#updating they are also watching my favorite christmas movies :)

[stockholmgf]

just wrote my letter to santa i asked him to pay my tuition and also for just one (1) sustainable and genuine friendship with another person

[vinsmokesangio]

"are we on a date?"

pairing: tom blyth x bestfriend!reader x actress!reader

summary: you and tom met not long ago, but the connection you have and affection for each other turns into something more. tom is three years older than reader, she’s initiating in acting.

genre: only fluffy - at least for now

warnings: english is not my first language | no proofread.

N/A.: Hi! I really want to turn this into a series, but I need reader engagement to know if it’s worth it! Don't forget to comment, reblog, and tell me what you think <3 read my social media au here!

word count: 954

It was a cloudy and cold Friday, and you’re feeling completely tired. After several classes and auditions throughout the day, all you wanted was to be at home watching your favorite movies and rest with your comfy pajamas. Picking all of your stuff at the restroom to finally go home, your cellphone rings with a message from Tom, your best friend. Suddenly, there are some butterflies in your stomach… looks like the universe heard you.

It was a wonderful idea, right? Tom’s busy as hell since he got important roles and projects, and despite feeling really happy and proud of him, you miss him a lot and all of your quality times.

Something about the nickname gave you so much comfort and warmth in your heart. Tom was picking you up by car at your drama school in a couple minutes and you couldn't help but feel anxious in a good way.

"Hi pretty boy!" - you grinned while hugging him and putting on your seatbelt. 

Tom was wearing a gray sweater matching wonderfully with his pretty blue eyes. Smiling at you, he responded:

"I’ve missed you a lot, honey. How’s your day going by far?" - He said and headed on his way to the nearest coffee shop. 

"I’m just exhausted. We're in the final stretch of the Christmas play and I've never felt so tired. It’s like, I don't know, but my mind needs a break." - You sighed, staring in front of you, looking at the light traffic on the busy avenue.

"And I’m here to make your wish come true" - he chuckled. - "We can grab some coffee and watch silly memes on the internet like we used to do, whatcha think?" - Tom is always so gentle and lovely. 

Your friendship was really a very healthy, comfortable thing... and every time you saw each other, it was as if you never had any problems in the world. It was just you and him, inside jokes and comfort. You wished you could say how important he is to you, but instead, you simply nodded while you both entered on the drive thru and took your order. 

Tom parked the car at the coffee shop and you spent hours updating each other on your busy routines, laughing over tiktoks, singing... There were also moments of comfortable silence between the two of you, the calm you loved and needed so much. 

He looked different this time. You didn't know if it was because you hadn't seen each other for a while, but you could feel that something inside you and the way you looked at him was different. A few sparks every time he smiled at you, and you swore you could feel the same coming from him too.

Her cell phone rings, breaking her out of her reverie, showing a call from your mother. You realize that you forgot to tell her that you would be coming home later today, but all you had to do was tell her that you were with Tom and her worry would disappear. She loved him. Sometimes it seemed like she loved him even more than you, her own daughter.

“Enjoy your date tho”, your mother said cheerfully on the other side of the line. You couldn't help but chuckle and feel your cheeks burn, as you looked at your friend who had a confused expression on his face. Before you could answer, she hangs up the phone.

"What does she said? Why were you laughing?" - Tom asked with a funny expression while taking a sip of your already watery iced coffee.

"It’s nothing! Curious boy." - you poke him.

"I don’t believe you. But I know you enough to know that one day, when you least expect it, you'll tell me like it's no big deal." - He teased as he pointed at you between each word.

"I want to show you a video that I forgot to send you." - you tried to change the direction of the conversation, wanting to avoid confessions that might come out too soon. Your mother was always right, and it made you wonder if you were actually on a date with Tom. 

After a burst of laughter, you find yourself in a awkward silence trying to catch your breath. “It’s time”, you thought.

“Enjoy your date”, my mom said at the phone. - you finally confess, avoiding his gaze.

Tom looks at you with a surprised, but fun and provocative expression:

"So… are we on a date? Kinda looks like one to me." 

You can't hide your smile mixed with an expression of surprise and doubt. It's really impressive how Tom always found it easy to confess things, to be direct, but his goofy personality - which you loved - always confused you about whether he was being serious or not.

"I wouldn't mind if we actually were in one." - You said in almost a whisper, but he clearly listened.

Finally you find the courage to look into his eyes, and notice his calm smile looking into yours with admiration and affection.

"I thought you would never say that. You're a bit slow to even ask me on a date, frankly, buttercup!" - He scowled at you, making you laugh nervously. You're so lost in his "confession" that you can't even notice his hands on your thighs.

The comfortable silence that existed between the two of you suddenly became a little awkward. You take a deep breath, and slowly lean over him to join your lips in a calm kiss, with all the accumulated affection. He reciprocates by taking one of his hands to your face and stroking your hair with the other.

If there was any doubt about his feelings towards you before, it disappeared at that moment.

[equallyshaw]

little lion | Luke hughes au! ↠ all about luke and liona. ↠ au Masterlist! ↠ also not in order, these are random thoughts!

met in october 2023

they do not officially date until 11/04/2023

split time back and fourth between newark and greenwich village

the type of couple to wake up at sunrise, get a coffee and bagel from the corner truck and walk through central park

luke is for sure the one that runs into pigeons and acting like a fool

only to get kailey to laugh

life's mission of luke is to make kailey happy and laugh at all times

intimate touching instead of kissing in public, always having to hold hands or have a hand on a thigh, of their lower back. especially if they go out at night, luke makes sure they are glued to each other at all times

the most competitive board gamers (monoply- absolute feral and scene it harry potter- she will kill whoever- including luke to win. so will luke.)

kailey got luke into harry potter and made him read the books early on in their relationship

actually, she got him onto reading in general. will read anything now.

luke demands one broadway show a month from kailey, meaning they put on the cast album and she belts out the songs with him.

luke absolutely adores kaileys mom, helen. will constantly ask about her and shamelessly asks for home cooked meals from her.

kailey adores it and whenever he gets homesick, she brings him over to her mom's or invites her to hang out and he's grateful for the relationship

luke does not meet alex until July when she invites him out to Washington dc for a visit

one of their favorite dates is to go to painting or paint pottery

they also like to go to watch movies, because she is a movie fanatic and it's something simple to do

her first game that she goes to is the last home game before christmas break, with a win over detroit

nicknames for kailey: pretty girl, calls her by her middle name 'kai', my romashka - meaning my cammie or chamomile, and my lioness

nicknames for luke: pookie, lukey, my love, darling, and Mashunechka (an generic intimate nickname)

huge fans of ice cream and ice cream dates

huge sweettoothes in general

when summer comes around, kailey visits michigan as much as she can between working her nannying job and working at the local bookstore in georgtown.

once her dad finds out about him, kailey and him go to cape cod

around their 6 month mark, kailey see's something on social media and quickly feels like luke might be cheating on her based on the limited space between the two. she even calls her dad about it, but does not mention specifics.

their song is: say yes to heaven, by lana del ray

just like how people belt out to taylor swift and are obsessed with her? that's them with olivia rodrigo and tate mcrae. no hesitation.

when kailey's in a particular mood or stressed with school, luke will come over to her apartment or she will come to his and jacks and they will have a star wars marathon.

as a fashion major, she feels entitled to update his fashion. as well as jacks, because they both need it.

she researches curly hair routines, and the both of them continuously try new things to find out the perfect routine, for him.

she teaches him russian, dubbed "little lion lessons". she teaches him the basics and simple greetings and conversation words. he surprises her though about six months in when she is having a harder time with her mental health, and gives her a whole ass talk in russian and like she thought that she knew he was the one she wanted to marry. but she REALLY knew he was the one.

luke learns enough russian to have a basic conversation with kailey and alex. alex is pretty stunned to say the least. he goes, "you mean he didn't flunk out of highschool?" in old slavic to which luke didnt understand.

uncle geno is the BIGGEST fan of the two

she tells him before she tells her dad

when pittsburgh visits new jersey, he invites her out to dinner along with luke.

in summer of 2024, she joins the cast of hadestown at the off broadway theater for a limited time run as eurydice, for the month of august. luke comes to her first week of shows before heading to michigan to get some things settled, before pulling quinn, jack and his parents for the finale on the 29th. after a two-day staycation, her and luke head back up to nyc and jersey for the year.

cape cod is their place - they get a offseason house in 2028.

luke and kailey ended up going 4 times during their first summer being together

they have a very important talk one morning over coffee and croissants and just know that that is where they are meant to visit at least once an offseason.

some angsty thoughts:

once she graduates in 2026, she has a hard time figuring out what she wants to do. her dream is to open a boutique clothing store in manhattan somewhere or on the cape or georgetown, but doesn't know short term.

ends up going to Washington for about two months, and it just so happened to be when alex was moving from Washington to new york to get back together with kaileys mom once he retires at the age of 41, a year after kailey graduates, he and her mom decide to give things a go again after some really good years the past few.

but she's in Washington while he is back in michigan, and even though luke is trying his hardest to give her the space she needs and craves, its difficult. he is moody af and at times does NOT train.

kailey calls sent a text over in july, stating she needed a break for a bit and that she would reconnect with him once the season begins.

luke has such a shit show of a summer after that + the beginning of season.

kailey spends july through September in the hamptoms with her parents, after alex helping fulfill her mom's dream. summer in the hamptons. (for longer than a week)

luke gets hella jealous because andrei visits for a week in august before heading back to carolinas. he hates how close the two are now that they are on a break.

OH and he also does not like her bestie chris, and thinks he still is in love with her but we'll get a blurb for that at some point hehe

when kailey returns to nyc with her parents she does not expect to see luke in the city.

he always used to say he hated the city when he was not with her

that the reason he loved the city with her, was because she gave it life and energy. he loved seeing it through her eyes.

she was very shocked to see him and he was stunned too. he didn't expect to see her the first time he headed into the city.

but nico being the swiss princess that he is, has to come up and greet her when she goes to dinner with her parents at Soho house

and then the rest of the group comes up, and alex is NOT happy

he doesn't care for any of them, she whispers in russian "be nice dad."

but he see's luke and relaxes a bit.

he really likes luke and began to feel like maybe they could be the real deal before their break.

but anywho

alex talks some sense into his daughter (calls her a dummy) and literally drops her off at the train station to head down to jersey to talk to him. (will get blurb at some point!)

and she does

and yknow, they get back together and what not.

and ofcourse, not without luke promising that he's gonna marry her one day. even though they had talked about it many times, and their future together- she knew it to be soon.

hope you all enjoyed!

please like and reblog if you did (:

[joyful-enchantress]

I'm Dreaming of a Green Christmas | Loki x Fem!Reader

banner created by the amazing @springdandelixn

A/N: Hello! This is my FIRST EVER fic and I’m so excited to share it! I wrote it as part of the Winter Warmers collection that @lokisgoodgirl so graciously opened for contributions. I hope you enjoy!

Update: I wrote a companion piece to this! See how their story continues in Evergreen.

Genre: Friends to lovers, fluff, humor, suggestive thoughts, slight angst (if you squint)

Word Count: 2k

Loki Laufeyson.

The man of your dreams. Or, should you say, the god of your dreams.

Ever since he had reluctantly joined the Avengers last year, you couldn’t get him out of your head. The jet-black hair that fell in cascades, providing a brilliant contrast to the alabaster skin of his face, stretched tautly over sharp cheekbones and a chiseled jaw. You’d idly wondered if you could indeed cut yourself on his cheekbones – and what his jaw might taste like – and you were slightly embarrassed at just how badly you wanted to find out. 

