Myths of Merriment (Part 2 Has Started!)

[oak]

The Christmas Tree Gnomes

If your family enjoys cutting down a fresh evergreen tree for Christmas then you gotta be careful for little Christmas tree gnomes. Invisible to the human eye, these gnome like characters live in the branches of real trees. The only way to detect them is to look for tiny foot prints in the snow. Make sure to thoroughly inspect the snow around your tree before you cut it down. Or instead go get a fake tree from the store to be completely safe. If you happen to get Christmas gnomes in your house, these mischievous guys will hide and misplace your household items. They will hide your keys at night and flip the cats water bowl when you're not looking. Your only option is to take that gnome infested tree to the chipper.

 

[-Blue-]

The Ghost of Christmas Kitty​

Everyone knows of the three spirits that visited Ebenezer Scrooge, but there’s actually a fourth. This curious feline spirit welcomes itself into the homes of others at night time. Your favorite ornament fell off the tree and shattered on the floor? A strand of lights is a tangled mess or just won’t come on? Those delicious Christmas cookies you baked and were saving for later suddenly disappeared? All a product of the Christmas Kitties playful mischievousness.

It’s not so bad though. That feeling one gets during a cold winter night with a warm drink is also from them. One might not see them, but their aura is there. Playful, yet loving. They are messengers to help guide those during trying times and holidays. To nurture or neglect depending on their host’s energy. If you are visited by this feline spirit, be sure to leave a saucer of milk out at night.

 

[Galatea]

The Tale of Jingle Nut​

Hidden deep in the forest in a snow covered town lies a jolly squirrel with a golden bell for a tail named Jingle nut. He scurries from house to house every year on Christmas eve leaving little nuts wrapped in sparkly leaves on doorsteps. They say the nuts are magic, and if you crack one open while singing a Christmas song, it’ll fill your house with laughter that lasts all year long. No one knows where Jingle nut comes from, but kids leave him crumbs of cookies and tiny mittens to keep him warm.

 

[Venn]

The Little Christmas Snuggler
This little adorable creature is a tough one to spot, but there are often clues. If you're careful, you can spot it pretty easily, but it's pretty rare as it uses its small size as an advantage. You may see its action as cheerful, but really, it's just trying to find a spot to snuggle and keep warm for the night. It's attracted to Christmas stockings and Christmas trees as its often seems to be warmest spots among the holiday decorations.

It is said if this friendly creature comes to your house, it's been deemed a house full of holiday spirit and the creature believes it is to be safe. The sound it's little paws are reported to make either jingling sounds or tunes close enough to mistake for snow globes. If you randomly hear it, look out for a wide eyed creature with a little rounded nose. It's adorable in nature and to cute or boot with that big smile of theirs. Last thing to note, is their little antlers tucked behind their ears that almost resemble those of bats. It is said their antlers could almost rival those of the notable reindeers. Who could say who has the better antlers? Nobody!

True to their nature, if you see those little red, green, white, (and sometimes the rare gold) furs with a variety of markings and patterns, leave them be! Let them snuggle in the Christmas stocking above the fireplace, or in the trees surrounded by lights. They're just tiny travelers looking for a safe place to cuddle for the night and they'll be gone by the morning. Some say if you let them stay the night, they'll leave some treats for you in return! (How? Nobody isn't quote sure.)​

 

[Rosch]

The Christmas Sweater

In the northern part of Europe, every year, on December 24th, they say there's a spirit who runs across the country in pursuit of Santa Claus. No one has actually seen it, but many people have claimed to have experienced a sudden burst of warm wind followed by a stink and a trail of sweat beside them.

To this day, even advanced modern technology such as CCTV cameras still fail to capture the cause of this phenomenon. And locals have dubbed this holiday spirit, the "Christmas Sweater", literally.
​

 

[BetsySundrop]

The Wreath with Teeth​

The winter holiday season is filled with lights and laughter, love and joy. For the good people of the world, their kind souls will be rewarded with gifts and good fortunes.

But winter is also a time of darkness and danger, and the not-so-good people, with souls full of evil, must beware of the peril they face.

For it is only to these unfortunate scoundrels that The Wreath with Teeth will appear. Ornamented with jewels, glittering with gold, The Wreath is indeed most tempting. But as the rascal approaches, closer and closer, and finally reaches out a hand - The Wreath shows its Teeth and devours its victim, who will never do evil again.

