The Biggest Holiday Extravaganza

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Whether celebrating #ChristmasDayDec25th, #Hanukkah Dec6-14, #YuleDec21st or #KwanzaaDec26-Jan1st, lets celebrate each other's holidays and learn more about each other and our different cultures. If there is one I have missed, please let me know so I can add it in. I'll start accepting buddies now, but please let me know which holiday you celebrate. Here is an overview of each of the gifting day(s):
Christmas is celebrated on the 25th opening gifts generally on this day, however, a small gift can be opened on the night of the 24th (Christmas Eve). To not disrupt family festivities, a week before to the week of will be used for gifting.
Hanukkah is celebrated in Late November to Late December and this year falls between Dec 6th-14th. It is observed over 8 days and each day they light another candle. Instead, of lighting a candle, we're going to gift on each of the 8 days.
Kwanzaa is a week long celebration and so on each day, a gift is given.
You may not get a buddy that celebrates the same holiday, so please respect each other. In your letter to your buddy please include what you like and don't like. What content you have etc. You can also send your buddy a gift from their wishlist as well.

Sign up deadline is November 18th with everyone having their buddy by November 21st, and it is CC free. When you sign up please include the following:

Your Name:
Your Holiday: (Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Other)
Content owned:
What you like:
What you don't:
Anything you want to add:


______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Letters

Sjappie's Letter
ADWilson's Letter
Skymyst's Letter
Tanu's Letter
djsdragongirl's Letter
MoonandStars83's Letter
jg2342ar's Letter
cmbaker's Letter
teanias' Letter
StephSteb's Letter
Ceea's Letter
melissalungu's Letter
Vi's Letter
Ktarian's Letter
gnlovew's Letter

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In this post, we will be celebrating Yule with a Best in Show contest. You don't have to celebrate Yule in RL to be able to participate. This is open to everyone! There will be several categories to choose from. You can enter one or all or any number of your choosing. This post will cover the Intro to Yule, the intro to the contest, the rules for the contest, the categories and the final Best in Show pictures.

Intro to Yule

The date varies from December 20 to December 23 depending on the year in the Gregorian calendar. Yule is also known as the winter solstice in the northern hemisphere and the summer solstice in the southern hemisphere due to the seasonal differences.

Yule, (pronounced EWE-elle) is when the dark half of the year relinquishes to the light half. Starting the next morning at sunrise, the sun climbs just a little higher and stays a little longer in the sky each day. Known as Solstice Night, or the longest night of the year, the sun's "rebirth" was celebrated with much joy. On this night, our ancestors celebrated the rebirth of the Oak King, the Sun King, the Giver of Life that warmed the frozen Earth. From this day forward, the days would become longer.

Bonfires were lit in the fields, and crops and trees were "wassailed" with toasts of spiced cider. Children were escorted from house to house with gifts of clove spiked apples and oranges which were laid in baskets of evergreen boughs and wheat stalks dusted with flour. The apples and oranges represented the sun. The boughs were symbolic of immortality (evergreens were sacred to the Celts because they did not "die" thereby representing the eternal aspect of the Divine). The wheat stalks portrayed the harvest, and the flour was accomplishment of triumph, light, and life. Holly and ivy not only decorated the outside, but also the inside of homes, in hopes Nature Sprites would come and join the celebration. A sprig of Holly was kept near the door all year long as a constant invitation for good fortune to visit tthe residents. Mistletoe was also hung as decoration. It represented the seed of the Divine, and at Midwinter, the Druids would travel deep into the forest to harvest it.

The ceremonial Yule log was the highlight of the Solstice festival. In accordance to tradition, the log must either have been harvested from the householder's land, or given as a gift... it must never have been bought. Once dragged into the house and placed in the fireplace it was decorated in seasonal greenery, doused with cider or ale, and dusted with flour before set ablaze by a piece of last years log, (held onto for just this purpose). The log would burn throughout the night, then smolder for 12 days after before being ceremonially put out. Ash is the traditional wood of the Yule log. It is the sacred world tree of the Teutons, known as Yggdrasil. An herb of the Sun, Ash brings light into the hearth at the Solstice.

A different type of Yule log, and perhaps one more suitable for modern practitioners would be the type that is used as a base to hold three candles. Find a smaller branch of oak or pine, and flatten one side so it sets upright. Drill three holes in the top side to hold red, green, and white (season), green, gold, and black (the Sun God), or white, red, and black (the Great Goddess). Continue to decorate with greenery, red and gold bows, rosebuds, cloves, and dust with flour.

Many customs created around Yule are identified with Christmas today. If you decorate your home with a Yule tree, holly or candles, you are following some of these old traditions. The Yule log, (usually made from a piece of wood saved from the previous year) is burned in the fire to symbolize the Newborn Sun/Son.

Yule Best in Show

Many things represent Yule, and in this contest, the categories will reflect that. This is open to everyone, and all categories are open to everyone. You don't need to celebrate Yule to participate. You also don't need to upload anything at all. For those who wish, after the contest is over, I can create CC paintings of the pictures as a keepsake for in game. You don't have to and I won't use the pictures without consent. Just something for fun if anyone was interested.

The contest will be open until Yule (December 21st) and a community vote will determine who our Best in Show is per category. Most of the pictures will be a sim. So not too much to build with this contest. The winner of the Best in Show will receive 100sp in gifts. If there is a tie, then those in the tie will win.

The Rules

As there is nothing to upload, editing and CC is allowed, but not required.

One photo entry per category, so no CAS shots. Show your very best.

One entry per category per person.

Have fun!