Then there were his eyes – were they emerald green? Or perhaps ocean blue? You could never quite decide. Their gorgeous color seemed to ebb and shift just as much as the crystalline tides. Regardless of their color, they always appeared to be sparkling with mischief; glinting with the thoughts of his next scheme. And Loki usually wore some kind of impish smile to complement his twinkling eyes; you swore the way his lips twisted into those cunning smirks could bring you to your knees – not that you’d be complaining about being in that position…not for him, anyway.

Sigh. Your thoughts hadn’t even wandered below his neck yet, and you were already in need of a cold shower. Was he even aware of the hold he had on you?

Sometimes, you suspected that he knew. You were fast friends after he joined the team and moved into the tower, and not long after, you began to consider him your best friend. The two of you spent countless hours together – almost every free moment you both had to spare. Your time spent with him came with inevitable physical contact - innocent brushes of fingertips as you’d both reach for the last snack, warm hugs, and intimate contact while sparring. Sometimes, even, the occasional wrestling-match-turned-tickle-fight. Each touch, no matter the context, lit your skin on fire, burning with your desire for more. The conversations you had with him were often laced with innuendo; he’d make a suggestive remark and his lips would curl into a devilish grin as he watched the blush blossom over your neck and cheeks. 

But – you told yourself – it didn’t mean anything; that’s just who he was: a relentless flirt. He’d often brag of his sexual exploits back on Asgard (which would also cause you to blush and choke on your drinks), and it was clear that Loki Laufeyson had quite the queue of women at his bedroom door, hoping for the chance to spend a night of passion with him. Perhaps there was some mild attraction, but there was no way he would ever have genuine interest in someone like you. How could he, when he was so damned perfect? And you were, well… you.

Last Christmas was his first “Midgardian Christmas” as he liked to call it. You had fond memories of showing him the traditional customs – decorating, wrapping gifts, watching Christmas movies, drinking hot chocolate, and you even got him to join in on some Christmas caroling. Your favorite memory from last year, though, was when he showed you his apartment at the Avengers tower. You had been inside before, of course, but he was so excited to show you how he decorated it himself, using what he learned after you had dragged him along with you to help decorate every other nook and cranny of the compound…

“Do you like it, darling? Did I live up to your rigorous standards?”

“Loki…” you gasped, “This is breathtaking!” 

He beamed. “Well, I did have a masterful teacher.”

There was that damned smirk again.

“You’ve given it your own… flavor, too, I see.”

“There was no other option, Y/N. Midgardian Christmas decor consists of entirely too much red for my taste,” he remarked with a cringe. “It really is quite tacky. I’ve taken a more… elegant approach.” 

“But what about holly berries? Candy canes? Poinsettias? Red ribbon, even?”

“What was that song you taught me last week? White Christmas? Well in here, darling, we have a Green Christmas, take it or leave it.”

Pulling yourself back to the present moment, you chuckled at the memory. Of course he couldn’t stand to see so much of his brother’s colors in his own quarters. Loki’s room was immaculately adorned with festive decorations, and not a speck of red could be found. The green fir tree in the corner was spectacularly embellished with glittering bulbs of the brightest emerald, silver, and gold. White lights and silver tinsel added to the sparkle, and nestled at the precipice was a beautifully ornate silver spinning wheel, a symbol of his mother, Frigga. The windows in his room were frosted, even though it hadn’t snowed that day, and when you approached them to investigate, you noticed they were not cold to the touch. Loki had frosted them himself, using his power as a Jotun, and then used his seidr to seal them so the frost would not melt, nor would the unwelcome chill seep into the cozy room. Hanging in each of the frosted windows was a green wreath, each one complete with a golden bow and a flickering candle. His usual black furniture and rich, emerald green soft furnishings throughout the room brought the entire look together. It was warm and inviting, but also strong and dark – just like him.

Here you were, daydreaming of that Green Christmas last year, and the nights you would have liked to spend in his room… in his bed.

It just wouldn’t do any more. Being best friends wasn’t enough; you needed more. Christmas was all about letting people know how much you love them, right? You resolved that you would tell Loki your true feelings for him on Christmas Eve.

---------------------------------------------

Christmas Eve arrived in the blink of an eye, and you’d never been more nervous in your life. You had rehearsed over and over again the words that you would say to him, but you feared it wouldn’t be enough. Or maybe it would be too much? Would it scare him away? Would you lose his friendship, that was so dear to you?

Stop it. You could do this.

You picked up the emerald green box adorned with a golden bow, which contained your gift for him. You had gotten him a simple and elegant tie clip, made of platinum, with a single emerald inlaid on the end. It had made you think of him right away when you saw it in the jewelry store, your mind immediately wandering to the thought of him in his all-black suit and tie combo, with that tie clip displayed proudly against his chest.

With the gift box in hand, you began your pilgrimage to his private quarters, where you had plans to do your gift exchange. As you approached the door, the flutters in your stomach increased their tempo from allegro to prestissimo; the blood pounding in your ears rose to a deafening crescendo. You audibly exhaled, trying desperately to catch your breath, and your hand trembled as it made its descent to give a shaky knock on the door. Your body was a perfect symphony of nervousness.

Loki promptly answered with his signature bright smile and twinkling eyes.

“Come in, come in, darling!” He beamed as he wrapped you in a warm embrace and placed an innocent kiss to your cheek that set your insides ablaze, “I’ve just finished up a fresh batch of hot chocolate for us to share.”

“Thank you, Loki, that sounds wonderful.” You placed his gift under the tree, next to a slightly larger one that you presumed was for you.

“Is everything alright, Y/N?”

Dammit. You had tried your best to cover your nerves, but he knew. He always knew with you.

“Yes, Loki, I promise everything is fine,” you assured him with the best smile you could muster, “but I do actually have something to talk to you about, if you wouldn’t mind sitting down.”

“Of course, darling, what is it?”

He made his way over to the sofa next to you, his brows knitting together and his oceanic orbs swirling with concern.

Here goes nothing…

“Loki, you mean so much to me; you’ve been my best friend at the compound practically since the moment you arrived. You’re my favorite person to spend time with, no matter what it is we are doing together. In fact, even when I’m not with you, I find my thoughts drifting to you, frequently during the most inopportune times. You’re often the last thing I’m thinking about when I drift off to sleep at night, and the first thing I’m thinking about when I wake up in the morning. I can’t keep pretending any more, Loki. I’ve fallen in love with you; irrevocably, maddeningly in love.”

You were avoiding eye contact, your fingers twiddling nervously with the hem of your skirt. The silence was deafening. Was he going to say something?

Just as you gathered the nerve to look up at him, you noticed that he had risen from the sofa and was walking towards the tree, with his back to you. Now you’d gone and done it; he was completely uncomfortable, avoiding you, even. You stood up from your seat on the couch, and began walking towards the door, rambling along the way.

“I - I’m so sorry, Loki. I’m sure that was uncomfortable, and maybe crossed a line and I just hope we can still be friends, but I understand that you need some space and I’ll — “

You gasped as a strong hand wrapped tightly around your wrist, preventing you from leaving and interrupting your nervous rambling.

“Y/N, just wait a minute. You didn’t open your gift yet.” His eyes gazed at you softly as he handed you the green box you had spotted earlier under the tree. 

Your small hands shook as you pulled at the ribbon and lifted the lid, revealing the most beautiful gold necklace, with a single charm hanging from the chain – a dazzling emerald, surrounded by a halo of smaller diamonds. 

“Loki…” you whispered, “It’s so… it’s stunning, but it is too much!”

“Read the note, darling.”

You retrieved the small piece of paper that was placed strategically underneath the beautiful necklace, and unfolded it. You were greeted with Loki’s familiar handwriting.

Merry Christmas, Y/N. I’m so incredibly grateful that you’re in my life, and it is my highest hope that you will allow me to court you, and I offer you this necklace in my colors, as a symbol of our courtship, should you accept it. I love you, darling. xx Loki

Your eyes widened as you stared from the note back up to him. 

“I’ll take that as a yes, then?” he asked coyly, with an arrogant smirk.

You nodded furiously; it was as if you momentarily had forgotten how to speak.

With a flick of his wrist and a twirl of his elegant finger, you were wrapped in a tendril of green light and pulled across the floor, and right into his arms, closing the gap that was between you. Before you could express your surprise at his gesture, his hands found their way to either side of your head, his thumbs brushing gently against your rosy cheeks, and he tilted your head so that his lips could meet yours. The kiss was soft at first, your lips exploring each other gently for the first time. Soon, though, the desire you both were harboring became evident, and the kiss grew heated, his tongue prodding your lips, begging for entry, which you easily granted. When he finally released you, you were both panting heavily, trying to catch your breath.

“I hope that was okay?” he questioned, slight concern gracing his breathtaking features.

“Trust me, it was more than okay,” you quipped, tugging on the collar of his sweater, “Now where were we?”

Your lips joined in another passionate kiss, and your heart leapt with unbridled joy. He wanted you to wear his colors. He was yours.

Your wish for a Green Christmas came true.

[jerzwriter]

Tobias took his friend Casey to his hometown of Washington, DC, to show her how they did the holidays. She was impressed, but now it was time to show him how it was really done in her hometown of Philadelphia. As they spend time surrounded by Christmas magic, will they be able to keep their promise to be "just friends?"

Book: Open Heart Characters: Tobias Carrick & Casey MacTavish (F!MC) Rating: Teen Words: 1,700 A/N: This is an altered version of a fic I wrote in 2022... but as I'm finally filling in the gaps of my Tobias/Casey headcanon, I needed to make some changes. If you're following the HC, this story would take place after Part Two: With a Capitol T. Part three will be about the last leg of their trip, and the epilogue will follow. I originally posted these as one ridiculously long fic... crazy town. lol I'm also in the process of updating my Tobias/Casey masterlist to make this a little less confusing... for me, more than you! lol. Thanks to anyone who checks this out!

Series Masterlist | Tobias x Casey Masterlist Masterlist

The day after their DC adventure, they slept in a bit. Casey had assured Tobias that while there was plenty to see during the day, the real Christmas magic in Philly took place at night, so a little more sleep wasn't just doable—she encouraged it!

When they arrived, she immetiately treated him to her favorite bagels to start the day, then it was time for a daylight stroll through Christmas Village.  Tobias was duly impressed. The tiny shops had an old-world charm, right in the middle of a bustling city, but Casey told him...

“You haven’t seen anything yet! Just wait until tonight!"

Philadelphia’s City Hall was a grand structure that was breathtaking no matter the time of year, but like everything else, during the holidays, it was spectacular. Surrounded by a cornucopia of holiday treats, it couldn't help but bring out the child in them. Casey was eager to ice skate, but Tobias passed. Still, he was happy to watch her twirl. He had no problem joining her on the Ferris wheel, taking in the sights of the City from high above, before they headed to Macy’s for the Christmas Light Show. Not one to pass up a chance to shop, Tobias spent a little more time there than Casey had budgeted for, but the good thing? By the time they left, darkness had fallen upon the City of Brotherly Love, and Tobias stood in awe in the center of it. Casey was one hundred percent right. As beautiful as it had been during the day, nothing could compare to now. 

It felt like they had stepped into a Christmas movie, with the aroma of roasted chestnuts filling the air as carolers sang Christmas songs nearby. There were plenty of harried shoppers pushing through the crowds, but for every one of them, there seemed to be a dozen others who were casually strolling around, soaking in the wonders of the season. Laughing families with tired toddlers in strollers or sitting atop their father’s shoulders, coworkers giggling over mulled cider, and couples – couples of every age strolled by hand in hand, often stopping to take a picture in front of the iconic LOVE sculpture. Tobias closed his eyes and took in a long breath - it truly was Christmastime. This was a feeling he was certain was only a part of his past. Sure, he had enjoyed holiday parties, happy hours with friends, and the like, but this... this was different, and he wanted to commit every second to memory.

