#2016 Christmas Special

[doctorfriend79]

"He's the Doctor. He's very brave and he's very silly and I think, for a time, he's going to be very sad. But I promise, in the end, he'll be all right."

[funkysodaqueen]

POPPY NAVIDEÑA☆♡🎄🎁🎀🎄

Es de mi primera vez dibujando a poppy apesar de llevar tanto tiempo en el fandom. xd

El dibujo tiene un detallito broppy por que me gusta el ship. ♡

[nfcomics]

The X-Files: X-Mas Special 2016 no.1 • Subscription Cover [Dec 2016]

When a school holiday pageant takes an extraterrestrial turn, Mulder must contend with old ghosts, present dangers, and close encounters yet to come. But this is no cookie-cutter Christmas Carol. Together with Scully, and a host of holiday visitors and visitations, they'll rediscover the spirit of the season… if they can only survive the night.

Writer • Joe Harris • Artist • Wayne Nichols • Colorist • Sebastian Cheng • Letterer • Chris Mowry • Tom B. Long

[papytonpropaganda]

genuinely papyton has been part of my life for so long now that I can't remember when exactly I started liking it. it was either early 2017 or sometime mid to late 2016. I know I started doing fanfic planning for it in like, April 2017 (just before the first chapter of Walls was posted) but I genuinely can't remember when I first saw it and thought "oh what a silly ship, ig I could get behind this."

incredible that it's literally just daily life for me now and yet I can't remember at all when it started or what caused it.

[dreamingbigdreams101]

🎄Christmas Bingo with Sing Characters🎄

[jillyb2004]

DrawCember

Day 12: Tree

[britishchick09]

here’s an obscure senpai fact that i forgot about until just now- senpai made a music box for addie! :’)

[clowngremlin]

My gremlins sweater is very special to me.....I used to wear it all year round when it was cold enough but people bullied me for it so it's only brought out in December, sometimes November if the occasion calls for it....

[celaenaeiln]

in like a one person gets one, who would dicks soulmate (platonic or not idk) be? i’ve asked this to several ppl and the answers are usually wally, donna, or jason though i’ve seen some ppl say slade, roy, and bruce.

Anon your ask has literally been haunting me at night. I thought I knew the answer but then you hit me with a Donna!! But between Bruce and Donna, I can't decide so I'll just present a case for both.

Bruce

Bruce and Dick are soulmates on a cosmological scale. The DC universe ordained them to always find each other because they're quite literally a fated pair.

Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight Issue #23

Bruce: The only regret is that I'm out there alone. It felt good having someone at my back, being part of a team...but no sense wasting time wishing for something I'll never have.

Dick: He's cool, dad...d'you think we'll ever see him when we play Gotham?

The universe literally brings them together no matter the circumstances.

Convergence Issue #4

"The bond between you and Bruce Wayne echoes in every reality."

I don't think there's any stronger evidence for Dick and Bruce being soulmates than this.

But if that's still not enough I have more-

The Multiversity: Guidebook

In Bruce's world he lost Dick and in Dick's world he lost Bruce, but still in the end they somehow find each other. In every universe that has Batman, if someone is his partner it's always Dick.

In the medieval ages world-

Batman: Dark Knight of the Round Table Issue #1

The world of "A Christmas Carol" with Ebenezer Scrooge -

Batman: Noël

In a world where Bruce is a doctor at Arkham -

The Batman of Arkham

Dick is always there as his second.

Here's another interesting but depressing fact: In worlds where Dick Grayson has died as Robin, Bruce Wayne has never taken in another Robin.

This is because on top of the fact that Dick and Bruce as fated to meet, Dick means the entire world for Bruce. Like sometimes Bruce will come across a case with a child involved and the first thing he'll think about is Dick.

Batman: City of Madness Issue #2

Bruce's mind and life is literally consumed by Dick Grayson on a cosmologically spiritual level.

Donna

Donna is Dick's soulmate on a twin-sister spiritual level. Dick and Bruce are two halves of a whole, yin and yang. Dick and Donna though are one person. Their relationship is like taking paint and mixing it together to get something new. Like in those comics where two people look at each other and there's a "zing!" and suddenly it's an instant connection. That's them.

Titans (2016) Special 1

additionally:

Titans (2016) Special 1

New Titans (1988) Issue #89

Dick and Donna have no secrets. They're like a jigsaw puzzle, their pieces fall right into place.

He's always there for her-

The New Teen Titans (1980) Issue #38

They're so special and integral to each other that when an evil witch erases Donna from everyone's memories, there is only one focal point for her. One focal person for her throughout the years. Even though he doesn't remember her, Dick literally goes back in time with his future daughter Mar'i to help Donna, his soul-sister-

The Titans (1999) Issue #25

In every. single. moment of Donna's past Dick appears again and again to comfort her and be her pillar from Robin to civies to Nightwing. In the "Who is Donna Troy" Arc, as the story goes from the origins of Donna to the present, it becomes very clear that Dick is her centerpoint.

They're the definition of soulmates.

She knows him better than anyone else and he knows her. She even had him walk her Donna the aisle for her wedding. He was given that honor because of who they are to each other.

Tales of the Teen Titans Issue #42

I...

just-

Tales of the Teen Titans Issue #50

to love like that...

They're made for each other.

[bakuhatsufallinlove]

Let's talk about Jump GIGA

Jump GIGA covers, 2016-2024. Volumes are published (left to right per row) as Winter, Spring, Summer, and Autumn releases, with 2018 and 2019 briefly breaking the pattern by having three Winter and three Summer volumes each. 2023 has an Early Spring volume in addition to the standard four.

So, people have pointed out that the 2024 Spring cover is, uh, not like other covers.

But I've only seen comparisons to other MHA GIGA covers and MHA Weekly Shonen Jump covers. Out of curiosity for what GIGA's typical marketing aesthetics might be, I put together a comparison between all of Jump GIGA's covers to date.

And, um. Some things stand out, to say the least.