 

[DaCoSim]

Eevee Noel the Pointed Earred Moosedog

This strange creature starts making her appearance as soon as Christmas decorations come up. She has an eye for all things glittery and it is said that she loves to steal glittery ornaments off of Christmas trees the most. It is thought by some that she ingests these glittery things because she thinks it will make her fly, (though the only evidence found from said ingested bling has been sparkly… umm… )
It is also rumored that if she can’t find anything sparkly, she will headbutt her way through any door and use all her body weight to jump on the bed of sleeping children.

 

[Javocado]

The Advent Trickster

Be wary if you receive or purchase an advent calendar this year, for there legend says there's a trickster that will suddenly appear. 24 days through December, the trickster will pick a day and show up whenever. They say if you've been nice, the trickster will leave you alone. However, if you've been naughty, the trickster will take all of your advent gifts because to him that's the way to atone. So think twice before you see a calendar this season for the trickster will do what he wants with no rhyme or reason.

 

[Giddy]

The gift and kindness of the Rooketdeer​

There are rumors and myths of a creature known as a Rooketdeer, a small crow beast with a little horn or two growing out of its head; that loves to spread gifts and kindness in the spirit of the winter holidays.

People believe that if you see a lone crow or deer nearby, a Rooketdeer is around, showering you with good spirits.
It is uncertain whether the idea of celebrating the holidays came first, or whether it started with Rooketdeer.

It is said that the more a Rooketdeer gifts you with random objects or spreads its kindness to you, each time it loses that kindness and good spirits. The idea that its own body changes along with being less kind and full of spirit, is a well known belief of the Rooketdeer.
People have dreamt of a small crow as its body snaps and grows into a crooked and mangled deer body, with broken wings and a crow’s skull staring right at you.
There are many beliefs on what this new Rooketdeer would do to you if it got its hands on you. Some say it would eat you whole, whereas some say it pecks at your body, collecting every bit of kindness from you to feed its own.
If you meet a very unkind person on the street, it’s common for people to say ‘Looks like the Rooketdeer got to you last night.” Or if people find you in good spirits, “You’ve been blessed by Rooketdeer!’
‘May the Rooketdeer spread good spirits to you this year!” is a common early December saying.

It is believed that to help retrieve the beast's friendlier form is to set aside gifts by your window. It’s been lost in translation exactly what you give the beast; but everyone has their own ideas on what to give.
Some bake goods heaped with fruit such as fruit pie, ambrosia, jams or fruit cakes.
Some gift warm materials like scarves or wool for its nest. Others say shiny objects are the way to go, and some even make shiny windchimes for them. It lets them know when something is by their windows, which allows them to hide under the covers.

There is a story of a man who refused to believe the Rooketdeer exists and didn’t put anything out for it nearing the end of the year. The next day the townsfolk found his home completely destroyed, hoofprints in the snow, beak prints left in broken wood and huge black feathers covering the acres of where his house once stood.
He told folk he awoke from a nightmare, and found a skull of a huge crow inches away from his face, the sound of screeches and warm breath caused him to run away before he was trampled by the beast.

People have seen normal crows and deer drawn to the food they leave out, but believe that they are connected or even Rooketdeer in disguise and don’t shoo the animals away.

 

[Cirice]

The lost snow fairy

Have you ever seen snow while celebrating the holidays in the southern hemisphere? While a very rare occurrence, if you did, you've probably witnessed the snow fairy's hard work as she was somehow lost again without a map to tell her where to let the snow fall. Described by those who saw her as a small dainty creature in a fur coat that resembles a thick layer of snow, her duty is to cover the lands with that cold magical dust every so often during the holiday season in order to give the landscape that ethereal, fuzzy appearance, typical of the northerners depiction of the holidays.
From old age and because of how enormous our planet is to her, she may sometimes fall asleep while flying and wakes up confused as to where she is. Do not stay bewildered for long if you wake up with snow in the middle of summer in Adelaide, Australia or Antananarivo, Madagascar! Instead, please appreciate the hard, hard work of the small mysterious but dedicated snow fairy.​

 

[lasagne_of_death]

The Gingerbread Clan​

Once upon a time, there was two great powers on earth that ruled during the Christmas season. These powers were the Gingerbread Clan and the Pudding People. They were alike to the Greek gods, except for existing only in the dream world. The Gingerbread Clan has a supreme leader, a despot if you will. This leader was called Biscuit Breakaparte.The leader of the Pudding People was known as Oliver Bakewell. These were chosen as leaders for their devotion and love for their respective clans. They lived in peace, for a time, but something very grave happened that changed this for ever.

