Christmas Spirit

[old-saint-nick.livejournal.com]

There is some debate within mystical circles if there is indeed such a creature as the embodiment of Christmas Giving known as Santa Claus. But whether or not there is such a being, the spirit of giving itself is very real, be it incarnated in a fat man in a red suit or not.

Throughout this small blue planet of Earth, people have brought trees into their homes, decorated them with lights and ornaments, and placed them in locations of honor. Stockings have been placed on the chimneys. But most of all -- in the spirit of community and giving -- people have placed gifts under the tree.

Some are looking forward more to the receiving than the giving. But for many, it is the act of giving which warms them, which fills them with the holiday spirit.

Each person, in their own way, becomes a part of this spirit of giving. Each person, in their own way, becomes Santa Claus.

Comments

[lanternslight.livejournal.com]

Under the tree at Warrior's, there are several gifts.

There's a green package with a red bow, for Arisia. (http://www.truenorthgems.com/i/photos/emerald-neck-1.jpg)

There's a green envelope, for Guy. (http://www.amagarea.com/imgB/HEDGIHXAAJHIGPITS.jpg)

There's a package wrapped in red, for Kyle. (http://www.alyon.org/generale/theatre/cinema/affiches_cinema/t/the_co-the_go/the_day_the_earth_stood_still(2).jpg)

There's a green envelope, for John Stewart. (http://www.gatorboosters.org/images/tickets/tickets.gif)

There's a box in green, labeled in Braille for Travis. (http://img462.imageshack.us/img462/3636/sisleytrenchcoat28ed.jpg)

And there's a box in red, with a white ribbon, for Kilowog... (http://www.communitynews.ca/files/releases/fruitcake.JPG) with something only an alien could enjoy.

[lanternslight.livejournal.com]

On the Watchtower, there is a present for Ralph wrapped in purple with a white ribbon. (http://www.stuffkidslike.com/mas_assets/thumb/114275.jpg) Once opened, he will find that the boxes have already been opened -- because the pieces have already been shuffled between the four boxes.

[martian-manhunt.livejournal.com]

Among the gifts at the Watchtower, there is a single small package for Jesse Quick.

Inside is a small base which, when activated, creates a small hologram (http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/image/0107/mars_hst_big.jpg) which hovers above it.

[martian-manhunt.livejournal.com]

Using similar technology, there is a box for Jonathan Kent.

When opened, it plays one of three lullabies. The first is from Earth, and a gently-lit hologram of Earth appears above it.

The second is Kryptonian, with a hologram of Krypton.

The last is from Mars.

[kathy-duquesne.livejournal.com]

Among the gifts at Wayne Manor, there is at least one package which was mailed, not delivered by the giver.

Inside is an original framed painting (http://mystudio3d.tripod.com/images/W_SlimCityNts.jpg).

[kathy-duquesne.livejournal.com]

Elsewhere, another package was sent to Trevor Cole.

The note attached reads, "I'm sure you'll be able to get some use out of these. (http://www.milswat.net/images/mon_4201.jpg)" Needless to say, they're in red and yellow -- his favored colors as she learned earlier this year.

Delivered to Portsmouth

[http://users.livejournal.com/_black_canary_/]

Several large crates are sent to the house of Pieter Cross. The delivery truck driver looks puzzled as he hands over a large envelope. "Guess it's in Braille?" he suggests, waiting patiently as per his instructions.

It is not in Braille, but the driver can't see it:

Dear Pieter,

I promised you I'd help at Christmastime. I'm helping out on the East Coast, too, but people're hungry all over, right?

This is about the fifteenth time I've tried writing this, and they've all hit the wastebasket, especially the one where I tried doing it in poetry, because limericks aren't very Christmas-y. I'm running out of stationery, so I'll just stick to something simple.

You're a wonderful man, and no matter what happens next, you'll always have a very special place in my heart.

Merry Christmas. Dinah.

Delivered to Gotham

[midnite-md.livejournal.com]

Two large boxes are sent to the home of Dinah Lance. Upon opening them, she'll find two motorcycle helmets - both of similar design, both sporting her Black Canary logo, but in different color schemes in order to go with both her yellow and her black cycles.


Dear Dinah,

I believe you should find that these will allay all your concerns about wearing helmets when you ride. I've designed them to enhance your peripheral vision, minimize any hearing loss and to be lightweight and aerodynamic while remaining a helpful weapon in a fight.

Your gift helped us feed an entire neighborhood, and is proof positive that you should not be thinking less of yourself after the nightmare we lived through.