First, let me clarify what Jump GIGA even is: it is a seasonal magazine from Shonen Jump, published separate from Weekly Shonen Jump. SJ is an absolutely massive brand and they have a number of magazines serialized outside of the most well-known weekly magazine.

The content of Jump GIGA is primarily made up of one-shots and spin-offs. From the beginning, a lot of the appeal has been the cool cover illustrations which showcase special merchandise that comes with the purchase of GIGA. Usually the cover also promotes big things going on related to the WSJ series, like movie events, new games, or special figurines for sale.

The marketing aesthetic has been clear from the start: the cover consists of one core illustration and a number of ads surrounding it. Most often you get a cover illustration of a protagonist, and then ads and merch for other series, e.g. Food Wars protagonist cover with One Piece film promotion and Haikyuu!! merch.

The purpose of this marketing direction is pretty obvious. Spin-offs and one-shots are not likely to generate a ton of interest consistently, so they lure people in with the cool covers and tempting limited edition merchandise of the series they already know and love. In this way, highlighting one series with the cover and different series with the merch makes sense, because maybe somebody doesn't care about Food Wars, but they definitely want those Haikyuu!! stickers, stuff like that.

Starting from 2020's Autumn volume, you can see a shift. For the first time, basically all of the merchandise is for the cover series. The Demon Slayer manga had already ended five months earlier in May, but a two-chapter spin-off was scheduled for release in WSJ during October. This GIGA was released exactly one day before the second chapter was published and it capitalizes on the hype.

After this point, only MHA and Jujutsu Kaisen dominate the cover and the merch in quite this way, with Black Clover getting attention last volume as a way to highlight the fact that it actually switched syndication from WSJ to GIGA.

Anyway, most commonly the cover illustration is a solo shot of a core cast member (usually but not always the protagonist), and if it's not a solo, it's a big cast illustration.

Only a few covers focus on two characters, and usually it's a crossover as opposed to characters from same series sharing the limelight.

Here we've got Food Wars' protagonist with the main characters from Dr. Stone and Act-Age.

The two covers most similar to the Izuku & Kacchan cover are 2022 Winter and 2023 Autumn.

Winter depicts the main trio of Blue Box in a seasonally-appropriate aesthetic. Not gonna lie, this one kinda makes me laugh--Blue Box is a romance and sports manga, and even though Christmas has a romantic air to it in Japan, instead of depicting any sort of like, hesitant but hopeful romantic energy between the heterosexual couple that actually get together later in the series, they focus primarily on the two girls being cute with the guy is a wee footnote? I mean, all right.

Meanwhile, Autumn depicts one of the protagonists with the series antagonist with a typical cool action style. I'm not very familiar with JJK, but I hear these two have got Some Drama going on, so, there's that.

The merch itself has also evolved over the years. Stickers and posters were present early on, but they have since expanded to decorative folders and now acrylic stands and coasters. 2021 Summer sees the first time the cover illustration is marketed as merch, with the Jujutsu Kaisen cover included as a decorative folder.

Right after that, the Kacchan cover of 2021 Autumn is included as a poster alongside earlier covers featuring Todoroki and Izuku.

2023 Summer's cover is a huge, wrap-around MHA cast illustration and it was published three days after chapter 396 came out, strategically timed to highlight the big shift in the final battle as Ochako vs Toga ends and All Might vs. AFO begins. Merch includes a decorative folder of the wrap-around cover and character motif stickers.

And then we get this!?

A duo cover illustration where the cover art itself has been merchandised to hell and back!?!?

Acrylic stand and pin set!?

Double-sided coaster showing bkdk greatest hits!? With volume 29's river scene cover!?

There's also a double-sided poster featuring the Spring cover with the ninth popularity poll art and a decorative bag with the anniversary art. The cover art itself is plastered all over the volume, front, back, and spine, apparently a total of 19 times.

I honestly don't know what to say about this. It feels wild that this is actually what the cover is. Obviously it is a huge marketing push in anticipation of season 7, and Izuku and Katsuki are the most popular characters, but. it just feels... unique.

In the course of Jump GIGA's publication, this direction is kind of unprecedented. Genuinely no one could have expected this. This seems to be the first time there's been this much merch for a cover. And it was a solid fucking move, marketing-wise--it's sold out basically everywhere, everyone is talking about it. And even people who don't follow the series or ship these two can't help but comment on how strikingly romantic it looks!?

I don't know how much say Horikoshi had in what the cover was, but damn it sure feels like he drew this with immense affection. I kind of wonder if he personally pushed for it to be these two, rather than the typical solo shot, cast shot, or even a protagonist vs. antagonist shot.

I'm KO'd, man. idek if this post is useful to anybody I'm just on my hands and knees here.

Everybody knows what we're all here for, and it's these cute boys finally getting their happy ending.

[leclerc-s]

the honest series - formula one

─── ❝ i wish you could be honest with me ❞ ───

masterpost

click here to be added to the honest series taglist

THE PRELUDE

an honest timeline

meet the leading ladies

THE ALBUMS

if this was a movie - m.verstappen - starts in early 2015

enchanted - d.ricciardo - starts in late 2015

i wanna be yours - c.leclerc - starts in 2018

te quiero besar - c.sainz - starts in early 2019

bad idea right? - p.gasly - starts in late 2019

call it what you want - l.norris - starts in early 2021

different - a.leclerc - starts in late 2021

say yes to heaven - m.schumacher - starts in late 2021

la curiosidad - o.piastri - starts in late 2022

how you get the girl - l.sargeant - starts in early 2023

por el contrario - o'ward - starts in early 2023

THE EPS

he’s good for my heart but he’s bad for business

alternatively: a blurb series of the songs inspired by max verstappen (takes place from 2015-2022)

i want your midnights

alternatively: a blurb series of the songs inspired by daniel ricciardo (takes place from 2016-2022)

met you at the right time, this is what it feels like

alternatively: a blurb series of the songs inspired by lando norris (takes place from 2021-2023)

you, me, and your friend steve (the 1k special)

the paddock family couples and their third wheels as seen through the fans and themselves

