Tis the season....

hiker · **Posted:** December 26th, 2009, 12:55 am

Well.. it's Christmas Day night... things are starting to settle down for most of us after a couple of possibly hectic days...

But with things settling a bit, I'd like to think that with most people considering the holiday to last until the New Year, that maybe our happy thoughts of the season can extend a bit as well..

Dickens who charmed us with his "Christmas Carol", a tale of generosity, goodwill, and hope, also pretty much outlined the rest of life in another novel when he started out "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times... " That pretty much seems to describe the cycle of life for most people.

And Christmas seems to be the season of 'hope' for most of us, whether in a religious sense or just the warm and fuzzy feelings most of us get this time of year.

However, sometimes we seem to let this season get us down, instead of inspiring us toward feelings of goodwill to our fellowman...

There have been times in my own life when I've let the joy of the season plunge me into depression-- and sometimes with good cause.

Fifteen years ago, my income was over six figures, I lived in a nice two-bedroom house with my own custom furniture, drove a nice car, had several close friends, only worked a four-day week, and could afford vacations and gifts for my friends.

But somehow, I've managed to parlay that into an income well below the poverty level, live in a converted motel room, lost all i owned, can't afford a car, lost most of my friends, and havn't had a vacation in years.

And this year had a few more items to toss into the mix-- my best friend since 9th grade committed suicide, and my only client has sunk into a deep clinical depression-- to the point that his business is run by the employees and I pray that he'll recover or that they find the right medication for him before my work with him slips away.

So this was pretty much shaping up to be one of those 'worst of times' in a succession of bad years.

And then some Villagers sneaked in. A5Chow and Scar, with a bit of help from Goten and Santa Clause (the person, not the Villager of the same name), made some "FOH" donations that insured that I'd have a couple of nice, festive meals for Christmas. In fact, their generosity has not only made a couple of good meals possible for Christmas, I may actually be able to go out for my New Year's black-eyed peas and cornbread! (for those of you outside the U.S., black-eyed peas and cornbread are a traditional Southern new year's meal to insure good luck in the coming year).

And at the same time, I received an actual prezzie from another Villager-- not an "FOH" contribution, but an *actual* present, sent to me! This has never happend before, someone actually sending me a gift! .. but Sarah, sent me a huge box of different kinds of chocolates! Toblerone's (the first to go!), Various Lindt-Lindor truffles, Ghiradelli varieties, etc. (although this may have been a thinly disguised assassination attempt-- death by chocolate!).

Now.. I'm telling all of you about these Villagers' generosity, not to make a public item of it-- we usually keep donations a bit confidential-- but because I wanted all of you to know how it made me feel. And that's 'wonderful.'

It has been so long since I've received Christmas gifts, that I'd almost forgot how good the feeling is-- not of receiving the gift itself, although that's nice too-- but of knowing that there are people who actually care enough to give of themselves to make *your* life a bit happier.

This feeling of goodwill from these Villagers has been uplifting enough that I have good feelings during this season, instead of reflecting on how dreary my life usually is, and how bad this past year was.

And I hope that each of them has received that companion joy -- something i recall from the past-- that the joy of giving can equal or exceed the joy of receiving. And I hope in their case, that this is true for each of them.

Now I've been reading in some of the topics how some of you felt you didn't get 'much' for Christmas, got the 'wrong' things, or were generally disappointed in the season. And I ask each of you, "what did you *give* this season"... maybe that's where the problem lies.

I know from my past experiences, that giving truly is better than receiving-- i used to do that as well -- but i've let circumstances of life grind me down enough that i seemed to have forgot that and it took being on the receiving end at the right time to put my mind back in the right spot.

So I'd make two challenges to all Villagers:
(1) do your best to be on the 'giving' end of things. even when you're down and depressed yourself. one way or another, it will come back to you. maybe not when you want it to, or expect it to, but it will come back. Life is a circle.
(2) don't just do this at Christmas-- extend the season so that it covers the full year. It will make your life better, as well as those that you give to, whether they be friends, relatives, or total strangers. by making the lives of others better, you enrich your own.

And you don't have to be Bill Gates to make this work... take a friend to dinner at the "value meals" at Micky D's... send $5 to your local homeless shelter...

Think about folks...

Merry Christmas to all, and to all Goodnight...

Happy Trails,

Muscular Ape · **Posted:** December 26th, 2009, 2:16 am

That's very nice of those Villagers indeed.

This was the first year for me where I've actually bought my families presents with my own money which felt pretty good. Previously I hadn't had a job and had no real income so other family members would pay for me. Perhaps a smaller and unusual gesture to some but it felt pretty good for me.

Hope you had a Merry Christmas Hiker and here is hoping it is a beginning of better fortune

Tanksandguns · **Posted:** December 26th, 2009, 4:24 am

2009 was truly a terrible year economically for all of us. I hope you get back into that 6-figure income, maybe even 7! Awesome message, Hiker, and a Merry Christmas to you, and a huge pat on the back to those Villagers that thought of you this time of the year.

Donut Juice · **Posted:** December 26th, 2009, 7:04 am

It's really great to hear what nice people we have around here. Best wishes getting back on your feet too, hiker, I'm sure you'll manage eventually — you managed once, you can do it again.

Merry Christmas, guys. Hope everyone had a nice one, I sure did.

Scar · **Posted:** December 26th, 2009, 8:40 am

Just glad to help, and times are tough all over right now. Things seem to be starting to look up though. Hopefully everyone, especially you, across the world can get back into the good times soon.

