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malecsecretsanta · 3 years

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Merry Christmas, notquiteascrazy!

For @notquiteascrazy. I hope you'll enjoy it Lex, I tried to stick to your likes as much as I could!!! Merry Xmas, darling!

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*****

The air was thick with snow and the smell of roasted chestnuts and marshmallows, and Alec was staring out from the window of the subway that was taking him home.

He sighed in relief thinking about the fact that at least for the Christmas week, he had a job. At least he wouldn't be forced to stay home alone, drinking a beer and eating a microwave heated pizza, and thinking.

He couldn't go home, not this festivities, not after having left his family business shoving his car and house keys on his father’s desk, shouting that the price was too high for his mental health, seeing all his family's eyes widen in disbelief, because Alec had never said no to anything. Never a quarrel, never an argument, never a sign of disappointment. Anything.

He had endured through high school and university, studying something that made his stomach twitch in disgust still he brought home the best grades, the best results, the best graduation a parent could have ever asked for.

But working more than twelve hours per day for it? It soon became too much to bear.

After two years of sleepless nights, pills, too much coffee, and the beginning of panic attacks, he'd decided to quit and leave that horrible life he crazily had thought he could force himself into.

Sometimes he would say to himself that maybe he hadn't tried hard enough, that maybe if he'd resisted a couple of months more, it would have become a routine, but he was aware that that could have never happened.

Alec hated numbers with all his heart, since he was a kid and that really wouldn't do in his family. For centuries, the Lightwoods held a huge business accountant studio that worked with the most outstanding industries, firms of the country, and even some others abroad. He was the eldest, he was supposed to be the heir. But he wasn't. He'd never been, and he never would be.

Izzy, she was the right one. Strong, sharp, determined, assertive and good enough to bring the best out for the family business. She was, and Alec loved her so much. He loved her fierce steps along the corridor when she was angry at someone, the way her voice turned sharp and hard on the phone when she discovered something she didn't like, the way her decisions were quick and always right.

He, instead, had always loved crayons and pencils. He loved the feeling of wood between his fingers, the smell of paper whenever he bought a new sketchbook, the rustling sound of his sleeve or his arm when it slid on the paper, and the brush of the pencil lead as it traced lines that gave life to the images that filled his head.

He wanted to become an artist, to go to an art school and then to an academy of arts, but he never had the courage to ask, never dared to hope, Alec ended up letting the days flow by until it was too late.

So there he was now, living alone in a one-room apartment in the outskirts, shifting from one temporary job to another. Apparently, he was "too much" for every position he applied for.

Too qualified, too experienced, too well paid, too grown up, too tall, too clumsy, too smart, too handsome, too… everything.

Izzy and Jace promised him they would come to visit during the holidays, but Alec knew that his family’s Christmas celebrations were something that they couldn't escape from that easily, with relatives, colleagues and business partners coming from all over the place and staying there until the late hours.

He dropped off the subway and walked home, grabbing a kebab along the way.

He switched on the kettle and slumped on the small couch he opened to sleep in at night, covering his legs with a blanket, patiently waiting for the little electric stove to heat the small room, picking up his phone and texting his siblings he had found a job for the Christmas’ month.

He stood and grabbed the kettle, pouring the boiling water into a mug filled with tea leaves, letting the steam soothe his icy red nose and warm him up. He looked outside the small window at the snow silently falling on the buildings.

He opened the bed and threw himself on it, still clothed. He took his sketchbook and started drawing, staring at his hand gently swaying on it, until he fell asleep, his head dropped on one side of the pillow, his hand clutching the pencil, as the Christmas lights and decorations glimmered on his black locks.

Magnus strolled into his office, his eyes shadowed, his beard a little longer than usual, his tie hanging loose around his neck, as if he hadn't the time to fix it properly.

"Are you ok?" Raphael asked him, a worried look on his face.

"Yes. No. I'm definitely not. It's been the worst night I had in years. Max has thrown up six times to the point his face turned green and I spent the night on the phone with Cat trying to figure out how to stop it and making him drink small sips of water, so he wouldn’t be dehydrated. I'm... fuck , I need another coffee, Raphael," he stopped and crashed on the huge armchair behind his long desk.

Raphael went to the coffee pot and filled a cup, putting some cream in it.

"You could have taken the day off you know? You're the boss here. No one is checking if you come to work or not."

"Are you insane?" Magnus glared at him as he sipped his coffee, it's December, the mall is going to be full and I have to check everything and I … I…"

"You don't want to be alone, I know."

Magnus' expression turned sad and distant. He sighed deeply, staring into the void.

"Probably not," he added, "Anyway, let's get back to work, is everything fixed? The extra decorations, the elves, the little presents for the kids coming and...oh my god, Santa? Have you found him?"

Raphael nodded smiling.

"Your kind of guy to be honest, dark, tall and handsome."

"Ah, stop this Raphael. He's gonna be dressed in a Santa costume, a huge pillow on his belly and a white long beard. Also…you should know that Mr. no one has become my favourite kind of guy."

"If you say so," he smirked.

Magnus stood up and left the cup on his desk, waving his hands in the air, dismissing whatever Raphael wanted to argue back.

"Anyway, let's go and see the elves, I'm curious," and he opened the door, gesturing to Raphael to follow him.

Alec woke up earlier than usual, waiting like twenty minutes for the water to warm and finally shower.

He knotted the towel low on his waist, cursing the cold wind that crawled from underneath the gaps in the window’s frames and went to the sink, grabbing his razor to shave. He stared at his image in the mirror. Why was he even shaving? He was about to wear a long white beard for a week. He brushed his knuckles on his stubble and smiled. It looked good on him. His father never wanted him to grow a beard. He used to say it made him look scruffy and that wouldn't go over well with their clients and partners. But now, who cared anymore? He put the razor back in the drawer and went to the stove to make some coffee. He dressed up slowly, and ate some toast, while chatting with Jace.

The subway was full of people going to work, some of them dressed in their grey and black suits and he felt relieved; he didn't miss that life at all. He took his sketchbook from his backpack and started portraying their faces, the worried and the sad ones, the abandoned lover and the happy newly wedded one. All of them in their morning run to face the day.

The receptionist stopped him as soon as he entered.

"I'm Alec Lightwood, ehm, Santa Claus…"

"Oh, yes Mr. Lightwood, you're a little early, but since you are already here you can go to the locker room and change. Here's your costume."

She was staring at him, a goofy smile on her face. As he walked away he heard her murmur to the other lady next to her that it was a pity to cover all that glory with a Santa's costume.

He chuckled and took the elevator.

The pillow on his belly was soft but huge and it made him uncomfortably hot, and the faint beard itched a bit on his neck. He wore the heavy boots and realized he was already covered in sweat. It was going to be a very long month.

He entered the Children's Land and spotted the man who interviewed him last week. He was standing next to the most enchanting creature Alec had ever laid his eyes on. He stood frozen in the middle of the large hall of the toy shop, just staring, until Raphael noticed him.

"Oh, there you are! Magnus, he's our Santa Claus," he said and pulled Magnus from his wrist toward the tall red and white figure.

"Alec? Oh, can I call you Alec, right? This is Magnus, the real boss here."

Alec was glad to be disguised when Magnus fully turned to look at him. The man was strikingly beautiful, probably just a little older than he was.

He extended his hand and Magnus mirrored him, shaking it for a split second that to Alec seemed like an eternity.

"Strong grip," Magnus said smiling, "perfect for Santa. Also, your height is just perfect. Let me hear your voice, have you practiced lowering it a bit?"

Alec nodded and was about to let him hear his best Ho Ho Ho , when Magnus' phone rang.

"Cat? How is Max feeling? Better? Oh, thank god, he needed some good sleep. Any fever? No? That's good."

Alec knew he shouldn't have been listening, but he just couldn't help it.

Of course he was married. Of course he had a kid and a beautiful wife waiting for him at home.

He was jolted out of his thoughts when Raphael suddenly asked him to follow him toward the big wooden sleigh they had put on the right end corner of the shop.

"This will be your place. You will have a big jute sack behind where you’ll put the letters and a basket full of candies and lollipops for the kids after they have told you their wishes."

Alec listened and nodded.

"Can I make a little drawing for them? Just a sketch of their name or favourite hero?" he asked.

Raphael looked at him amused.

"You can draw?"

"Yes, I'll be quick, I promise."

"Of course you can Alec. It will be an amazing surprise for all of them."

Alec turned and saw Magnus talking to his kid on the phone. His face was soft and he was smiling as if the child could see him. His mind went back to an image of a younger Robert smiling at him. He felt a rush of longing for those days when he was exactly the son their parents had dreamed of. Responsible, always on track, confident, always in the right place at the right moment.

While they were happy, he was overwhelmed. The more they grew proud, the more he was ashamed of himself. The longer they seemed sure of who he was, the further he didn't even know where to begin.

He spun and found Raphael looking at him, brows up to his forehead.

Fuck! He realized he had been staring at what was technically his boss.

He scratched his fingers on the back of his neck trying to think about something good to say and justify his weird behaviour.

"Ahm… he's good with children...not many men are … ehm… it's kinda rare I mean…"

Raphael delighted in the embarrassment he glimpsed in the young man in front of him, and waited amused until Alec fell silent with a frustrated grunt.

Raphael took pity on him and finally laughed, wholeheartedly.

"Yeah, he is. They love him before he even starts to speak and he can convince them to do whatever he asks. They're kinda spellbound ."

"Yeah I know the feeling."

Alec’s cheeks reddened a bit and he closed his eyes cursing himself for talking without filters, realizing what comment had just left his mouth.

"I mean," he tried, "I know the feeling of being spellbound."

Raphael turned around a little smirking, “Yeah, he has this effect on everyone he meets."

Alec walked toward the sleigh, checked the basket filled with sweets and sat down, adjusting the pillow on his belly and stretching his legs. He knew they would be bent until late that afternoon. He was glad he hadn’t shaved that morning, otherwise, his pale and delicate skin would have been scratchy in the evening.

He took his sketchbook from his backpack and the crayons, the beautiful watercolour ones that he received on his last birthday from Izzy and Jace, and set them on his left side.

Raphael instructed a couple of photographers where to position the cameras and searched for Magnus again, leaving the last decision up to him. He was the best organizer but he really lacked any sense of aesthetics, which, instead, Magnus was overflowing with. The man was fixing the red berry and frosted pine cone garland on the railing of the stairs, fully concentrated on the task.

"Magnus? Have a look here," he said, "our Santa's sleigh is ready. Just waiting for your last touch.”

Magnus revolved toward the voice and stared for a moment at Alec and the setting, his gaze so intense that Alec felt the urge to divert his eyes. Magnus moved slowly toward the sleigh, bending near the footboards to fix the fake snowflakes and the pine branches.

His movements were slow and graceful, the back of his neck was flexing sinuously following the motion of his hands and fingers, and Alec couldn't keep from staring. His nails were painted in a dark green polish, matching the colour of the spikes in his faux hawk. He was elegant and extremely professional, but there was something sensual too in his overall outfit.

His eyes were stuck to Magnus' fingers that were now fixing the red velvet cloth and cushions on the sled.

"You like the color of the polish or my rings?" Magnus asked abruptly without turning his head and Alec rolled his eyes, because of course he wasn’t able to do anything without being noticed.

He didn't know what to say because, honestly, he liked them both, a lot.

Magnus must have realized his embarrassment because he resumed his talk without even looking at him.

"I picked the dark green this morning because it matches the beautiful colour of the pine needles and also because it matches perfectly with the burgundy red suit I am wearing. The rings...well, they are just a sort of second skin, I never remove them, not even when I sleep or shower."

Alec remained still and silent, lost in Magnus' voice.

"I don't bite, you know. You're allowed to answer or say something," Magnus added seriously, just before bursting into the softest laughter Alec had ever heard, "I'm just teasing you, I was joking."

