[Submitted] The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

[The Free Joy State]

With Christmas approaching, I thought I'd bring a little festive themed issue to GI -- I still can't decide between Christmas and Maxxmas, and it's still in early development. So, here we go:

Draft 1.2

[title] The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

[validity] Has capitalism; does not have digital currency

[description] You and your family are at a Maxxmas party held by your Minister of Mirth, Merriment and Income Taxes when your Great-Aunt -- overcome by too much Maxxmas cheer -- begins castigating your host for not decorating in traditional Maxxmas colours, lamenting "It's like you don't even understand the holiday!". Suddenly, you hear some sleigh bells jingling, ring-ting-tingling, outside: a band of merry Maxxmas carollers!

[option] As the urchins polish off 'O, Little Town of @@CAPITAL@@', the adorable leader of the group hobbles forward on a crutch. "Beggin' yer leadership's pardon, but can I just say I feels so gratified to see you an' yours all together. Tha's what Maxxmas is -- fam'ly an' friends, sharin' goodwill an' 'appiness. Whether yer a toff or an 'umble personage like me. Who needs posh gifts or a warm blanket -- long as yer wiv fam'ly?"
[effect] happiness is all being miserable together

[option] An urchin in a top hat and slightly worn waistcoat steps forward. "But, as I say to me more hintimate friends, Maxxmas is a time for 'elpin' those of lesser means than meself. And, if I may say so @@LEADER@@, if someone of such quality was seen givin' to good causes, your charitable nature would be an example to all those who so esteem you." He rattles a donation tin.
[effect] @@DEMONYMPLURAL@@ believe 'tis better to give than to receive

[option] "Here, take it and go!" snaps the Minister of Big Business and Social Inequality, dumping one @@CURRENCY@@ into the tin. "@@LEADER@@, darling, Maxxmas is a time for fabulous parties, finalising big plans and getting ready for next year. Talking of which, how about that investment to my department? Oh, I must have left the plans by the champagne fountain. Silly me!"
[effect] all work and no play makes parties very dull
[option validity] alcohol legal

[option] "Here, take it and go!" snaps the Minister of Big Business and Social Inequality, dumping one @@CURRENCY@@ into the tin. "@@LEADER@@, darling, Maxxmas is a time for fabulous parties, finalising big plans and getting ready for next year. Talking of which, how about that investment to my department? Oh, I must have left the plans by the champagne fountain. Silly me! Oh, come on -- one treat won't break the ban..."
[effect] all work and no play makes parties very dull
[option validity] alcohol illegal

[option] "I'll tell you what Maxxmas is for," laughs your brother, seizing the urchins' donation tin and bolting the door. "Presents! Presents piled ten stories high, all with my name on: diamond-studded watches, cashmere suits and a private helicopter. Maxxmas only exists so you can show people you care by buying them presents. Only presents are a valid expression of love!"
[effect] children asked by parents to 'guess how much I love you' ask for the cash value

[option] "Talk about greed!" scoffs your uncle, who is currently hoarding a whole turkey for himself. "You don't need presents; Maxxmas is about one thing! The big family dinner. A bad Maxxmas dinner ruins the day and a good one heals families -- it must be taught in schools: that moist roast turkey... and crispy potatoes... and dessert..." He keels over, saliva forming a puddle.
[effect] antacids top everyone's Maxxmas list
[option validity] does not have Vegetarianism

[option] "Talk about greed!" scoffs your uncle, who is currently hoarding a whole nut roast for himself. "You don't need presents; Maxxmas is about one thing! The big family dinner. A bad Maxxmas dinner ruins the day and a good one heals families -- it must be taught in schools: that rich savoury nut roast... and crispy potatoes... and dessert..." He keels over, saliva forming a puddle.
[effect] antacids top everyone's Maxxmas list
[option validity] has Vegetarianism

[option] "Haven't we forgotten that Maxxmas is a religious holiday?" screams your niece. "We should celebrate the way that the early Order of Maxx did: by gathering in sackcloth and ashes, holding hands and silently condemning all displays of gaudy commercialism, self-indulgence and violence."
[effect] Pater Maxxmas is said to deliver self-judgment rather than silver jewellery
[option validity] religion legal

[option] "Shh!" hisses your Aunt, covering your Uncle's mouth with her hand. By her side sits a TV magazine with a series of films marked off: 'It's Too Soon for Maxxmas', 'I Can't Wait for Maxxmas', 'It's Finally Maxxmas', and 'Oh, Just Sod Off Maxxmas'. "I'm watching. This viewing gets better every year. Everyone would be much happier if they stopped making a fuss about it. Just grab a TV dinner and the remote."
[effect] Maxxmas is colloquially known as Zombie Day

[title] The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

[validity] Has capitalism; does not have digital currency

[description] While you and your family are at a Maxxmas party held by your Minister of Mirth, Merriment and Income Taxes, you hear some sleigh bells jingling -- ring-ting-tingling -- outside: a band of merry Maxxmas carollers!