THE BONUS TRACKS

seven

mae and daphne write a song together for max featuring charles leclerc (takes place september 2019)

the unhinged younger brother

the jones sisters have a little brother, he's more unhinged than anyone could imagine. (takes place from 2019-2023)

(daphne's version)

daphne finally gets to own her work (takes place from 2021-2023)

wait, there’s another one of you?

turns out older brothers, feelings, and spilling secrets, is not a healthy mix. who would've thought?! (takes place in early 2022)

nonsense

mae reveals the inspiration behind her most unhinged song ever while also traumatizing a few drivers (takes place may 2022)

a christmas nonsense

nonsense gets a merry sequel while mae and max continue to traumatize their friends and families (takes place november 2022)

the daphlonso scandal

the entire internet is convinced daphne is dating a driver but they’ve got the wrong one or where loose-lipped lando strikes (takes place march 2023)

who's daniel ricciardo anyways?

a star nfl player tries giving his number to daphne, chaos ensues between the f1 girls and the nfl fandom, several people lose their minds, mostly isabella and daniel. (takes place july 2023)

the trophy boyfriends

daphne and mae are everything while daniel and max are just ken (takes place september 2023)

karma is the guy on the track

daphne and daniel break the internet, again. (takes place november 2023)

most likely to...las vegas edition

grill the grid has it out for pierre and rowan (takes place november 2023)

what happens in vegas never stays in vegas

someone gets married in vegas…again (takes place november 2023)

fruitcake

the release of mae's christmas ep has a few people worried. (takes place from november 2023 - december 2023)

a paddock family christmas

christmas, paddock family style (takes place december 2023)

divorcegate 2024

alternatively: isabella and rhys loses their minds over lewis' unexpected move to ferrari. (takes place february 2024)

let him be a trophy husband!

the paddock family takes on the 66th annual grammys and a surprise album announcement by daphne (takes place february 2024)

the end of an era

isabella choses chaos. (takes place february 2024)

she's married you idiots!

relationship rumors strike again! only this time mae and max seem to be at the center of it all. (takes place february 2024)

struggling to survive netflix

the paddock family takes on a new season of drive to survive. (takes place february 2024)

thirsting on the main?

isabella thirsting over her boyfriend with a sprinkle of brocedes (takes place march 2024)

let the games begin

the start of the 2024 formula 1 season, occurs in the usual paddock family chaos (takes place march 2024)

so american

the internet learns just how much zoya torres loves logan sargeant. spoiler, it's more than they could imagine. (takes place march 2024)

of ice cream shops and puppies

think the barbie of formula 1, charles leclerc, starting his new business venture while suffering from dog-napping at the hands of his 'own children' (takes place april 2024)

espresso with a shot of depresso

the impending release of espresso and the tortured poets department has people cracking jokes (takes place april 2024)

the tortured poets department

the release of the tortured poets department by daphne jones-ricciardo.

UP NEXT!

[doctorfriend79]

The Return Of Doctor Mysterio

[musicforastylesrestaurant]

Underneath The Tree.

my masterlist || ask me anything <3

in which, since officially dating harry for a total of eight years now, courting for three, being married for three and parents for two, you’ve both given each other, such wonderful gifts over the years, and here’s a few of them.

word count - 4.2k

December 25th, 2016.

The soft glow of Christmas lights adorned the living room, casting a warm ambiance that enveloped you and Harry. Nestled next to the adorned tree, its branches cradling memories of past and present, you shared the magic of your first Christmas together. The room echoed with the subtle crackling of a fireplace, dancing flames adding to the festive charm.

In the quiet moments between the two of you, the air was filled with a sense of coziness and joy. Harry's arm wrapped gently around you, you both sat in a peaceful embrace, savouring the serenity of the holiday. The scent of pine wafted through the room, mingling with the sweet aroma of freshly baked cookies—a joint effort earlier in the day as you navigated the kitchen together, sharing laughter and flour-dusted kisses.

Later in the day, you would venture to each other's families, weaving through the tapestry of traditions that made your bond even richer. Yet, in this tranquil interlude by the tree, you found the essence of the season—wrapped in love, shared glances, and the promise of many more Christmases to come.

But for now, it was time to give each other the main presents that you got each other.

Harry, with his long, curly hair tied into a messy man bun, looks comfortably relaxed in joggers and a hoodie. The anticipation lingers in the air as you hand him a beautifully wrapped gift, a twinkle in your eye.

"Go on, open it," you encourage, a smile playing on your lips. Harry's eyes light up with curiosity as he tears away the wrapping paper, revealing a sleek box. When he opens it, he's met with a pair of tickets nestled within. His gaze flickers from the tickets to you, confusion and surprise etched on his face.

"Two tickets to a weekend retreat," you announce, your excitement bubbling over. "I thought it would be a perfect getaway for us."

Harry looks at the tickets, then back at you, a mixture of disbelief and joy in his expression.

"Seriously? How did y’manage this?" he asks, his voice a blend of curiosity and amusement.

You chuckle, enjoying his reaction.

"Well, I may have had a little chat with management," you tease, a mischievous grin dancing on your lips. "We leave Monday."

Harry's eyes widen, and a grin slowly spreads across his face.

"You're amazing," he declares, pulling you in for a deep, appreciative kiss. The warmth of the moment deepens as you share laughter and excitement, the promise of a spontaneous adventure adding a special spark to your first Christmas together.

With a grin that mirrors your own excitement, Harry reaches for a set of beautifully wrapped packages.

"Y’turn," he says, handing them over with a twinkle in his eye. Eagerly, you begin to unwrap them, revealing two elegant jewellery boxes. Your curiosity piqued, you open the boxes to find matching gold cross necklaces nestled inside, one for you and one for Harry.

His eyes lock onto yours, a mix of anticipation and affection.

"I thought it would be something meaningful f’both of us," he explains, his voice soft with sincerity. "T’have a piece of each other wherever we go."

You're touched by the thoughtful gesture, and a warm smile spreads across your face. "They're beautiful, H. I love them."