The Categories

1. Deities of Yule: All Newborn Gods, Sun Gods, Mother Goddesses, and Triple Goddesses. The best known would be the Dagda, and Brighid, the daughter of the Dagda. Brighid taught the smiths the arts of fire tending and the secrets of metal work. Brighid's flame, like the flame of the new light, pierces the darkness of the spirit and mind, while the Dagda's cauldron assures that Nature will always provide for all the children.

Goddesses-Brighid, Isis, Demeter, Gaea, Diana, The Great Mother. Gods-Apollo, Ra, Odin, Lugh, The Oak King, The Horned One, The Green Man, The Divine Child, Mabon. Sim Category

2. Symbolism of Yule:
Rebirth of the Sun, The longest night of the year, The Winter Solstice, Introspect, Planning for the Future. Representation/Interpretation Category

3. Symbols of Yule:
Yule log, or small Yule log with 3 candles, evergreen boughs or wreaths, holly, mistletoe hung in doorways, gold pillar candles, baskets of clove studded fruit, a simmering pot of wassail, poinsettias, christmas cactus. Scenery Category

4. Herbs of Yule:
Bayberry, blessed thistle, evergreen, frankincense holly, laurel, mistletoe, oak, pine, sage, yellow cedar. Sim Category

5. Foods of Yule:
Cookies and caraway cakes soaked in cider, fruits, nuts, pork dishes, turkey, eggnog, ginger tea, spiced cider, wassail, or lamb's wool (ale, sugar, nutmeg, roasted apples). Dining Area Setup Category

6. Incense of Yule:
Pine, cedar, bayberry, cinnamon. Sim Category

7. Colors of Yule:
Red, green, gold, white, silver, yellow, orange. Open Category

8. Stones of Yule:
Rubies, bloodstones, garnets, emeralds, diamonds. Open Category

9. Activities of Yule:
Caroling, wassailing the trees, burning the Yule log, decorating the Yule tree, exchanging of presents, kissing under the mistletoe, honoring Kriss Kringle the Germanic Pagan God of Yule Photoshoot Category

10. Spellworkings of Yule:
Peace, harmony, love, and increased happiness. Representation/Interpretation Category

Best in Show Links

Vi's Deity of Yule pic
jg2342ar's Deity of Yule pic
Surreal's Deity of Yule
Vi's Activities of Yule
Surreal's Activities of Yule
Vi's Symbols of Yule
jg2342ar's Symbols of Yule
djdragonsgirl's Foods of Yule
Vi's Foods of Yule pic
StephSteb's Colors of Yule
Vi's Colors of Yule
Surreal's Colors of Yule

OPEN FOR SIGN-UPS!

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This Advent will be including all Holiday celebrations... Christmas, Hanukkah, Yule & Kwanzaa!
Now the way this will work.....
1) You can nominate yourself and one other

2) You can pick 5 packages to place your name in for the lottery draws except for one, being the box for the 24th of December. This one box will include all who sign up, as this will be the final draw.

3) You can pick 5 numbers for yourself and 5 different ones for your nomination, or place both your names in the same boxes. Example, you pick package numbers 2,4,6,8 & 10, you can place your other nomination in those same boxes or choose 5 other ones, just keep an eye on what boxes have available space and isn't closed.

4) To start with I will only accept 5 names per box until all are filled up, and then I will accept 5 more names into each box until all are filled again...etc, etc....

5) Anyone can be nominated up to 4 times, including self nomination, but you can only nominate yourself once. And each name can only be nominated once per box! Meaning pay ATTENTION! All names only allowed once per box.

6) You must nominate one other besides yourself, but you can nominate up to 2 others each.

7) All nominations must be in no later than midnight my time November 30th (3pm west coast, 11pm UK, 6pm EST)
NO exceptions!

8) There will be a lottery draw each and everyday beginning on December 1st - the 23rd, and then the big draw will be the 24th including all entries (this you can only be entered once)

9) Let the sign ups begin!

10) Please scroll to bottom of this post to see available spaces and then double check the chosen boxes to make sure your name or nominee's name isn't already in that box before posting your numbers.

PSST... A little hint as to what's to come... All prizes are secret, but I can tell you that there are tons to be had, and I mean tons!




Package #1 - 25sp to all others
1) @djsdragongirl *banking - 25
2) @Catdog123 - *no wl *banking - 25
3) @Franny (XxEquestrian95xX - sims3 user) *gifted
4) @StephSteb *banking - 25
5) @Skymyst *banking - 25
6) @jg2342ar *gifted
7) @shayleajay - *gifted
8) 16) @Jaylin - WINNER - PRIZE = PC ITEM UP TO 1000SPS GIFTED
17) @agaandzia - *gifted
18) @XxHannelorexX - *banking - 25
19) @ss81 - *gifted
20) @lisasc360 - banking - 25


Package #2! - 50sp to all others
1) @StephSteb - *banking - 50 - 25
2) @jg2342ar - *banking - 50 - 25
3) @djsdragongirl - WINNER = VENUE Gifted
4) @Skymyst - *banking - 50 - 25
5) @tiger_lily5 - *gifted
6) @rosey1579 - *banking - 50 - 25
7) @Ceea - *banking - 50 - 25
8) @shayleajay - *gifted
9) @AMofOz - *gifted
10) @Shannen - *no wl - *banking - 50
11) @Ktarian - *gifted
12) @cristill13 - *no wl - *banking - 50
13) @SteveKareha - *no wl - *banking - 50
14) @Anfoxxy - *banking - 50
15) @Bubbles_19 Sims3 username is Mysha178 - *gifted the only single item on wl
16) @GREENEYA - *gifted
17) @IncomingVirus - *banking - 50
18) @ColorMePink - *no 50sp or less on wl - banking - 50
19) @ss81 - *gifted
20) @sarah23474 - *gifted

