trees, remind me this evening that i have a Thing You Want.