“Excuse me,” a young woman's voice interrupted Tobias from his reverie. “Would you mind taking our picture?" She asked, motioning to the gentleman by her side. "Selfies are great and all, but they only go so far.”

“'I'd be delighted,” he smiled, removing a gove to better grasp her phone. He took one picture, then another, and egged them on a bit before snapping the third. "Oh, come on, give her a little kiss! On the count of three! One, two...” Snap!

The couple thanked him profusely before walking away, and he found himself unsettled by the emotion welling up inside him... was that... envy? His mind began to wander, and he could almost picture walking through the city clutching Casey’s hand; she'd stop them in their tracks to reach up and kiss his cheek, walking arm in arm; an older couple would stop them to declare how they remind them of themselves when they were younger. It was a picture that was as enticing as it was terrifying, but he couldn't shake the image if he wanted to, and in reality, he didn't want to. But a tap on his shoulder from none other than the subject daydream brought him back to reality, and he only hoped she couldn't read his mind.

“Ready to head to City Hall again?” she asked, handing him a pretzel purchased from a street vendor. "You’ll see; it’s a different world once the sun goes down.”

“Lead the way, princess,” he smiled, fighting the visceral urge to take her hand. “Lead the way.”

~~~~~

“OK,” he admitted as the imposing historic building awash in colorful lights came into their view, “and it is not easy for me to do... but you win. Christmas in Philly is pretty amazing.”

“Yey!!” she squealed, jumping up and down like a child who had just won a treasured prize. She had Tobias mesmerized, and her eyes landed on him; he was smiling. Not any smile, but that smile that made his dimples stand out, where his eyes crinkled, and then she'd just melt. She quickly looked away. She had to. She may have been loathe to admit it, but she was well aware of the effect that smile had on her, and no. There was no way she was going there.  “And you haven’t even seen the tree lit up at night yet,” she said, attempting self-distraction. “I’m so glad you’re enjoying it!”

“Wait, you’re not gonna gloat?”

“No,” she smiled. “I’m just so happy to see you experiencing this all for the first time... to share it with you. I wanted you to feel the magic, too.”

“Oh, trust me, Casey, I feel it. This is something I'll never forget."

They arrived at the Town Hall tree, and once again, Tobias was forced to surrender. “Wow! OK. I’m giving up completely... your tree wins.”

“Ha!” she yelled, nudging his shoulder with hers. “I told you so!”

“Hey, what happened to no gloating!”

She looked up at him with a devilish glint. “Can you just give me this, Carrick?"

He hoped his eyes would not betray him. I would give you anything, he thought but settled with saying, "Sure. You can have this."

“Thank you! I mean, it is the greatest Christmas tree in the world, so..."

“Yeah, no,” a booming voice shouted out from behind, bursting the little bubble they had created

Casey turned around with a cocked brow and hand on her hip. Her Philly attitude is on full display. “Excuse me?” she challenged.

“I mean, this is nice and all, but if you want to see the best in the world, ya gonna have to head to New York."

Crossing her arms in defiance, she glared at the entirely too-tall stranger. "I don’t believe you.”

“Have you ever seen it?”

“Uhm, no... not in person.”

“Then you can’t judge, can you?" The man smirked. "I’m a New Yorker. TRUST me on this.”  

“Well, if it’s so great... what are you doing here?”

“Ehh… my wife is from Philly,” he shrugged. “I have to indulge her every now and again.”

“Well, how kind of you,” Casey replied, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

“Hey,” the man chuckled jovially, “Happy wife, happy life.  And, while New York may have the best Christmas tree, I will concede Philly has the best women!” He slapped Tobias on the shoulder with such force he had to stop himself from stumbling forward. “Isn’t that right, buddy?”

Casey and Tobias turned to each other, deer caught in the headlights. Casey’s wit seemed to drain from her, along with the color on her face, as Tobias turned back to the man, trying to recover.

“While I don’t disagree with you, she’s not my wife... not even my girlfriend... we’re just friends.”

Casey didn't understand the way her throat clenched or why her eyes filled with water at his words, but the man took a long look at her, then Tobias, and smiled. "“Well, I’d get to work on that if I were you, pal. Capiche? Happy Holidays, you two.”

Casey’s cheeks were redder than the bows adorning the massive tree, and it had nothing to do with the cold. Unable to look at Tobias, she peered down at her Uggs as if they had an answer. Wiggling her toes in the soft fleece, she struggled for something to say. But as she looked away, Tobias's eyes never left her. He could have been honest about his feelings, or he could have uttered any of the dozen bad jokes he had at the ready to defuse the situation, but he couldn't do either. Honesty wasn't an option, but neither was lying about his true feelings. There was a wall of fire burning between them, but neither would risk getting burned.

“I have an idea,” he said, attempting to put them both at ease.

“What’s that?” Casey asked gratefully.

“Let’s put this ‘greatest Christmas tree of all’ thing to rest once and for all.  What do you say we swing by New York on the way home tomorrow.”

“Seriously?”

“I don’t joke about things like this.”

Casey bit her lip as she smiled. “I’d love to!”

“So we have a plan for tomorrow! But what do you want for the rest of the night?”

“Let’s take a ride down 13th Street. You have to see those lights! They don't call it the Miracle on 13th Street for nothing! Then... cookies and a movie at the hotel? If we’re adding New York to the itinerary, we should probably rest up.”

“If medicine doesn’t work out for you, you have a career as a cruise director, kid,” he grinned. “Let’s go.”

An hour later, they sat on the couch in their hotel room, a bowl of popcorn and a plateful of cookies within reach as they watched “It’s a Wonderful Life.” Exhausted, Casey had to lie down, placing her feet on Tobias’s lap. Unsure how to react, he rested his hand atop her ankle and exhaled when she didn't balk.

Look, Daddy. Teacher says, every time a bell rings, an angel gets his wings. That's right, that's right!

The movie concluded and delivered a lump the size of coal in TObias's throat. “You know, I am man enough to admit... that damn line gets me every time.”

But Casey didn’t answer; she had fallen fast asleep.  With a tender smile, Tobias slipped off the couch to retrieve a blanket. There was no sense waking her. After tucking it around her, he leaned over to place the most delicate kiss atop her head.

“Sweet dreams, princess,” he whispered before heading to bed. "Sweet dreams."

~~~~~

Casey was absolutely giddy when she hopped into Tobias’s car the next morning.

“I can’t believe we’re going to New York, too! This has been the greatest trip,” she enthused. “It really feels like Christmas, doesn’t it, T?”

“It sure does,” he softly smiled.

“How long is the drive?” She asked

“Once we’re on the NJ Turnpike, we’re looking about two hours.”

“Great!” she beamed. “That gives us plenty of time for holiday music!”

They made it ten minutes before Mariah Carey belted out of the surround sound in Tobias's car. (Can one really go longer than that without hearing Mariah during this season?) Casey amped up the volume, and then it happened! Her voice may have been off-key; her “seat dancing” technique was nothing anyone would ever wish to emulate, but she grabbed her empty coffee cup as an improvised microphone and gave one hell of a performance for her imaginary crowd. Meanwhile, her live audience of one was grinning from ear to ear.

“I don’t want a lot for Christmas There is just one thing I need Don’t care about the presents underneath the Christmas tree I don’t need to hang my stocking there upon the fireplace Santa Claus won’t make me happy with a toy on Christmas Day I just want you for my own More than you could ever know Make my wish come true All I want for Christmas is yoooooooooouuuuuuuuuuu.”

“You’re gonna give Mariah a run for her money,” Tobias chuckled. 

“Really,” Casey winced. “I’m pretty sure she’d tell me to keep my day job…. Well, once I’m back at my day job."

“Hey! You’re getting closer every day,” he reassured. “You’ll be back to Ethan driving you bonkers in no time.”

“Hmm. When you put it that way it sounds odd to say I hope so, but I do hope so. Still, until then, I have a gig in this car and I take my obligations very seriously!"

She looked up at him with an endearing smile. "Don't worry! I promise to buy you a huge bottle of Advil as soon as we hit the City!”

“No need,” he laughed, pointing to his glove compartment. “There are some in there, but I don’t need them.”

“Good,” Casey smiled. “Next up, Santa Claus is Coming to Town!”

She began singing the song, a la Bruce Springsteen, but she had no idea how much Tobias agreed. Seeing Casey this happy? Santa was not coming to town, he had already arrived and delivered the greatest gift he had ever received.

Final stop coming up: New York! 🍎

@choicesficwriterscreations @openheartfanfics

Tagging Tobias Stans only - @alj4890 @kyra75 @coffeeheartaddict2 @brycesgirl @icecoffee90 @storyofmychoices

[greypetrel]

Fanfic Writer Questions

Tagged by @melisusthewee, and at least another person. I'm sorry if I ignored the tag, I was away and it's a busy period, let me know ;_;

Tagging forward: @ndostairlyrium @shivunin @inquisimer and YOU who are reading and would like to do it!

1. How many works do you have on AO3? 12, right now.

2. What's your total AO3 word count? 497,183 ... I'm chatty.

3. What fandoms do you write for? Dragon Age, and a crossover with LOTR/The Silmarillion.

4. What are your top 5 fics by kudos?

Home Was Never on the Ground (long fic, concluded, it's anthological and mainly me filling blanks in DAI as inspiration stroke)

She of Many Names (ongoing, a LOTR/Dragon Age crossover. A follower on Instagram asked me if Aisling was Sauron, the idea made me laugh so much that my mind took fire.)

Saturday Prompts (a collection of prompts I posted here. I never uploaded every one of them, oops)

Death and All of Its Friends (ongoing, a DA2 collection)

The Night Before First Day (Two chapters, concluded. One it's in rhyme and illustrated. Aisling taught her daughter that the Dreadwolf is Santa out of spite. Solas tries to disapprove.)

5. Do you respond to comments? Yes, always!

6. What is the fic you wrote with the angstiest ending? I do love angst, but I don't like angsty endings all that much ahahahahah. I think the one that gets closer, in a bitter-sweet way, is One for the Road. Call me a sucker for rare-pairs, this was also prompted here and my brain took fire (LavellanxFenris)

7. What's the fic you wrote with the happiest ending? The Night Before First Day. Listen I'm not a Christmas person, I turn into a seasonal depressed Grinch at Christmas, living in a catholic country doesn't help, and that is my way of giving myself some joy.

8. Do you get hate on fics? Not that I know of.

9. Do you write smut? If so, what kind? Not any that I publish.

10. Do you write crossovers? What's the craziest one you've written? Yes I do. She of Many Names is a Dragon Age and LOTR crossover. I love it dearly, I'm slow to update it because I have the greatest love for Tolkien (with all his flaws, but my brain rewired when I saw the first movie, and the book has been my entire personality for two years. I wouldn't be the same person without it) and I do care of rendering it as I want.

11. Have you ever had a fic stolen? ... Not that I know of? I hope not, ahahahah :"D

12. Have you ever had a fic translated? If you consider that English is not my first language, all my fics are translated? xD Other than that, no.

13. Have you ever co-written a fic before? No, but I'd love to.

14. What's your all time favorite ship? EowynxFaramir, hands down. Out of pure lenght. Maybe LeiaxHan Solo (my parents are both nerds, I think my mom made me watch Star Wars the first time... I don't remember, the vhs were always around in the house. I was very, very little.)(we don't talk about the sequel trilogy.)

