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Yule Fictions Past and Present  by Grey Wonderer 17 Review(s)
demeter dReviewed Chapter: 2 on 12/19/2006
Holiday Greetings, Grey Wonderer. Even though this has been around for two years, I only just found it from Lindelea's link. Thanks to the two of you for doing that. I want to share something. The Disney movie Bedknobs and Broomsticks is a story about a family of London children who go the country
for safety during the Blitz. One of the brothers is about twelve or so, and is not impressed by some of the magical goings on that begin. Angela Lansbury as their countrywoman hostess sings a song about what he was going through, called "The Age of Not Believing." For me, that has crystalized that period that most of us go through as we grow and change. It ends on a hopeful note as she tells him that the day will come when he will start believeing again.
Your story has that same hopeful note. Merry learns, as we all must, to find our joy through others. Well done.

Author Reply: Holiday Greetings to you too and thank you for stopping by. I did think that the two stories should be linked, (Lindelea's drabble and my Ladders) because they go so well together. I think Lindelea did a lovely job and I was very pleased that she had written that.
I had forgotten that part of the movie. I loved that film but haven't seen it in ages. I will have to watch that again soon. I recall going through what Merry went through in this story and at the time I wrote it I had an on-line friend who was experiencing that let-down feeling. Thank you for the lovely review and the reminder of a favorite film!

Pearl TookReviewed Chapter: 2 on 12/19/2006
I don't recall reading this one before. I loved it!!! Yes, one does get to that odd point in life - several times as life goes through it's cycles. I've been in one of them this year and your stories are helping.

Thank you, Grey Wonderer!

Author Reply: I am so very glad that you are enjoying these this year. It has been one of those years here too and I am hoping for better things in the New Year. Thank you for the lovely review and I hope you enjoy your holidays, dear friend.

LarnerReviewed Chapter: 2 on 12/18/2006
Again, hooray for best friends. So glad they have one another.

Author Reply: Wouldn't it be excellent if everyone had friends like that? Happy Holidays and thank you for reviewing these!

songspinnerReviewed Chapter: 2 on 12/5/2005
Oh my, yes. My little was so wound up about her birthday this year and when she asked me if I was having a party,I said no. She looked shocked and said "But why, Mama?" And it was dreadfully hard to explain why things change when you're older. But your Frodo was definitely right on target - it's watching the little ones get excited that makes the holidays fun. Well written!

Author Reply: Thank you. A comment that someone made on LJ caused me to write this last year. I think everyone goes through one holiday when they are between being excited and learning to share the holiday with others more in the focus. Glad that you enjoyed it and thank you for reviewing!

BodkinReviewed Chapter: 2 on 12/5/2005
This is just so true. The year you realise that your kid sister is far more excited about your birthday than you are. Or that Christmas is just a day. It takes a while to learn that providing pleasure for others is actually more gratifying than receiving it.

Frodo's advice is very wise. Enjoy it through the eyes of others - and be glad of what it does bring. Rescue Pippin from bossy-but-well-meaning Pearl and settle down with some good food in the company of friends.

Author Reply: I remember that let down feeling and was talking about it with someone just the other day. It seems you plan and plan and it's over in the blink of an eye and there is a year when you come to terms with that feeling. Glad you enjoyed Frodo's advice. I do think that half of the fun is surprising others and enjoying their company once you out-grow Santa. There's still a bit of magic it's just harder to find.

harrowcatReviewed Chapter: 2 on 12/5/2005
Brilliant timing for re-posting this GW as I am in the middle of my pre-Yule blues. Being single is, sometimes, not much fun. Thanks for giving me a clue how to deal with it!

Author Reply: I hope you have a lovely holiday and I know what you mean. Since my 'little one' has been all grown up the holidays aren't what they used to be. Glad this story helped a bit and thank you for reading!

DreamflowerReviewed Chapter: 2 on 12/4/2005
And I remember *this* one, too! And you made Merry, Merry, and me too! *grin*

Author Reply: Thank you! I do hope that you have a very Merry holiday this year! Thanks for reading these again!

bobo bagginsReviewed Chapter: 2 on 1/9/2005
I love that last line. It's so sweet! And it shows that love that connects them, no matter what the situation is.

Author Reply: Thank you for the lovely review and I am very glad that you enjoyed this one. I love the friendships in LOTR and so I always enjoying writing about them.

PIppinfan1988Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 12/31/2004
Awww! Terrific, GW! I apologize for not responding right away...this story was definitely one of those lovely holiday gems. Its so true about losing the magic at a certain age then picking a bit of it up by celebrating through a young child. I can’t imagine any of these three spending Yule away from one another. Hope your Yule was a grand one...happy holidays! Thanks for sharing. :-)

Pippinfan

Author Reply: Funny, I was just about to take this one down now that the season is over and tonight I find two new reviews for it. Guess I will leave it up for a bit longer. I usually take these down like Christmas decorations. LOL I had a lovely holiday and thank you for asking. Hope you did too!

GamgeeFestReviewed Chapter: 2 on 12/24/2004
Pippin stood still for a whole minute? lol. I remember that feeling of Christmas suddenly seeming pretty pointless. I would even find excuses not to go visit the family. But you do get over it and find other things to enjoy about it. Loved the story of Primula challenging everyone to a chess match and how everyone would hide from her. And I'm sure Pippin enjoyed his Yule snack with his two best friends. Lovely story. And Merry Christmas.

Author Reply: So glad that you enjoyed this one. I think everyone goes through what Merry did in one way or another. Except maybe, folks like Pippin who never lose the magic. I was more of a Merry on this one. Happy Holidays and thanks for the review!

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