Alec smiled behind the white soft beard, "Both, I like them both," he whispered.

Magnus stopped his movements and finally raised his head to look at him. He was kneeled on one leg, looking at those hazel big eyes standing out from the furry grey brows. They shined like two emerald gems.

Magnus then stood up and leaned toward Alec, grabbing his white fluffy collar and adjusting it around his neck, next his palms swept over his shoulders and tugged at the fabric a little, to make it adhere to Alec's shoulders. They were broad and straight. The last touch was reserved for his hat. He fixed the pom-pom and then his fingers curled up the mustaches above Alec's lips.

He cocked his head and took a moment to check what he had just done, "Now you're perfect, the perfect Santa. Raphael is the best at making real what I have in mind."

"Raphael knows so well what the boss likes," a voice replied.

"He's right," Magnus said to Alec smirking, "he knows me so well. Ok now. I know he already told you what this whole Santa's thing is about, but I will remind you anyway. Kids will queue here, you will take them on your lap and have a little chat, then ask them for a wish, pick up a candy, and offer them to take a picture with you. Remember the pictures are for free, it's just for the joy of the kids, and…"

"And while they are waiting for the print I will make them a little sketch."

Magnus frowned.

"Raphael told me I could. I'll be quick, I promise."

"You draw?" Magnus asked.

"Yes."

"As long as you don't make the people wait too long, I think it's a wonderful idea. Keep the last one for me, ok?"

Magnus turned to Raphael.

"Let the kids come. We're ready for the magic to happen."

Alec's first week flew by quicker than he had imagined. He enjoyed talking to the kids and smiled at the incredible, sweet, improbable desires they shared with him. He gave them the sweets and a quick sketch; an animal, a toy, a star, a word, something he made just for them.

Raphael was amazed by how quickly Alec actually sketched. The queue was flowing regularly and no clients complained about waiting too long. Their Santa smiled and laughed with the kids and he didn't seem to become annoyed or bored.

Alec always listened with the same attention, always gave the children space and time to talk, enjoyed their sense of wonder, comforted the sad ones, knew how to deal with tantrums and tears, and never missed to give an encouraging smile to the parents waiting.

In that week, he fell asleep happily after such a long time.

Working at the mall turned out to be very exciting and interesting. Alec had always been fond of people, even if he wasn't very talkative and extroverted. He mostly loved to observe them, the quick glances between the ones in love, the farewell and welcome embraces, the arguments and the tears, the gazes lost in nowhere, the grandparents holding the hands of the kids, and of course, the kisses.

In the days he spent there, especially at the times his shift started and finished, when the mall was emptying, he loved watching Magnus interact with his employees. He was struck by how different Magnus was from his father.

Magnus was always the first to arrive and the last one to leave, he always had a smile for everyone, he paid attention to all their needs, and always found the right words to say, supportive, encouraging, and caring. He brought coffee and sweets, he offered them lunch and then sat eating with them, laughing and having fun, and whenever he could, he would help them.

There was something in that man that had Alec yearning for his presence whenever he wasn’t around, that had him staring at him when Magnus wasn’t noticing, admiring him. He was beautiful inside and out.

"His wife must be so happy," he absentmindedly said to a cleaner one night as he was helping him pull up all the trash bags. Wei was the oldest one at the mall, and Alec had become his friend. He loved to listen to his stories and his memories, and got his fill of wisdom every day. Alec opened up to him like a father, sharing his personal life, his dreams and his sorrows. He remained with him long after his Santa’s duty was over, listened and helped along the way.

"Who?" said the man.

"Mr. Bane."

Wei stopped moving and cleaning, putting his mop on the floor, smiling at Alec.

"Magnus?"

Alec looked at the old man and smiled, hoisting up two other bags.

"Yes, Magnus."

The man looked back at him, pensively, and then talked.

"Magnus isn't married, and never has been. If you are referring to the fact that he has a child, I will tell you a story worthy of this time of the year. Tea first," and he went to the counter of the locker room and poured some in two cups, handing one to Alec.

"Three years ago, Anne, a young girl that worked at the bookstore, died unexpectedly in a car accident. She was the mother of a two-year-old boy, named Max. When Magnus heard that the social services were searching for a place for Max to stay for the night, he offered to take him home with him, and never left him since then. He applied for adoption, since he was the closest thing to family for that girl and her boy and since he was raised in foster care…"

The man looked at Alec, an unreadable expression on his face, something between awe and seriousness.

"I hope you'll have the chance to know him better, Alec. Magnus is one of the kindest souls that tread on this earth. He's caring, gentle, soft, selfless, he holds a special place in his heart for each of us. He knows all our histories, he never misses a birthday or an anniversary, he covers our shifts when we need a day off and no one can replace us. He's so incredible, that he's almost unreal."

He stood up and took the mop again, "I have noticed the way you look at him."

Alec swallowed, his cheeks getting crimson, "I… I don't…"

"There's nothing to be ashamed of, he doesn't deserve to be alone," and he bent to grab some empty bottles.

"Leave that to me," Alec said and was quickly on his knees to collect them.

"You're just as kind as he is," Wei said and threw some paper cups in the bin.

Alec remained with him, and they talked until Wei had finished cleaning.

"Your dad will understand sooner or later," he said putting his coat and scarf on.

"He might, but he'll never forgive me," Alec sighed.

"He will understand one day that there's nothing to forgive Alec, you don't have to apologize to anyone for giving voice to your true self, he will understand, believe me. Just give him time."

Alec nodded as they went outside and decided to take a walk. He looked up at the grey thick sky, thinking about Magnus.

He opened his drawing book and checked all the sketches and portraits he'd made of Magnus while he wasn't watching. It would have been really nice to know him better, but December was almost over and he did not even have the chance to present himself.

He exhaled. In another life, maybe.

On his part, Magnus realized he was always finding an excuse to go to the children's store. There was something in that Santa that drew him closer, even if he had never seen his face. The way he moved, his soft, tender voice, the way he got lost in his drawing, and the way he answered the kids. Raphael always made jokes about the fact that he should go to the locker room and have a closer look at the man, but Magnus always dismissed him with a wave of his hand.

As Christmas approached, Alec noticed that Magnus was often around and he never missed the chance to draw him on many different occasions.

“You should show him," he heard Raphael say behind his back as he peeked at the sketch Alec had just made of Magnus standing beside one of the Xmas trees of the mall, sipping from a coffee cup, absorbed in reading, his brows furrowed, his lips curled in concentration.

Alec suddenly felt a wave of embarrassment wash over him.

"Magnus loves beautiful things, and your portrait is amazing, you really should," Raphael stated as he walked away.

Alec closed his sketchbook when a loud thud tore him out of his thoughts. He rushed and found a crying kid on the floor, his knees up to his chin, a thin rivulet of blood on his wrist.

Alec knelt beside him, his voice soft and tender, "Hey, it's all right, I'm here. Can I have a look at your wrist?"

The boy raised his head and found Santa Claus kneeling beside him, asking him to have a look at his injury. He looked around confused, not really knowing what to do, until his eyes rested on another man standing behind his back.

"I'd let him if I were you, his touch might be magical."

Alec looked up and saw Magnus looking at him, gently nodding, encouraging him to go on. So he took the boy's hand and lifted his wrist to have a look at it; then he took out two small packages from his right pocket. He showed them to the kid.

"What's your name?" he asked softly.

"Tom," the boy whispered.

"Okay, Tom. Now I will wipe your wound and disinfect it, it won't burn or hurt, I promise. Then I am going to put a magical Santa patch on it, how does this sound? Will you pick up the drawing while I clean it?"

"Mr. Bane…" Alec started only to stop when Magnus stepped in.

"Magnus." Magnus corrected.

"Magnus can help you pick one, if that's all right?"

The boy smiled and nodded.

Alec passed the small box to Magnus and for a moment their eyes locked. Magnus smiled at him, wide and open, and his gaze softened as their fingers softly brushed, and Alec felt something cracking inside of him, like an egg breaking to let a new life peek through.

He made quick work of the little wound, covering it with a candy cane-shaped patch.

"Now,” he added, “since you have been really brave, why don’t you follow me to pick some candies out from my basket near the sleigh?"

"And I will go and search for your parents," Magnus added, "remain here with Santa."

Later that evening, he was putting his black coat on ready to go home when he heard someone coming.

"Who are you?" Magnus asked, looking surprised at the handsome man standing outside the locker room.

Alec turned and saw him, he seemed almost in a rush. He was about to answer, but he realized he couldn't breathe.

“You don’t look like a thief, so, care to tell me who you are?”

"I’m Santa. I mean, the guy dressed as Santa. My name is Alec," his voice came out barely a whisper.

"Pardon?" Magnus asked him, almost not believing he had heard well.

Alec swallowed as he felt those chocolate eyes scanning him from his feet to the last of his black locks.

Magnus blinked as his heart skipped a beat. Damn Raphael, he was right.

They both remained silent as the veil was raised, staring at each other as their hearts were fluttering.

Finally, Magnus extended his hand to him, "Actually I was searching just for you."

Alec grabbed his hand and squeezed it, his grip strong and certain, "Why?"

"I wanted to thank you for today. The way you acted with that boy…,"

"It was nothing...”

"You turned a bad event into an amazing one, one he will remember for all his life. Plus, you didn't have to, and you did anyway. This says a lot about the kind of person you are, and I never take such things for granted."

Alec was still holding his hand, stuck in a sort of trance. When he realized that, he retracted his palm, "I'm sorry, I need to go…, my sister is waiting for me outside…,"

Magnus nodded.

Alec adjusted the scarf around his neck and moved toward the exit.

"Ah, Alec? We are having a small Christmas party on the 24th, after the mall closes for the clients, why don't you come? It's an open party, we all bring families or partners…," he stopped, waiting for Alec to say something.

"I'd love to, yes, thank you. See you tomorrow," he left and headed to Izzy's car, his heart racing, his head a bit spinning.

Izzy needed just a glance to understand, "Are you ok?"

Alec looked at her and licked his lips, twice, "I don't really think so."

"What's wrong?"

He pressed his fingers at the corner of his eyes, exhaling, "Fuck, Izzy, I think I've fallen in love."

"And what's so terrible about it?"

Alec looked back at her, almost desperate, "He's the owner of the mall, beautiful and sexy as fuck, smart, and kind, and...what do I have to offer him?"

"Yourself, Alec. And believe me, it's not something you easily find around nowadays." She turned the engine on and drove him away.

After the last bowl of popcorn was over, Max was almost asleep against Magnus' chest.

"Dad?"

"Mm?"

"You were happy tonight when you came back from work, did something happen?"

Magnus kissed him on his head, gently, "Maybe, yes. I was thinking...We have a special Santa this year, do you want to come and make your wish?"

"You'd let me again?”

Magnus nodded and heard Max hum happily.

In that last week, Magnus found every excuse to be around Alec, and Alec always welcomed him with his bright eyes and his soft smile. The more Magnus stayed with him, the more he felt the desire to know him better. Magnus found himself thinking about which books Alec liked reading, what kind of movies did he watch, or what was the food he wanted to eat on a snowy night.

Magnus really wanted to invite him for a drink, but it was Christmas week and Max was at home with Cat the whole day, waiting for him to come home. That was what being a father was about. Putting Max first, every time, and Magnus knew not many would want a committed relationship with a lone parent.

Christmas Eve was really busy. Alec was searching for Magnus, but he never showed up. He wanted to see him one last time, since he’d decided not to show up to the party. He wanted to thank him for having made this month the best he had in years. All the customers had almost left when he spotted him at the end of the queue, holding a little boy in his arms, and chatting with him.

Max was the last kid of the day. Magnus knelt, putting him down and letting him walk toward Alec, to make his wish for this Christmas.