You are a hero and an inspiration, and I am proud to have had the chance to love you.

Merry Christmas,
Pieter

Delivered to Star City

[http://users.livejournal.com/_black_canary_/]

A long case arrives at the Queen brownstone. Inside Ollie will find a sword that is a replica of the one Errol Flynn used in The Adventures of Robin Hood. This sword, however, is clearly no prop.

The attached card reads:

Dear Ollie,

Because you taught me to never give up.

Merry Christmas. Dinah.

[oracle-watching.livejournal.com]

At the Clocktower, a large box labeled "To Dick" holds a pair of snowboots, and a photo of last year's snowfight. On the back is written:

Rematch?

[-nightwing-.livejournal.com]

Also at the Clocktower, awaiting Barbara in the gym next to the parallel bars upon which her own miracle happened recently, two boxes in holographic wrapping paper will reveal two pairs of shoes.

The first pair are elegant and formal, clearly handmade by an Italian craftsman. 'For dancing' reads the note inside.

The second are two-toed boots, with the note: 'For flying'.


Mary's presents are too numerous to mention; but among them is a musical carousel - something her father has worked on all year, between cases and crises and other demands on his time.

[12thlevelmind.livejournal.com]

Packages arrive at both the Kent home and the Clocktower via teleporter.

At the Kent Farm, a box containing a rattle much like the one given to Mary Grayson-Gordon (although the voice is Sir Ian McKellen's rather than that of Antonio Banderas):

Jonathan's linguistic development will likely be increased greatly by this toy. I have programmed it only to teach standard English; additional languages can be added at your discretion and request, although for security purposes I would recommend holding off on Kryptonian until he is slightly older.

At the Clocktower, a holographic emitter with large, shiny, child-safe buttons, which form pretty holographic patterns when pressed in various sequences; after some examination it becomes apparent that the toy very subtly teaches various mathematic progressions.

Babs: No doubt you have completely sabotaged Mary's speech development by baby-talking to her at every possible opportunity, much like one would do to a small animal. To rectify this I have built this device, which will help Mary focus her mathematical processing centres. I understand that this is a seasonally appropriate time for such items.

[itsastretch.livejournal.com]

Ralph usually /loves/ Christmas. His quarters and the halls around them are usually decked out thoroughly for the season. There's insightful gifts for tons of people.

This year is different. Sue has been seen bringing a tree in, decorating it, stringing up a few lights. But its not the same.

Gifts, at least, he hasn't forgotten. Its not quite the usual, but there is a card for everyone with a picture of Sue holding Allanah inside, and a gift certificate for restaurants in each person's home region, typically upper scale, other than Plastic Man's gift, which is a Chuck E. Cheese's reservation for the party room and $25 in free game tickets.

[blind-will.livejournal.com]

Travis is nowhere to be found most of the time around Christmas. Those who keep any sort of track of him can usually find him distributing small gifts or otherwise making appearances at children's hospitals, fostering agencies, and homeless shelters all over New York and Florida - his two homes of late.

He eventually shows up with Tara, but does take .07 seconds off at the tower to leave some presents.

For Dinah, Ollie, Connor, Roy, Mia and Pieter, there's much the same card - 'Thank you for all you've done for Tara past, present and future. It is appreciated, and from one who knows, there's nothing quite like giving someone a home, which you've done.'
For Dinah, there's a brand new leather jacket.
For all of the Arrows - a single arrow for each, each one different, but made of odd materials. Ollie's is made of an odd metal, far lighter than it should be, with strange fletchings. There's a note attached describing the race who made it - who long ago developed nuclear and greater technologies, and, after near genocide with their technology, gave it up and went back to using bows and arrows, albeit advanced ones. No member of the species since has so much as touched a gun.
For Connor, an arrow made of a strange wood, hollow inside, with grooves cut into the surface, and a note describing how the arrows whistle when fired, and firing them in different fashions and angles allow the native culture who makes them to deliver messages from the pitch and sounds of the arrows in flight.
For Mia, an arrow made of a black metal, one which is inscribed white markings. The note reads that each arrow is unique, meant for a different foe, and thus they make each as distinct as the individual, telling a small part of that warrior's story in the runes. The runes inscribed on this one are a phonetic translation of her name, and the mark for 'courage against the odds'
For Roy, there's a silverish looking arrow, with bright red plumes. The note reads that the race who makes these make most of their arrows from wood and simple feathers. This is distinct, as its meant to be the last one used - both because the bold warriors of the species believe that the last shot should always count for the most.