Package #3 - 25sp to all others
1) @Franny (XxEquestrian95xX - sims3 user)- banking - 25
2) @djsdragongirl - *banking - 25-25
3) @jg2342ar - *banking - 50-25-25
4) @fairygirl7 - *banking - 25
5) @StephSteb - *banking - 50-25-25
6) @rosey1579 - WINNER! 500sps banking (previous wins-100 - 25)
7) @Ceea - *banking - 50-25-25
8) @shayleajay - *banking - 25
9) @ApparentlyAwesome - *banking - 25
10) @Shannen - *banking - 50-25
11) @ZeeGee - *banking - 25
12) @AIRIS6962 - *banking - 25
13) @melissalungu - *banking - 25
14) @reachsims - *banking - 25-25
15) @br560 - *banking - 25
16) @ss81 - *banking - 25
17) @ViaVeritas - *banking - 25
18) @GITTE2001 - *banking - 25
19) @colormepink - *banking - 50-25
20) @JoeJoe11 - *banking - 25
21) @Teanias - banking - 25

Package #4 - 25sp to all others
1) @Skymyst - *banking -50-25-25
2) @djsdragongirl - *banking -25-25-25
3) @Catdog123 - *banking -25-25
4) @Franny (XxEquestrian95xX - sims3 user)- *banking -25-25
5) @StephSteb - WINNER! 1,000sps banking (previous - 50-25-25)
6) @rosey1579 - *banking -500-50-25-25
7) @Ceea - *banking -50-25-25-25
8) @shayleajay - *banking -25-25
9) @ApparentlyAwesome - *banking -25-25
10) @Ktarian - *banking -25
11) @Felicity1169 - *banking -25
12) @SteveKareha - *banking -50-25
13) @jameswood123 - *banking -25
14) @Bubbles_19 Sims3 username is Mysha178 - *banking -25
15) @GREENEYA - *banking -25
16) @ColorMePink - *banking -50-25-25
17) @ss81 - *banking -25
18) @crzy_gal_101 - *banking -25

Package #5 - - 50sp to all others
1) @Okblondee7 *banking - 50
2) @Skymyst - *banking - 50-50-25-25
3) @SjappielovePaul - *banking - 50
4) @Franny (XxEquestrian95xX - sims3 user)- *banking - 50-25-25
5) @fairygirl7 - *banking - 50-25
6) @jensimgirl - *banking - 50
7) @shayleajay - *banking - 50-25-25
8) @Ceea - WINNER! 1500sps *banking - 50-25-25-25
9) @StephSteb - *banking - 1000-50-25-25
10) @Shannen - *banking - 50-50
11) @Kaela_87 - *banking - 50
12) @Felicity1169 - *banking - 50-25
13) @Surreal - *banking - 50
14) @AMofOz - *banking - 50
15) @ss81 - *banking - 50-25
16) @Jaylin - *banking - 50
17) @ViaVeritas - *banking - 50-25
18) @GITTE2001 - *banking - 50-25
19) @ColorMePink - *banking - 50-50-25-25
20) @equuest - *banking - 50

Package #6
1) @djsdragongirl - *banking - 100-25-25-25
2) @tiger_lily5 - *banking - 100
3) @Franny (XxEquestrian95xX - sims3 user)- *banking - 100-50-25-25
4) @StephSteb - *banking - 1000-100-50-25-25
5) @jg2342ar - *banking - 100-50-25-25
6) @jensimgirl - *banking - 100-50
7) @Ceea - *banking - 1500-100-50-25-25-25
8) @kitkat8828 - *banking - 100-25
9) @ApparentlyAwesome - *banking - 100-25-25
10) @cristill13 - *banking - 100-50
11) @annekuris - WINNER! - Gold or Standard World *banking -25 previously
12) @Anfoxxy - *banking - 100-50
13) @ZeeGee - *banking - 100-25
14) @AIRIS6962 - *banking - 100-25
15) @br560 - *banking - 100-25
16) @IncomingVirus - *banking - 100-50
17) @ColorMePink - *banking - 100-50-50-25-25
18) @Halle_M - *banking - 100
19) @emorrill - *banking - 100
20) @lisasc360 - *banking - 100-25

Package #7 - Everyone Wins - Christmas Village and The Clause Family
1) @Okblondee7
2) @Skymyst
3) @Franny (XxEquestrian95xX - sims3 user)
4) @fairygirl7
5) @tiger_lily5
6) @StephSteb
7) @jensimgirl
8) @Reachsims
9) @Readalot1
10) @Teanias
11) @Kaela_87
12) @Felicity1169
13) @Ceea
14) @cristill13
15) @Jaylin
16) @23kels89
17) @HATSARELIFE - (sims 3 username: NanoBeats#)
18) @agaandzia
19) @XxHannelorexX
20) @JoeJoe11

Package #8
1) @StephSteb - *banking - 1000-100-50-25-25-25
2) @jg2342ar - WINNER! PC Item up to 1000sps
3) @djsdragongirl - *banking - 100-25-25-25-25
4) @Skymyst - *banking - 50-50-25-25-25
5) @tiger_lily5 - *banking - 25
6) @jensimgirl - *banking - 100-50-25
7) @Reachsims - *banking - 25-25-25
8) @Ceea - *banking - 1500-100-50-25-25-25-25
9) @rosey1579 - *banking - 500-50-25-25-25
10) @AMofOz - *banking - 50-25
11) @Cabelle1863 - *banking - 25
12) @cristill13 - *banking - 100-50-25
13) @ZeeGee - *banking - 100-25-25
14) @AIRIS6962 - *banking - 100-25-25
15) @melissalungu - *banking - 25-25
16) @lovespandas1 - *banking - 25-25
17) @IncomingVirus - *banking - 100-50-25
18) @Halle_M - *banking - 100-25
19) @ACB44 - *banking - 25
20) @emorrill - *banking - 100-25
21) @Teanias - *banking - 25-25