He knew that Max always asked for one thing, no matter if it was Christmas or if he was blowing his birthday candle, or watching a shooting star. All the others Santa had always given him silly answers, -- this is not a thing you can ask Santa, or this is a thing you should ask in your bedtime prayers, or Santa brings only toys-- , leaving Max always sad and deluded.

Why was he expecting Alec to give a different answer, he didn’t know.

As Max came closer, Alec opened his arms and pulled him up on his thighs, looking at him.

“And you are?”

“Max. Dad said you are a special Santa, so maybe you are the one who can finally help me with my wish?”

“I’ll do my best. What is it?”

"Can you bring my mum back?"

Alec felt like he had been slapped by a cold hand right on his face, as his eyes filled with tears.

He raised a hand and caressed Max’s cheek, staying silent as some seconds passed by, conscious of the other pair of eyes that were staring at him, aside from Max’s.

Alec thought carefully about the answer and then he started talking, “I wish I could, Max, but I can't. There are many things that happen in life that we can’t turn back or change, no matter how much we’d want or try to. Your mum has passed now and this means she can't come back, but there is something you can do about this. You can find her in the small things of your life, in the scents that remind you of her, in the melody she used to sing when she lulled you to sleep, in the words of a story she used to tell you at bedtime, in the way your smile probably looks like hers, and…,” he raised his gaze to look at Magnus who seemed visibly touched by his words, "... in the love your dad is giving you. In this way, it will be as if she never really left you. I know you miss her presence, her touch, and her voice, but if you close your eyes and search into your heart, you will find her there.”

Max looked intensely at the man in front of him, processing the words, serious and concentrated, then his face brightened in a sunny smile.

“Dad was right, you’re the best Santa I have ever met.” Max replied as he looked between his dad and Santa. He may not have his mom’s warm hugs anymore but Max did have his Dad’s embrace and bedtime stories. “Thank you Santa. I think you’re right.”

Alec let out a startled laugh as he held the candy basket out for Max, “Now, any other wish I can help you with?”

“Is there something you wish to have back and can’t, just like me?” Max finally asked, picking up a candy cane.

Alec inhaled a sharp breath, “Of course there is.”

Max smiled and looked up at Alec, “Then come and spend Christmas with us, so you can tell me.”

Alec cleared his throat, “Leave a plate with cookies and a mug of hot chocolate, and I’ll see what I can do, ok?”

Then he kissed Max on his head, picked his sketchbook and drew a big comet on it. Giving it to the kid he told him, “Never stop believing Max, the best things come to us when we less expect them. Merry Christmas.”

He stood up, tearing another sheet from it, walked toward Magnus who was still kneeling and staring at him, handing him the drawing, “This is for you.”

Magnus looked at his portrait on the paper. He wanted to say something, but voices and laughters were coming from the hall of the mall, signalling that the Christmas party was about to begin.

“Magnus, Max?” they heard Raphael call.

Alec stepped back, grabbed his pencils and went to change his clothes, leaving Magnus and Max there.

He felt his heart aching at the idea of leaving without a word, but he knew that going to the party would have only meant to feel even worse when he had to say goodbye. He dressed up and before leaving he put a drawing next to the locker of each of the persons he had met and worked with, in those days.

“So you’re not coming,” he heard Wei say.

He turned, his eyes were red with unshed tears, that he wasn’t ashamed to show. “It would only be worse later. I’m already lost. I don’t want this to be out in the open, and if I ever get in there, with him, with them, I won’t be able to disguise it. Thank you for being my friend and confidant while I was here,” he told Wei as he hugged him, “Watch over him and make sure he’ll give his heart to someone worthy. Say goodbye to everyone, it’s been an honour working here.”

He patted the man on his back one more time, and then made his way out, deciding to walk home and let the snowflakes wash away the tears that were streaming down his face.

At the party, Magnus was trying to get distracted, but his mind was fixed on Alec, on the way he answered Max, and on the way the boy had seemed to want Alec in their lives.

Maybe he was the right one.

He would have asked him out, if only the man would show up, but he didn't, and Magnus had lost his hopes.

He was standing next to the bar, drinking and staring into the void.

"Drinking to celebrate or to forget?" Wei asked him.

"Neither of these, just drinking and enjoying the two days of rest we have ahead of us."

The old man hummed and took a glass himself.

"It seemed you were searching and waiting for someone who didn't come," he said, “Alec went away."

Magnus frowned and then exhaled, his voice turning sharp and bitter, "Ah yes, I call it the lone parent effect. It never fails to strike."

Wei looked at him, savouring his cocktail. The man looked to be weighing something in his mind before he spoke.

"He went away because he has feelings, and feared that these weren't reciprocated."

Magnus put down his glass on the counter.

"Who told you?"

"He did, just before leaving. And that's not the only thing I know about him."

Magnus shook his head, smiling, feeling his heart expand.

"Sit here with me and let's have a talk, Magnus."

The morning sun hit Alec right in the eyes and he cursed himself for not closing the curtains enough last night when he’d come home. He remembered feeling sad and being a bit tipsy, after stopping along the way to have a couple of beers.

He wasn't really used to drinking, so he always ended up confused and hobbling, until there was a couch or a bed to fall into.

Alec got up and stretched his arms and legs, staring at the thick snow already covering the roofs, and still falling from the pearly grey sky.

Jace and Izzy were out of reach for a couple of days, trapped in all those pompous meetings his parents always held at their place.

He put the coffee pot on the stove and took a pan, opened the fridge and looked at the watch. Nine o'clock. It was going to be a very long day.

He toasted some bread and cooked two sunny side up eggs, and put the plate on the table. He was scrolling his phone while eating, chuckling at the secret pics his siblings were sending him, before taking the still fuming cup of coffee, and going back to the couch, opening a book.

After a while he went to take a shower and then warmed some other coffee before getting dressed.

That's when he heard the doorbell ring.

He quickly put on a thorn old sweater he used at home and a pair of loose sweatpants. It must have been the old lady on the first floor, she knew he was alone.

He opened the door, threading his hand through his already ruffled hair and lost all his capacity to think and speak when he saw Magnus and Max, hand in hand, standing on the threshold of his small apartment, on that Christmas morning.

He wanted to say something, but didn't know where to start from. Magnus was looking at him, a shy smile on his face, a doubtful look in his eyes, as if he was sorry for showing up without calling him first.

Luckily Max was there too.

"So your real name is Alec?" the boy asked him.

Alec looked at Magnus, asking for silent permission, before nodding back.

"Me and dad had a talk about Santa," Max giggled, "he says that mall Santas are only interns right now. Like high ranking elves! Now I know why no one could help me, but at least, your words were honest, and we are here for a reason," and he elbowed his father on his leg.

Magnus seemed lost for a moment, trying to find the right words, then looked at Alec and said, "We were wondering if you would come and spend these two Holiday days with us. Our home is big enough and we have a spare room."

Alec looked at him and shrugged, incredulous.

"I want you to come, Santa Alec, please."

"And you?" Alec asked Magnus.

"I would love to. I would love to know you better, if you'd let me."

Alec smiled and it felt as if the sun had ripped through the clouds, even if it was still snowing, "I would love that too."

Magnus winked at him, "So that's settled. We will wait for you in the car while…"

Alec grabbed his wrist, pulling him inside.

"I'm sorry I didn't invite you in, I was… distracted. If you both don't mind the small place, I have some warm coffee and I can make you a hot chocolate Max."

As they sat on the couch, Alec warmed the coffee and prepared the chocolate.

The radio was playing in the background -- It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas --, Alec looked at Magnus intensely as he handed him the cup, and maybe, from now on, life was really beginning to look a lot like something they had been waiting for, for a long time.

#notquiteascrazy #malecsanta20 #*fic20 #*gifts20

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fly-pow-bye · 3 years

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What’s Airing On Cartoon Network? (December 2020)

This horrible year is almost over, and there’s still some new episodes. Apple & Onion, Bakugan, DC Super Hero Girls, Teen Titans Go, Total Dramarama, and we say a bon voyage to the first and only 2020 Cartoon Network show. Details after the break.

Apple & Onion

December 5th:

Christmas Spirit - Apple & Onion have to become mall Santas to get the gifts they want for Christmas. (10:00 AM)

December 18th:

Slobbery - Apple and Onion have to get rid of Burger's roommate so Burger will help them. (8:00 PM)

Microwave's Dance Club - Apple and Onion need more room in a packed nightclub in order to bust their dance moves. (8:15 PM)

All Work and No Play - Apple and Onion build eye masks to sleep at work so they can have more time for fun. (8:30 PM)

Drone Shoes - Apple and Onion need to find power to plug in their new drone shoes. (8:45 PM)

Bakugan: Armored Alliance

No descriptions on The Futon Critic, but they’re all See It Firsts, so their descriptions are already available.

December 6th:

The Past Revealed/Run! A Storm’s on the Way - The Past Revealed: After getting lost in maze with Lia, Ajit remembers the day he met Pharol and Auxilataur. He finally can explain how he was able to partner with golden Bakugan, but Ajit’s story is interrupted by a familiar face - Storm!/Run! A Storm’s on the Way: Still upset that Ajit has given up his life as a phantom thief, Storm rolls out Hydranoid x Aquos and attacks! Ajit and Lia take off running through the maze as Storm gives chase. (6:30 AM)

December 13th:

Golden Bakugan Encounter/Ties of Gold - Golden Bakugan Encounter: Dan and Shun, split up from the rest of Awesome Brawlers, are traveling in through the maze when they discover McQ. It turns out McQ is seeking a golden Bakugan. When the boys go in for a closer look, they are startled by an old friend, and together confront McQ./Ties of Gold: The now reunited Awesome Brawlers are once again confronted by Storm, McQ, Sophie and Everett, who are on the hunt for golden Bakugan. With tired Bakugan, the Awesome Brawlers will have to give it their all to defend against this evil. (6:30 AM)

December 20th:

Nightmare/Bad Dan - Nightmare: Dan hasn’t been sleeping well lately. No “sleep brawling” this time, but he’s constantly tossing and turning. It turns out, Dan’s dreams have been hijacked by Haavik, who’s trying to spread his vision of chaos and destruction to Dan!/Bad Dan: Haavik has taken control of Dan and sends him on a Bakugan rampage! With “Bad Dan” causing all kinds of havoc and destruction, the rest of the Awesome Brawlers have no choice but to roll out to try to contain “Bad Dan”. (6:30 AM)

December 27th:

Dusk Industries Under Attack/Taking Dan Back - Dusk Industries Under Attack: “Bad Dan” has his taken his rampage to Dusk Industries and this time he has help spreading the chaos and destruction, he’s joined by Sophie, McQ, Everett, Storm and Haavik! The Awesome Brawlers are quickly on the scene try to bring an end to the show of destruction./ Taking Dan Back: “Bad Dan” with Haavik’s crew and their fusion Bakugan continue the rampage at Dusk Industries. The Awesome Brawlers, with some help from Magnus, are determined to an end to this show of destruction and get their friend back! (6:30 AM)

DC Super Hero Girls

December 20th:

#AwesomeAuntAntiope - Diana always preferred her "fun aunt" Antiope to her strict mother, but when Antiope visits Metropolis and takes the girls out on the town, Diana sees her aunt's antics in a whole new light. (9:15 AM)

December 27th:

#FreshPrincessOfRenFaire - A fun day at the Renaissance Faire takes a dark turn when our heroes clash with a princess-eating dragon. (11:00 AM)

Teen Titans Go!

