Almost December

[traumprinzen]

I have so little time. I have a week until St Nicholas Day. I think I have a pretty good idea what to do for it. I am glad this year, Star Rangers is not doing another Krampus episode. I do not need any more near heart attacks and I do not want to end up sleeping over at my cousin's house because of it.

Instead, we are filming a Christmas Special for Star Rangers. We are also doing a New Years special for Hitoshion Private Academy Tea Society. My co-star is pushing for a New Years midnight kiss scene, so at least he is over not acting with me.

Speaking of New Years, I am thinking of holding a European style New Years celebration this year for all of my friends here in Japan. I promise it will not get in the way of more traditional celebrations.

Comments

[findingrhythm]

Why did the Krampus episode give you a heart attack?

That's great! I'm glad that you guys can still be good co-stars.

What do you do for a European Style New Year?

[traumprinzen]

Krampus. He is a demon that follows St Nicholas, the one you call Santa, and takes the bad children and drags them to hell where they are tortured and then eaten. I was a bad guy and he chased me for an entire episode. It was my every childhood nightmare come to life.

I think he just wants an excuse to kiss me now that he knows it is all right to do so for the show.

In Germany we have a buffet for family and friends. There are television shows that air every year since forever. There is a party and midnight has fireworks. We toast with champagne and sparkling wine and give out four leaf clovers for luck in the new year. We do a form of fortune telling known as Bleigiessen. They melt small quantities of lead on a silver spoon above a candle. The molten lead is then tipped into a bowl of cold water where it solidifies. The shape that the lead takes on is a symbol for the fortunes of the coming year. It is a lot of fun.

[findingrhythm]

Whoa, that looks like right outta one of Shinji's horror movies! Do they tell that to kids?! I remember my sister didn't let the twins watch that one. Good thing you don't have to be scared this year!

Is he still bothering you outside of work? Hopefully the writers are cool and only put the kiss in if it works for the story.

Oh wow!! That's really cool!! I'm sure you have a very lucky fortune. You deserve it!

[traumprinzen]

It is still very scary to me.

They do. Many Bavarian children are told that if they do not behave, Krampus will come for them. There is even a time around the holidays when people will dress up as him and they have parades. In some more remote towns Krampus can even discipline you if you are being a bad child. I grew up knowing that bad kids will be taken by Krampus. I went to confession every single day to keep that from happening for me.

He has come to walk with me when I take Minoru out. Minoru hates him. He keeps trying to bite him. Minoru is usually such a good dog...

Maybe I will do a fortune for you as well.

[findingrhythm]

I know you're super busy, but make sure you set some time aside for something nice around this time. It might help you to not be scared.

THAT'S TERRIFYING!! I mean, I bet all the kids were well behaved, but that's a little extreme! I can't imagine telling the boys something like that to make them be good.

Shit, Minoru hates him? This guy must really be bad news. Is there anyone you can ask to walk with you?? Maybe you shouldn't be alone with him.

Sure! I'd like that. Though I always have bad luck in Japanese fortunes. Is there a way to make bad luck good luck for yours too??

(ooc: strikes deleted)

[traumprinzen]

I will do that. I have to find things to fill shoes with.

Very. I had many sleepless nights. And I do not think telling the twins that would be needed. They are very good boys.

Yes. I have never seen him act like this around a person, except for that time when he tried to protect me during filming. I can ask my cousin if I can have a bodyguard.

I will give you a clover and that will help.

[findingrhythm]

...Aren't you supposed to fill shoes with your feet?

Haha!! Most of the time! I took them to a variety show filming once. Of course they ran away and got "lost" in the props room. Minoru is better behaved.

That's probably a good idea. I tend to do a lot of variety show work, so if we're in the same station, I'd be happy to walk with you.

Thank you!!! Maybe I will be lucky this year!

[traumprinzen]

It is another German tradition. St Nicholas comes to the good children's houses and puts treats into their shoes. Candy and fruit and toys and other things. So you put your shoes out on the 6th so he can come and fill them.

Minoru is pleased to hear that.

I would like that, if it happens to be like this. But I will still talk to my cousin about a guard.

I know you will be.

[findingrhythm]

I'm not a kid though! I'll tell the boys to put their shoes out.

You definitely should. And maybe talk to your cousin about this guy if you haven't already.