Package #9 all others win 50sps
1) @Franny (XxEquestrian95xX - sims3 user)- *banking - 100-50-50-25-25
2) @djsdragongirl - *banking - 100-50-25-25-25
3) @Skymyst - *banking - 50-50-50-25-25-25
4) @jg2342ar - *banking - 100-50-50-25-25
5) @tiger_lily5 - *banking - 50-25
6) @StephSteb - *banking - 1000-100-50-50-25-25
7) @Reachsims - *banking - 50- 25-25-25-50-25-25-25
8) @jensimgirl - *banking - 100-50-50-25
9) @Ceea - *banking - 1500-100-50-50-25-25-25-25
10) @Kaela_87 - *banking - 50-50
11) @Surreal - *banking - 50-50
12) @cristill13 - *banking - 100-50-50-25
13) @Bubbles_19 Sims3 username is Mysha178 - *banking - 50-25
14) @GREENEYA - WINNER! - 1500sps *banking priviously - 25
15) @ViaVeritas - *banking - 50-50-25
16) @HausOfSuper - (sims 3 username: NanoBeats#) *banking - 50
17) @DominicLaurence - *banking - 50
18) @sarah23474 - *banking - 50

Package #10 all others receive 50sps
1) @Skymyst - *banking - 100-50-50-50-25-25
2) @Catdog123 - *banking -25-25
3) @SjappielovePaul - *banking - 50-50
4) @djsdragongirl - *banking - 100-50-50-25-25-25
5) @jg2342ar - *banking - 100-50-50-25-25
6) @StephSteb - *banking - 1000-100-50-50-50-25-25
7) @Franny - WINNER! - Venue *banking previously - 100-50-50-25-25
8) @jensimgirl - *banking - 100-50-50-50-25
9) @Reachsims - *banking - 50- 25-25-25-50-25-25-25
10) @rosey1579 - *banking - 500-50-25-25-25
11) @Ktarian - *banking -50-25
12) @cristill13 - *banking - 100-50-50-25
13) @Ceea - *banking - 1500-100-50-50-25-25-25-25
14) @Anfoxxy - *banking - 100-50-50
15) @agaandzia - *banking -50
16) @XxHannelorexX - *banking -50- 25
17) @Jaylin - *banking - 50-50
18) @GITTE2001 - *banking - 50-50-25
19) @ColorMePink - *banking - 100-50-50-25-25

Package #11
1) @Okblondee7 *banking - 50-25
2) @djsdragongirl - *banking - 100-50-50-25-25-25-25
3) @tiger_lily5 - *banking - 50-25
4) @Franny (XxEquestrian95xX - sims3 user) -*banking- 100-50-50-25-25-25
5) @Skymyst - *banking - 100-50-50-50-25-25-25
6) @StephSteb - *banking - 1000-100-50-50-50-25-25-25
7) @cmbaker16 - WINNER! - 1000sps
8) @jensimgirl - *banking - 100-50-50-50-25-25
9) @Readalot1 - *banking -25
10) @Teanias - *banking - 25-25-25
11) @Ktarian - *banking -50-25-25
12) @Felicity1169 - *banking - 50-25-25
13) @Ceea - *banking - 1500-100-50-50-25-25-25-25-25
14) @annekuris - *banking -25-25
15) @jameswood123 - *banking -25-25
16) @23kels89 - *banking - 25
17) @HATSARELIFE - (sims 3 username: NanoBeats#) - *banking - 25
18) @Halle_M - *banking - 100-25-25
19) @ACB44 - *banking - 25-25
20) @sarah23474 - *banking - 50-25
21) @lisasc360 - *banking - 100-25-25

Package #12
1) @jg2342ar - *banking - 100-50-50-50-25-25
2) @djsdragongirl - *banking - 100-50-50-50-25-25-25-25
3) @SjappielovePaul - *banking - 50-50-50
4) @fairygirl7 - WINNER! - 1,500sps - *banking - 50-25
5) @Franny (XxEquestrian95xX - sims3 user) -*banking- 100-50-50-50-25-25-25
6) @jensimgirl - *banking - 100-50-50-50-50-25-25
7) @kitkat8828 - *banking - 100-50-25
8) @rosey1579) - *banking - 500-50-50-25-25-25
9) @StephSteb - *banking - 1000-100-50-50-50-50-25-25-25
10) @Okblondee7 *banking - 50-50-25
11) @FoxyLovesKitty *banking -50
11) @cristill13 - *banking - 100-50-50-50-25
12) @Surreal - *banking - 50-50-50
13) @SteveKareha - *banking -50-50-25
14) @Anfoxxy - *banking - 100-50-50-50-
15) @ZeeGee - *banking - 100-50-25
16) @lovespandas1 - *banking - 25-25-50
17) @Jaylin - *banking - 50-50-50
18) @HausOfSuper - (sims 3 username: NanoBeats#) *banking - 50-50
19) @DominicLaurence - *banking - 50-50
20) @emorrill - *banking - 100-50-25