December 12th:

The Cast - After breaking his leg, Robin is confined to his room and spies through a telescope. (9:00 AM)

December 20th:

Superhero Feud - Control Freak pits the Titans against the DC Superhero Girls to determine who is the best team in the universe. (9:00 AM)

ThunderCats Roar

December 5th:

Mandora Saves Christmas - Santa Claus is on the run from Mandora! Can the Thundercats help him get off Third Earth without getting caught? And can Santa Claus teach them a little something about this weird new holiday "Christmas"? (9:15 AM)

Total Dramarama

December 5th:

Me, My Elf, and I - Duncan tricks Chef into taking the class to the North Pole in order to remove his name from the naughty list. (9:30 AM)

Snow Country for Old Men - In an attempt to win the holidays, Chef brings snowmen to life to entertain the kids. But when they turn out to be evil, Chef and the kids have to jingle some bells. (9:45 AM)

December 12th:

Jelly Aches - The school descends into chaos after getting a visit from Gazunga, the Jealousy Troll. (9:30 AM)

Simply Perfect - When the kids are about to be subject to school testing with no time to study, Courtney freaks and orders a Brainiac Ray from the back of a comic book that does NOT work as advertised. (9:45 AM)

December 20th:

Baby Brother Blues - When Beth is told that the impending arrival of a baby brother is about to ruin her life, she runs away to find a new family. (9:30 AM)

Space Codyty - Izzy, convinced that Cody is an alien, embarks on a journey through space to take him back home. (9:45 AM)

#fpb news #apple & onion #dc super hero girls #bakugan battle planet #bakugan #teen titans go #thundercats roar #total dramarama #cartoon network

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allthebrazilianpolitics · 4 years

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With More Daily Deaths Than U.K., Brazil Is New Virus Hotspot

Brazil is fast emerging as the new global hotspot for the coronavirus pandemic, trailing only the U.S. in daily deaths.

The country reported 751 deaths on Friday, surpassing the U.K.’s daily death toll. The number of infections has nearly tripled in the past two weeks to over 145,000, leaving 9,897 dead. Health officials say the numbers are likely higher as a lack of testing has meant many cases and deaths don’t make the official count. Deaths at home have climbed 10% compared with last year.

The worsening of the health crisis after more than a month of loosely enforced quarantine and lockdown orders has led governors and mayors to increase restrictions to try to halt the spread of the disease. Sao Paulo, which accounts for about a third of Brazil’s GDP and is the hardest-hit by the pandemic, extended a quarantine until May 31 amid what governor Joao Doria called a “devastating” picture. Cities in the country’s poorer North and Northeastern regions, with health systems that were already overwhelmed before the pandemic hit, have implemented even harsher lockdowns.

On Thursday, President Jair Bolsonaro and several cabinet members made an unscheduled visit to the nation’s Supreme Court in a plea to ease restriction measures. The president has often disregarded social isolation, mingling with supporters, calling the virus “just a flu” and warning of the impact of the economic crisis ahead if people don’t get back to work. Several regions have already done so. The industrialized Santa Catarina state and crop-rich Mato Grosso do Sul are reopening malls, gyms and churches.

#brazil #brazilian politics #coronavirus #covid 19 #politics #mod nise da silveira

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brittanycorporation · 2 years

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World-Class Themed Communities of Santa Rosa

Santa Rosa is preparing to become one of the contributors to the country’s growing number of thriving economic centers, which is expected to increase in the coming years. The city is well-known for one of its key economic drivers, the automobile manufacturing industry, located there. Known as the “Motor City of the Philippines,” Santa Rosa serves as the headquarters for several automobile manufacturers, including Toyota Motor Corporation of the Philippines, Honda Car Corporation of the Philippines, Nissan Motor Company of the Philippines, and Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation.

📷Georgia Club, Augusta, Promenade, and Belle Reve. Santa Rosa is also home to industrial parks and significant residential communities.

All of these factors combine to account for 95 percent of the overall automobile output in the country. Moreover, Brittany Santa Rosa is being considered a potential center by IT-BPM companies. This is due to the numerous special economic zones that have been deliberately placed around the area.

The most remarkable progress is the development of themed communities of Santa Rosa, courtesy of Brittany Corporation. In Brittany Santa Rosa, you can find a luxury house and lot near Nuvali. You also have the option to choose from many other luxury homes in Laguna developed by Brittany Corporation.

Let’s take a peek at these world-class themed communities where you can find the best luxury homes in Laguna to live with.

Suggested Read: Christmas in Brittany Santa Rosa: Your Dream House Location | Brittany

Promenade

Have you ever fantasized about living the life of a royal? The royal lifestyle seems to be very dazzling, gorgeous, and sophisticated. Visualize yourself sipping a cup of coffee on your expansive grounds, taking in the fresh air, and watching the dawn while sipping your beverage of choice.

📷Brittany Santa Rosa’s Promenade, a top-tier community in the heart of Santa Rosa, will undoubtedly satisfy you with a spectacular international ambiance of everyday life combined with the intricately designed house and lot evolutions that you deserve, and flawlessly make you feel like true aristocracy, you won’t have to travel out of the country to experience this.

Allow yourself to be seduced by the allure of Old English architecture as Brittany brings more life and sophistication to the gorgeous background of Promenade Santa Rosa.

Promenade is master-planned with hedged cobblestone walkways around lovely residences in the image of the picturesque English countryside. It is a tranquil, safe, and prospering neighborhood with ancient English-influenced architecture and underground utilities that complements rich greenery and decade-old trees. It is conveniently located near commercial districts such as Vista Mall, Solenad, and Paseo and schools.

In Santa Rosa, Laguna, Promenade is the ideal residence for families and people seeking a really magnificent living environment. In this development, there is something for everyone: exclusivity, accessibility, stunning vistas, finely designed houses, and high-end facilities.

Promenade by Brittany Santa Rosa is also a fantastic option for folks who don’t want to deal with the hassle of building a house from scratch on a vacant site. It also has pre-designed home models available. These are designed to seem like historic English country houses. Indeed, one of the best elegant luxury homes in Laguna.

Don’t settle for less. Check your dream luxury house and lot in Santa Rosa.

Augusta

Augusta in Sta. Rosa, Laguna is a vast residential development that offers a quiet and delightful getaway from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. It is a lovely neighborhood with a lot to offer. This nature-filled community, built by renowned developer Brittany Corporation, is peppered with exquisitely trees and beautifully-kept parks, all of which are open to the public. It is the ideal location for families that are looking for a peaceful and quiet house.

📷The strategic position of Augusta is the most persuasive of the several factors that led to Brittany Corporation’s selection of the city.

It is conveniently located within the Georgia Club, adjacent to significant enterprises, allowing inhabitants to easily access everything they want. For starters, spending leisure time outdoors will not be a burden due to the proximity to shopping malls and recreational facilities such as Vista Mall Sta. Rosa and Ayala Malls Solenad, as well as the world-renowned Sta. Elena Golf Club.

If you require medical attention, the Sta. Rosa Hospital and Medical Center and the Calamba Doctors Hospital are all within walking distance.

In addition, you have a wide variety of school alternatives for your children’s education. They can attend Brent International School, Woodland Stern International School, or Green Fields Integrated School of Laguna, among other schools. A campus of the University of Santo Tomas and De La Salle University campus is also nearby. Augusta is indeed one of the themed communities of Santa Rosa.

As a result of the proximity of these enterprises to your future residence, convenience becomes a natural part of your lifestyle. For this reason, it is worthwhile to look at houses and lots for sale in Augusta. Brittany Corporation provides you all the details you need to settle in that luxury house and lot in Santa Rosa you have been dreaming of for a long time.

Brittany Santa Rosa even gives you the option to choose your preferred house and lot near Nuvali.

Suggested Read: The Luxury Homes of Brittany Santa Rosa | Brittany Corporation

Georgia Club

Possessing a Southern American-style house in Georgia Club by Brittany Corporation will allow you to have a taste of the American dream. You will be able to live in a neighborhood surrounded by natural trees and animals while yet enjoying the conveniences of urban living because it is located in the fast-growing city of Sta. Rosa.

Houses and lots at Georgia Club are available for purchase in a variety of sizes and configurations. These residences are offered in three-, four-, and six-room formats, depending on your needs. In addition, the complex has four traditional American model homes.

📷As one of the themed communities of Santa Rosa, Georgia Club is the best option for you and your family.

Each of the Georgia Club’s houses has its own classic, beautiful elegance influenced by South American architectural elements. Porches, shuttered windows, rope swings, and roofs are examples of how this concept was incorporated. In addition, the 15-hectare neighborhood is bordered by 1,200 50-year-old native trees, which allow you to get up close and personal with nature.

This luxury property is also near commercial enterprises such as Paseo de Sta. Rosa, industrial parks, campuses of famous institutions such as De La Salle University and the University of Santo Tomas, Medical City South Luzon, golf clubs, and a variety of other establishments.

Residents at Georgia Club can make use of a variety of facilities in the common spaces. One of these is the Peach Tree Clubhouse, which has an alfresco eating space and a BBQ pit for guests. One such park is Daisy Park, which contains pockets of natural landscapes and a children’s playground located outside.

Belle Reve

📷Among the premium themed communities of Santa Rosa, Belle Reve stands out as a one-of-a-kind development.

In keeping with the hotel’s name, which literally translates as “beautiful dream,” its French-Mediterranean setting invites guests to spend their waking hours walking around locations that include several gardens and courtyards designed by world-class landscape designers and architects. There are no two gardens or courtyards that are alike. The park’s 20-hectare overall size is divided in half by open spaces.

Final thoughts

Brittany is not only developing luxury houses for the country’s wealthy, but it is also elevating the country’s quality of property design and expansion to advanced levels of innovation. Whether a house and lot near Nuvali or a luxury house and lot in Santa Rosa, everything about each home’s design and construction is cutting-edge in both function and form.

Every detail of each residence is meticulously put together by some of the country’s most brilliant minds, all to create the most magnificent and well-crafted residences in the country – one would expect nothing less from the country’s premier homebuilder.

Now is the right time to settle in one of the themed communities of Santa Rosa.

Visit Brittany Corporation and start living the life you deserve!

Visit Brittany’s official property page to know more about Brittany’s beautiful thematic offerings or follow us on our Linkedin, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagramaccounts!

For those who are interested to be a seller for Brittany, visit our E-Suite seller’s portal here.

Concerns on your home? Click on our Vista Land Homeowner’s Portal.

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bigreprp · 6 years

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hello lovelies! we’re so overwhelmed with the level of activity in the tag already, especially on a weekday. we love you all so much and we’re so excited to keep revealing what we’ve been working so hard on. so today we’re releasing previews of our mini profiles, so you can get an idea of the aesthetic we’re going with. so get yourself hyped over this!

we're also formally announcing our image sizes for the site (though they've been in the FAQ already if you sneaky smarties have checked that out already). the main avatar will need to be 220 x 410 with two other optional images for your shipper at 410 x 250 and 55 x 150. all of the gifs will resize, but if you want to get specific, we've got three of them at 70 x 70, 65 x 65 and 110 x 70. we've done our best to keep things easy and make sure that resizing happens wherever possible, so that everyone (regardless of graphic skills) can have their profiles looking snazzy and gorgeous! we're hoping you love it all as much as we do.

and lastly, just because you guys have been so amazing, we're going to release the blurbs for the towns that the site encompasses, so you guys can get an idea of where your characters have the option to live! so get thinking about those details!

palo alto 67k+, small city charm, 17 miles outside san jose. is a small charter city that sits on the northwestern corner of santa clara county. known primarily for being home to the famous stanford university, the city is more than that though. it's home to some of the state's most powerful technological companies that prefer the smaller and quieter life, while still being close to the technological hub that is san jose. this combination of high end education and big name companies leaves palo alto to be in the top five most expensive cities to live in, across north america. their public school system is one of the best around, with a low teacher to student ratio and high access to quality professors and supplemental educators. though smaller and less well known than san jose, palo alto offers a slightly more tight knit environment that appeals to those wanting to provide themselves with a plethora of opportunities. with its proximity to other well known cities, what it lacks, you can easily find nearby.

sunnyvale 152k+, medium city living, 12 miles outside san jose. is a prime example of the happy middle ground between a bustling metropolis like san jose and the small town life of palo alto. much likes its neighbors, it boasts an impressive cohort of technological companies, whilst also being home to several well known aerospace and defense companies. they're also one of the only cities in the country to have a unified department of public safety, where all personnel are trained as police officers, firefighters and paramedics. business and residences are divided fairly efficiently into the north and southern parts of sunnyvale, preventing residences from suffering from business activity. this divide also contributes to sunnyvale's impressive ranking for public safety, never having been marked below the top ten safest cities in the country.

san jose, 1.025m, big city hustle, the main hub of population. nestled amongst rolling hills and silicon valley's evergrowing technology hub, is the 10th largest city in the united states. with over a million people residing it, it is known for its diversity, incredible food, and job opportunities. the city is divided into north, aouth, wast, and west parts, and you're bound to run into somebody from high school in your respective neighborhood. each part of san jose often feels like its own small town, with local eateries and malls becoming the "it" hang out spots. spanish and italian style architecture still cover downtown san jose, despite it being notable for its innovation, affluence, and high cost of living. in fact, it has become one of the most expensive cities to live in the united states. it makes sense though, as san jose's education, cultural diversity, and government are all desired by many california cities. whether its working in the tech industry, taking a hike in the rolling hills, eating authentic food from many cultures, or visiting the largest monopoly board in the world, san jose has what you're looking for. go sharks!

we'll keep releasing updates and previews every day until we open, so keep your eyes on the tumblr and keep up with the activity in the tag, because we love everything you're posting!