15. What's a WIP you want to finish but doubt you ever will? I tried to write a third chapter for the aforementioned One for the Road... But it ends up in a love triangle and I don't like love triangles that aren't a poly relationship. So, it's sitting in my folder and I'll never finish it. I was considering ditching the second chapter and rewrite it as a "Aisling as a companion in DA2" fic... But MEH.

16. What are your writing strengths? I think dialogue. I am trained as a comic artist, which means that the writing parts that get polished are dialogue. I have much more experience with that. ... I am also terrible at judging my own work in a positive way, tho, so you tell me.

17. What are your writing weaknesses? English not being my first language and leading to mis-spellings. Other than that... I started writing fanfiction after YEARS of not writing anything in prose that wasn't screenplays for comics (which follows different rules). Since I stopped because of being hurt by it, I went on to it by not planning stuff.

I'm rusty with prose, and my retelling -the first thing I tackled- clearly had little planning ahead.

18. Thoughts on writing dialogue in another language in fic? It's a no, for me, unless you specifically wants your audience not to understand what's being said and create a sense of isolation and of not knowing what's going on. A sentence here and there with a translation is fine. But if it's something long... You want the reader to understand well. Italicized text it is.

19. First fandom you wrote for? I wouldn't call it a fandom, but: Greek Mythology. I drew a parody comic of the Iliad in my first high school year, alongside friends. It had been so fun. I also wrote, still in high school, something heavily inspired by Eragon, which only my friends had the pleasure of reading. (I'm only saying it involved my now most hated trope: THE SECRET TWIN.)

20. Favorite fic you've written? The next one.

I'm very invested in Ashes and Sparks, aka the Dreadwolf AU. I'm putting ideas in it and going fully canon divergent and writing it as I would like Inquisition to have gone. No Corypheus, more crazy tevinters, and the focus ON FUCKING TIME TRAVEL.

In a modern setting because yes.

It's also tackling something I absolutely hate in fiction when it's done wrongly, which is time travel, and I'm sweating and hoping I'll do it with logic. It's something niche and not so focused on a single ship, so probably it'll interest only me, but I'm happily writing and trying to contain myself from posting chapters of more than 10k.

Blank Form Under the Cut

1. How many works do you have on AO3?

2. What's your total AO3 word count?

3. What fandoms do you write for?

4. What are your top 5 fics by kudos?

5. Do you respond to comments?

6. What is the fic you wrote with the angstiest ending?

7. What's the fic you wrote with the happiest ending?

8. Do you get hate on fics?

9. Do you write smut? If so, what kind?

10. Do you write crossovers? What's the craziest one you've written?

11. Have you ever had a fic stolen?

12. Have you ever had a fic translated?

13. Have you ever co-written a fic before?

14. What's your all time favorite ship?

15. What's a WIP you want to finish but doubt you ever will?

16. What are your writing strengths?

17. What are your writing weaknesses?

18. Thoughts on writing dialogue in another language in fic?

19. First fandom you wrote for?

20. Favorite fic you've written?

[niuniente]

Some travel updates

Made the best karjalanpaisti stew yesterday! Friend went to a butcher to get the right kind of meat and was also able to bring me a bone (recommendation; always make a slow cooked stews with a bone in it if possible. Adds to the flavor!)

The said stew made me sick because I gambled with mashed potatoes so I've been resting today and watching Buffy (it just keeps getting better and better!)

Went today to get something which is easy to digest and saw the fluffiest squirrel and a super friendly (and small) black cat.

A very cute old gentleman cat lives by next door and I got to see him twice, too.

Stopped by a cake shop recommended by the said friend (Hunter's Cake Cafe). I need to visit there again next time!

Before going to the cake shop I popped in an interior shop Vinegar Hill. There was a very adorable, very Nordic/Japanese looking acorn jar. I thought it was a bit too expensive for its size and a bit too small for anything so I left it there. However, I had to go back to get it because it kept haunting me when I ate the cake. It's very cute!

Saw a cashier with lots of awesome tattoos and complimented him for them, which seemed to make him happy.

We watched the Finnish action movie Sisu together and it was fun.

Stocked some underwear with a pound store's 2£ and 3£ deals (as I need to pay at least 10€ for them back home).

ALL THE CHRISTMAS CARDS ARE SO PRETTY, I WANT TO BUY ALL THE PACKAGES I SEE BUT I HAVE NO NEED FOR 456 CHRISTMAS CARDS.

Oxfam charity shops are my new favorite

[dramioneromcomfest]

Trim the tree and hang some mistletoe, my friends. It’s time for the Dramione RomCom Fest: Christmas Edition!

FEST RULES

No prompt list this time, my loves. There are a million and one Christmas romcoms, and who am I to limit your options? The only requirement for the movie you select is that it be a romcom set at Christmas. Go with a classic like White Christmas or Love Actually, or one of this year’s Hallmark lineup, or some obscure made-for-tv flick you recorded one Christmas and now watch every year. Just pick one you love and let the merriment begin!

Not sure if your choice fits that description? Contact me and I’ll be happy to discuss with you. 

Here are few lists to help if you don’t have a film in mind

45 Most Romantic Christmas Movies, Including the Best Holiday Rom-Coms

33 Best Romantic Christmas Movies That Will Give You All the Feels This Holiday

The 40 Best Hallmark Christmas Movies of All Time

Posting deadline is January 15 midnight CDT.

Stories and artwork must be posted to the AO3 fest collection before the deadline. I ask that you please wait to post to other platforms until after the fest has gone live.

https://archiveofourown.org/collections/DramioneRomComFestChristmasEdition

Be sure to include your chosen movie in the author’s notes!

The fest will go live January 16 noon CDT

I will promote each story and art piece on Tumblr, one or two per day depending on the number of entries

As always, this fest is open to both authors and artists!

AUTHORS: 1000 word minimum, no max, written for the fest

I understand that stories sometimes run away with us, so you are welcome to post a WIP as long as it meets the 1000 word minimum. You can then update on your own schedule.

ARTISTS: At least one piece of original artwork.

This can be hand-drawn, digital art, or photo manipulation. You are not limited to the number of pieces you create for your prompt.

If you are both an author AND an artist, you are welcome to post artwork to go along with your story. Again, you will only be allowed one prompt.

Any rating welcome, but please tag appropriately for any TW. No non-con or pedophilia permitted.

This is a Dramione fest, so while you are welcome to have other characters and pairings, the main pairing must be Draco and Hermione. Triads and multis (Dramione + another character/s) are welcome.

Let your imagination run wild! This does not have to be a direct retelling. Feel free to focus on your favorite scene, make it an au, swap the main pairing’s roles, set it at Hogwarts. Have fun with it!

I’m so excited to host this fest again with a holiday twist and can’t wait to see all the amazing stories and artwork!

You can also save a copy of the rules here.

[noangeleither]

"About the Blogger" Meme

Thanks for tag @bioloyg <3

Star Sign(s): Scorpio Sun (I literally never remember my other ones, I should probably memorize them)

Favorite Holidays: Christmas and Halloween. even tho i find it harder to feel the holiday spirit up until the very last minute i love christmas so much. and not even to be corny but its true that when you grow up you start to care less about the presents and more about the memories with family and friends.

i grew up in a religous family so my parents didnt let me celebrate halloween but i still love it with my whole heart. im a november baby so i love fall and all things eerie and spooky.

Last Meal: McDonalad's snack wrap and one of those new fruit splash drinks. its exam season so ofc im eating like shit. will probably eat some ice cream when i get home after my physiology exam in 30 minutes. so yay to junk food

Current Favorite Musician: currently ive been really enjoying pinkpantheress. her new album is literally 10/10. she has such a knack for melodies, and her lyrics are very eerie and poetic while maintaining a cutesy 2000s vibe. shes also a sampling queen.

honoarble mentions: ive been listening to a lot of janet, rosalia and red velvet these days too.

Last Music Listened To: feedback by janet Jackson. bro istg you have to clear the area when this comes on, i cant help but dance

Last Movie Watched: last movie i watched was bride wars. honestly a classic movie, so funny and i love wedding movies so i reccomend it. that was a month ago tho, which is crazy.

Last TV Show Watched: like the wonderful person who tagged me i watched the bear last. i just rewatched s02e01. ive been doing this thing where i'll either rewatch episodes for research, boredom or just because i get sucked in rewatching a specific clip that makes me want to rewatch the whole episode.

Last Book/Fic Finished: last fic i finished was keeping up with the berzattos by chefskiss40 on ao3. ive reread it like 3 or 4 times now and im patiently waiting for an update. its just so good, i love the domestic vibes. im not a fan of seeing my ships start families in canon but in fic? oh i could read that forever

Last Book/Fic Abandoned: not really abandoned but sorta modified? the sydcarmy high school au i started in the summer was a good concept but i didnt really have a concrete idea where the overall story would go. BUT im planning on maybe doing a series which is just a collection of one shots of them in HS? OR i plan on doing a multi-chapter shorter story that is an AU that also takes place in a high school setting but with a twist that i dont want to reveal bc that would mean i would have to commit to it. lol

Currently Reading: nothing. unless you count all these articles/research papers I've been reading for my health research studies course (think i aced the exam yesterday so maybe all the pain was worth it)

Last Thing Researched for Art/Writing/Hyperfixation: doesnt really count as research but basically i was on pinterest creating boards for 3 different fics. was researching wedding dresses for a nat & syd fic where they go wedding dress shopping (will be finishing after my last exam). also just creating two other boards to inspire myself to start the au i teased above and my bones and all AU/retelling i talked about last month. i want to watch some more cannibalism media and maybe research about 80s pop culture and politics before i dive into that one fully.

Favorite Online Fandom Memory: ummmm probably just being a menace on twitter with my friends that i made through being a reveluv. we talk every single day, and they are some of the best people i know. maybe the times we used to get up early or stay up late for comeback season, watch the kcharts being updated hourly and crack jokes about group we liked and didnt like

Favorite Old Fandom You Wish Would Drag You Back In/Have A Resurgence: technically THG is having a resurgence right now but im way too into the bear to really get back into it and also i havent seen the new movie. im excited to once exam season is done but i feel like the hype is already dying so i dont see myself getting too into it.

Favorite Thing You Enjoy That Never Had an Active or Big "Fandom" but You Wish It Did: uhhhh cant think of one tbh.

Tempting Project You're Trying to Rein In/Don't Have Time For: honestly every sydcarmy fic idea i have that would take multi chapters to flesh out. one shots are very safe for me. but im praying i'll commit to it. esp the bones and all AU lol

this was fun

tagging some ppl to do this too, only if you want!

@amieraisposting @chefkids @sennenrose @sydneys-adamu @sydneyscarm @happylikeasadsong @chansoooo1-blog

[imliterallyjustablackgirl]

"About the Blogger" meme

Thank u sm for tag @happylikeasadsong

Star Sign(s): Virgo sun, Cancer rising and Aries Moon - * ratata, in the ghettooo*

Favorite Holidays: Christmas and New Years, I just love little lights and the snow in the trees and to be reminded that makeup is just make up by the Canadian wind, while I get bitch slapped like I owes it money, ahhh, canadian's winter. I loveeee Christmas songs, I get so excited when it'ssss timmmee ( Mariah is it you). I dream for the day were I get to put lil socks like in movies with name and everything. Might even stitch them myself uwu. We don't do it, but maybe one day, family on my own.