He grins, clearly pleased with your reaction.

"I wanted something that would symbolise our connection," he continues, reaching over to take one of the necklaces out of the box. "Here, let me put y’on."

As he clasps the delicate chain around your neck, the weight of the cross feels like a tangible bond between you. You watch as Harry puts on his own necklace, the matching gold crosses now adorning both of you.

"They say gold represents enduring love," he says, his gaze lingering on the necklace. "I thought it was fitting f’us."

You reach over and gently touch the cross on his chest, a silent acknowledgment of the sentiment. "It's perfect, H. I couldn't have asked for a better gift."

December 25th, 2017.

The second Christmas together unfolds with an air of shared warmth and familiarity. The room is adorned with the soft glow of lights, casting a warm ambiance that complements the joy in the air.

As you hand Harry a meticulously wrapped gift, there's a twinkle in your eye, knowing that this particular present holds the potential for genuine surprise.

Harry, with his short, cropped hair for a recent film role, receives the gift with a curious gleam in his eyes.

The wrapping paper gives way, revealing a framed Manchester United shirt inside. His expression shifts from curiosity to delight as he takes in the iconic red and white stripes.

His fingers gently trace over the imprinted name of his all-time favourite player, Rio Ferdinand.

"No way," he breathes, his voice a mixture of shock and excitement. "S’this real?"

Your smile widens, a blend of amusement and satisfaction. "It's not just any shirt. Open it up."

Harry lifts the frame, his eyes widening in astonishment as he discovers Rio Ferdinand's unmistakable signature proudly adorning the shirt.

A gasp escaped his lips. "This is signed by Rio Ferdinand! How did y’manage t’get this?"

You nod, your eyes sparkling with the joy of the surprise. "I thought you might like a piece of your football hero to hang on the wall."

Harry, still processing the unexpected revelation, is at a loss for words. "Y’didn't tell me it was signed! This is incredible."

Your laughter fills the room, a musical backdrop to the shared moment. "I may have wanted to see your reaction. It's all worth it now."

As Harry continues to marvel at the framed treasure in his hands, you explain how you orchestrated the surprise – a combination of connections and a bit of good luck.

The story adds depth to the gift, turning it into a tale of effort and thoughtfulness.

"You're sneaky, but I love it. Thank you so much," he finally says, his eyes reflecting both disbelief and gratitude.

The room is now charged with a shared sense of joy, the surprise gift becoming a centerpiece of your second Christmas together.

The evening unfolds with a tapestry of conversation, weaving through stories of football matches, childhood dreams, and the journey of the past year.

The framed, signed shirt becomes a symbol of shared passions and thoughtful gestures, creating a memory that adds another layer to your evolving story as a couple.

Harry, still in awe of the gift, reflects on the impact football has had on his life. "Y’know, I used t’dream about playing on a big stage like that, with thousands cheering. S’funny how a game can shape y’dreams."

He always told you that when he was little he used to want to be a footballer like Rio, but then that changed and he studied law at college and now he was a household name.

You nod, captivated by the sincerity in his voice. "Football has a way of connecting people, inspiring dreams, and creating memories. I thought having a piece of that magic would be special for us."

Harry gazes at the framed treasure, a nostalgic smile playing on his lips. "You've given me more than just a signed jersey. You've given me a piece of m’childhood dreams, wrapped up in our story."

The conversation takes a turn as you discuss plans for the future, prompted by the dreams sparked by the framed jersey.

"Maybe we can catch a live match together next year," you suggest. "Experience the energy and excitement of the stadium."

Harry's eyes light up with enthusiasm. "Absolutely! That would be incredible."

"Every time I look at this, I'll be reminded of this beautiful Christmas and the dreams we're weaving together," Harry says, his eyes reflecting gratitude.

December 25th, 2018.

The third Christmas together arrives, and the room is aglow with the warm hues of festive lights. You and Harry find yourselves seated next to the tree, the air filled with a blend of excitement and comfort as you exchange gifts. The last present of the morning rests in your hands, a mysterious package from Harry that adds an extra layer of anticipation to the moment.

With a playful glint in his eyes, Harry asks you to close your eyes, guiding you to stand up while holding your hands gently. The room is enveloped in a tranquil hush, creating an atmosphere charged with expectancy.

"Keep ‘em closed," Harry says softly, his voice carrying a subtle excitement. You nod, a mixture of curiosity and exhilaration building within you.

"Now, open y’eyes," he instructs, and as you do, the sight that meets you takes your breath away.

Harry is down on one knee, a small box in his hand, and his eyes gleam with a mixture of nerves and deep affection.

The room seems to hold its breath, and your heart quickens.

"Harry..." you begin, your voice barely a whisper, as tears of emotion pool in your eyes.

He smiles, a tender expression on his face. "M’love, I can't help but marvel at the journey we've embarked on together. This past year has been a beautiful chapter in the book of our lives, and with each passing moment, my love f’you has only deepened."

Harry's gaze intensifies, as if he's navigating the depth of his emotions. "I think about the laughter we've shared, the challenges we've faced, and the unwavering support we've provided each other. Y’been m’rock, m’confidante, and m’greatest source of joy."

The vulnerability in his voice resonates deeply, and your emotions swell. Harry takes a moment, as if savouring the significance of the words he's about to speak. "From t’moment we met, I knew there was something extraordinary about you. You've brought a richness to m’life that I never knew was possible, and with each passing day, I find new reasons to fall in love with you."

The room seems to hold its breath, captivated by the sincerity of Harry's words.

“Will you make me the happiest man in the world and marry me?"

The gravity of the question hangs in the air, and you're momentarily lost for words. The depth of his sincerity and the love reflected in his eyes create a poignant moment.

"Harry, I... yes. Yes, a thousand times yes," you finally manage to say, your voice a blend of joy and overwhelming emotion.

A radiant smile graces Harry's face as he gently slides the ring onto your finger.

"I love you more than words can express, and I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with you," he declares, his words imbued with a profound sense of commitment.