#bigreprp #updates

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conejolleyinfo · 3 years

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Top 10 Holiday Attractions & Events in the Conejo Valley

Holiday Events in the Conejo Valley

The Conejo Valley is home to many of the most popular communities in California such as Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village, and Calabasas, which means that there are invariably going to be many attractions and events for you to consider attending during the holidays. These events help to bring the communities of the Conejo Valley together to enjoy the holidays in a variety of meaningful ways. Whether you are interested in musical shows, plays, parades, or activities that you can participate in, the Conejo Valley area is set to play host to a wide range of fun and exciting events that you and your family can enjoy throughout the holiday season!

10. Welcom to Santa Paula's historic California Oil

Museum yourself in Ventura County'sRich History & STEM Education ProgramThe California Oil Museum and Energy Education Center, housed in the original 1890s headquarters of the Union Oil Company, offers a look back at the history of the oil industry in California, while exploring the future of alternative energy. Throughout the Museum you will find interactive displays, artifacts, photographs, videos, memorabilia, and an authentic working 19th century drilling rig. The Museum also offers exciting rotating exhibits throughout the year revolving science, energy, and history. The Energy Education Lab, which focuses on alternative energy and earth science, offers fun and educational STEM activities for all ages.

9. Annual Ventura Harbor Parade of Lights

The Ventura Harbor Parade of Lights is a wonderful event for anyone to enjoys a spectacular holiday light show. This particular show is set to take place on December 14 and 15. When planning your visit, the time at which you should arrive largely depends on what you want to do. The carnival and festivities portion of the event begins at 5:00PM on both days. If the Parade of Lights is the main aspect of the event that you’re looking forward to, the parade is set to begin at 6:30PM with fireworks concluding the show at 8:00PM.

The theme for this year’s version of the parade is “Rocking on the dock side of the moon”, which means that the boat parade is going to be heavily inspired by the 70’s. Although there are a wide variety of places that you can go to view the show along the Ventura Harbor, the main location of this event is 583 Spinnaker Dr. in Ventura. The parade is free to watch, and open dining seating is available at a number of locations such as Copa Cubana and Alexander’s Lounge.

8.Watch the Christmas Tree Lighting in Calabasas

The Christmas tree lighting is a long-held tradition in Calabasas that shouldn’t be missed. This event is set to kick off the holiday season on December 11 starting at 5:30PM and lasting until 8:30PM. Make sure to bring your children along, as this is an excellent event for the whole family. Your children will be able to meet Santa, attend a festive and creative puppet musical, and have their face painted. The lighting of the tree is free and open to the public. Since the event takes place at The Commons at Calabasas shopping center, you can get some shopping done before stopping by the Christmas tree lighting. If you’re considering attending, look for the tree between the Marmalade Cafe and Toscanova.

7. Enjoying the Holidays at the Malibu Country Mart

If you’d like to attend a fun and festive event at the Malibu Country Mart, consider enjoying the holidays at the many events held at the Malibu Country Mart, which is a holiday celebration that’s scheduled for December 15 and 22 from 12:00PM-4:00PM. Visitors will be able to take pictures with both Santa and Mrs. Claus. There are also going to be a couple of special attractions depending on when you visit. For instance, an ice sculpture artist will be on hand throughout the event on December 15. You’ll also be able to see some live reindeer on December 22. As you walk along the arts and crafts booths, you’ll be serenaded by live carolers who will be singing holiday favorites. The Malibu Country Mart can be found at 3835 Cross Creek Rd.

6. Take Your Kids to the Winter Wonderland Party at Gymboree Thousand Oaks

If you have children, you’re definitely going to want to take them to the Winter Wonderland Party at Gymboree in Thousand Oaks. The event takes places at the Gymboree Play and Music store within The Oaks shopping center, which is located at 350 West Hillcrest Drive. This is an all-day event that provides fun activities for young children that include sugar cookie decorating and holiday craft activities.

Holiday themed music will be playing in the background, and the children will be able to visit and take pictures with Santa. You can choose to have this picture set against a variety of unique and holiday-themed backdrops. The celebration takes place on Friday and Saturday during business hours, which extend from 9:00AM-7:00PM on Friday and 9:00AM-6:00PM on Saturday. The cost is completely free for any all-inclusive members of the shopping center, $30 for standard members, and $35 for non-members.

5. Winter Wonderland at the Four Seasons in Westlake Village

The Winter Wonderland event that’s hosted at the Four Seasons in Westlake Village each year offers up a range of exciting activities and things to see within the hotel. This is a popular package that’s offered by the hotel during the holiday season. If you purchase the package, you’ll be provided with overnight accommodations, admission to the Let It Snow event, a festive breakfast with holiday characters, and a large number of additional exciting activities like seasonal bounce houses and elf storytime.

Most of the hotel is transformed into a winter wonderland, which will make it seem as though you’re thousands of miles away from home in a wintry paradise. The primary Let It Snow festivities start at 4:00PM on December 14-16. Package rates begin at around $379 each night for two people. The hotel is located at 2 Dole Dr. in Westlake Village.

4. See Santa with Christmas at the Historic Camarillo Ranch

If you want your children to celebrate the Christmas season with Santa, there’s no better place to be than the Historic Camarillo Ranch, which is located at 201 Camarillo Ranch Rd. The ranch itself is outfitted with a litany of holiday decorations that completely alter the look of the place. When visiting this historic landmark you’ll be able to visit Santa in Santa’s Workshop, sample festive treats and beverages, listen to Victorian carolers, and take part in historical games and activities. This event occurs from 4:30PM-7:30PM on December 5, 12, and 19. The price of admission is $6 for a single person or $20 for a family pack.

Nut cracker

3. Watch a Classical Performance of the Nutcracker

Anyone who has any interest in the ballet or classical theater will want to catch a performance of the Nutcracker this holiday season. The Nutcracker is a classic holiday production that has been performed by the Ventura County Ballet Company for over 20 years. These performances are set to occur at Ventura College Performing Arts Center, which can be found at 4700 Loma Vista in Ventura.

Every performance is going to be accompanied by the Ventura College Symphony Orchestra. If you want to purchase tickets for the ballet, prices begin at $20 and can be as high as $40. Children 10 years and under are able to view the performance for $25. Shows are scheduled to occur at 7:00PM on December 7, 2:00PM and 7:00PM on December 8, and 2:00PM on December 9.

2. Annual Westlake Village Holiday Family Sing-a-Long at The Shoppes at Westlake

If you’re searching for a more unique event that you and your family can participate in, the annual Westlake Village Sing-a-Long is something that you may enjoy with your family and loved ones. While this year’s sing-a-long is only the third iteration of the event, it has quickly become a very popular event among residents of Westlake Village. It’s being held at The Shoppes at Westlake mall and will take place on December 9 from 4:00PM-5:15PM. Although admission is mostly free, you’ll need to bring either an unwrapped toy or a box or can of food.

While the actual sing-a-long is being held from 4:00PM-5:15PM, there are a range of activities that you and your family can enjoy in the hours before the main event, which include the decoration of cookies and cupcakes and taking photos with holiday balloon structures. During the main event, you’ll hear live holiday music and can choose to sing with the musicians or grab a bell to help keep the beat going. You can find The Shoppes at Westlake at 30770 Russell Ranch Rd. for Westlake Village.

1. Ride the Fillmore & Western Holiday Train

One of the more thrilling holiday attractions in the Conejo Valley is the Fillmore & Western Holiday Train, which provides guests with a range of different adventures to partake in during the holiday season. The Fillmore and Western Railway is located around 30 minutes outside of the Conejo Valley at 351 Santa Clara S. in Fillmore. There are four holiday-themed rides that you can take during December, most of which provide fun for the whole family. For instance, the Sugar Plum Express Holiday Village & Tree Train is a 3-hour adventure that will take you to a holiday village where you can visit Santa, buy a pre-cut tree, select a range of festive goodies, and see many fantastic sights throughout the journey. Tickets extend from $12-$24 depending on your age.

You should also consider the 1-hour North Pole Express ride that allows you to enjoy caroling, storytelling, and chocolate milk while you go on your adventure. Adults can take the 3-hour Murder Mystery Dinner Train ride that offers up a compelling mystery for you and other passengers to solve. This particular ride is $90 and is only available on December 13 and 15.

#california oil museum #conejo valley

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didanawisgi · 6 years

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A depressing and predictable series of events seems to follow mass shootings like the one that took ten lives Friday at Santa Fe High School. First, we learn that an unspeakable act has occurred in a place where we imagine we, or someone we love, could have been—a church, a movie theater, a shopping mall, a dance club, or, in this case, a school. Then we begin seeing the killer’s picture on our smartphones, tablets, laptops, and televisions, along with images of the stunned and tearful survivors. Next come the calls to strengthen America’s gun control laws, as people convince themselves that the latest incident is the one that will finally bring change. Our legislators tweet their sympathy while doing little else. And amidst the furor, those who own guns, roughly a third of the U.S. population, quietly go out and buy more ammunition, if not another gun.

To understand why, after decades of massacres, there aren’t stricter gun laws in this country, one has to understand gun culture. And nowhere is gun culture more evident than in Texas. Guns here, as in many parts of the country, aren’t just about self-defense. They’re also about history, identity, and community. Experts say that ignoring, dismissing, or denigrating that fact is what dooms any discussion of gun control.

The fight for Texas’ independence, like the fight for American independence, was a plucky pushback against government overreach. Back in 1835, the dictatorial ruler of Mexico dispatched troops to seize a small cannon from settlers in Gonzales, Texas. The settlers, who had been using the cannon to fend off Comanches, then turned it on the Mexican soldiers. And to make their feelings as clear as an extended middle finger, they raised a homemade flag with a picture of the cannon on it and the words “Come and Take It.”

Today, some 183 years later, it’s hard to drive anywhere in Texas without seeing a “Come and Take It” bumper sticker. Only, instead of the words paired with a cannon, you’re more likely to see the silhouette of an AR-15, which is America’s most popular gun—and notably, the weapon used during the mass shootings in Newtown, Las Vegas, Orlando, Sutherland Springs, and Parkland. (Friday, Governor Greg Abbott stated that initial reports that an AR-15 was used at Santa Fe were erroneous—a shotgun and a revolver were used.)