[option] As the urchins polish off 'O, Little Town of @@CAPITAL@@', the adorable leader of the group hobbles forward on a crutch. "Beggin' yer leadership's pardon, but can I just say that I feels so gratified to see you an' yours all together. Tha's what Maxxmas is -- fam'ly an' friends, sharin' goodwill an' 'appiness. Whether yer a toff or an 'umble personage like me. Who needs posh things -- like gifts or a warm blanket -- long as yer wiv fam'ly?"
[effect] happiness is all being miserable together

[option] An urchin in a top hat and slightly worn waistcoat steps forward. "But, as I say to me more hintimate friends, Maxxmas is a time for 'elpin' those of lesser means than meself. And, if I may say so @@LEADER@@, your reputation does so precede you for being a person of a most charitable nature." He rattles a donation tin.
[effect] @@DEMONYMPLURAL@@ believe 'tis better to give than to receive

[option] "Here, take it and go!" snaps the Minister of Big Business and Social Inequality, dumping one @@CURRENCY@@ into the tin. "I'll tell you what Maxxmas is time for, @@LEADER@@ darling: fabulous parties where fabulous guests can finalise big plans in a relaxed setting. Talking of which, how about that investment to my department? Oh, I must have left the plans by the champagne fountain. Silly me!"
[effect] all work and no play makes parties very dull
[option validity] alcohol legal

[option] "Here, take it and go!" snaps the Minister of Big Business and Social Inequality, dumping one @@CURRENCY@@ into the tin. "I'll tell you what Maxxmas is time for, @@LEADER@@ darling: fabulous parties where fabulous guests can finalise big plans in a relaxed setting. Talking of which, how about that investment to my department? Oh, I must have left the plans by the champagne fountain. Silly me! Oh, come on -- one treat won't break the ban..."
[effect] all work and no play makes parties very dull
[option validity] alcohol illegal

[option] "I'll tell you what Maxxmas is for," laughs your brother, seizing the urchins' donation tin and bolting the door. "Presents! Presents piled ten stories high, all with my name on: diamond-studded watches, cashmere suits and a private helicopter. Maxxmas only exists so you can show people you care by buying them presents. Only presents are a valid expression of love!"
[effect] greed is good

[option] "Talk about greed!" scoffs your uncle, who is currently hoarding a whole turkey for himself. "You don't need presents; Maxxmas is about one thing! The big family dinner. The whole day is ruined if the meal is cooked wrong. That moist roast turkey... and crispy potatoes... and dessert..." He keens over, saliva forming a puddle.
[effect] antacids top everyone's Maxxmas list
[option validity] does not have Vegetarianism

[option] "Talk about greed!" scoffs your uncle, who is currently hoarding a whole nut roast for himself. "You don't need presents; Maxxmas is about one thing! The big family dinner. The whole day is ruined if the meal is cooked wrong. That rich savoury nut roast... and crispy potatoes... and dessert..." He keens over, saliva forming a puddle.
[effect] antacids top everyone's Maxxmas list
[option validity] has Vegetarianism

[option] "Haven't we forgotten that Maxxmas is a religious holiday?" screams your niece. "We should celebrate the way that the early Order of Maxx did: by gathering in sackcloth and ashes, holding hands and silently condemning all displays of gaudy commercialism, self-indulgence and violence."
[effect] Pater Maxxmas is said to deliver self-judgment rather than silver jewellery
[option validity] religion legal

[option] "Shh!" hisses your Aunt, covering your Uncle's mouth with her hand. By her side sits a TV magazine with a series of films marked off: 'It's Too Soon for Maxxmas', 'I Can't Wait for Maxxmas', 'It's Finally Maxxmas', and 'Oh, Just Sod Off Maxxmas'. "I'm trying to watch. This viewing gets better every year. Why would you need anything else?"
[effect] Maxxmas is colloquially known as Zombie Day

[title] The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

[validity] Has capitalism; does not have digital currency

[description] While you and your family are at a Maxxmas party held by your Minister of Mirth, Merriment and Income Taxes, you hear some sleigh bells jingling -- ring-ting-tingling -- outside: a band of merry Maxxmas carollers!