The room is filled with a sacred pause as you share a tender moment, the promise of forever binding you together.

The ring catches the light, casting a mesmerising glow that seems to infuse the space with an ethereal quality.

"I never want to stop making memories with you," Harry whispers, his gaze unwavering.

December 25th, 2019.

The scent of fresh pine permeated the air, a gentle reminder of the majestic tree standing proudly in the corner, adorned with an array of ornaments and baubles. The flickering flames in the fireplace cast a warm, golden hue, creating a cozy ambiance that beckoned you and Harry into its .embrace

The plush carpet beneath your feet felt like a velvety extension of the holiday spirit, and the air hummed with a quiet anticipation. The room was a symphony of reds and greens, with stockings hanging from the mantelpiece like eager sentinels, waiting to be filled with festive surprises. A soft, nostalgic melody emanated from a record player, weaving through the air and adding a touch of timeless elegance to the surroundings.

The Christmas tree itself was a masterpiece, its branches adorned with an eclectic collection of ornaments—each one a cherished memory from the past four years.

It was the fourth Christmas you and Harry had shared, but this one held a unique significance – the first as his fiancée.

you handed Harry a meticulously wrapped box, a bow echoing the festive colors. Your eyes sparkled with excitement as he accepted the gift.

"Merry Christmas, my love," you said, your voice carrying the joy of the season.

With a playful grin, Harry began unwrapping the gift, curiosity dancing in his eyes.

"I wonder what m’soon-to-be wife has in store for me this year," he teased, fingers deftly peeling away the paper.

As Harry unwrapped the present, his eyes widened in surprise at the sight of a sleek Polaroid camera nestled within the box.

"A Polaroid camera?" he exclaimed, a mixture of curiosity and delight in his voice.

You smiled, your eyes meeting his.

"Yes, I thought it would be perfect for your upcoming tour," you explained. "I know you've been planning it for your new album, and I wanted to make sure you could capture every show and all those important moments, even when I can't be there with you."

His gaze softened with gratitude as he took in the thoughtful gesture.

"Y’always know how to make every moment special," he said, his fingers tracing the contours of the camera. "S’amazing. Now I can carry a piece of y’with me on the road."

"It's not just about the camera, H," you replied, your voice sincere. "It's about preserving the memories and creating a tangible record of your journey. You'll be surrounded by fans and experiences, and I want you to have a way to hold onto those moments, no matter where you are."

He nodded, a deep appreciation in his eyes. "I love that idea. It'll be like having y’right there with me, capturing the essence f’each show and the places we visit."

As he explored the features of the camera, you leaned in and gently kissed his cheek.

"Consider it a way to share the adventure, even when we're miles apart," you whispered, the promise of your love carried in those words.

December 25th, 2020.

It was your fifth Christmas with Harry, yet this year held an unmistakable difference. The world outside your cozy haven was in the grip of a global lockdown, casting a quiet stillness over the usually bustling streets of London.

Seated beneath the tree, mugs of hot cocoa cradled in your hands, you and Harry found solace in each other's company. The usual holiday gatherings and festivities were replaced by an intimate setting, the two of you wrapped in blankets as a subtle chill lingered in the air.

The hushed sounds of a city on pause created a backdrop to the crackling of the fireplace, weaving a bittersweet melody.

Despite the circumstances, the glow of the Christmas lights illuminated the room with a reassuring warmth. The tree, adorned with ornaments collected over the years, stood as a testament to the memories you and Harry had shared.

As you exchanged glances over the rims of your cocoa-filled mugs, a silent understanding passed between you—a recognition of the strength found in love during times of uncertainty.

Earlier in the day, you had eagerly presented Harry with your carefully chosen gift.

Harry, with a twinkle in his eye, promised that your present would be arriving shortly. As you sat by the tree, wrapped in blankets with mugs of hot cocoa in hand, anticipation hung in the air like a delicate melody.

Suddenly, a resonant knock echoed through the room, causing your heart to leap with excitement.

You bolted to your feet, the warmth of the blankets still clinging to you, and Harry, with a mischievous smile, motioned for you to close your eyes.

"Keep 'em shut, m’love," he urged as he went to answer the door.

Anxiously, you waited, the seconds stretching into an eternity.

"Okay, open your eyes," Harry declared.

As your eyes fluttered open, you were met with a sight that left you utterly and pleasantly surprised.

There, standing at the threshold with beaming smiles, were your mum and dad.

Tears welled up in your eyes as you rushed towards them, disbelief and joy mingling on your face.

"Mum, Dad, how...?" you stammered, enveloping them in a tight embrace. Harry stood back, his eyes gleaming with happiness at the success of the surprise.

Your mum, still holding you close, smiled warmly.

"We wanted to surprise you, love. We've missed you so much," she said, her voice choked with emotion.

Your dad, joining the embrace, added, "We took Covid tests and made the journey to be here for Christmas. It's been a tough year, and we couldn't imagine spending it without you."

As you all settled back under the tree, the room filled with the warmth of shared love and the rich aroma of cocoa.

"I can't believe you're here," you said, wiping away happy tears.

Your mum chuckled, "Nothing can keep us away from our family, especially not a lockdown."

Harry, having played a key role in orchestrating this heartwarming surprise, joined the emotional reunion.

"I may have had a small part in this surprise," he admitted with a grin. "Y’folks insisted on making y’Christmas special, and who was I to say no?"

The remainder of the evening unfolded in a beautiful blur of laughter, stories, and shared moments.

December 25th, 2021.

In the glow of the Christmas lights, you and Harry celebrated your sixth holiday season together, marking the second as a married couple.

The air was infused with a special kind of warmth, a blend of love and shared history that only deepened with each passing year. As the evening unfolded, you couldn't wait to exchange gifts, eager to see the joy in Harry's eyes.

After Harry opened the gift you had carefully chosen for him, his eyes lit up with appreciation.

"Y’always know how t’make everything feel magical," he said, leaning in for a sweet kiss.

You chuckled at his excitement, quoting one of his songs, "Looks like you've got no control, Harry."