The ubiquity of that bumper sticker is a not-so-subtle reminder of how Texans feel about the right to bear arms. And the sentiment cuts across class, gender, and race lines. Whether it’s a beat up pickup truck in Gonzales or an Aston Martin in Dallas, one would be wise to assume the driver has a gun in the glovebox, if not holstered at the hip.

Which is why horrifying mass shootings—even those uncomfortably close to home, such as those in Fort Hood, Dallas, Sutherland Springs, and now Santa Fe—don’t dent Texans’ resolve to keep their proverbial cannons. Particularly when the incident seems to confirm the belief, dating back at least as far as the Texas Revolution, that the only thing that stops a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun. Recall that a resident of Sutherland Springs chased down the assailant while firing multiple rounds from his own AR-15.

“This notion of cultural competence, of being cognizant and sensitive to cultural differences, is something that we typically talk about in terms of race, ethnicity, gender identity, and religion,” says Daniel Webster, the director of the Center for Gun Policy and Research at Johns Hopkins University. “But one of the starkest cultural competence problems we have in this country has to do with guns.”

Webster says that many gun control advocates claim the moral high ground while calling gun owners “redneck idiots.” They question gun owners’ intelligence for ignoring gun violence research, but fail to note that, despite the terrible number of mass shootings in recent years, homicides and other violent crimes have actually decreasedsignificantly nationwide over the past 25 years, even during periods when gun sales have spiked, as routinely happens following mass shootings.

The interpretation of gun violence statistics—what is or isn’t “fake news”—seems to depend on whether you’ve ever used a pistol to shoot a rattlesnake menacing a family pet or scared off a trespasser by just standing on the porch holding a shotgun (perhaps pumping the forestock to show you mean business).

“One common denominator in all these mass shootings is the shooter was in complete and total control to selectively and casually put bullets in the heads of cowering people.” says Jerry Patterson, a former Marine, Texas state senator and land commissioner who pushed through the state’s concealed carry law in 1995, which was signed by then Governor George W. Bush. “The first time someone returns fire, the shooter is no longer in complete and total control.”

In Texas, as elsewhere in the country, there are gun owners who identify as redneck and play up the stereotype that their opponents deride. But gun owners are also in the highest echelons of government and industry. They carry pistols in their briefcases and go on hunting trips together to forge alliances and strike deals. Indeed, hunting camps and leases are often equipped with airstrips to accommodate private jets.

“It’s a ritual of having a couple of drinks and cooking supper and getting up early in the morning to go sit in a deer blind or walk the hills and hunt for birds,” says the prominent Houston attorney Dick DeGuerin.

Those who study gun culture say it’s not only attitudes and beliefs that drive gun ownership; it’s also activities and communities, which give gun owners a sense of identity, connectedness, and meaning. Harel Shapira, an assistant professor of sociology at the University of Texas at Austin says that during his three years embedded with gun enthusiasts in Central Texas he’s learned it’s a mistake to harbor the liberal East Coast condescension that people who carry firearms are those “crazy people down there” in states like Texas. It’s a condescension he himself held prior to his research. “Gun culture is not just a Texas story, it’s an American story,” he says, “Until we understand and appreciate that and start consensus building, people are just going to get further entrenched into their identities.”

Hunting and plinking at cans are recalled fondly by many in Texas as bonding activities with their parents. Guns are heirlooms passed down through generations and used to hunt the Thanksgiving turkey and Christmas goose. Moreover, millions nationwide participate in tactical or sharp shooting competitions and belong to gun clubs that are the focal points of their social lives. Those enmeshed in gun culture take pride in their safety mindedness and technical skills as well as their ability to protect themselves and their families if necessary.

“I put up in my garage the target that I got while training to get my concealed handgun license,” says Gerry Brown of New Braunfels, a 60 year-old grandmother of ten and accompanist for a local high school choir. “So if anyone tries to break in, they’re going to go, ‘Oops, wrong garage,’”

She, like virtually everyone, is appalled by mass shootings, and was devastated by what happened in Sutherland Springs, not far from where she lives, as well as in Santa Fe, not far from where her daughter lives. And yet she says such incidents only stiffen her “Come And Take It” stance, particularly regarding calls to ban or confiscate certain kinds of weapons or gun accessories. “Try that in Texas,” she says. “It won’t work.”

All this has Jerry Patterson, the gun rights advocate and former elected official, surprisingly in agreement with Daniel Webster, the gun control advocate. “We’ve have gotten too invested in our clichés,” says Patterson. “There are things we can do if both sides can just come to the table with an open mind and be willing to accept the validity of the other person’s point of view.”

Points where both sides can possibly find agreement?

Ensuring better data entry, coordination and enforcement of the National Instant Criminal Background Check System, or NICS, used to check the eligibility of anyone wanting to buy a gun. And expanding its use to include online and gun show private sales.

Punishing those who lie on the form submitted to NICS and giving authorities more than three days to vet submissions.

Recovering weapons from people who bought firearms and then subsequently did something that flags them on NICS, such as committing a felony, beating up a domestic partner, becoming addicted to drugs, or having a psychotic episode.

Broadening who is prohibited from buying a gun to those convicted of stalking offenses and violence against dating partners.

Preventing copy cat crimes by taking steps to avoid naming and raining fame on mass shooters in the media (this would likely be done not through legislation, but by getting media outlets to police themselves, much as social media is now being asked to do when it comes to hate speech and fake news).

Garen Wintemute, an ER physician and director of the Violence Prevention Research Program at the University of California-Davis who has spent almost $2 million of his own money studying gun violence, says what opponents and proponents of gun control share, whether in Texas or elsewhere, is that they don’t want innocent people hurt. “We can start the discussion there,” he says.

#santa fe high school #gun control

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fly-pow-bye · 3 years

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See It Firsts for 11/27/2020 (and 11/25/2020!)

Almost every Friday, Cartoon Network puts up episodes of cartoons that have yet to air on TV on the website, app, and On Demand services.

First, they decided on the day before Thanksgiving to put up some Christmas themed See It Firsts. Sorry, I completely fumbled on reporting on these again. First, Apple & Onion got one.

Christmas Spirit - Apple & Onion have to become mall Santas to get the gifts they want for Christmas.

Then, it’s the Christmas special for ThunderCats Roar, which, I should point out, is the very last episode that will air.

Finally, not one, but two jolly episodes of Total Dramarama!

Me, My Elf, and I - Duncan tricks Chef into taking the class to the North Pole in order to remove his name from the naughty list.

Snow Country for Old Men - In an attempt to win the holidays, Chef brings snowmen to life to entertain the kids. But when they turn out to be evil, Chef and the kids have to jingle some bells.

But that’s not all: today, we got new episodes of Bakugan: Armored Alliance/Battle Planet!

Once More into the Maze/Grandpas in the Wild - Once More into the Maze: Storm, McQ, Sophie and Everett were spotted at the ruins where the great core cell is housed! Alarmed by the report from Benton Dusk, the Awesome Brawlers head to the Yucatan Peninsula to investigate./Grandpas in the Wild: During an all-out brawl with Storm, McQ, Sophie and Everett, the Awesome Brawlers are hit with an attack that sends everyone spiraling to various parts of the maze. Split up from the rest of the gang, Wynton and Lightning find themselves in a strange unfamiliar part of the maze. While trying to get their bearings, they discover some new golden allies.

The Past Revealed/Run! A Storm's on the Way - The Past Revealed: After getting lost in maze with Lia, Ajit remembers the day he met Pharol and Auxilataur. He finally can explain how he was able to partner with golden Bakugan, but Ajit's story is interrupted by a familiar face - Storm!/Run! A Storm's on the Way: Still upset that Ajit has given up his life as a phantom thief, Storm rolls out Hydranoid x Aquos and attacks! Ajit and Lia take off running through the maze as Storm gives chase.

Nightmare/Bad Dan - Nightmare: Dan hasn't been sleeping well lately. No "sleep brawling" this time, but he's constantly tossing and turning. It turns out, Dan's dreams have been hijacked by Haavik, who's trying to spread his vision of chaos and destruction to Dan!/Bad Dan: Haavik has taken control of Dan and sends him on a Bakugan rampage! With "Bad Dan" causing all kinds of havoc and destruction, the rest of the Awesome Brawlers have no choice but to roll out to try to contain "Bad Dan".

Dusk Industries Under Attack/Taking Dan Back - Dusk Industries Under Attack: "Bad Dan" has his taken his rampage to Dusk Industries and this time he has help spreading the chaos and destruction, he's joined by Sophie, McQ, Everett, Storm and Haavik! The Awesome Brawlers are quickly on the scene try to bring an end to the show of destruction./ Taking Dan Back: "Bad Dan" with Haavik's crew and their fusion Bakugan continue the rampage at Dusk Industries. The Awesome Brawlers, with some help from Magnus, are determined to an end to this show of destruction and get their friend back!

Who's the Fake?!/Trouble Busters! 2 - With the reveal that Haavik is a shapeshifting Alien, the ABs start to get super-paranoid, realizing that ANYONE could be Haavik in disguise. The suspicion quickly turns inward, and the ABs are left wondering if they have an imposter among them!/ A kid brawler named Oliver has lost his Bakugan! This seems like a job for the Trouble Busters. The Awesome Brawlers help him chase down and try to catch the elusive Bakugan, who leads them on a wild goose chase through Los Volmos.

If one has a cable or satellite subscription, they can check them out! Stay tuned.

#fpb news #bakugan battle planet #bakugan #thundercats roar #total dramarama #apple & onion #cartoon network

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gracythomas · 3 years

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Five Marketing Tips for Effective Holiday Advertising in a Pandemic

Vice President Mike Pence, head of the White House’s Corona Virus Taskforce insists elves have natural immunity to COVID-19. However, Dr. Anthony Fauci, the current director of the National Institute for Allergies and Infections Diseases encourages everyone, including magical elves to wear masks and maintain social distance.

Christmas still falls on December 25th this year. And neither pandemics, riots, wildfires, nor even murder hornets will change that. There’s no doubt 2020 will be one for the history books. And, hopefully, better days are ahead for this divided country.

But one thing is certain to come to red states and blue state alike; Christmas—AKA, the retail fourth quarter savior previously known as Jesus’ birthday. Or, since we prefer to keep this post politically correct, we will henceforth refer to it as the non-denominational holiday season.

Now, if you think 2020 hasn’t been disappointing enough, just wait until you fail to plan for the most important holiday shopping season in decades. We all need a win here. Change is coming and online marketing is gonna spur online buying like there’s no tomorrow.

So if you haven’t started planning for the holiday shopping season yet, here are 5 marketing necessities you should execute immediately.

1. Begin Now

The earlier the holiday season comes this year, the sooner consumers can start pushing the horrors of 2020 out of their minds. Shoppers are pent-up and ready to spend. Online sales have been increasing as brick and mortar sales continue to plummet. Common sense tells us this. But for those who require hard data to back it up numerous industry reports, check out Fast Company detailing the latest retail mall apocalypse victims after you finish reading these words of wisdom.

Online shopping trends will no doubt continue into the shopping season so the earlier you get your campaigns out, the sooner you can start optimizing and measuring consumer reactions. This will put you in a favorable position even as discretionary spending is expected to be down.

You can be sure every brand with a pulse of life and a few bucks in the bank will be marketing early. To that end, you can roll your eyes and say, “It’s Halloween, for Pete’s sake! Not Christmas!” Or you can plan for it now. (This is not the year to be cynical.)

In short; consumers have less money to spend, so get your advertising in front of them early, while they still have some money earmarked for gift giving.

The John Lewis Christmas TV commercials are always epic. Make your advertising epic too.