Package #13
1) @StephSteb - *banking - 1000-100-100-50-50-50-50-25-25-25
2) @djsdragongirl - *banking - 100-100--50-50-25-25-25-25
3) @jg2342ar - *banking - 100-100-50-50-50-25-25
4) @Franny (XxEquestrian95xX - sims3 user) -*banking- 100-100-50-50-50-25-25-25
5) @Skymyst - *banking - 100-100-50-50-50-25-25-25
6) @tiger_lily5 - WINNER! - GOLD WORLD *banked previously - 50-25
7) @cmbaker16 - *banking - 1000-100
8) @jensimgirl - *banking - 100-100-50-50-50-50-25-25
9) @kitkat8828 - *banking - 100-100-50-25
10) @rosey1579 - *banking - 500-100-50-50-25-25-25
11) @FoxyLovesKitty - *banking -100-50
11) @Cabelle1863 - *banking - 100-25
12) @ZeeGee - *banking - 100-100-25
13) @AIRIS6962 - *banking - 100-100-25-25
14) @melissalungu - *banking -100- 25-25
15) @reachsims - *banking - 50- 100-25-25-25-50-25-25-25
16) @lovespandas1 - *banking - 100-25-25-50
17) @Jaylin - *banking - 100-50-50-50
18) @MizoreYukii - *banking -100
19) @Halle_M - *banking - 100-00-125-25
20) @emorrill - *banking - 100-100-50-25
21) @equuest - *banking - 100-50
22) @JoeJoe11 - *banking - 100-25
23) @Teanias - *banking - 100- 25-25



Package #14
1) @Franny (XxEquestrian95xX - sims3 user) -*banking- 100-100-50-50-50-25-25-25-25
2) @jg2342ar - *banking - 100-100-50-50-50-25-25-25
3) @Skymyst - *banking - 100-100-50-50-50-25-25-25-25
4) @djsdragongirl - *banking - 100-100--50-50-25-25-25-25-25
5) @tiger_lily5 - *banking - 50-25-25
6) @StephSteb - *banking - 1000-100-100-50-50-50-50-25-25-25-25
7) @cmbaker16 - *banking - 1000-100-25
8) @jensimgirl - *banking - 100-100-50-50-50-50-25-25-25
9) @Reachsims - *banking - 50- 100-25-25-25-50-25-25-25-25
10) @FoxyLovesKitty - *banking -100-50-25
11) @Kaela_87 - *banking - 50-50-25
12) @AMofOz - *banking - 50-25-25
13) @Anfoxxy - *banking - 100-50-50-50-25
14) @Ceea - *banking - 1500-100-50-50-25-25-25-25-25-25
15) @AIRIS6962 - *banking - 100-100-25-25-25
16) @br560 - WINNER! - 1,000sps - *banking - 100-25-25
17) @ColorMePink - *banking - 100-50-50-25-25-25
18) @ViaVeritas - *banking - 50-50-25-25
19) @HausOfSuper - *banking - 50-50-25
20) @DominicLaurence - *banking - 50-50-25
21) @lisasc360 - *banking - 100-25-25

Package #15
1) @Skymyst - *banking - 100-100-50-50-50-25-25-25-25-25
2) @Catdog123 - *banking -25-25-25
3) @SjappielovePaul - *banking - 50-50-50-25
4) @fairygirl7 - *banking - 1,500-50-25-25
5) @Franny (XxEquestrian95xX - sims3 user) -*banking- 100-100-50-50-50-25-25-25-25-25
6) @Readalot1 - *banking -25-25
7) @Teanias - *banking - 100- 25-25-25
8) @StephSteb - *banking - 1000-100-100-50-50-50-50-25-25-25-25-25
9) @Okblondee7 *banking - 50-50-25-25
10) @FoxyLovesKitty - *banking -100-50-25-25
11) @Ktarian - *banking -50-25-25-25
12) @cristill13 - *banking - 100-50-50-50-25
13) @SteveKareha - *banking -50-50-25-25
14) @cristill13 - *banking - 100-50-50-50-25-25
15) @melissalungu - *banking -100- 25-25-25
16) @br560 - *banking - 1000-100-25-25-25
17) @jameswood123 - *banking -25-25-25
18) @MizoreYukii - WINNER! - 500sps - *banking -100
19) @HausOfSuper - *banking - 50-50-25-25
20) @DominicLaurence - *banking - 50-50-25-25
21) @crzy_gal_101 - *banking -25-25

Package #16 All others receive 50sps
1) @Okblondee7 *banking - 50-50-50-25-25
2) @jg2342ar - *banking - 100-100-50-50-50-50-25-25-25
3) @amaresity - *banking - 50
4) @Franny (XxEquestrian95xX - sims3 user) -*banking- 100-100-50-50-50-50-25-25-25-25-25
5) @StephSteb - *banking - 1000-100-100-50-50-50-50-50-25-25-25-25-25
6) @rosey1579 - *banking - 500-100-50-50-50-25-25-25
7) @Ceea - *banking - 1500-100-50-50-50-25-25-25-25-25-25
8) @FoxyLovesKitty - *banking -100-50-50-25-25
9) @Anfoxxy WINNER! - Venue - *banking - 100-50-50-50-25
10) @JoeJoe11 - *banking - 100-50-25
11) @Shannen - *banking - 50-50-25
12) @cmbaker16 - *banking - 1000-100-50-25
13) @AMofOz - *banking - 50-50-25-25
14) @Karendrae - *banking - 50
15) @melissalungu - *banking -100- 50-25-25-25
16) @Bubbles_19 Sims3 username is Mysha178
17) @GREENEYA - *banking - 50-25
18) @Jaylin - *banking - 100-50-50-50-50
19) @GITTE2001 - *banking - 50-50-50-25
20) @ColorMePink - *banking - 100-50-50-50-25-25-25
21) @equuest x1 - *banking - 100-50-50