For Pieter, he has a handful of books in Braille. They're old and well used, and would seem an odd gift, right? Most of them are classics of one sort or another.

[zinda-blackhawk.livejournal.com]

Zinda's family is that of her friends, and this time of year is when she gets the excuse to shop for all of them.

For Hal and Arisia, a basket of goods meant to be enjoyed ... privately.

For Guy, a scrapbook of photographs taken at Warriors over the years -- obtained from many sources, and put together with appropriately inappropriate captions and wordbubbles.

For the boss lady, handmade blankets in soft fleece. One for her, one for the little one. She'll also get a full day at a spa-- " --because saving the world takes a lot outta ya."

For Canary, a large volume of cookbooks bearing vegetarian menus. "Girl's gotta get her protein from somewhere. Don't know how you grasseaters manage it."

For Huntress, a simple but tasteful card, which will inform her that a large, anonymous donation to a local Gotham orphanage has been made in her name.

[sexy-huntress.livejournal.com]

Helena doesn't much care for this time of year. Too many reminders of what she's lost.

But there are one or two people in her life that will receive a little something.

Dr. Thompkins will arrive at her clinic on Christmas morning to find a huge arrangement of flowers on her desk, and an envelope containing a sizeable check. "For the kids" is the only handwritten note with the bouquet.

Don't ask where it came from.

Dinah will receive a moderately-sized package in the mail; foil-wrapped and smelling like roses and incense. Inside is a hand-embroidered cotton top with a lace-up front. "A little something from Istanbul. Hope you're feel better," reads the card in her familiar sloped hand.

[http://users.livejournal.com/_black_canary_/]

On Christmas morning, under Helena Bertinelli's door, she'll find tickets to The Barber of Seville, tucked inside a Bugs Bunny card.

[http://users.livejournal.com/_hawkgirl_/]

There is a small envelope left for Hawkman at his place. Unfortunately, she has not been able to see him. She isn't sure where he is.

He had agreed to a night out though so she has provided what she can.

In the envelope are a pair of tickets for a viewing of Casablanca at a small theater downtown. She knows the owners. There is no date or time, they simply can show up after ten p.m. some night and the theater will be theirs alone.

[katavatar.livejournal.com]

When Kendra returns home, she'll find a box waiting for her.

Inside will be a pristine Nth Metal flail, polished to a gleaming shine.


Kendra,

Ironically, a peace offering.

Be happy,
Katar

Addressed to one P. Isley

[zinda-blackhawk.livejournal.com]

Somewhere in Gotham, at a nursery that will ask no questions, there's one more gift Zinda has decided to give.

An endangered plant, native to North America: Abronia umbellata ssp. breviflora, a pink sand verbena almost extinct on the continent. The attached card will read:

"I don't know where you are, or what kinda trouble you're getting into, but maybe you can put that humankind-hate aside long enough to do some real good. I pulled a lot of strings to get this, and if they find out who I gave it to - well, let's just say I'd be in a whole heap of trouble. Used to see 'em all over when I was a kid, but I got black thumbs. Take care of her."

The signature is a simple Blackhawk motif.

[femme-du-chat.livejournal.com]

Presents. Selina thinks that she really does have some of the hardest people in the world to buy for.

Mary is simple. Mary gets clothing and not just practicle clothing. No, no. From Selina, Mary gets those fancy dresses for dress up occasions.

Babs and Dick get a vacation. She buys them open ended tickets to Rome, along wth a language guide and maps. Selina has no idea if they'll take it but she'll get it for them.

Ted gets a new punching bag. She knows he goes through them quickly enough at the gym but this one is for him.

Holly and Karon get a joint trip to a weekend spa where they can be as girly as they'd ever want to be.

Alfred gets yet another Hawaiian shirt, as well as some things she picked up for him while in London.

Slam gets a card. In the card is a promise for dinner sometime. She doesn't know what else to get him just right now.

Harvey gets a very nice briefcase and in it as well as ticket to the opera. Apparently Selina thinks he needs to get out more.

And Bruce.... Bruce gets gloves and a scarf for the snowball fight. He also gets a card with gift certificates inside. It seems like a strange gift to get a man who has everything but a lot of them are hand written for her time. The rest of them are for a local donut chain. He should have donuts for the whole year, unless he goes on a splurge.

[betenoire-angel.livejournal.com]

A large package arrives at the Kent residence. There is no return address. It cannot be traced through any delivery servies.

Within it are three separate packages, each wrapped.

