I grew up with cold winters. (Who's with me?) Snow on the ground, twinkling lights, indoor fires, mittens, moonboots... (That may be a bit too far...)
For the last 16 years, I've lived in a tropical climate -- so different from my upbringing. Our fist year in the south, I didn't know HOW to find my holiday spirit.
It was too warm
Too sunny
Too colorful (talking about the greens, blooming flowers, tropical birds)
In fact, it took a few years before I figured out how to feel the holidays when I couldn't feel the weather I'd associated with them. It revolved around
Our December traditions center on Christmas -- starting with the day after Thanksgiving (Black Friday *gasp*) when we
1. Put up decorations
We surround oursevles with things that say to the subconscious -- "This is special." Seeing those reminders daily, whether we consciously acknowledge them or not, establishes a different atmosphere, emphasizes the importance.
2. Foods!
Unless you hate eating (my daughter does -- too many food sensitivities), this is one of the quickest ways to remind the heart, mind, and tongue that it's time to be festive! Gingerbread is my go-to for this season, since I grew up mass producing gingerbread houses with my mom every Christmas -- one for Dad's work, one for our house, one for each kid's classroom (all 8 kids), one for our grandparents...
3. Activities
We have so many traditions here -- advent calendars, gifts to Christ, movies, tree strolls, wrapping gifts, holiday performances, tree lighting, etc.
4. Music
Obviously, I'm a little biased, but music is the BIGGEST mood chaser I know. I love the traditional Chirstmas songs out there, but my favorite are the sacred songs, the ones that point at the heart and purpose of a celebration.
And if NONE of that is working, we break out the BIG GUNS:
5. Thinking outside ourselves
Christmas presents, food donations for the poor, service to community or neighbors... A celebration becomes something more when it's not all about us, but we look for ways to share it with others (kids included). It makes it sweeter (cookie plates), brigher (Christmas lights), more joyful (caroling, singing in/listening to choirs).
Whatever the case may be, I'm wishing you a wonderful Christmas & holiday season!
AND as my gift to you, enjoy some music. These aren't holiday songs but ones you can listen to all year round. And they're free. And they cost to produce. So yeah, a true gift.
As a writer, what was one of the coolest/best gifts you ever received?
It was probably my first book, completed in 3rd grade. We wrote an informative story, complete with a hardcover (wrapped in contact paper). It was the first time I saw something I'd written as a "finished" product -- and it wouldn't have happened without an incredible teacher who initiated, formed, and executed the projet.
What are your favorite holiday traditions? What are you doing this year to get in the spirit of the season?
to everyone who submitted ideas for the Music Video contest. There were so many awesome ideas that we had a difficult time choosing. It came down to a team vote, and our winner is... (*drum roll*)
Kay Em Evans!
For the picture frame idea.
And now for the second Crusader Writing Challenge: parameters, 100 words (not including title).
That Kind of Day
The goldfish bowl teetered and crashed to the linoleum. Water coursed around my sneakers, orange bodies flopping helplessly through deadly shards.
A gun cocked.
“You can’t kill me.” I stepped around floundering bodies toward the wide-eyed man, hoping he wouldn’t try.
He looked down the barrel of his revolver. “Oh yeah?”
The gun fired.
A bullet smacked me between the eyes. Ouch.
“You can however seriously piss me off.” I speared him through with my scythe and lifted his squirming soul away. “Now I’m going to have to dig that thing out...! Say hello to your fishes, in Hell.”
As I may or may not have mentioned, I'm a multitasker, and this week that includes storyboarding a music video.
I have a few ideas, but the problem is I'm too close to this project. All I can see is the scene that goes with the song. I need some FRESH ideas. SO, genius that I am, I decided to seek outside perspective from the greatest writerly brains I know. (That means you.)
Background: Justine, a rather forward girl for 1802, has finally met the man of her dreams. He just so happens to be a vampire, and her uncle just so happens to be a vampire hunter.
That's all I'm going to give you. How do you imagine this music video? (Setting? Action? Etc?)
Now, this isn't some random contest where you sign your name in the comments and magically get picked. The best idea wins. Period. So, throw them at me. Leave a comment or send an e-mail to crystal@immortalthemusical(dot)com. Oh, and be sure to "like" the show on facebook: http://facebook.com/immortalthemusical
And now for the prize... A genuine pot of gold!
Okay, not really, but almost as cool.
1. (If your concept ends up being used,) Your name in the credits on the music video.
2. A free download of the current soundtrack for Immortal the Musical. (It's not even available for purchase right now, so, you know, really special.)
3. One free book of your choice from Amazon. (Up to a 20$ value.)
Contest ends Tuesday the 22nd.
Happy writing, and keep in mind two words: "budgetary restraints".