Package #17
1) @Franny (XxEquestrian95xX - sims3 user)
2) @djsdragongirl
3) @tiger_lily5
4) @StephSteb
5) @djsdragongirl
6) @cmbaker16
7) @Ceea
8) @rosey1579
9) @kitkat8828
10) @Okblondee7
11) @Felicity1169
12) @Surreal
13) @AMofOz
14) @melissalungu
15) @reachsims
16) @lovespandas1
17) @agaandzia
18) @XxHannelorexX
19) @IncomingVirus
20) @ACB44
21) @sarah23474

Package #18
1) @jg2342ar
2) @djsdragongirl
3) @Skymyst
4) @amaresity
5) @Franny (XxEquestrian95xX - sims3 user)
6) @rosey1579
7) @StephSteb
8) @Okblondee7
9) @Anfoxxy
10) @JoeJoe11
11) @Cabelle1863
12) @cmbaker16
13) @Karendrae
14) @melissalungu
15) @Ceea
16) @jameswood123
17) @23kels89
18) @HATSARELIFE - (sims 3 username: NanoBeats#)
19) @MizoreYukii
20) @ACB44

Package #19
1) @StephSteb
2) @jg2342ar
3) @Skymyst
4) @StephSteb
5) @amaresity
6) @Franny (XxEquestrian95xX - sims3 user)
7) @Anfoxxy
8) @JoeJoe11
9) @AMofOz
10) @ApparentlyAwesome
11) @cmbaker16
12) @Karendrae
13) @melissalungu
14) @annekuris
15) @Ceea
16) @Jaylin
17) @Bubbles_19 Sims3 username is Mysha178
18) @GREENEYA
19) @Halle_M
20) @emorrill

Package #20
1) @Okblondee7
2) @Skymyst
3) @Catdog123
4) @tiger_lily5
5) @SjappielovePaul
6) @StephSteb
7) @Anfoxxy
8) @JoeJoe11
9) @AMofOz
10) @ApparentlyAwesome
11) @cmbaker16
12) @cristill13
13) @Karendrae
14) @melissalungu
15) @Ceea
16) @Jaylin
17) @MizoreYukii
18) @ColorMePink
19) @DominicLaurence
20) @ACB44
21) @equuest x1
22) @lisasc360
23) @crzy_gal_101
24) @Teanias

Package #21
1) @djsdragongirl
2) @StephSteb
3) @amaresity
4) @Franny (XxEquestrian95xX - sims3 user)
5) @djsdragongirl
6) @jg2342ar
7) @cmbaker16
8) @Readalot1
9) @Teanias
10) @rosey1579
11) @Kaela_87
12) @cristill13
13) @Surreal
14) @AMofOz
15) @Anfoxxy
16) @jameswood123
17) @23kels89
18) @HATSARELIFE - (sims 3 username: NanoBeats#)
19) @Jaylin
20) @HausOfSuper
21) @equuest x1
22) @crzy_gal_101
23) @JoeJoe11


Package #22
1) @StephSteb
2) @djsdragongirl
3) @StephSteb
4) @amaresity
5) @Franny (XxEquestrian95xX - sims3 user)
6) @Readalot1
7) @Teanias
8) @rosey1579
9) @Anfoxxy
10) @JoeJoe11
11) @cmbaker16
12) @cristill13
13) @Karendrae
14) @melissalungu
15) @SteveKareha
16) @23kels89
17) @HATSARELIFE - (sims 3 username: NanoBeats#)
18) @IncomingVirus
19) @MizoreYukii
20) @ColorMePink
21) @sarah23474
22) @crzy_gal_101

Package #23
1) @Franny
2) @jg2342ar
3) @djsdragongirl
4) @StephSteb
5) @Franny (XxEquestrian95xX - sims3 user)
6) @rosey1579
7) @Ceea
8) @rosey1579
9) @Okblondee7
10) @AMofOz
11) @Cabelle1863
12) @Shannen
13) @cristill13
14) @annekuris
15) @reachsims
16) @br560
17) @agaandzia
18) @XxHannelorexX
19) @ViaVeritas
20) @GITTE2001
21) @JoeJoe11
22) @Teanias