His laugh echoed through the room as he playfully rolled his eyes.

"Okay, okay, I'll try t’contain m’excitement, but no promises," he teased.

You handed him a box, neatly wrapped and adorned with a bow.

"Merry Christmas, my love," you said, your heart fluttering with excitement. Harry eagerly tore away the tissue paper, revealing the contents of the box.

His eyes widened as he saw the pregnancy test and a tiny baby grow tucked inside.

He looked up at you, a mix of disbelief and joy on his face.

"Is this... is this real?" he asked, his voice filled with emotion.

You nodded, tears shimmering in your eyes as you confirmed, "Yes, H. We're going to be parents."

The room seemed to hold its breath as Harry processed the incredible news. His eyes never left yours as he carefully cradled the pregnancy test and the baby grow.

"I'm going to be a dad," he whispered, his voice filled with a mixture of awe and love.

You nodded again, unable to hold back the tears of happiness that now spilled freely.

"We're going to be parents, Harry," you whispered, reaching out to hold his hands. His grin stretched from ear to ear as he pulled you into a tight embrace, his excitement matching yours.

Amidst the soft glow of Christmas lights, you and Harry shared a moment that would forever be etched in your memories. The room echoed with laughter, love, and the promise of a new chapter.

As Harry held the pregnancy test and baby grow close, you both reveled in the magic of the season and the incredible gift of starting a family together.

December 25th, 2022.

In the soft glow of the seventh Christmas lights, your home was filled with a warmth that went beyond the twinkling decorations. This year marked a significant milestone as you and Harry celebrated your first Christmas as parents to a little two-month-old son named Arthur.

As the fireplace crackled, casting dancing shadows on the walls, you couldn't help but marvel at the joy that this tiny bundle brought into your lives.

Arthur's birth, just two months ago, was a moment etched in time. Contrary to expectations, his arrival was like a gentle whisper of snow – serene and magical. The labor was swift, and he seemed to come into the world with a spirit of lightness. With his shock of curls and green eyes that mirrored Harry's, Arthur was a testament to the beauty of new beginnings and the shared features of a loving family.

As the days turned into weeks, Arthur became a living embodiment of joy. His laughter echoed through the halls, bringing a sense of completeness to your home. His tiny fingers wrapped around yours, and his coos seemed to create a melody that underscored the holiday season. The Christmas tree, adorned with ornaments collected over the years, now held a new significance as it watched over your growing family.

Harry handed you a delicately wrapped gift, a gleam of anticipation in his eyes. As Arthur lay peacefully in his arms, fast asleep on Harry's chest, you couldn't help but marvel at the scene of your little family by the tree. With a warm smile, you accepted the gift, eager to discover what Harry had chosen for you this Christmas.

Gently unwrapping the package, you revealed a small box, and Harry's eyes sparkled with a mix of excitement and nervousness.

"M’hope y’like it," he said, his voice soft. "S’something special."

Opening the box, you discovered a beautifully crafted bracelet, adorned with a charm that held Arthur's birthstone. Your eyes widened in awe as you traced your fingers over the delicate piece of jewelry.

"Harry, it's stunning," you exclaimed, your heart swelling with emotion.

Harry grinned, a mixture of relief and joy evident in his expression.

"I wanted y’to have something to always carry a piece of Arthur with you," he explained, his voice tender. "His birthstone seemed like the perfect way t’capture the magic f’the day he came into our lives."

You carefully fastened the bracelet around your wrist, the cool metal contrasting with the warmth of the moment.

"It's perfect, Harry. Thank you," you whispered, your gaze lifting to meet his. In that shared glance, you saw the depth of his love and the significance of the thoughtful gift.

As Arthur continued to slumber on Harry's chest, the three of you remained nestled by the Christmas tree.

"I wanted this Christmas to be extra special," Harry admitted, running his fingers through Arthur's soft curls. "With our little family, it already is."

You leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss to Harry's cheek.

"It's more than special, it's perfect," you assured him, your heart overflowing with gratitude for the thoughtful gesture and the love that enveloped you.

December 25th, 2023.

n the soft glow of the eighth Christmas lights, the air was filled with the warmth of shared love and the laughter of family. Under the twinkling tree, you, Harry, and your one-year-old son Arthur created a cozy scene.

Arthur, a complete daddy's boy, nestled on Harry's lap in his pajamas, his messy curls adding an adorable touch to the festive atmosphere.

As you handed Harry his gift, a smile played on your lips, anticipating the joy of the moment.

"This one's from both of us," you said, the excitement palpable in your voice. Arthur, sensing the festive spirit, wiggled in Harry's lap, his eyes wide with curiosity.

Harry's eyes twinkled as he took the gift, Arthur's little hands immediately reaching out to help unwrap it.

"Alright, little buddy, let's see what mama got me," Harry chuckled, sharing a conspiratorial glance with Arthur.

The room echoed with the sounds of paper rustling and Arthur's gleeful laughter.

As Harry unwrapped the present, revealing the photo book filled with memories, his eyes widened in surprise.

"S’this...?" he began, his voice catching with emotion. You nodded, a soft smile playing on your lips, and Harry flipped the cover open to the first page.

The journey through time commenced with the first date, captured in a candid snapshot that froze the excitement of a budding romance.

"Wow, look at us," Harry chuckled, his fingers gently tracing the image. "Seems like a lifetime ago."

The pages turned, unveiling moments etched in your shared history— the first picture together back in 2015, the laughter and love evident in the captured smiles.

"Remember this?" you asked, a fondness in your voice.

As the pages continued to unfold, Harry's eyes moved to the night he proposed on Christmas Day back in 2018.

"That was the best Christmas ever," he reminisced, his gaze lingering on the image of that magical moment.

Arthur glanced at the photos in the book and , began hitting the pages, yelling "Dada" with infectious joy as he recognized the familiar face.

The journey of the photo book brought forth the day Arthur was born, a pivotal chapter that transformed your lives.