The first is addressed to Clark, Lois and Family. Inside the small package is an intricate angel sculpture. It stands about 12-inches tall. It appears to be made by hand and there are no markings to indicate the maker. The note within is typed with no signature. "To watch over you all."

There is a package for Kon, hoping they will be able to forward it to him. Within is a new leather jacket. The typed note reads, "So we always remember the past."

And lastly, there is a large bone-shaped package. That note is a bit more simple. "For Krypto."

[zinda-blackhawk.livejournal.com]

On seven military graves, early Christmas morning, will be bunches of fresh red roses, tied with a black and yellow ribbon, and adorned with a Blackhawk pin.

And with each, a simple, typewritten note: "Missing y'all."

[http://users.livejournal.com/_bird_of_flame_/]

Bette has already given Vic all of his pirate themed goodness. The hat, the movies, the cheesy eye-patch and the cruise. Hopefully they'll take that cruise together sometime.

Under the Titan's tree, every Titan gets a card. Inside the card are cards loaded up with money for the local pizza joint, the local ice cream place as well as the local coffee chain.

Jesse, in specific, gets a small jewelry box. Inside there is a topaz and garnet pendant on a lovely silver chain.

Wally gets a Three Stooges DVD collection.

She had thought about many various other presents for the two of them but these seemed more intelligent than what her first inclinations were.

There are flowers and chocolates send to Barabra Grayson. Oddly, Dick Grayson gets a book of World Records. The gynmastic section is marked off and some of them are highlighted. Currently, even still, the holder of the 'Youngest Person to do a Quadruple Flip' is one Dick Grayson. Mary gets books. The books are all meant for her age, with different fabrics attached to them as well as shiny bits inside.

[itsastretch.livejournal.com]

Not out by the main tree, but in the Dibney's quarters, packages just keep arriving. More are found in closet space.
Sue, as she handles the books, will eventually discover just how much Ralph spent on Allanah for her first Christmas.

If she doesn't have a heart attack, she'll probably kill him.

[http://users.livejournal.com/_darkknight_/]

One of the wealthiest Americans, one of the least inclined to buy gifts. Still, he does what he must and can.

For Selina, a strand of matched Mikimoto pearls, a three-strand bracelet and diamond and pearl earrings...and tickets to the opera at which she can wear them. (The opera? Die Fledermaus.)

For Barbara and Dick, a new family van that either of the two should be able to drive...including a state-of-the-art computer system, GPS and the best audio and DVD systems money can buy.

For Mary, a set of the best learning DVDs...and the classic Winnie the Pooh videos.

For Tim and Cassandra, handmade French off-road bikes along with brand-new bike helmets.

For Helena, an antique Italian dagger.

And for Alfred? The Pennyworth Foundation, a new London charity to help retirees on limited incomes visit loved ones who have moved abroad.

[jessequick.livejournal.com]

Wally's gift from Jesse is not under the Christmas tree. A photograph and address (http://www.100megsfree4.com/corvette/1960/1960/60red4.jpg) are, however, along with a note that says, "Some assembly required."

Apparently it's in need of restoration, which is why there are two of them: one to provide parts for the other.

[fleet-feet.livejournal.com]

It takes him a long while to get over the shock of that. Good lord. Two cars.

"Okay, I have to explain this," Wally says, after Jesse's opened the package, a stack of CDs with elaborately home-made cover art.

"This is the first edition, twelve-part series for your introduction into Quality Music. The first one is AC/DC through Boston. You have to listen to one CD per month, absorb it completely before moving onto the next one, and you're well on your way to a better you."

Then, a glance to that picture. A look in his eyes fearing he's never gonna be able to match her at gifting. So he sinks into the Speed Force until he comes up with an idea that doesn't involve spending money he doesn't have.

In a flash, she's handed a notebook. Full of coupons she can cash in for various things like fancy dinners, vacation days, foot massages and various other goods and services that he can provide.

"Um... that, too."

[-nightwing-.livejournal.com]

The Graysons tend toward the personal over the extravagant when it comes to their friends and family.

Bruce will receive a large ornate, leather-bound book which, when opened, will reveal an extensive collection of photographs of the Wayne family dating back to the 1840's - in daguerrotypes and copied from glass negatives, some painstakingly restored to their former glory.

The last page is that of Bruce himself.

There are pages left blank for new additions, of course.

[elfinlantern.livejournal.com]

To every Green Lantern in the sector (as well as Kilowog and Salakk) Arisia sends designs for new uniforms. In a few cases it is very subtle change to what they have now but in every case, she's more than willing to make the new uniforms if they want them.