2. Begin at the Top of the Funnel.

Don’t focus so hard on selling your product. Think about getting attention. We’ve all heard a lot of the same sweet, piano music on commercials and videos lately, and you can expect a lot more brands insisting on playing it safe. But if you hope to stand out and get some attention, forget the same cliche’, saccharine, tinsel, lights, and tired Santa jokes. Boldness wins.

In London, John Lewis holiday ads are a national event. People wait for them like movie premieres. Last year’s, for example, was the story of a sad, fire breathing dragon. The 2018 ad campaign focused on Elton John’s Piano. The Takeaway: Do something that stands out from the crowd, not something that fits the holidays. If it feels supremely holiday, then everyone else is probably doing it too.

Even if you don’t have a large ad budget, you can create things that get people curious. Use design, graphics, any combination of words and pictures that make a point and get people to your website.

Emotional messages, like this billboard campaign for Roku increased sales by 30 percent.

3. Emotion Trumps Logic Every Time.

Rational arguments don’t make people love stuff. Think of the must-have gifts of years past. There’s nothing logical about a Furby, Razor Scooter, Guitar Hero or L.O.L. Surprise! 2-in-1 Glamper. These products struck a chord, made people feel something, created buzz and took off.

So, your mission is to find an essential truth about your product. What does it do for people? Pinpoint the emotional trigger that makes your product stick in people’s minds. Before you tell people that a Roku is the best way to watch streaming content on your TV, tell them it’ll help you “Spend less time talking to your in-laws this Christmas.” Messages like this were followed up with more rational features and benefits, after we got people curious about Roku. The approach increased holiday sales by 30% in every market that used it. You can do that without selling so hard. If you get consumers to your site or a review or a video landing page, you can get them to consider and engage. Then, and only then, you can use logic and the data-driven tools of digital marketing channels to follow up until the sale happens.

Having a social media presence isn’t an effective marketing approach unless you use it as a platform for introducing engaging content for your target audience.

4. Everyone’s using social media marketing.

Social media is not the answer. Great advertising on social media is the answer. A beautiful design on social media is the answer. Unforgettable videos on social media are the answers. Every brand and product in the world is on Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, and TikTok. Being on social media is now as innovative as choosing to make a commercial or to create a website. Being on the same platforms as everyone else doesn’t do anything if no one notices your message. Make sure you create something beautiful, funny, insightful, charming, magical, or any combination of the above.

Social media platforms are inexpensive and allow precise targeting. They are where small and midsize companies get that top of funnel awareness because of those things. Your media dollars will go a lot further and you can test messages easily. But when you test messages, don’t just change a word or a picture. Test ideas to better understand which messages really resonate with people.

If you just look at social platforms as places to sell your product, you’ll only go so far. If you look at social media as a place to make people fall in love with you, you’ll behave differently. You’ll create things that intrigue people, amuse people, entertain people, and attract people. Until, ultimately, they fall in love with you.

The era of ad agency talent behaving like Sterling Cooper is long gone. Just Google “Best Ad Agencies,” look at the work they’ve produced, and then email a few you like.

5. Get Help

You don’t have to know what you’re doing. Reach out to a few agencies you like. Don’t know agencies? Google “Top Ad agencies” or find lists of agencies and just look at their work and see what you like. Then email them. Have a chat. Set up a Zoom call. Tell them what you want to accomplish and what your ad spend is. Then just pick one and go. Make it a project that gets you a target market analysis, strategic media plan, consumer insight, and creative assets to cover awareness to consideration through retargeting. (Remember the funnel: You have to get Awareness before you get Consideration before you get Engagement and then finally Conversion. )

There you go. You just crushed the most important holiday shopping season of your career.

Any questions? Click here. Happy Holidays.

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perfectirishgifts · 3 years

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Hope Fades For Retail - Congress Stumbles With Lame Duck But Remembers Marilyn Monroe

New Post has been published on https://perfectirishgifts.com/hope-fades-for-retail-congress-stumbles-with-lame-duck-but-remembers-marilyn-monroe/

Hope Fades For Retail - Congress Stumbles With Lame Duck But Remembers Marilyn Monroe

NEW YORK – MARCH 24: Actress Marilyn Monroe takes the subway in Grand Central Station on March 24, … [] 1955 in New York City, New York. (Photo by Ed Feingersh/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)

We see the stores boarded up; we see Americans waiting for hours to get food; we hear about hospitals running out of ICU beds; we watch an intransigent President who refuses to vacate his throne; and we wonder why our men and women of Congress can’t find the time to dole out some additional financial assistance to the American public. At the end of the day, aren’t our Congressional representatives supposed to be reflective of what is actually happening in America?

The fashion industry has prepared well for the 2020 Holiday retail season, but with 27 major bankruptcies already under their belt, and the zombie malls becoming more prevalent than Santa Claus, all eyes are now fixated on the lame-duckers in Washington. Will they provide additional stimulus for the American economy? Will retail survive its most important season of the year?

The final Congressional session will close in just a few days. Optimistic retailers hope that Congress will issue some credit risk insurance, limit some liability, fund the states and local “essential” workers, extend the paycheck protection programs, and (of course) find some way to supplement unemployment insurance. All five initiatives would surely help the retail environment heading into the new year.

When some of the best news emanating from the retail community – is that the bankruptcy process is ONLY lasting three months – then start to digest how deep the problem really is. Retail is currently sitting with about 550,000 less jobs than existed in February of this year; retail is holding loan defaults that are running at 20%; and the industry is seeing bankruptcies reach a 10 year high – with just about everyone feeling some degree of pain.

Retail numbers announced in the media are generally more encouraging than accurate. Most observers are just happy to accept the data at face value, simply because everyone prefers good news. Nobody really wants to dwell on bad or the skewed information. People just walk briskly by stores that are boarded up or quickly drive by the zombie malls that dot the American landscape. Everyone just wants the pain to end.

In all fairness, the 116th Congress had a tougher legislative session than most. Between days lost for government shutdowns, impeachment, and coronavirus – the enthusiastic House of Representatives will end their lackluster lame duck session – looking more like an old tire losing air and preparing to go flat. The focus for the few remaining legislative days is to avoid another government shutdown, pass a stimulus bill, and pass the Defense Appropriation Act. What started as a progressive enthusiastic Congressional team “hell bent” on changing America, is ending their completely weak session with a whimper and a groan. The Democrats blame the Republicans (and visa-versa), but the entire two-year 116th session has been legislatively minimal. The final package of a negotiated stimulus will be helpful (if passed) – but probably will be deemed as too little, too late. It’s no wonder that the Gallup Poll shows that Americans view Congress with a 73% disapproval rating.

The hallmark of any Congressional session is the number of bills that have been passed. This 116th Congress of the United States has actually passed only 214 bills into law (as of 12/5/2020). However, before anyone jumps for joy at such an accomplishment, note that the prior Congressional session passed more than double that amount (442 bills). Given that the passed-law count is ONLY 48% of the prior session – it becomes an even more interesting idea to take a closer look at what bills they actually did pass, simply because all 214 bills must surely be significant. Buried within the count are 39 official USA laws that “name” buildings or Post Offices. Deducting that amount means the 116th Congressional House and Senate only passed 174 bills. Think about all the initial excitement and noise – and then think about how lackluster the results were!

Putting the session in a different perspective, the highlight may have been House Bill HR 1252 which became law on 12/12/2019. This legislation named the Post Office at 6531 Van Nuys Boulevard in Van Nuys, California as the “Marilyn Monroe” Post Office. Funny as that may seem, it’s not so funny. In addition to Marilyn Monroe, Congress also passed HR 1253 which named the Post Office at 13507 Van Nuys Boulevard in Pacoima, California as the “Ritchie Valens” Post Office (which was probably a veiled musical reference to a fictitious song that could be called “the day the process died”).

As the 116th Congressional session continues its slow grind towards its timely end on the third day in January, retailers grumble about all the things that have happened to them – and all the things that haven’t happened in Congress. When the Government designated “essential” COVID rules to determine which businesses would close and which would not, many fashion retailers quickly realized that the system was rigged. If you were lucky enough to carry groceries, you could stay open. If you had a gun shop or shooting range, you could stay open. If you actually sold real “essentials” like underwear and socks – you had to close. Some retailers received a competitive advantage from this process while others were essentially told to get in line at bankruptcy court.

In addition, most Americans aren’t aware (or don’t pay attention) to trade legislation, but some in Congress fully understand that a few American trade bills expire at the end of the year and their expiration would certainly spike wholesale prices in the USA (unless the bills are renewed). There is a program called “GSP” (Generalized System of Preferences) and another called “MTBs” (Miscellaneous Tariff Bills) that will grind to a halt on January 3rd. These bills provide inbound tax relief for items that have no competition in America, or that assist with component parts – which reduce the cost of items that are manufactured in America, or that help a foreign country with non-competitive access to America. These items are routine for renewal, and should be tended to, but still remain open for the lame duck session.

To their credit, the 116th Congress did pass the new USMCA Agreement between Mexico, Canada, and the United States and also had time to take additional action on issues related to Hong Kong and to China but, in general, progress in this session was limited.

*The Senate of this Congress was composed of 48 Democrats, 2 Independents, and 50 Republicans = 100

*The House of Representatives was composed of 233 Democrats, 1 Libertarian, 196 Republicans and 5 seat vacancies = 435

The Republicans had control of the White House and the Senate. The Democrats had control of the House.

In general, most American retailers just want to run their business and refrain from interference in political issues. The difference during the past four years of the Trump Administration is that retailers have been a target of Government, rather than a recipient of good graces. There were surely some tax breaks for the industry, but retail was largely attacked in the beginning with a Border Adjustment Tax, followed by difficult trade negotiations with America’s top two export partners (Canada and Mexico), followed by tariffs on our number one trading partner (China) – and all this has generally made it really difficult for retailers (only to be made worse by COVID).

With the fashion industry getting 40% of its apparel and 65% of its footwear from China, and with Hong Kong often being a headquarters office, and with China being a targeted retail market – the entire Trumpian years have turned the fashion business upside down. When retail needed Congress to stand by their side, it became apparent that Congress had outsourced their power and responsibility to the White House.

When COVID hit, Congress was there to help financially. But now, while the lights on Capitol Hill are still burning, retailers truly need to hear some positive news about an additional stimulus – which will definitely set the tone for next year’s retail environment. The question being asked is: Will the retail ship continue to take on water, or will the Congressional bilge pump finally kick in and save the day?

The clock is ticking and ticking and ticking, yet there are only a few days left for Congress to act. Everyone actually hopes that the 73% Congressional disapproval rating was an anomaly, and that the remaining legislative time will be put to good use. Perhaps this time – Congress will better understand retail’s dilemma, and perhaps this time they will act before the legislative clock runs out on January 3rd.

The esteemed author Harvey Mackay said it best:

“Time is free, but it’s priceless.

You can’t own it, but you can use it.

You can’t keep it, but you can spend it.

Once you’ve lost it, you can never get it back.”

From Retail in Perfectirishgifts

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lifestylelaguna · 4 years

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3 Day Major Mall Sale Happening this November

Laguna - The inter-agency task force leading the country's COVID-19 response has allowed sales in malls, Malacañang said Friday, as authorities sought to boost the pandemic-battered economy.

"Ang mga establishments at mga malls may hold activities para magkaroon ng economic o business activity. Ito po 'yong mga sale," said Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque (Establishments and malls may hold activities to spur economic or business activity. These are the sales.)

"Pero subject po ito sa DTI (Department of Trade and Industry) guideline in the operation of malls and shopping malls," he said in a Laging Handa public briefing. (But this will be subject to the DTI guideline in the operation of malls and shopping malls.)

Holiday season is upon us, and SM Malls in Laguna just announced the dates and details of its Holiday Savings Event that kicks off November 13 to 15 2020. #ShopatSM for great finds at SM City San Pablo, SM City Calamba and SM City Santa Rosa 3 day sale get up to 70% off on great finds.