Last Meal: As like my last meal if I d i e or - I ate a burned sandwich, I did it to myself. Me and myself are not talking right now, the sandwich was the last straw for today. It had two large meatballs in a subway wanna be bread - could have been great- I'm getting emotional all over again.

Current Favorite Musician: Brown noise 10 hrs- no wait - Rap orchestra - that's like the current thing I'm listening to right now. Mostly Metro's concert rap Orchestra. But Tanarelle, forever my love. Sade, for sure.

Last Music Listened To: * sigh - go look at the last edit I watched** 1975- about you, the snippet of Holt singing. Last Movie Watched: Bottoms - Lmao- THEEE GAYYYZZZ

Last TV Show Watched: Craig of the Creek - Rick and Morty, Bob's burgers, I watch Bob's burgers alot.

Last Book/Fic Finished: Now why did you have to do me like dat.

Last Book/Fic Abandoned: W A W Abandoned? I Do Not Abandoned My Kids. They just live inside my head until one day a smell, a sound,or an idea reminds me that they exist, or I write them on a piece of paper and forget about it OR they live inside my notes pads. Let's not speak about myout-of-wedlockk Skyrock- Wattpat and Fanfiction.net, children, they are not mine, you cannot prove it. Where is the paternity test?

Currently Reading: Y'all posts, like it's bedtime stories. Curry's fanfictions - honestly I read most of y'all updated or not fanfiction, I was on A3O Sydcarmy tags when there was barely two pages, so ouf - thank you to y'all my loves :* truly. I would lie if I said now I have too much windows open I'm confusing the timelines and fanfic. - Seasons of Sydney by shewalksoverme I am waiting for them to update. I am not handling it well, sadly *sighs*

Last Thing Researched for Art/Writing/Hyperfixation: Canada's woods, slightly make me sounds like a serial killer but HOW would you write a werewolf Carmy,huh!? I lived there most of my life, thought it would help me get a better writing experience, yet I've been too busy to continue and now I'm alarmeling aware that we have coyotes. Great ;-;

Favorite Online Fandom Memory: I have alot but I watched the last episode of Stranger Things with my friends last year. S8 of TVD, feeling like a last survivor of some sort, trauma lol - The Howl House - the finality, it healed my inner child to see a queer neurodivergent kid being understood by her mom, kick ass and be happy lol.

Favorite Old Fandom You Wish Would Drag You Back In/Have A Resurgence: Amphibia- it's such a cute and layered cartoon. OMG - I ALMOST FORGOT - CENTAURWORLD. It deserves the praise. It deserves to be acknowledged, the bad guy changed my perception of so many things.

Favorite Thing You Enjoy That Never Had an Active or Big "Fandom" but You Wish It Did: I wish (His Dark Materials: The Golden Compass) when I tell you, that this fantasy world has haunted me, because of how good it was for little girl me, argh! I would watch it all over again, I wish it had a bigger fanbase - if you love Christmas-

Tempting Project You're Trying to Rein In/Don't Have Time For:

Listen - Projects are not the issue, it's the follow-through, I'm gonna try writing mini-stories to keep my mind engaged. I'll manipulate myself into work - Also I keep losing password to things so, yeah- My fic started: Under the moon- I will this week updated it- I want to write more one-shots, more smut for sure- I am interested in exploring differents fronts of any characters. Shit, I might even a Bob's Burgers fanfic. You can't stop me, you're not my mom- that I know of :O I would like @currymanganese to do it @angelica4equity You don't have to, but like... an ant somewhere might die cauz of it so, idk- do u wanna be an ant murdereww? Yeah, that's what i thought

[ticklygiggles]

Top 22 of 2022

I've been meaning to do this before the end of the year for obvious reasons, but I just didn't have the chance until now! Thank you everyone who had tagged me, you all are so sweet

I apologize in advance, though. My memory sucks and my perception of time is broken sdjfjdhf

Part 1: Fandom Faves 

01. Favorite new fandoms of the year: SPY x FAMILY, Demon Slayer

02. Favorite new ships since this year: SPYxFAMILY - Twiyor, Cynari, ScaraLumi - Genshin Impact

03. Favorite anime/TV show of the year: Extraordinary Attorney Woo, SPY x FAMILY, Pokémon Journeys

04. Favorite movie of the year: Hmm, I honestly don't watch many movies, so this one's hard... maybe Turning Red? Haha

05. Favorite character of the year: Scaramouche/Wandered, Tighnari - Genshin Impact. Uzui Tengen, Rengoku Kyojuro - Demon Slayer. Seo HyunSoo - XXX Buddy.

06. Favorite soundtrack of the year: One of my favorite soundtrack every year will always be Liyue OST - Genshin Impact!

07. Favorite book/manga/comic of the year: sajkhfjdf this year I read lots of new Manhwas and also a few books. Some of my favorite manhwas were Define the Relationship, Perfect Buddy, Actually, I was the real one, Who made me a Princess?, Under the Oak Tree, Love so Pure (side story), Forget About My Husband, I'd Rather Go Make Money, The Marriage Business and mooore.

I didn't like the books I read this year that much, but I guess my favorite was Six Crimson Cranes. Also read some light novels and they were The Marriage Business and I'll be the Warrior's Mother.

08. Favorite game of the year: Genshin Impact and Obey me!

09. Highlight of this year to remember: March 7th when I went to Disneyland JSAFHJ

Part 2: Community Review

10. Favorite Tumblr moments of 2022: Tickletober, my 2k milestone. @vqler and @dokidoki-muffin return aaaand... I think that's the most I can remember hahaah

11. Favorite fan art of the year: I have been blessed with so much fanart this year omg, some of my faves were this one, of course because it's the first time someone drew art for one of my fics!

Also this one, this one, this one, this one, this one, and this one, but honestly, there are so many aaaa

12. Favorite fic of the year: I read good fics this year, I can't choose, but definitely some of my faves are these beautiful fics I got from my dearest friends in my birthday and Christmas, here, here and here.

13. Favorite ask game of the year: The tickly alphabet, this one and the 3 sentence fic

14. My top achievements as a writer/artist/creator/blogger: Participating in Tickletober for the first time! I didn't finish all days, but I'm happy with the result haha. Also getting to finish my 2k milestone event!

15. My own best fic/post of the year: I think I wrote a lot this year, but one of my faves to write was this Koi ga Ochitara one because I've been wanting to write one with them for sooo long!

16. My most underappreciated fic/post of the year: Probably not the "most", but this Mafuyu x Ritsuka x Yuki one?

17. A post of mine that got more popularity than expected: Omg these three Tickletober fics because they don't have a large popularity in the community, but they got more attention that I expected!

Koi Ga Ochitara, Junai Drop Out, Sign

18. Something I changed on my blog since this year: I think I did write more this year, so that was nice!

Part 3: Next Year

19. Something I didn’t post this year but would like to do next year: I'd like to work on this little AU idea thingy I have been neglecting because I feel unsure to write and post, but we'll see!

20. Goals for next year: As for this blog... maybe getting into more fandoms to keep writing haha. Also, Ginny girl is trying to write less trash, but I'd like to keep collaborating with her, because I just love how well we write together aaaa

21. 2023 releases I look forward to the most: MAHOUTSUKAI NO YOME SEASON 2! Aaaand more Genshin updates and also Obey me cards that I can actually get LOL

Part 4: Spreading Love

22. Shoutouts to people who made my 2022 a better year: 

Goodness, here comes the fun part haha:

@otomiya-tickles of course my sweetie girl precious baby boo. I already told you this, but thank you for making my 2022 a loooot better, thank you for your endless support and your love! You are the best and I'm so happy to talk to you every single day! You are so so talented and smart and amazing and I love you!

@ragewerthers my frieeeend, I always have so much fun talking with you! From just daily life activities to our endless hcs about our precious Toshi *teary emoji* you definitely did my 2022 a lot better too and I hope we can still talk lots this 2023!

@wertzunge Maaaax, I think this year we talked more than any other time haha, I'm happy we're both excited about Mahoutsukai no Yome sdbfhsdf I already said this to you, but I hope we get to talk some more this year as well! Thank you for your friendship!! (Also thank you for your kind support during commisions!)

@vqler @dokidoki-muffin we barely interact with each other BUT I wanted to say that you both are amazing and super talented people and I admire your abilities and your creativity and it's so so nice to have you back in the community! You both are GREAT and I get excited every time I see art from you both. Such talented people, let me give you a respectful kiss on your forehead.

@ticklystuff omg hi! I know we don't talk much, but I just wanted to say that I really like you and you are so so so so SO good at writing ome such talent! I love seeing you in my dash and seeing all the cool amazing stuff you write aaaaa I think of you every time I see Childe, no lies. Thank you for being amazing!

@happyandticklish Queen of writing. No words just admiration. Honestly, you are so so so GOOD. I wish I could write like you and you're so kind and amazing help askdjskf We've talked a bit before and I apologize for my awkwardness aaaaa Thank you for showing us all how cool you are and for being a cupcake!

@myreygn Reeeeey! I honestly get so so shy when you mention how you fangirled when I followed you back ahahaha, thank you for always being so supportive with me! You are amazing and I like chatting with yoouuu! I hope we get to talk some more during 2023!!

@thornoisdono Thank you for the generous support in kofi aaaaa, I love every single fic you requested and hopefully, you'll see them up in the next couple of days! Thank you!

@intheticklecloset @zeke-ism @lovelynim @xsezzie @bloominggiggles @ticklish-v-93 @soft-tk-fluff @chibimochii @nnainai @tickles-tea @looneytickles @tiredleekaz @ssnicker-doodless @spongeboblevel25 @justmaybee @itslittlegiggle @tiklart @lovelymessybubbly @italeean @ticklishfanart - whether we had talked before or not, I'm so thankful for you all! I love seeing and interacting with your content. You all are amazing and make my stay in tumblr so much better! I'd love to get to know you all more this year, but I'll be always be awkward, but I want you to know that you are some of my favorite blogs EVER.

[naturalkillercyborg]

Iris update about media I've experienced somewhat recently (because I just kinda feel like talking right now):

I posted earlier this month that I was watching Scott Pilgrim Takes Off as my first exposure to anything about the series (outside of cultural osmosis) and as someone who didn't read the comics or watch the movie I kinda felt like I was missing some stuff, but I also thought this show was pretty neat on it's own. It took me like 5 episodes to realize "This probably ISN'T usually how the story goes because Scott has been missing forever lol".

I saw Godzilla Minus One shortly before finals week and it is definitely the best Godzilla movie in years. Might be my new favorite even. I really like the way the human story was handled and it was also interesting as a period piece. They did a great job at making Godzilla menacing (that boat scene kinda had me sweating tbh).

Yesterday I saw The Color Purple. This was my first time properly experiencing the story and I thought it was really powerful. The performances were all great and there was some pretty interesting stuff with the directing and cinematography. I love when movie adaptations of musicals get creative with how they handle scenes in ways a live performance can't. Might be my favorite new movie I saw this year.

I finally finished the Ace Attorney Trilogy about a week before Christmas. To share some of my overall thoughts on the trilogy as a whole without being spoilery, I think it's an interesting package. The first game is definitely my favorite standalone, but I really liked the continuity of the trilogy. The last case of game 3 was really engaging and had my brain racketing in a good way (if that makes sense). It felt a TAD bloated at points but I get why they'd want to pull out all the stops for the (intended) finale. I got pretty emotional during that last bit tbh.