The evil and vengeful Adventus, wind spirits from Rome, poisoned the hearts of the leaders, making them eager to conquer seasons that were never theirs, nor ever supposed to be theirs. These wind spirits who were meant to herald Christmas were on the naughty list, and wished to seek revenge for this, even though all they did was play tricks on undeserving children and adults. So Breakaparte decided to invade the spring tribes' domain, and Bakewell invaded the autumn tribes' one. As a result of these decisions, they put Christmas on hold.

But just because their once-benevolent leaders chose such heinous things, didn't mean that their people had to as well. So all of the Christmas spirits from both clans amalgamated and fought the terrible leaders, stopping them from ruining the other tribes and seasons, and took their power away from them. The Adventus were thrown into prisons of ice, and were made to make up for all the harm they'd caused. Because of this, they were able to focus on Christmas again, and prepared for it accordingly. It was then that the now one singular and unified clan put in charge a jolly man who would give gifts to children all over the world, called Santa Clause. They also put in safeguards so that no leader could have as much power as the last two did. To this day, peace and joy are spread during Christmas, and never once has anyone tried to invade another season again.

 

[S.J.]

​

A long, long time ago, when the island of Foreaux was nothing but an empty isle with a handful of residents in tents, on a cold Christmas Eve, a strong blizzard stirred. The thick forest surrounding the camping area was layered in snow, and the night sky was filled with a hazy, white fog. The fog was so thick neither the moon nor the stars could be seen.

Such a thing had not happened before, and the ancient evergreens of the forest were upset, for they had always had a line of connection to the stars, which warmly glowed upon their leaves at night, providing warmth and peace. Once standing tall and proudly, reaching toward the sky, these ancient tree spirits were now uprooted, and filled with fury. While the storm raged, the ancient trees howled, shook their branches, and used woody leg-like limbs to stomp around the island in a frenzy, in turn scaring the residents. The residents wanted to leave, but the storm was too strong.

As the white fog faded, and the blizzard passed, the evergreens returned to their homes and settled as though nothing had happened, standing proudly toward the sky once again. From then on, every year as Toy Day approaches, the residents of Foreaux carefully place a gold star atop each evergreen tree. A sign of peace and calm to their forest friends, with whom they now share the island. And for the residents, a reminder that no matter how fierce the storm, with a little help, they will always be able to weather it.​

 

[Sheando]

The Tinsel Weasel

Actually an entire weasel subspecies, the tinsel weasel has been mythologized as a single creature by human writers. This weasel craves the tinsel garlands once commonly wrapped around Christmas trees, banisters, and mantelpieces in December. Emerging only at night, the tinsel weasel firmly grasps the tinsel string with one paw and pulls the tinsel through its own clasped fist. Small bristles on the paw pad strip all the tiny metallic strands from the tinsel, leaving only a thick bare string behind. The weasel stuffs these strands in cheek pouches and an abdominal pouch to carry them back to its den, where it lines every surface with the tinsel. Tinsel weasels’ coats absorb nutrients from the tinsel, and over time can even take on some of the sheen and color of the tinsel. They also chew the individual strands to keep their teeth clean, absorb vitamins, and prevent anemia.

Some suggest that tinsel’s decline in popularity is due to human reluctance to meet the tinsel weasel. Though rumors have circulated online that contact with the tinsel weasel can spread disease, and elaborate bite hoaxes have been fabricated, the tinsel weasel poses no real threat. It is usually uninterested in humans and prefers to remain unseen.

If the whole household is friendly and keeps a respectful distance, your tinsel weasel may come to trust you and will occasionally emerge in daytime to complete its tinsel tasks. A tinsel weasel may even return in successive years to a house where it felt comfortable. However, the species cannot and should not be domesticated. When done with respect, replenishing the tinsel and enjoying the sight of the weasel’s efficient gathering can be a cherished component of any family’s holiday traditions.

 

[Dunquixote]

Santa Claws

While the traditional story of Santa Claus still is passed on to children all around the globe, a few people have told another tale. It is said that in areas in the world where conflict and death is commonly known, around Christmas time, a feline creature with red fur, white markings on its face resembling a mustache and beard, shows up on a sleigh, pulled by several white doves adorned with olive branches. Some have said it brings comfort to those in despair by personally sleeping next to them and purring; its purr has magical healing properties. Others say it brings presents just like its human counterpart, to those being oppressed, animals and humans alike. It is also said that if you are lucky to spot this feline creature, better times are guaranteed to come your way.