Hal gets a square cut emerald set in a thick silver band. It is obviously meant to set on a finger not the one his Corps ring is set on.

For Zinda there is a black opal set in a platinum band. The color of the stone is amazing, rippling through in bands.

On the bar at Warriors are left packages for all of the staff as well as a big one for Guy. She needed some help with the money for this one but she managed to get him a large HD plasma television. It is something he'll enjoy.

In side of a velvet drawstring bag, Kilowog gets a message from Arisia, explaining the holiday as well as a hologram pannel of pictures of her, so she can be closer to him when they're far apart. The message is closed with "Love, Arisia".

[blind-will.livejournal.com]

Travis has a second section of presents for the GLs, another for those of his teammates he's spent any time around. And then one all by itself.

Hal gets a vintage style Bomber Jacket. Ironic, once he opens his own present.
Guy gets a boxed set of action movies
Kilowog gets a second hand army surplus jacket in his size, with the rank and insignia markings for a drill sergeant.

Sand gets another boxed set of movies, this one black and white action films, with a lot of documentary information.
Corrine gets a case of birch beer, and a gift certificate for a Wisconsin ice creamery.

For Mar'i, there's a copy of at least the non-classified sections of the Book of Oa - the ways, history and traditions of the Green Lanterns, to go with her ring.

for Tara - there's a small box, inside is a lapel pin with the advertising slogan for an airline. Specifically, it reads, 'Fly United'
Under this is a larger box. Inside is a platinum necklace with a central diamond, and a pattern of sapphires.
Beneath it is a box containing a black satin dress.
The card attached to it all contains reservations to dinner at one of the city's poshest Italian restaurants.

[blind-will.livejournal.com]

Two more packages near the others - one for Arisia, containing a white dress with green trim - suited for a formal dress night out.

For Fire, a spa day at a New York massage and bodyworks place.

[lesliethompkins.livejournal.com]

Mary is perhaps the easiest to shop for. She receives a cotton pink dress with matching shoes. It's two sizes too large. Leslie believes in leaving room to grow.

Barbara and Dick are visited by the florist. The easiest way to brighten the day is with flowers. In the spirit of the season, they anonymously receive several poinsettias.

When last she saw Tim, he joked about a little extra something in his after patrol beverage. He'll find himself the new owner of a coffee mug stenciled with a popularly accepted rendition of Robin. The note reads "For the late night cocoa, dear. Stay warm."

Selina is the recipient of a very old and worn file. The penciled in name on the side of the manila reads "Maggie Doe". The only note attached reads "Came across this. Thought you might like to have it."

Alfred will find a tin of his favorite tea under the Christmas tree, the likes of which can be found abundantly at the manor. The tag reads "Share a cup with me sometime soon."

For Bruce? A framed copy of a photograph taken of him and Alfred while in England. Why is it so special? He appears to be at ease.

[http://users.livejournal.com/_darkknight_/]

Bruce's gift for Leslie is left on Christmas Eve, as night is just threatening to fall: an album of photographs, no doubt painstakingly assembled, of many of the patients that Leslie has helped over the years, starting with Thomas and Martha Wayne and ending with Selina and Leslie in London.

Christmas dinner at 4:00pm at Wayne Manor. Don't be late. Love, Bruce.

[-nightwing-.livejournal.com]

Dick Grayson has a variety of gifts for his closest friends:

For Donna, the closest thing to a blood sister he will ever have in this lifetime, there's a small green velvet-covered box. Inside, she'll find a set of keys, and an address. When she gets there, she'll find a photography studio; fully equipped and rescued from going under when the original owner retired. There's a large red bow on the door.

For Jesse, two things: First - a Power Girl costume. Because if he can't ever live that night at Roy's bachelor party down, neither can she. Second - an ice hockey jersey from her favorite team, signed and with her name and number on the back. Attached are two VIP season tickets.

For Vic, a collection of classic Errol Flynn pirate movies - in their original print cans, labelled and numbered and restored, along with a similarly restored antique movie projector.

Bette will receive a few days' worth of adrenalin-rush moments: a day of drag racing, sub-orbital maneuvers in the X-Plane, and a chance to try out astronaut training at Kennedy Space Center.

For Gar, a large collection of rare comic books he's been trying to find for some time.

For Wally, a batch of yet-to-be-released high-end console games, still in beta-testing. And he gets to be the head feedback guru for all of them.

Roy will get plane tickets and a hotel paid for him, Donna and Lian to go to the largest Navajo gathering in Arizona every year for the next five years.

Lian will get her very own "Titans costume" - inspired by one of her own drawings.