Earlier today I saw The Boy and the Heron. I'm still kinda processing it because I tend to zone out during Ghibli movies (not sure why this is. Might have to do with the pacing). I picked up on some interesting themes surrounding grief, confrontation of reality, and pursuing the impossible. I'm sure there's plenty of symbolism rooted in Japanese culture that went over my head (particularly relating to the various birds and their different roles), which I may look more into later. Also Robert Pattinson was great as the heron.

I've also been reading Agatha Christie's And Then There Were None. Really engaging.

[hallmarknostalgia]

Today I have the honor of interviewing Net of the popular blog, It’s A Wonderful Movie. I don’t remember exactly when or where I first discovered her, but it was around the time I started watching Cedar Cove on the Hallmark Channel. I remember conducting searches and invariably finding that her blog had the best information about what content was family-friendly on TV and at the movies. I mean, she even creates a Christmas TV schedule so that everyone can find their favorite movies at this time of the year. She is circumspect about posting the press information about Hallmark and other networks, and it is such a delight to feature her today. (By the way, she interviewed me today too!)

RH: Please tell us how, when and why you started your blog.

Net: Thank you, Ruth, for inviting me today – to share the details on my blog, “It’s a Wonderful Movie!” I’m also delighted I had the opportunity to interview you, too! It has been many years now that we have both been communicating back and forth – sharing our mutual love of movies!

Before my blog “It’s a Wonderful Movie” began, I started creating various websites on my favorite family-friendly TV shows. That was back in the early 2000’s! From there, I started sharing my love of Christmas movies. One of my followers asked if I would do a Christmas TV list, and so I did! However, the list was much smaller then.

In June of 2008, I transitioned from the old Geo-cities websites into the incredible world of blogging and created “It’s a Wonderful Movie!” Right from the start, I was featuring Hallmark Channel movies and other wholesome content from other networks. At that time, I was rather alone in doing so, but I loved the movies so much – I wanted to share that simple, yet profound enjoyment with others.

Growing up, before we even had cable, I remember my sister and I, as little girls, would look forward to receiving the TV Guide flier in our newspaper every week throughout December. We would get out a red pen or marker and circle all the Christmas movies and specials we could find, usually shows like Charlie Brown, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, perhaps, a Christmas movie of the week, etc…

When I share my schedule today, overloaded with Christmas movies, I remember those precious, simple times from my childhood- gathering around the TV with my Daddy, Momma, brother and sister to watch a Christmas special on TV, when they were a bit more scarce and unique.

Although we have an abundance of Christmas movie options today, my family and I still try to make watching them together – meaningful and special.

In addition to the Hallmark Channel, I’ve provided movie details and lots of updates throughout the years for UP and INSP, plus Hallmark Movies & Mysteries and Hallmark Drama and more! Each day, I’ve discovered, is a new journey and learning experience in this blogging process, and I have met so many kind, friendly people along the way.

In that very first year of having my “It’s a Wonderful Movie” blog, back in 2008, I was, of course, sharing Hallmark Channel’s Christmas movies, which included four new Christmas films that year. Two are still quite popular today – Candace Cameron Bure’s Moonlight and Mistletoe and Brooke Burns’ movie The Most Wonderful Time of the Year. We’ve certainly come a long way since then. From 4 to 40! Wow!

At that time, I recall thinking… four new Christmas movies are really great! Of course, every year since then, the number of movies has risen, as well as the popularity and ratings for the Hallmark network at Christmastime. And each year, I’ve provided a schedule of the Christmas movies on my site to help everyone navigate through the season without (hopefully!) missing their favorite Christmas classics, and of course, catch all the new movie premieres, too.

When I started out sharing these movies, I certainly could not foresee the extensive number of new movies we would be blessed with by this Christmas season. Sometimes I wonder how long it can last, and then I just try to hold on to the moment and enjoy it while it does.

When January comes along, I’m always back to reporting new, original family-friendly movies throughout the year – on various networks, typically starting with Hallmark Channel’s “Winterfest.”

In the time that you have maintained this blog, how have you seen it expand and change?

Throughout my time of blogging, the audience for these movies has grown exponentially, and I have met so many dear friends who enjoy movies as much as I do. Beyond the movies, I believe it’s a feeling of joy and happiness we receive each time we watch one of these uplifting films. That’s the spirit that unites us!

I’ve also been blessed to come into contact with most of the networks of the movies I feature, whether it be at Christmastime or all year long. INSP and Hallmark were the first ones to reach out many years ago, and you can only imagine my excitement when they did! Being recognized by those I featured regularly was a considerable honor.

I know you’ve done many interviews over the years. While interviews are not your focus, how do you decide who to interview? What have been your most memorable ones to date?

Interviewing is always a unique experience based upon the actors and actresses, writers, directors, etc… that I’ve interviewed. Sometimes the person, themself, will reach out, or I’ll see a movie, like A Godwink Christmas, and just know, I have to try to find a way to interview someone about that movie! Thankfully, author SQuire Rushnell was available to do so! What a precious soul!

In fact, all the writers I’ve spoken to have been truly wonderful, from Karen Kingsbury (The Bridge) and Dandi Daley Mackall (My Boyfriends’ Dogs), to most recently, Barbara Hinske (The Christmas Club).

My most memorable interview overall was definitely Jill Wagner and Jet Jurgensmeyer – for INSP’s The Legend of the 5 Mile Cave! That was the second time I had interviewed Jill (who was already incredible in our first interview – sharing details of her film, faith, fashion, wedding, etc…), but this time around, it was the first time I had interviewed two people at once! They were both wonderful with their responses and it’s definitely a very special interview I’ll always treasure!

I also must say – I loved interviewing Cindy Busby! She’s so warm and friendly, you feel like you’re having a chat with your best girl-friend!

Plus, it was wonderful interviewing Kristin Booth from my favorite Hallmark film series, Signed, Sealed, Delivered. It was always my hope to have the opportunity to chat with someone from SSD, and she made that little dream come true!

Also, Lacey Chabert was an absolute delight to share details with me of her movie, Love on Safari. She was so giving and cheerful in all of her heartfelt responses. And most recently, I just loved talking with the down-to-earth Erin Cahill for her Christmas movie, Christmas on the Range.

As for the Hallmark guys, I was ecstatic when I was given the chance to interview the effervescent Cameron Mathison early in the Murder, She Baked series and absolutely thrilled when I was recently able to connect with the charming, Brennan Elliott!

It was a blessing to chat with these actors and actresses, and I look forward to whoever is next!

Your blog focuses on family-friendly content. With all the content out there today, how do you choose which content to feature?

Yes, I focus my website on promoting only family-friendly films. I’ve had people email and leave comments telling me – this is my calling, my mission. At first, I thought, really? These are only movies, but the more I see where the entertainment world is heading, I do think it’s very important to keep my moral standards, and godly principles, while sharing wholesome entertainment with others and informing my followers when a program does not meet those standards.

I also appreciate when my followers reach out to me – to let me know they’ve seen content in a movie that they feel would not meet the family-friendly model. It’s a blessing to know how many others enjoy and want only quality, wholesome entertainment.

What is your process of reviewing films and shows?

Reviewing is often based upon how much time I have (which isn’t a lot these days) or if I see a particular movie that has moved me deeply. Then, I know I must take the time to share how much that story impacted my life, whether it made me laugh out loud (which I’m known to do quite often!), or brought a tear to my eye (which happens, from time to time… I have such a sentimental, tender heart!).

Since blogging is your passion, but it’s not always financially profitable, how do you keep this blog successful while keeping costs down?

My followers are the best and so supportive! I wouldn’t be able to do this without them. I love to feature the latest DVD releases from Amazon and Walmart, and I also have a passion for fashion! I’ve been featuring some of the clothing from the Hallmark movies, mainly when something special catches my eye or if a follower comments and asks, “Where can I get that… (for example) coat worn by Candace Cameron Bure or that dress- seen on Jen Lilley?” It’s so fun when I’m able to find these special things and share them with my readers!

Do you have aspirations to be involved in writing professionally in the future? Elaborate if you would like.

What a great question, Ruth! Yes, I’ve had quite the passion for writing, ever since I was a little girl. I was always walking around with my notebook and pencil, being imaginative, and writing stories. In fact, I would often write little plays that my family or friends would perform.

I still enjoy writing today – and maybe one day I’ll write a book or movie script!

What are some of your favorite movies in general that you have featured on your site?

Oh, I have many dear favorite films.

Two movies that immediately come to mind and always touch my heart are: It’s a Wonderful Life and Anne of Green Gables. I’m always completely captivated by those films and the incredible stories weaved within.

In the Hallmark library of films my top favorites include: The Nine Lives of Christmas, all of the Signed, Sealed, Delivered movies, especially Christmas, Love at the Thanksgiving Day Parade, All of My Heart, How to Fall in Love, The Christmas Secret, Autumn Dreams, A Country Wedding, Window Wonderland, A Joyous Christmas, A Shoe Addict’s Christmas, Winter Castle, and so many more!

What would be your dream Hallmark movie cast?

Well, I love the incredible ensemble casts Hallmark brings together in When Calls the Heart, Signed, Sealed, Delivered and the Christmas in Evergreen movies! It is always so wonderful to see so many people I like in one program!

Besides that, it is fun to imagine who would be good paired up together from the Hallmark family. As people have already suggested, I, too, think it would be enjoyable to see Jill Wagner and Andrew Walker in a Hallmark movie. They were excellent together in one of the recent Christmas Preview Specials, and I think their equally mesmerizing high energy would be an excellent blend!

In addition to them, I think it would be interesting to see Candace Cameron Bure with Brennan Elliott. Since Candace’s roles are typically more serious and he’s generally the delightful, life of the party sort, I think they would make a great mix.

Also, Cindy Busby and Trevor Donovan would definitely be a sweet pairing, along with Jen Lilley and Michael Rady and Kristoffer Polaha and Pascale Hutton!

And I would absolutely love to see Brooke D’Orsay and Eric Mabius together again. They were truly phenomenal in the Hallmark movie How to Fall in Love. By the way, I was elated to have a portion of my movie review from my blog, *It’s a Wonderful Movie* featured on the How to Fall in Love DVD! Truly, it was such an honor! To see these two teamed up together again would be such a thrill!

Plus, I’ve been hoping to see some people who’ve been on Hallmark, once or twice in the past, return to the network… such as: Laura Bell Bundy (Dear Dumb Diary), Brandon Routh (The Nine Lives of Christmas), Virginia Williams (Reading, Writing & Romance), James Wolk (Front of the Class), Jaime King (The Mistletoe Promise), Matt Long (Christmas Joy), Jana Kramer (Love at First Bark), Brant Daugherty (Mingle All the Way), and Meredith Hagner (My Christmas Love)! To name a few! haha! Seriously, I would love to see any or all of them return at some point to Hallmark.

I know your faith is very important to you. How is your blog an extension of you and your faith?

Yes, absolutely YES!!! It’s a Wonderful Movie is a place where I not only share my love of movies, but the joy of my salvation and knowing Jesus! I was blessed to be raised by such loving parents who always took my siblings and me to church and instilled that faith in us by example – and continue to do so today. They are so giving, loving and supportive – I owe everything to them and the love they give to our family each and every day!

Coming from a farm family in the Midwest, I know firsthand how a small seed – can reap a large harvest. That’s why I want everyone who visits my website to know that our Heavenly Father loves them, too!

I just recently saw a t-shirt at Dayspring that says, “I Only Overshare Jesus.” In their description, it says this shirt is… “a thoughtful reminder to take every opportunity to share Jesus with those around you.” That’s exactly how I feel! I want everyone to know they are loved, and they can be forgiven and saved by the grace of our Lord.