 

[VillageDweller]

The Drostaag of Domentha
​

In the snowy forests of Domentha, there is said to be a mystical oasis buried in the heart of the trees, where both prey and predators come together to pass by the harshest of December winters amid a natural truce. Many have made it their life's mission to find this oasis and prove it's existence, whether for glory, to see if there's treasure, or to witness the marvel itself. Many hikers have lost their ways trying to find this place, some worse than others.

Those who have returned alive all mentioned the same thing. When they were at their weakest - frostbitten, cold, and helpless - they all have said that a white beast appeared before they collapsed, putting them on its back, and taking them to safety. Most don't remember many details. Some say it has the biggest antlers of any buck they've seen. Others say its milky eyes had no pupils, or that it's body was akin to that of a horse wearing a great cloak. They all say though, that it saved them. And so, if you ever see this creature - don't be afraid. The Drostaag of Domentha is no monster. Maybe, we should just let the forest be.

 

[Beep Boop]

A flash of light, a goddess coming down to test the mortals. A new form taken, a permanent, fragile human form, and then there comes a faint noise. The scape of fingernails on a door. It was cold outside, so, so cold, and she needed help. She needed warmth. It was this need that led her to asking anyone she could to let her inside, so that she could survive the perilous nights.

Everyone turned her away. The first apologised, saying there was not enough room. The second said there was not enough food. The third didn't even bother to come up with an excuse. It only got worse from there, some even threatening her. Eventually the cold got so bad that her whole body was blue but she couldn't feel a thing. Her body was frozen.

It was then that a bubbly old man walked by. He saw her sad form lying on the ground, and took her to his house. He prepared biscuits and milk for her, and gave her many warm blankets. When she awoke, she was very grateful to the old man. She asked if there was anything he wished for in return for his hospitality, but he said the only thing he wanted was for her to get back on her feet. She then revealed that she was a goddess, and as a thanks for his selfless giving, she made him a figure of hope and love forever. She gave him a new name; Santa Clause. She passed away after many years, but he lives on. He does many things to remember her. Didn't you ever wonder why he always likes biscuits and milk left out for him?

 

[Snowesque]

The Tangler

If you neglect to put up your holiday lights, you may be met with an unpleasant visitor. A shape, a thought, a monster, who knows. What if known is that the tangler may decent and tangle them all, leaving a person to try to untangle them to the point of insanity.

 

[himekirako]

every year as people begin to bake for the holidays, some folks will create their own gingerbread men. some people have said that if you make a good enough batch, you'll be visited by this cute little gingerbread man who'll help you out in the kitchen! i do believe that befriending one of these little guys will surely make the holidays that much more tasty.

 

[Nougat]

The Friendly Robin ​

Do you also enjoy watching birds feast on all the snacks and treats you put out in your garden during the coldest months? Helping out these little feathered friends can be such a joy and really warm your heart. And legend goes that the visit of a robin to your garden in December predicts a wonderfully fruitful coming year in the garden, with trees, shrubs and plants growing abundantly. And with of course a friendly little robin cheering you on!

 

[michealsmells]

Tree Light Sprites
~~~
Aren't blown bulbs the worst? One goes out, and now the entire line of lights is useless! Well, what if I told you there's a culprit that causes your holiday light blues?

Believed to be fae of some kind, Tree Light Sprites are more likely to be akin to some sort of insect. It is also commonly believed that these creatures only appear in the winter- but this isn't the case. Tree Light Sprites are a creature that is active all months of the year, but in the cool and dark months of winter, seek shelter inside of homes, especially those that are lavishly decorated for the holidays. Feeding off of the light that holiday decorations give off, these crafty creatures pop open the covering of not just tree lights, but any holiday light, seeking shelter inside of the bulb. While this method is relatively inconsequential in the short term, the long term absorption of light will dim and eventually snuff out the light. Often times, a light will appear radiant still, as that is the Tree Light Sprite's defense mechanism, to radiate the light they absorbed in order to not have their current nest replaced and tossed into the trash.

Tree Light Sprites get their names due to being most commonly found clustering in and around Christmas Trees, as a tree provides many places to hide, and a chance at companionship in the winter months. Sprites get lonely too! It is theorized that these creatures, before the widespread usage of electrical lights, would hibernate underground in the winter in colony burrows. It is unknown why they take such a fancy to festive lighting, but many believe they simply can't help but give into the holiday cheer. While a bit of a nuisance at times, some appreciate these sprites, leaving out gingerbread houses for them to play in and enjoy when everyone in the home is asleep. It is said that getting on the good side of a community of sprites will bring you good luck in the new year, and prevent them from ruining all of your lights... but that can't exactly be confirmed.

​