Package #24

*@Franny x4 (XxEquestrian95xX - sims3 user) (self, @SjappielovePaul, @amaresity, @fairygirl7 )
@StephSteb x3 ( @Franny, @SjappielovePaul, self
@jg2342ar x3 ( self, @djsdragongirl, @tiger_lily5
@djsdragongirl x3 ( @jg2342ar, self, @tanubanue,
@Okblondee7 x1 ( @Franny, @Skymyst, @djsdragongirl,
@tanubanue x1 ( self,
@cmbaker16 x2 ( self, @StephSteb , @djsdragongirl
@tiger_lily5 x2 ( @jg2342ar, self
@Catdog123 x1 (@cmbaker16
@Skymyst x 2 ( self, @tanubanue,
@SjappielovePaul x1 ( self,
@amaresity x1 ( self,
@fairygirl7 x1 ( self,
@Reachsims x2 ( @jensimgirl , @melissalungu
@jensimgirl x2 ( self, @StephSteb,
@Readalot1 x1 ( @Teanias,
@Teanias x2 ( self, @ADWilson
@rosey1579 x3 ( @Ceea , self, @rionismyname
*@Ceea x4 ( self, @rosey1579 , @Okblondee7 , @Anfoxxy
@shayleajay x1 ( @FoxyLovesKitty ,
@FoxyLovesKitty x1 ( self,
@kitkat8828 x1 ( @rionismyname ,
@rionismyname x1 ( self,
@Anfoxxy x2 ( @Ceea , self
@JoeJoe11 x2 ( @Ceea , @ADWilson
@AMofOz x2 ( @Franny , @Felicity1169
@Cabelle1863 x1 ( @FoxyLovesKitty
@ApparentlyAwesome x1 ( @FoxyLovesKitty
@Shannen x1 ( @djsdragongirl
@Kaela_87 x1 ( @StephSteb
@Ktarian x1 ( @StephSteb
@cristill13 x3 ( @tigerlily5 , @Felicity1169 , @ApparentlyAwesome
@Felicity1169 x1 ( @tigerlily5
@Surreal x1 ( @Franny
@Karendrae x1 ( @Teegers
@melissalungu x2 ( @Teegers , self,
@SteveKareha x1 ( @ApparentlyAwesome
@annekuris x1 ( @rosey1579
@ZeeGee x1 ( @Skymyst
@AIRIS6962 x1 ( @Skymyst
@lovespandas1 x1 ( @jg2342ar
@br560 x1 ( @jg2342ar
@Jaylin x2 ( @Franny, self
@jameswood123 x1 ( @Franny
@23kels89 x1 ( @Teanias
@HATSARELIFE x1 (sims 3 username: NanoBeats#) ( @Teanias
@agaandzia x1 ( @BreeMiles
@XxHannelorexX x1 ( @BreeMiles
@BreeMiles x1 ( self
@Bubbles_19 Sims3 username is Mysha178 x1 ( @charlotteprice
@GREENEYA x1 ( @charlotteprice
@IncomingVirus x1 ( self
@ColorMePink x2 ( @IncomingVirus , @GITTE2001
@MizoreYukii x1 ( @IncomingVirus
@ss81 x1 ( @SjappielovePaul
@Halle_M x1 ( @Jaylin
@ViaVeritas x1 ( @Jaylin
@HausOfSuper x1 ( self
@DominicLaurence x1 ( @HausOfSuper
@GITTE2001 x1 ( self
@ACB44 x1 ( self
@emorrill x1 ( @ACB44
@equuest x1 ( @Franny
@sarah23474 x1 ( @Franny
@lisasc360 x1 ( @Franny
@crzy_gal_101x1 ( @Franny

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/674/22931986629_ea615b9176_o.jpg

Good Morning everyone. I have some very exciting news! I have received the magical envelope that will send your letters to Santa this year.

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5711/23273772416_eca0bdbc44_o.jpg

Just write out your letter in this format:

Dear Santa,
Message to Santa
Signed (Your name)

Get those letters in. You have until Christmas Eve to do so! And hey, don't forget to come back and post pictures of egg nog and cookies, and carrots for the reindeers. They like that!

I'll start off with my letter:

Dear Santa,

I'm quite a bit older now and have been working very hard all year with a few ups and downs. I really don't need much at this time of year, but if I could, I'd like to ask for one big gift and one small gift. One With Nature is one of the few sets I have left to get, and would love that if it is possible. Otherwise, please gift roughly that equivalent to the community here. A small token of appreciation.

As for the small gift. I have numerous clothes that I would love to own. I am not picky and would love anything!

Thanks so much Santa!

LadyEmillye

P.S. Please look after those who are far from home and family this year, to the refugees and families of Paris. Please look after the children of Earth and ease their suffering.

djsdragongirl's letter to Santa
Addy's letter to Santa
Sjappie's letter to Santa
jg2342ar's letter to Santa
MoonandStars83's letter to Santa
melissalungu's letter to Santa
Vi's letter to Santa

NEW thread for this here. Click on the picture to go to the download on this site. Entries uploaded to other sites have the link below the image.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_A7UNlxr9epo/TRSTEW9d8_I/AAAAAAAAB0A/5c60Y-vJn9k/s320/kwanzaa-usa.jpg
Kwanzaa, created in 1966 by a professor of Africana Studies, celebrates family, community, and culture. The name comes from the phrase "matunda ya kwanza" which means "first fruits". First fruits (in ancient Egypt) placed importance on forming and keeping bonds; being thankful for blessings; learning from past lessons; striving towards the highest cultural ideals; and celebrating the good of life, family, community, and culture. Kwanzaa (26 December-1 January) concentrates on Nguzo Saba (Seven Principles):

1. Umoja (Unity): Strive for and maintain unity in the family and community.
Create a family.
http://lvlt.thesims3.com/sims3_asset/sims3_asset/thumb/shard000/000/088/062/42/original.jpg
https://iamciane.files.wordpress.com/2015/12/night.jpg
This is a mediafire one.
https://iamciane.files.wordpress.com/2015/12/lamor.jpg
https://iamciane.files.wordpress.com/2015/12/sis1.jpg
http://lvlt.thesims3.com/sims3_asset/sims3_asset/thumb/shard000/000/088/137/23/original.jpg
https://40.media.tumblr.com/a6b1d2076c264175180427e5a6703151/tumblr_nzs1bsCk8q1tjsw69o1_540.jpg
http://lvlt.thesims3.com/sims3_asset/sims3_asset/thumb/shard000/000/088/210/79/original.jpg
http://lvlt.thesims3.com/sims3_asset/sims3_asset/thumb/shard000/000/088/212/90/original.jpg
http://lvlt.thesims3.com/sims3_asset/sims3_asset/thumb/shard000/000/088/213/32/lht_original.jpg

2. Kujichagulia (Self-Determination): Define, name, create, and speak for ourselves. Create a Sim!
https://iamciane.files.wordpress.com/2015/12/damon.jpg
This one is on mediafire.
http://lvlt.thesims3.com/sims3_asset/sims3_asset/thumb/shard000/000/088/208/76/headshot_original.jpg
http://lvlt.thesims3.com/sims3_asset/sims3_asset/thumb/shard000/000/088/213/20/original.jpg

3. Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility): Build and maintain our community together.
Create a community hang-out.
http://lvlt.thesims3.com/sims3_asset/sims3_asset/thumb/shard000/000/088/064/21/roof_up_original.jpg
http://lvlt.thesims3.com/sims3_asset/sims3_asset/thumb/shard000/000/088/066/95/roof_up_original.jpg
https://iamciane.files.wordpress.com/2015/12/steph.jpg
http://lvlt.thesims3.com/sims3_asset/sims3_asset/thumb/shard000/000/088/208/79/roof_up_original.jpg

4. Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics): Build and maintain our own stores, shops, and businesses.
Create a business: restaurant, toy shop, etc.
http://lvlt.thesims3.com/sims3_asset/sims3_asset/thumb/shard000/000/088/066/96/roof_up_original.jpg
http://lvlt.thesims3.com/sims3_asset/sims3_asset/thumb/shard000/000/088/123/23/roof_up_original.jpg
http://lvlt.thesims3.com/sims3_asset/sims3_asset/thumb/shard000/000/088/203/68/roof_up_original.jpg

5. Nia (Purpose): Make our collective vocation the building and developing of our community.
Create a work place: either a rabbit hole or not (ie. fire station and salon).
http://lvlt.thesims3.com/sims3_asset/sims3_asset/thumb/shard000/000/088/042/05/roof_up_original.jpg
http://lvlt.thesims3.com/sims3_asset/sims3_asset/thumb/shard000/000/088/069/11/roof_up_original.jpg
http://lvlt.thesims3.com/sims3_asset/sims3_asset/thumb/shard000/000/088/213/94/l0wu_original.jpg

6. Kuumba (Creativity): Leave our community more beautiful and beneficial than we inherited it.
Create a beautiful, yet beneficial lot, such as a park, garden, or art gallery.
http://lvlt.thesims3.com/sims3_asset/sims3_asset/thumb/shard000/000/088/053/18/roof_up_original.jpg
https://iamciane.files.wordpress.com/2015/12/eq.png
Note: It's on mediafire - Equestrian Center.
http://lvlt.thesims3.com/sims3_asset/sims3_asset/thumb/shard000/000/088/152/99/roof_up_original.jpg
http://lvlt.thesims3.com/sims3_asset/sims3_asset/thumb/shard000/000/088/183/31/roof_up_original.jpg
http://lvlt.thesims3.com/sims3_asset/sims3_asset/thumb/shard000/000/088/204/05/roof_up_original.jpg
http://lvlt.thesims3.com/sims3_asset/sims3_asset/thumb/shard000/000/088/213/31/roof_up_original.jpg

7. Imani (Faith): Believe with all our hearts in our people, parents, teachers, and leaders.
Create parents, grandparents, a mayor, a fire chief, etc. who are role models (in a good way).
http://lvlt.thesims3.com/sims3_asset/sims3_asset/thumb/shard000/000/088/139/29/headshot_original.jpg
http://lvlt.thesims3.com/sims3_asset/sims3_asset/media/shard000//shard000/414/730/018/00/screenshot_original.jpg
http://lvlt.thesims3.com/sims3_asset/sims3_asset/thumb/shard000/000/088/210/78/original.jpg
http://lvlt.thesims3.com/sims3_asset/sims3_asset/thumb/shard000/000/088/212/89/headshot_original.jpg

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5683/22685601615_12fa8885d4_o.png

In this section, we will showcase letters that Give Thanks! Canadians have already celebrated their Thanksgiving, and the US will be celebrating theirs this month. Please share with us what you are thankful for. Give Thanks runs now until November 26th at 8pm Atlantic time.

And to get the ball rolling, I will start:

To the G&G Community:

Oftentimes, we can never have it all. There are times where some aspects of our life are going good and other aspects that makes us cringe, worry, fret and wish for better. This year has been a bit of a crazy one. I was asked to demote myself to a girl who knew NOTHING about my job and I was happy to do it, because I knew that even if they wanted to get rid of me, they couldn't. No one had my level of knowledge. Which doesn't make to feeling good about one's self.

But then, with some help from friends in my RL, I made a change and am now in a position that gives me respect, stability and a chance to really be valued in what I do, and I couldn't be happier in my new job that I have taken since the end of April.

But yet, even as my career is flourishing and things are going okay there, my brother also moved in with me so I have someone reliable to help pay the bills, other family members make my life difficult (to the point where the holidays this year mean very little to me in RL) and it is something that has never truly gotten better. The brother that lives me understands, and I do not want to go into detail, but just know that you all are truly amazing, and I am very thankful of how welcoming you all are, even though you don't know me. I truly appreciate this community! ~LE~

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Djsdragongirl's Letter
Sjappie's Letter
Tanu's Letter
jg2342ar's Letter
Franny's Letter
skymyst's Letter
teanias' Letter

Oah! Looks great :) I'll be back here! *runs off after throwing a snowball*

This sounds great, I do love Christmas and all the December Holidays all that goes with them! I've never seen snow in real life though, but love it ingame and have so many favourite Christmas movies from the USA.

A fav song from a movie I loved growing up, the original Chipmunks...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3rnPHlOHb7g

*Gets hit by snowball*

*Initiates a snowball fight*

*Throws a snowball @Franny *

*Thinks to self that a snowball fight would have been a good game and sits down to contemplate*

@AMofOz

I get too much snow up this way. Last year was record breaking >.> This year I'll ship it off to you. No want it >.<