It is my hope that those of us, who already know the love of Jesus, are compelled to share that amazing love with others – everywhere we go and in everything we do. We should be a reflection of His Light, a shining example. Christmas is a celebration of that first Gift given to all mankind- the Christ Child. What a special, perfect time it is to share and unwrap that amazing Gift!

Thank you, Ruth, for this wonderful interview and opportunity to share my website and love of Christmas movies and more with your followers. You have always been such a great friend to me. Blessings to you and all who visit here!

As you can see, Net is one of the foremost and most well-established bloggers in the blogosphere today. I would venture to say she is the authority on family-friendly content, and she is immensely supportive of other quality bloggers as well. She regularly visits my blog, reads my interviews, and then comments with the most encouraging and kind words ever. I hope that everyone checks out her links below and considers following her in some fashion. I have been receiving her emails for years! And to be honest, Net has never steered me wrong. You will not find a blogger who is more gracious, engaging, and pleasant than Net, and I would hope that if you love family-friendly movies and shows, you would not hesitate to check her out this holiday season!

FOLLOW NET OF IT’S A WONDERFUL MOVIE

Website

Twitter

[sleepykittypaws]

New Year's Eve Favorites

New Year’s Eve rolls around just six days after Christmas, when many are still knee-deep in wrapping paper and ribbon. It’s easy to just roll New Year’s into the Christmas celebrations, doing little to mark the moment beyond watching the ball drop at midnight. But there are plenty of films centered around New Year’s that deserve their own holiday film recognition. 

Updated: December 31, 2023

My Favorites…

About Time (2013) - This Richard Curtis written/directed movie is one of my all-time favorite films, period. But it all starts with a life-changing New Year’s Eve party.

When Harry Met Sally (1989) - Often considered a bit of a stealth Christmas movie, this rom-com classic ends, unforgettably, on New Year’s Eve.

The Cutting Edge (1992) - It’s hard to call this movie about a former hockey star turned Olympic figure skater “good,” in any objective sense, but that doesn’t keep me from loving it wholeheartedly. Even if you haven’t seen it 50 or so times, like I have, I doubt anyone can forget that moment when sparks fly, literally, between Doug Dorsey and Kate Moseley at a New Year’s Eve party, when they twirl into each other’s arms with sparklers at the stroke of midnight (sigh). 

Brittany Runs a Marathon (2019) - Not specifically holiday-themed but Brittany makes a pretty perfect New Year’s watch. Funny, inspirational and all about self-improvement. Absolutely adore this one.

About a Boy (2002) - While it also features some sweet Christmas scenes, Hugh Grant and Rachel Weisz meet cute on New Year’s Eve.

The Poseidon Adventure (1972) - The movie that defined 1970s disaster movies remains good, cheese-tastic New Year’s fun. I remember the first time I saw this one as a kid, on cable, on New Year’s Eve. A group of New Year’s revelers trying to escape a cruise ship that flips over? Indelible.

Starstruck (2021, HBO Max) - Think of season one of this 6-episode British series, written and created by a Kiwi, as a three hour rom-com that begins on New Year’s Eve and ends the following Christmas. A delightful watch any time, but extra-special during the holiday season.

Peter’s Friends (1992) - This criminally under-rated British ensemble  comedy features a host of stars—Hugh Laurie, Imelda Staunton, Emma Thompson, Kenneth Branagh and Rita Rudner—gathering to celebrate the New Year at their college chum’s English estate. 

Something from Tiffany’s (2022, Prime Video) - This holiday romance centers around Christmas gifts from the famous jewelry being inadvertently swapped, but most of the movie takes place between Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve when everything comes to a head.

Plane (2023) - If this New Year’s Eve-set action movie leaned in just a bit more to its New Year celebration, it could reach Die Hard-style holiday classic status. While the New Year’s element doesn’t factor much after the first 15 minutes, this is a well-made, well-acted and well-paced watch. Honestly, some of Gerard Butler’s best work which, yeah, isn’t the highest bar, but Plane is a super entertaining action-disaster pic that, forgive the pun, is a lot more grounded than expected.

Other People (2016) - This very well told story about losing a loved one to cancer is funnier than you’d think, given the subject matter, has an amazing cast, led by Jesse Plemons, Molly Shannon and Bradley Whitford, and starts off with a New Year’s Eve bash.

About Fate (2022) - This American remake of a Soviet-era New Year classic, 1976′s The Irony of Fate, available to legally watch on YouTube via Mosfilm, stars Emma Roberts and Thomas Mann as recent (sort of) dumpees who meet cute due to alcohol-induced architectural confusion, and end up attending a New Year’s Eve wedding together with chaotic results, with the whole story playing out from December 30th to January 1st.

Fruitvale Station (2013) - This gut-wrenching Ryan Coogler feature directorial debut should have won Michael B. Jordan an Oscar. Set entirely on New Year’s Eve, it’s the devastating true story of the last day of Oscar Grant’s life. 

Phineas and Ferb: Happy New Year (2012, Disney Channel) - This fun episode of the crazy kids’ series works as a stand-alone New Year’s special that’s better than most.

Dolly Parton’s Heartstrings: Two Doors Down (2019, Netflix) - Cheese-y, feel-good, queer holiday romance that ends with Dolly Parton singing Auld Lang Syne. What more could you want?

An Affair to Remember (1957) - This Cary Grant-Deborah Kerr classic is basically the third lead in Sleepless in Seattle, but it is a New Year’s classic in its own right, as Kerr and Grant’s characters vow to meet on the top of the Empire State building after an epic New Year’s Kiss.

Entrapment (1999) - There’s just something about thieves and New Year’s, I guess, as the final job in this Sean Connery-Catherine Zeta Jones film is set on Y2K. There’s also a good bit of bonus millenium Christmas content.

Snoopy Presents: For Auld Lang Syne (2021, Apple TV+) - A kid-friendly New Year's Eve watch the whole family can enjoy. Apple is doing a fantastic job of preserving the Peanuts legacy with their new holiday specials.

Holiday (1938) - Another Cary Grant classic that features a memorable New Year’s Eve. Even though the “holiday” of the title refers to a vacation, it’s on New Year’s Eve that sparks really begin to fly between Grant and Katherine Hepburn. Trouble is, she’s his fiancee’s sister.

After the Thin Man (1936) - This sequel to the runaway 1934 hit kicks off on New Year’s Eve, with James Stewart joining Myrna Loy and William Powell for more mystery solving slapstick antics.

Red, White & Royal Blue (2023, Prime Video) - Based on the book of the same name, this delightful rom-com’s President’s son-meets-Prince romance really gets going at a New Year’s Eve party, following fitful Thanksgiving-Christmas flirting via text.

In Search of a Midnight Kiss (2007) - This independent dark-ish, rom-com can be a little hard to find, but it’s worth seeking out. Two lonely people looking for hope and love by New Year’s Eve.

Ghostbusters II (1989) - Definitely less than the original classic, this holiday-set sequel concludes with New Yorker’s saving the city via a chorus of Auld Lang Syne, with an assist from Lady Liberty.

Boogie Nights (1997) - Definitely not an uplifting New Year’s Eve watch, this Paul Thomas Anderson classic does feature outstanding performances and an unforgettable New Year’s Eve party appearance by William H Macy.

Rudolph’s Shiny New Year (1976, ABC) - Not the only animated New Year’s special, but easily the most memorable, this Rankin-Bass classic has Rudolph teaming up with Baby New Year and Father Time to save the holiday.

More to Explore…

If my New Year’s picks don’t make your ball drop, there’s plenty more movies/specials set around welcoming the new year.

Happy New Year (2014) - This bouncy, Bollywood showstopper is available on Netflix.

New Year’s Eve (2011) - This farly-cynical Garry Marshall attempt to recreate the holiday anthology magic of Love, Actuallyshouldn’t even be mentioned in the same breath as that film, but this mess of a movie can still be fairly good fun when watched ironically with enough wine and the right friends.

Happy New Year, Charlie Brown (1986, CBS) - Nowhere near as iconic as the 1960s Peanuts specials, this is still a solid, kid-friendly New Year’s watch.

Pete the Cat: A Groovy New Year (2017, Amazon Prime) - Hep cat animated special based on the popular children’s book character.

200 Cigarettes (1999) - Set in the 1980s, this follows a group of young New Yorkers looking for a memorable New Year’s Eve.

Snowpiercer (2013) - The Chris Evans dystopian thriller where civilization is relegated to an always moving train, strictly divided by class, and New Year’s is celebrated every time they circumnavigate the globe.

Highball (1997) - This very early, extremely low budget Noah Baumbach movie takes place over a series of holiday parties that culminates with a New Year’s Eve bash. Is it good? Well, Baumbach petitioned to have his name removed from it, so…

Waiting to Exhale (1995) - This movie about a close-knit friend group and their complicated romantic lives, based on the book by Terry McMillan, is framed by New Year’s Eve celebrations.

Four Rooms (1995) - This overly ambitious anthology, featuring four stories each written and directed by a different high profile auteur, with only one connecting character, a hotel bellman, takes place entirely on New Year’s Eve.

Ocean’s Eleven (1960) - The Rat Pack original isn’t as fun as the George Clooney-Brad Pitt remakes, but it does set its heist on New Year’s Eve.

The Sword in the Stone (1963) - This Disney animated classic’s pivotal moment—the extraction of Excalibur—occurs at the New Year’s tournament, which Arthur attends as a lowly squire.

The Godfather Part II (1972) - Fredo Corleone is handing out New Year’s party kisses in this, the only sequel to ever win the best picture Oscar.

Midnighters (2017) - When a couple accidentally hit a man with their car on New Year’s Eve, they put him in the backseat and go home to avoid the consequences.

Radio Days (1987) - This Woody Allen (yeah, I know) movie ends with the cast welcoming 1944 on a wintry New York, New Year’s Eve.

Repeat Performance (1947) - A New Year’s Eve wish to repeat the year comes true, but fixing mistakes made proves more difficult than Joan Leslie imagined.

Sunset Boulevard (1950) - The iconic tale, later turned into a Broadway musical, hinges on a New Year’s Eve party. 

A Midnight Kiss (2018, Hallmark) - Carlos PenaVega helps Adelaide Kane plan a New Year’s bash. 

Royal New Year’s Eve (2017, Hallmark) - Designer Jessy Schram meets her Prince at a New Year’s ball. 

The Birthday Wish (2017, Hallmark) - This is another Jessy Schram-joint that starts at New Year’s and is one of the more original Hallmark movies of recent years.

A New Year’s Resolution (2021, Hallmark) - This long-delayed Aimee Teegarden and Michael Rad movie finally got an airdate in early 2021.

Midnight at the Magnolia (2020, Netflix) - Natalie Hall and Evan Williams are radio hosts who fake a romance for a New Year’s Eve live show.

A Year and Change (2015) - Bryan Greenberg topples off a roof at a New Year’s Eve party, leading him to change his life.

The Gold Rush (1925) - For those who like their New Year’s celebrations extra-classic, this iconic Charlie Chaplin outing features the Little Tramp all alone on New Year’s Eve.

Two Lovers (2008) - This little-known Joaquin Phoenix-Gwenyth Paltrow movie culminates on New Year’s Eve.

Strange Days (1995) - Kathryn Bigelow’s sci-fi/romance prominently features a plot pivotal New Year’s Eve party.

Hudsucker Proxy (1994) - Some have called this critically-panned Tim Robbins movie It’s a Wonderful Life for New Year’s Eve. It even features Charles Durning as an angel.

Poseidon (2006) - This overly serious remake was a box office flop, but it’s still a big, dumb New Year’s Eve disaster flick. Just be careful it’s extra-long run time doesn’t make you miss the ball drop.