"Look at him, our little guy," Harry exclaimed, a proud smile on his face as Arthur gleefully pointed at pictures of his dada. "S’grown so much."

Amidst the turning pages, the room resonated with laughter, nostalgia, and the shared joy of reliving cherished memories.

"Y’captured every milestone, every smile," Harry remarked, his eyes expressing a depth of gratitude.

Arthur, fully engrossed in the photo book, continued hitting the pages with exuberance.

"Dada! Dada!" he repeated, his small hands reaching out as if trying to touch the images of his father.

As the journey through the photo book neared its end, Harry's eyes were filled with a mixture of love and awe.

"S’is the most thoughtful gift," he said, pulling you into a tender embrace.

"Thank you f’capturing our story."

[argoscity]

ULTIMATE SUPERGIRL READING GUIDE

since i've been asked a few times in the past for various reading guides for kara, i thought i'd compile them all into one post for the sake of convenience!

this guide has reading orders for supergirl comics in PRE-CRISIS (1959-1985), POST-CRISIS (2004-2011), NEW 52 (2011-2016), REBIRTH (2016-2021), and INFINITE FRONTIER (2021-present).

if you have any questions at all don't be afraid to shoot me an ask!

for each section bolded comics are required, italicized comics are recommended, and everything else is optional!

[PRE-CRISIS]

ORIGIN AND MIDVALE ERA (NOTE: you'll have to flip to the back of each issue to get to kara's section!) action comics (1938) #252, 258, 267, 276, 278-282, 285, 295, 309-310, 313, 317

STANHOPE COLLEGE action comics (1938) #318, 366-368, 372, 374 world’s finest (1941) #169 adventure comics (1938) #381, 386, 391, 395, 397

K-SFTV REPORTER — SAN FRANCISCO adventure comics (1938) #406-407, 410-415, 419-424

VANDYRE UNIVERSITY supergirl (1974) #1-10

STUDENT ADVISOR — FLORIDA (NOTE: every member of the superfamily has a story in the superman family (1974), so you'll have to flip through to find kara's section!) the superman family (1974) #165, 168, 171, 177 justice league of america (1960) #132-134 the superman family #183, 184-186, 187-189, 191-193, 196-198, 201-202, 203, 204-205

ACTRESS — NEW YORK the superman family (1974) 208-210, 211-214, 215-216, 217, 218 superman (1939) #373 (second story titled “an eye (and ear) on the world!”) detective comics (1937) #508-510 the superman family #219-222

LAKE SHORE UNIVERSITY supergirl (1982) #1-12 (cw: nazi imagery in the brief interlude in #12)  supergirl (1982) #13-15 (cw: antisemitism, nazi imagery, depictions of the holocaust.) supergirl (1982) #16-23

LAST APPEARANCES AND DEATH legion of superheroes (1980) #300-303 tales of the legion (1985) #4-7 crisis on infinite earths (1985) #4-7

BONUS POST-COIE APPEARANCES christmas with the super-heroes (1988) #2 (last story titled “should auld acquaintance be forgot”) supergirl (1996) #49, 75-80 solo (2004) #1 (third story titled “young love”) convergence: adventures of superman (2015) #1-2

[POST-CRISIS]

ORIGIN superman/batman (2003) #8-13  (or you can watch superman/batman: apocalypse (2010) instead which I recommend! the art is a lot more tasteful and it's a very faithful adaptation of the comic so you won’t be missing out on anything.)

KARA WITH THE LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES supergirl and the legion of super-heroes (2006) #16-36

LOEB AND KELLY HELL ERA supergirl (2005) #1-5, 9-10, 19 (you don’t have to read any of this since it gets retconned anyway, but if you’re interested in kara’s early characterization, the beginnings of her friendship with cassie sandsmark, or her difficulty fitting in on earth then you’re welcome to read what i’ve provided.)

KELLEY PUCKETT ERA Amazons Attack! teen titans (2003) #47-48  amazons attack! (2007) #3  supergirl (2005) #20  amazons attack! (2007) #4  teen titans (2003) #49

supergirl (2005) #21-22  teen titans (2003) #50, 51-55  supergirl (2005) #25-33

Superman: Brainiac  action comics (1938) #866-870

GATES AND IGLE HEAVEN ERA supergirl (2005) #34

New Krypton (new krypton is one of my favorite events and i recommend it in its entirety, but for the sake of brevity I’ll only be listing the issues relevant to kara.) superman: new krypton special #1  superman (1939) #681  adventure comics special featuring guardian #1  action comics (1938) #871  supergirl (2005) #35  superman (1939) #682  action comics (1938) #872  supergirl (2005) #36  superman (1939) #683  action comics (1938) #873

teen titans (2003) #66  supergirl (2005) #37-42

Friends and Fugitives superman: secret Files 2009 #1  supergirl (2005) #43  action comics (1938) #881  supergirl (2005) #45  action comics (1938) #882  supergirl (2005) #46-47

supergirl (2005) annual 1, #48-50

Last Stand of New Krypton  adventure comics (2009) #8  superman: last stand of new krypton #1  supergirl (2005) #51  superman (1938) #698  adventure comics (2009) #9  superman: last stand of new krypton #2  adventure comics (2009) #10  supergirl (2005) #52  superman (1938) #699  superman: last stand of new krypton #3 superman: war of the supermen (2010) #0, 1-4 

supergirl (2005) #53-57, annual 2, 58-59

END OF SUPERGIRL VOL 5 supergirl (2005) #60-64 supergirl (2005) #65-67

[NEW 52]

ORIGIN and SUPERGIRL VS THE WORLDKILLERS supergirl (2011) #1-7

SUPERGIRL and SILVER BANSHEE supergirl (2011) #8-11

SUPERGIRL and SUPERBOY superboy (2011) #6

SANCTUARY supergirl (2011) #12, 0, 13

H’EL ON EARTH superman (2011) #13 supergirl (2011) #14 superman (2011) #14 superboy (2011) #15 supergirl (2011) #15 superboy (2011) #16 superboy (2011) Annual #1 supergirl (2011) #16 superman (2011) #16 superboy (2011) #17 supergirl (2011) #17 superman (2011) #17