Happy Holidays everyone!

Riptide · **Posted:** December 26th, 2009, 9:17 am

Wow! Thanks guys. 09 was horrible emotionally. Especially for Hiker. Thanks to all you guys that helped Hiker feel happy again! And hiker, never forget that we will keep this site alive. We will do whatever it takes to do that.

Snake1235 · **Posted:** December 26th, 2009, 10:09 am

Truly a magical Christmas for you indeed, Hiker! It should also make you proud to have given us the greatest gift of all: Runevillage itself! Without Runevillage, most of us would not have come in contact. I know I'm not the only one that feels like Runevillage is a home, a welcoming community that will continue to live on through those best and worst of times.

I've learned a lot from the people on this site, definitely including you, Hiker, and I've made some friends on here that are arguably some of my closest friends of all. I can safely say I'm even a bit jealous that I haven't been able to meet some people here in person like other Villagers, but I definitely would be excited to!

Being a moderator has been a great learning experience as well. I've learned a ton since the time I got that magical pm offering me the now non-existent position of Assistant Forum Moderator, and I am still always learning more! The staff, legends, moderators, and administrators all are incredible people that put a lot of heart into the work they do, and I'm proud to be a part of it. I look forward to things only getting better in the year 2010.

This long post is dedicated to you, Hiker, because without you, none of this would have been possible. I can't thank you enough for the treasure that this site is to all of us.

Regulus · **Posted:** December 26th, 2009, 10:11 am

Haha yeah, I just hate it when people say 09 was terrible, Christmas was terrible, and so on. It's great to see the genuine hearts many of our Villagers have here and it puts a smile on my face. I hope you had a good Christmas and I wish you the best in everything you do, Hiker!

Riptide · **Posted:** December 26th, 2009, 10:41 am

Hiker, even if you are below the poverty line, you still managed to create a home for all of us. You thought up a help site, and ended coming up with a place where people can chat, make jokes, or even let out feelings and get sympathy. You gave us what we needed, and we accepted. For that, we love you. And you didn't just give us a home. You gave us a family.

rockrocks · **Posted:** December 26th, 2009, 11:51 am

I actually agree with Icetide.

Anyways, Hiker, I do hope this is the start of good luck for you, because you have been there for us and all. Glad things are looking better Hiker, and *late* Merry Christmas.

Dr Henry · **Posted:** December 26th, 2009, 12:10 pm

Quote:

send $5 to your local homeless shelter...

Screw that, send it to Hiker instead.

Riptide · **Posted:** December 26th, 2009, 1:21 pm

Santa Henry wrote:

Quote:

send $5 to your local homeless shelter...

Screw that, send it to Hiker instead.

Well played mate, well played.....

Tanksandguns · **Posted:** December 26th, 2009, 6:03 pm

Icetide wrote:

Hiker, even if you are below the poverty line, you still managed to create a home for all of us. You thought up a help site, and ended coming up with a place where people can chat, make jokes, or even let out feelings and get sympathy. You gave us what we needed, and we accepted. For that, we love you. And you didn't just give us a home. You gave us a family.

QFT.

Ezcal · **Posted:** December 26th, 2009, 6:20 pm

Well, though most of 09 did suck for me, Christmas vacation with the family and my friends have been truly great, and I've been able to put most of my troubles out of my mind. The Village has definitely helped with that, so thanks to everyone here.

Happy holidays everyone.

Hojunhu · **Posted:** December 27th, 2009, 10:05 pm

You fiend! How could you kill of that poor helpless Toblerone! What did it ever do to you?!?!

Riptide · **Posted:** December 28th, 2009, 1:22 am

It was his rival who died and was reborn as chocolate, Hoj.

Draco dun · **Posted:** December 30th, 2009, 2:03 am

Hiker I have been around here a while and like many others have seen all the ups and downs. But you shouldn't let this place take your life away.

I would feel better if you gave the major financial responsibilities to someone willing to take over. Your well being is more important then this place.

dustin · **Posted:** December 30th, 2009, 3:39 am

"But somehow, I've managed to parlay that into an income well below the poverty level, live in a converted motel room, lost all i owned, can't afford a car, lost most of my friends, and havn't had a vacation in years."

I knew a guy that was an addict, don't want to get into more details than that, but "somehow" was his explanation for how he got into his situation, and after somehow he blamed the people around him. That story reeks of someone that has an internet addiction. I could be wrong, but i read this topic yesterday as well and i just keep coming to that conclusion.

Sarah · **Posted:** December 30th, 2009, 4:58 am

dustin wrote:

"But somehow, I've managed to parlay that into an income well below the poverty level, live in a converted motel room, lost all i owned, can't afford a car, lost most of my friends, and havn't had a vacation in years."

I knew a guy that was an addict, don't want to get into more details than that, but "somehow" was his explanation for how he got into his situation, and after somehow he blamed the people around him. That story reeks of someone that has an internet addiction. I could be wrong, but i read this topic yesterday as well and i just keep coming to that conclusion.

You obviously know nothing about hiker and his circumstances, internet addiction? are you for real? From the little Hiker tells us then he has ended up this way through a series of unfortunate events that happened in his life, it's not simply down to him spending SOME time online, I mean he's hardly here and this site means a lot to him, surely if he was addicted he would be here a whole lot more? Learn to have some compassion.

Dark Paladin · **Posted:** December 31st, 2009, 2:23 am

That was a very touching story - I also know people who have gone through a similar path and thus can empathize with you

I hope all of you had a great fest and wish you a happy 2010!!

Tis the season....

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