The IATF also allowed the trade department to adjust the onsite operational capacity of all business establishments and activities in areas that are under general community quarantine or lower, said Roque. The task force urged local governments to exempt workers, authorized persons outside their homes and necessary establishments from curfew hours, he said.

The months of October to December typically see the highest in retail revenues, Roque said Thursday. We expect that we will open up the economy enough and that there will be a maximum opportunity for the markets to recover .We hope that this October, November, December we can somehow catch up so that our economic contraction will not be that big.

Let SM turn your November to a bright shopping month in the midst of a dark 2020. It’s the best time to finish your holiday shopping early or splurge a special item for yourself — after all that happened this year, you deserve it!

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megpie71 · 6 years

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Season’s Crankiness

20 DEC 2017

I can tell it's getting close to Chrimble. I'm getting crankier and crankier about the amount of sheer Christmas idiocy I'm seeing in things like supermarket catalogues and so on. Particularly about the "winter wonderland" nonsense.

Let me put this in its appropriate context. I live in Perth, Western Australia. We do not get snow here. Ever. Particularly not on Christmas day, which is at the beginning of summer for us. We are more likely to have a heatwave day on the 25th of December than we are to have a snowstorm.

This does not, however, stop the Christmas-industrial complex from churning out tons and tons and tons of stuff which is aimed at a mid-winter festivity. Have the seasonal roast meats, piping hot from the oven. Have the "melted snowman" cupcakes. Have the "Christmas sweater" cookies[1]. Have the "reindeer carrots" (no, seriously - even though a reindeer wandering through Australian summer temperatures would expire from heat exhaustion in no time flat). Have the special "Santa Milk". Have the artificial snow on the fake evergreens decorated with artificial icicles. Sing the songs about "Walking in a Winter Wonderland", and "dashing through the snow", and "Frosty the Snowman".

Ignore the fact that walking out of the air-conditioned mall (complete with fake cotton wool "snow" everywhere) into the carpark is like a slap in the face. Ignore the way that your legs burn when you sit down in the car (and the way your hands burn when you're trying to use the steering wheel). Ignore all the evidence of your senses, that this particular festival happens at the beginning of summer, and the weather here is HOT, not COLD (and definitely ignore the happy truth that in most of Australia, winter brings rain, not snow, because at least half the country is located north of the tropic of Capricorn. Yes, some places in Australia get snow in winter... mostly places at a high enough altitude, or a low enough latitude). Ignore the fact that for most Australians, snowmen are only things you'll see on television. Ignore your heatstroke. Because that's "not really Christmas", and nobody but nobody can be arsed to actually think about ways of adapting the celebration to the conditions we're experiencing.

(Oh, and don't mention the religious content of the season, either. Christmas here in Australia is the Feast of Santa Bringing Presents, and that's all).

Seriously, I'm fast getting to the point where I want to take all these marketing types who are thinking up "winter festival" themed product ideas, drag them out into the middle of the average shopping centre carpark, and maroon them there with a shipping anchor tied to each ankle for pretty much the entire month of December.

[1] This one pisses me off even more because over here, the "sweater" would be a "jumper" and "cookies" are "biscuits". We are not yet a colony of the USA, and I see no reason to behave as though we were.

#season's greetings #Sephiroth hand over that Black Materia #cranky as hell #Do not try to reason with me about this

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365journeysworldin-blog · 4 years

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Best Places to visit in Kerala

Cochin

Fort Kochi Market

Kochi or Cochin fondly called as “Queen of the Arabian Sea” is a vibrant city situated on the south-west coast of the Indian peninsula in the breathtakingly scenic and prosperous state of Kerala, hailed as ‘God’s Own Country’.

Attractions:

Chinese Fishing Nets, St. Francis Church, Basilica of Santa Cruz, Fort Kochi, Marine Drive, Jewish Synagogue, Cochin Cultural Centre, Mattancherry Palace, Lulu Mall, Princess Street, Kerala Kathakali Centre, Vasco Da Gama Square

Alleppey

Houseboat cruising in Alleppey Backwaters

Alleppey called as ‘Backwater Capital of India’ or the ‘Venice of the East’, Alleppey is known for its silent backwaters and bountiful beauty. It’s best known for houseboat cruises along the rustic Kerala backwaters, a network of tranquil canals and lagoons.

Attractions:

Vembanad Lake, Alleppey Beach, Krishnapuram Palace, Pathiramanal, Kuttanad Backwaters, Arthunkal Church, Ambalapuzha Temple, Mannarshala Temple, Karumadikuttan Statue, St. Mary Rorane Church

Munnar

Munnar Tea Plantation

Munnar is one of the most sought after gorgeous hill stations in the Western Ghats of Kerala. It is famous for its tea estates, exotic lush green forest and high peaks. It is also famous among honeymooners.

Attractions:

Eravikulam National Park, Mattupetty Dam, Pothamedu View Point, Anamudi, Blossom Park, Devikulam, Pallivasal, Attukal Waterfalls, Cheeyapara Waterfalls, Kundala Lake, Nyayamakad, Meesapulimala

Periyar (Thekkady)

Boat Ride at Periyar Lake to witness Wildlife

Thekkady is a pleasant heaven on earth for those who love nature in its wild manifestations. Periyar National Park is the major attraction and The early morning ride in the boat within the sanctuary is an extremely awesome experience and you might be able to spot wild elephants, bisons, wild boars, various kinds of birds, etc

Attractions:

Periyar National Park, Periyar Lake, Jeep Safari at Gavi, Kumily, Caramom Hills, Spring Valley Mountain, Vandiperiyar, Grampi, Mangala Devi Temple

Kumarakom

View of Kumarakom Backwaters

Kumarakom is a cluster of little islands on the Vembanad Lake, and is part of the Kuttanad region. It is an enchanting backwater destination which offers visitors many other leisure options. he bird sanctuary here, which is spread across 14 acres is a favourite haunt of migratory birds and an ornithologist’s paradise.

Attractions:

Bird sanctuary, Pothamedu View Point, Anamudi, Blossom Park, Devikulam, Pallivasal, TATA Tea Museum, Vattavada, Attukal Waterfalls, Cheeyapara Waterfalls, Kundala Lake, Nyayamakad, Meesapulimala, Kolukkumalai, Lock-Hart Gap, Chithirapuram, Rajamala, Top Station, Marayoor Dolmens, Indo Swiss Diary Farm, Lite of Pi Church

Kovalam

Kovalam Lighthouse

Kovalam in Kerala is famous for its beaches, among the most pristine in India. It is extremely popular among tourist due to shallow waters and low tidal wave.

Attractions:

Lighthouse Beach, Chowara Beach, Kovalam Beach, Hawah Beach, Samudra Beach, Shangumkham Beach, Neyyar Dam, Aruvikkara Dam, Edakallu, Karamana River, Halcyon Castle, Kovalam Art Gallery, Valiyathura Pier, Veli Tourist Village, Artificial Coral Reef, Vizhinjam Rock Cut Temple, Vizhinjam Marine Aquarium, Naiper Art Museum, Shri Padmanabhaswamy Temple

Marari

Marari Beach

Marari or ‘Mararikulum’ is a beach in Kerala with golden sands and coconut palm trees on the Arabian Sea coast.

Attractions:

Alappuzha Beach, Cherthala, St. Andres Church, Mararikulam Shiva Temple, Aroor, Arthunkal, Poochakkal

Vythiri

Vythiri Tree House

Vythiri is a popular resort town famous for its old world charm of cottages, log huts & tree house accommodations cosily nestled in the forests of Wayanad district in the Indian state of Kerala. It is set in a lush tropical rainforest. Rustic themed cottages in indigenous architecture beside a frolicking jungle stream, splendid tropical birds on overhanging branches, colourful butterflies and the insistent chatter of cicadas

Attractions:

Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Banasura Sagar Dam, Chembra Peak, Soochipara Falls, Sentinel Rock Falls, Kanthanpara Waterfalls, Kuruva Island, Pookode Lake, Lakkidi, Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary, Pakshipathalam, Edakkal Caves, Sulthan Bathery

Trivandrum

Trivandrum Padmanabhaswamy Temple

Trivandrum is the capital of the southern state of Kerala. It is known for its strongly rooted heritage and a nostalgic colonial legacy. Trivandrum is a swanky metropolis with a quaint urban charm and plenty of scenic places to visit. Proudly retaining its age-old cultural charm, Trivandrum offers a huge variety of sights including incredible museums, beautifully designed palaces, sacred temples and mesmerizing beaches

Attractions:

Shanghumugham Beach, Aruvi Waterfalls, Akkulam Tourist Village, Veli Tourist Village, Aruvikkara Dam, Neyyar Dam & Wildlife Sanctuary, Peppara Dam & Wildlife Sanctuary, Koyikkal Palace, Kanakakunnu Palace, Anchuthengu Fort, Napier Museum, Zoological Gardens, Vizhinjam, Thiruvallam, AnanthaPadmanabha Temple, Attukal Bhagavathi Temple, Meenmutty Falls, Golden Valley, Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary, Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary, Mankkayam Falls, Kallar, Koyikkal Palace, Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve, Sri Krishna Swami Temple

Varkala

Varkala Beach

Varkala is a calm and quiet coastal town in the southern part of Kerala known for the unique 15m high ‘Northern Cliff’ adjacent to the Arabian Sea. It has some of the best pristine beaches, hills, lakes, forts, lighthouses, natural fisheries and springs – all of this together makes this town a little paradise.

Attractions:

Varkala Beach, Thiruvambadi Beach, Edava Beach, Kappil Beach, Papanasam Beach, 590 Cliff, Anjengo Fort, Sivagiri Mutt, Janardhanaswamy Temple, Ponnumthuruthu Island, Varkala Tunnel, Vishnu Temple, Varkala Aquarium, KaduvayilJuma Masjid, Varkala Lighthouse

Thrissur

Thrissur Pooram

Thrissur is known to be the cultural capital of Kerala. It is famous for fostering classical Keralan performing arts, religious sites and the renowned Thrissur Pooram festival. The best time to travel to the city is during its festivals.

Attractions:

Chavakkad Beach, Nattika Beach, Vatanappally Beach, Athirapally Waterfalls, Guruvayoor, Peechi Dam, Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary, Thrisuur Zoo, Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuary, Chimmony Dam, Thrissur Pooram, Archaeological Museum, PunnathurKotta, Sri Maheswara Temple, Lourdes Cathedral, Marth Mariam Church, Vaddakunathan Temple, Thiruvambadi Sri Krishna Temple, ParamekkavuBhagavathy Temple, Arattupuzha Temple

Guruvayur

Guruvayur Temple

Guruvayur is famous for the Guruvayur Temple – India’s third-largest temple housing Lord Krishna. The temple is believed to be one of the 108 most divine Vishnu temples in the world. Guruvayoor has emerged as one of the most important places of worship in Southern India among pilgrimages.

Attractions:

Guruvayur Temple, Guruvayur Elephant Camp, MammiyurMahadevan Temple, Palayur Church, Parthasarathy Temple, Chamundeshwary Temple, Devaswom Museum, Institute of Mural Paintings

Kollam

Kollam is an enchanting town with backwaters and picturesque landscapes. It is a commercial centre and home to India’s cashew producing industry. Popularly known as Quilon, it is often regarded as the gateway to the backwaters of Kerala.

Attractions:

Dutch Quilon, Thirumullavaram Beach, Kollam Beach, Ashtamudi Lake, Palaruvi Waterfalls, Paravoor, Punalur, Thenmala, Mayyanad, Deer Park, Thevalli Palace, British Residency, Chavara, Jatayupara, Thangasseri, Rameshwara Temple, Sasthamkotta, Ochira,KottarakkaraKathakali Museum, Picnic Village, Munore Island, Neendakara Port

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