SUPERGIRL and POWERGIRL supergirl (2011) #18-20

CYBORG SUPERMAN supergirl (2011) #21-23 action comics (2011) #23.1 supergirl (2011) #24

KRYPTON RETURNS action comics (2011) annual #2 superboy (2011) #25 supergirl (2011) #25 superman (2011) #25

SUPERGIRL VS LOBO supergirl (2011) #26-27

RED DAUGHTER OF KRYPTON supergirl (2011) #28-29 red lanterns (2011) #28-29 supergirl (2011) #30 red lanterns (2011) #30 supergirl (2011) #31 red lanterns (2011) #31-32 supergirl (2011) #32-33

SUPERMAN: DOOMED (this is a whole storyline but I'll only be listing the issues that kara appears in!) superman/wonder woman (2013) #9 action comics (2011) #33 supergirl (2011) #34 superman: doomed (2014) #2 action comics (2011) #35 supergirl (2011) #35

FUTURES END supergirl: futures end (2014) #1

JUSTICE LEAGUE UNITED justice league united (2014) #1-5 justice league united (2014) annual #1 justice league united (2014) #6-10

CRUCIBLE supergirl (2011) #36-40

FINAL DAYS OF SUPERMAN (kara only appears in the issues i've italicized and bolded, but i put all the relevant issues if you wanted to read the full storyline!) superman (2011) #51 batman/superman (2013) #31 action comics (2011) #51 superman/wonder woman (2013) #28 batman/superman (2013) #32 action comics (2011) #52 superman/wonder woman (2013) #29 superman (2011) #52

[REBIRTH]

KARA IN NATIONAL CITY supergirl: rebirth #1

supergirl (2016) #1-8 batgirl (2016) annual 1 supergirl #9-12

supergirl (2016) annual 1 supergirl #13-20

world's finest: batwoman and supergirl #1-2

ROGOL ZAAR and THE SINS OF THE CIRCLE the man of steel #1-2, 3-6 supergirl #21-33, #34-36

LEVIATHAN and BATMAN WHO LAUGHS superman: leviathan rising special #1 supergirl #34-36 supergirl (2016) annual 2 supergirl #37-42

HOUSE OF KENT action comics (2016) #1022-1023 action comics (2016) #1024-1028

FUTURE STATE superman of metropolis (2021) #1-2 kara zor el, superwoman (2021) #1-2

[INFINITE FRONTIER]

action comics 2021 annual

WOMAN OF TOMORROW supergirl: woman of tomorrow (2021) #1-8

WORLD'S FINEST batman/superman: world's finest (2022) #2-6, 8, 12

A WORLD WITHOUT CLARK KENT and RED MOON (kara is featured in the back-up story! if you want the full context of this plot i recommend reading the full warworld arc in action comics [action comics #1030-1046, superman: warworld apocalypse #1]!) action comics (2016) #1044-1046, 1047-1049

DAWN OF DC action comics (2016) #1051-1053, 1055-1056 superman (2023) #1-3 power girl special #1 steelworks (2023) #1-3

KNIGHT TERRORS knight terrors: superman (2023) #1-2

DAWN OF DC (continued) action comics: doomsday special (2023) superman (2023) #7 hawkgirl (2023) #4 action comics (2016) #1058 supergirl special (2023) action comics (2016) #1059-1060 action comics 2023 annual

power girl (2023) #6-7

HOUSE OF BRAINIAC action comics (2016) #1064

UPCOMING IN 2024 action comics (2016) #1065 [out may 14]

[desertdollranch]

Happy birthday, Josefina! And mini Josefina, who is dressed up for the special occasion. This year marks the bicentennial of Josefina's stories, which begin in 1824.

In fact, all my mini Josefina dolls are celebrating today! Lining them up shows how they've changed over the years. On the left is my oldest mini, a circa 1997 first edition Pleasant Company doll. Next to her is Christmas Josefina, a 25th anniversary edition released in 2011. Then there's BeForever Josefina from 2014. And birthday Josefina, who was released in 2016 for American Girl's 30th anniversary.

As a 10th birthday present, I gave Josefina this darling little treasure chest, which vaguely reminds me of the large trunk from her collection. I found it at a weird little thrift store in Roswell.

It's a bit too small to hold all of her clothing, but it's perfect for her accessories like shoes, socks, sashes, rebozos, and hair ribbons. There's a mirror under the lid, too.

[optimysticals]

This pendant is a perfect example of my love for Tumblr as an artistic business.

I love Tumblr for the fandom, the jokes, to social commentary, and the things that are just too difficult to explain to people not on this hellsite (affectionate).

But, this. This pendant. Damn.

We made these adorable little Robin Pendants with hand enameled masks and little crystals probably close to a decade ago. (Checking the OP timestamp it was December 2014).

When I originally sat down to make them I wasn't just going to enamel one of each color to see who was popular, that would have been silly. So I made a bunch of each.

In business terms, they flopped. But I always loved them.

They haven't been on our website since probably 2016 or 2018 (two big overhauls happened those years). The pendants were all disassembled so the crystal could be used elsewhere. And the Robins have been in a drawer ever since.

So why is this little pendant above so special to me and my feelings about Tumblr?

Because I took that photo today. Of a Stephanie Brown Robin Pendant I made this afternoon. Because someone found that ancient post, and commented on it that they'd love one of these. I was able to reach out and let them know it was possible. And through the magic of Tumblr we resurrected an 8 year old retired jewelry piece.

That's not something that happens on other social media sites. Once something is gone from the front page, it's gone forever. Resigned to the dustbin of digital history.

But here, here we celebrate "World Heritage Posts". We queue things like Sascha the Christmas Tiger 365 days in advance. We delight in going digging to find bits of the things we love.

And as an artist who tries desperately to make a living off of the shiny things we make, the fact that something can be found a week later, a year later, a decade later. It really is magic.

So yeah. Just going to be over here being sappy about community and jewelry for awhile.