Money Train (1995) - This heist film starring Wesley Snipes and Woody Harrelson (remember when those guys were leading men and action stars?) has these former cops robbing the NYC subway on New Year’s Eve.

Are We There Yet? (2005) - Ice Cube’s original road trip comedy takes place on New Year’s Eve.

Carol (2015) - It’s a New Year’s Eve party that lets these repressed ladies first turn their passion loose.

Phantom Thread (2017) - Not mostly about the holiday, but does feature one of the most visually stunning New Year’s Eve parties ever committed to film.

New Year’s Evil (1980) - It wouldn’t be a holiday without a bad slasher film taking place on it.

Sex and the City: The Movie (2008) - The ladies celebrate a very memorable New Year’s Eves in this movie, based on the HBO series.

A Frozen New Year’s Eve (2019) - Direct-to-VOD animated kids’ movie

Dr Who: The Movie (1996, BBC) - The Time Lord takes on the millennium in this made-for-TV movie.

New Year’s Day (1989) - This little known movie is David Duchovny’s first major role. He plays a man who moves to L.A. on New Year’s Eve, only to find his newly-rented apartment occupied by three women. 

A Long Way Down (2014) - Four strangers meet on a rooftop on New Year’s Eve, each contemplating jumping.

Endings, Beginnings (2020) - This Shailene Woodley-starring movie features a love triangle that begins at a fateful New Year’s Eve party.

Do It Yourself, Mr. Bean (1994, ITV) - Mr. Bean plans a New Year’s bash in this ITV special. 

A Month in Thailand (2012) - This Romanian film follows a man in the time between Christmas and New Year’s trying to decide if he should pursue the ex who broke his heart, or stick with his current adoring girlfriend.

The Shining (1980) - This bleak, wintery horror classic wouldn’t be the most uplifting way to celebrate New Year’s Eve, but its plot pivotal NYE party photo certainly makes it seasonally appropriate if you’re looking to scream in the New Year.

Age of Adaline (2015) - This very weird movie starring Harrison Ford and Blake Lively begins at a New Year’s Eve party, with the holiday holding other significance in the story.

New Year, New You (2018, Hulu) - New Year’s entry in the Blumhouse-produced horror, holiday anthology movie series.

What for New Year’s Eve? (2018, a.k.a. Cosa Fai a Capodanno?) - This Italian comedy-drama from writer-director Filippo Bologna recently became available in the U.S. and explores what happens when a group of friends decide to switch partners at a New Year’s Eve party.

Midnight Kiss (2019, Hulu) - more holiday-set horror from Blumhouse.

New Year’s Kiss (2019) - Made-for-TV rom-com starring Erin Karpluk and Robin Dunne.

Way Through Snow (2017) - Russian movie about an online couple meeting for the first time on New Year’s, available on Amazon Prime.

Break (2019) - Russian horror-thriller directed by Tigran Shakyan about group of friends who get stuck in a gondola during a New Year’s Eve power outage.

I Hate New Year’s (2020) - LGBTQ holiday rom-com about a singer who goes home for the holidays and (surprise!) finds unexpected romance, made by TelloFilms.com.

The Lost Husband (2020) - Gentle romantic, Texas-set drama that’s not full of holiday cheer, but does start on New Year’s Eve, if you’re looking for a low stakes way to ring in the New Year.

The Silver Skates (2021, Netflix) - This sweeping Russian romantic epic, a lavish costume drama filmed in St. Petersburg, is set around the holidays, namely New Year’s, and is Netflix’s first-ever Russian-language international original.

All My Friends Are Dead (2021, Netflix) - Polish horror-comedy set at a New Year’s Eve party that takes an unexpected turn.

Prime Time (2021, Netflix) - Polish-language hostage thriller set on New Year’s Eve 1999. 

Ask Me to Dance (2022) - Rom-com set between Christmas and New Year’s when a fortune teller promises two strangers they’ll meet their true love by midnight on New Year’s Eve.

Stuck with You (2022, Netflix) - French romance about strangers stuck in an elevator on their way to a New Year’s Eve party.

Terror Train 2 (2022, Tubi) - Tubi original slasher sequel set during a New Year’s Eve train ride.

Snow Falls (2023) - The New Year’s Eve horror movie about a group of friends trapped by snow in a remote cabin stars Hallmark regular Jonathan Bennett.

To Catch a Killer (2023) - Shailene Woodley plays a troubled cop trying to catch a New Year’s Eve killer.

New Year, New Us (2019) - A newlywed couple overcomes challenges in their marriage with New Year’s resolutions.

New Year, New Us 2: Love Goals (2023) - Sequel to New Year, New Us

Sealed with a List (2023) - Hallmark holiday romance about undone resolutions that concludes on New Year's Eve

Christmas ➜ New Year’s

And don’t forget to consider these movies that carry over from Christmas to New Year’s, giving us a solid dose of both holidays.

Rent (2005)

Bridget Jones’s Diary* (2001) 

Last Holiday** (2006)

Holiday Inn (1942)

The Holiday*** (2006)

Sleepless In Seattle (1993)

Trading Places (1983)

While You Were Sleeping (1995)

Bachelor Mother (1939)

Bundle of Joy (1956, a remake of Bachelor Mother)

The Apartment (1960)

A Christmas Prince (2017, Netflix)

Holidate***** (2020, Netflix)

Starstruck***** (2021, HBO Max)

About Fate (2022)

Ask Me to Dance (2022)

Something from Tiffany’s (2022, Prime Video)

*If I hadn’t already dubbed Bridget my all-time favorite stealth Christmas movie, I’d have put it on my New Year’s list for sure, probably at No. 1, since Jones’s New Year’s resolutions bookend the film, which actually starts on New Year’s Day (when she meets Darcy at her mom’s annual turkey curry buffet). Really, it’s a pretty perfect New Year’s watch and an annual in between Christmas and New Year’s must-view in our house.

**As with Bridget, Last Holiday would be at or near the top of my New Year’s favorites, if I hadn’t already dubbed it one of my favorite Christmas films. But, while it takes place over the entire Christmas season, much more happens on New Year’s in this Queen Latifah classic, than Christmas, and it’s a great way to spend any New Year’s Eve.

***And the same goes for The Holiday, which is mostly Christmas, but culminates on New Year’s Eve, the only part of the film where all four leads share a scene.

****Yet another that would be at or near the top of my New Year’s list, if it weren’t already on my Top 25 Stealth Christmas Movies list, as the New Year’s Eve in Holidate was among its best, and most memorable, moments. 

*****Starstruck takes the opposite tack of the rest of this list, starting on New Year’s Eve and ending at Christmas.

TV Series Standouts

While Thanksgiving and Christmas-themed episodes of TV series abound, the timing of New Year’s, coming when most shows are on hiatus, means there are only a few truly iconic television episodes devoted to this holiday. A handful worth noting…

Mum: December (2016, BBC, series 1)

Absolutely Fabulous: Happy New Year (1995, BBC, series 3)

Dr. Who: Resolution (2019, BBC)

On My Block: Chapter Eleven (2019, Netflix)

My So-Called Life: Resolutions (1995, ABC, season 1)

The X-Files: Millennium (1999, FOX, season 7)

Futurama: Space Pilot 3000 (1999, FOX, pilot) - Like Matt Groening’s Christmas-themed Simpson’s pilot, this series intro could also be seen as a New Year’s Eve holiday special.)

That ‘70s Show: Finale (2006, FOX, season 8) -Though it aired in May, this series ender was set on New Year’s Eve 1979

Fraiser: RDWRER (2000, NBC, season 7)

30 Rock: Klaus and Greta (2010, NBC, season 4)

Friends: The One with the Monkey (1994, NBC, season 1)

Friends: The One With All the Resolutions (1999, NBC, season 5)

Friends: The One with the Routine (1999, NBC, season 6)

Modern Family: New Year’s Eve (2013, ABC, season 4)

How I Met Your Mother: The Limo (2005, CBS, season 1)

How I Met Your Mother: Tailgate (2012, CBS, season 7)

The Office: Ultimatum (2011, NBC, season 7)

Seinfeld: The Millennium (1997, NBC, season 8) - This one actually doesn’t take place at New Year’s, but is about a New Year’s Eve party

[writebackatya]

8, 12, 22?

8. Game of the year?

I just wanna start off by saying the most advanced consoles I own are a PS4 and a Nintendo Switch and that my laptop is too weak to handle modern games so there are a LOT of contenders for Game of the Year that I did not play

So for my pick I think I'll go with Super Mario Bros. Wonder. Honestly? Great year for Mario, I almost went with the Super Mario RPG remake for being phenomenal update and honestly the definitive way to play the game, but Super Mario Bros. Wonder was a game that was I eager to 100% complete (which I did) because of how fun it was

I love all the levels, the playable characters, the new characters and enemies, the new powerups, it all made me realize just how stagnant the New Super Mario Bros. series had become even though they aren't that bad. So yeah, I'm going with the game that gave me a big stupid grin the entire time I was playing

12. Talk about a new friend you made this year

Oooh certainly! In fact I was hanging out with this new friend of mine when you sent this ask! I met this friend on tinder where we just immediately clicked and just spent a few days messaging each other until one she suggested we meet at the local library so we did just that. I also learned I was the only guy who did not become creepy after a couple of messages

I'll just call her Daj here since I don't wanna give out a full name, but Daj is someone I'm really glad I met. She moved from Arizona to my hometown this year and so far, I'm the only friend she has really made. We've watched a few horror movies together, we saw Saw X in theaters, so because of her I had to go through all the Saw movies (not my thing, but I admit Saw X was a good time). She's into mystery stories, true crime stuff, and board games. We played a couple of board games that she got for Christmas last night and it was a good time!

We played a version of Clue that involved the character performing a heist together where there was a traitor in the group (we both won! i totally called where the culprit hid the real artifact) and a version of Life that had Mario in it. And that was my first time playing The Game of Life so that's cool too

22. Favorite place you visited this year?

I don't travel as much as I want to or should, and usually it's because of family. So I think I'll say Disney World when I visited my sister and brother-in-law. They're Florida residents so that got free passes and know all the ins and outs of the parks and I love going to amusement parks with people who have as much energy as I do. It was a fun visit, I was careful not to spend too much, got some cool stuff, went on a lot of fun rides including some new ones such as the TRON light cycle roller coaster, and now I can say I sat through the Hall of Presidents show...

[sheakastilllovesjungjihoon]

So last year close to my birthday on February 28th a couple of movie theaters where I lived aired the Demon Slayer -Swordsmith Village movie event. Of course I went to see it cuz they showed the final episode of season 2 with the fight between Gyutaro and Uzui and Tanjiro which was freaking EPIC on the big screen!! The Upper Moon meeting was also amazing on the big screen y’all I enjoyed it so much. They are doing it again this year around the same time and of course I’m going but this year my sister is coming with me!!!

Last year she went to a different movie but since I have dragged her into the anime fandom she is loving it y’all😂😂 she buying all kinds of merch like 3d stickers for her car, all kinds of shirts from Attack on Titan to Death Note… she is still a Light fan and I hate that😤😤, book bags and pillowcases lmao… I got a pillowcase from her for Christmas!!!

I love it so much!!!! But anywho this is getting long so I just wanted to update you all on her anime journey. She has already watched the first episode of Gintama and loves Zenzo as her favorite so far😂😂 I just know she will be a Takasugi fan tho but that’s ok. One Piece is next y’all I swear I will get her there!! Hope you all have a great day❤️💚❤️💚