[option] As the urchins polish off 'O, Little Town of @@CAPITAL@@', the adorable crutch-using leader of the group hobbles forward. "Beggin' yer pardon, @@LEADER@@, but can I just say that I feels so gratified to see you an' yours all together. Tha's what Maxxmas is -- fam'ly an' friends, sharin' goodwill and 'appiness. Whether yer a toff or an 'umble personage like me. You don' need nice things -- long as yer wiv fam'ly."
[effect] happiness is all being miserable together

[option] An urchin in a top hat and slightly worn waistcoat steps forward. "But, as I say to me more hintimate friends, Maxxmas is a time for 'elpin' those of lesser means than myself. And, if I may say so @@LEADER@@, your reputation does so precede you for being a person of a most charitable nature." He rattles a donation tin.
[effect] @@DEMONYMPLURAL@@ believe 'tis better to give than to receive

[option] "Here, take it and go!" snaps the Minister of Big Business and Social Inequality, dumping one @@CURRENCY@@ into the tin. "I'll tell you what Maxxmas is a time for, @@LEADER@@ darling: fabulous parties where fabulous guests can finalise big plans in a more relaxed setting. Talking of which, did you see these plans for the investment to my department? Oh, I must have left them by the champagne fountain. Silly me!"
[effect] all work and no play makes parties very dull
[option validity] alcohol legal

[option] "Here, take it and go!" snaps the Minister of Big Business and Social Inequality, dumping one @@CURRENCY@@ into the tin. "I'll tell you what Maxxmas is a time for, @@LEADER@@ darling: fabulous parties where fabulous guests can finalise big plans in a more relaxed setting. Talking of which, did you see these plans for the investment to my department? Oh, I must have left them by the champagne fountain. Silly me! Oh, come on -- one treat won't ruin the ban..."
[effect] all work and no play makes parties very dull
[option validity] alcohol illegal

[option] "I'll tell you what Maxxmas is for," laughs your brother, emptying the urchins' donation tin and bolting the door. "Presents! Presents piled ten stories high. Rooms full of presents with my name on: diamond-studded watches, and cashmere suits and a private helicopter. The only reason to have Maxxmas is so you can show people you care by buying them presents. Only presents are a valid expression of love!"
[effect] greed is good

[option] "Talk about greed!" scoffs your uncle, who is currently hoarding a whole turkey for himself. "You don't need presents; Maxxmas is about one thing! The big family dinner. The whole day is ruined if the meal is cooked wrong. That delicious turkey... and the potatoes... and dessert..." He keens over, saliva forming a puddle.
[effect]
[option validity] does not have Vegetarianism

[option] "Talk about greed!" scoffs your uncle, who is currently hoarding a whole nut roast for himself. "You don't need presents; Maxxmas is about one thing! The big family dinner. The whole day is ruined if the meal is cooked wrong. That delicious nut roast... and the potatoes... and dessert..." He keens over, saliva forming a puddle.
[effect]
[option validity] has Vegetarianism

[option] "Haven't we forgotten that Maxxmas is a religious holiday?" screams your niece. "We should celebrate the way that the early Order of Maxx did: by gathering in sackcloth and ashes, holding hands and silently condemning all displays of gaudy commercialism, self-indulgence and violence."
[effect]
[option validity] religion legal

[option] "Shh!" hisses your Aunt, covering your Uncle's mouth with her hand. By her side sits a TV magazine with a series of films marked off: 'It's Too Soon for Maxxmas', 'I Can't Wait for Maxxmas', 'It's Finally Maxxmas', and 'Oh, Just Sod Off Maxxmas'. "I'm trying to watch this. This viewing gets better every year. Why would anyone want to do anything else?"
[effect] Maxxmas is colloquially known as Zombie Day

Still no effect line for option 5A/B, or 6.

... I know. A lot of options. But, there are 2 doppelgangers, and no-one will receive more than 7, some 6. And they're all really, really short.

[SherpDaWerp]

If this gets published, can I suggest that it be a Christmas day-specific issue? Having this and a doppelganger/similar issue for socialist nations, and then auto-receiving it on Christmas day, would be a nice touch.

[option] "Here, take it and go!" snaps your host, dumping one @@CURRENCY@@ into the tin. "I'll tell you what Maxxmas is a time for, @@LEADER@@ darling: fabulous parties where fabulous guests can finalise big plans in a more relaxed setting. Talking of which, did you see these plans for the investment to my department? Oh, I must have left them by the champagne fountain. Silly me!"
[effect] all work and no play makes parties very dull
[option validity] alcohol legal

This (and it's doppelganger) should also have a not-electronic-currency validity, if that's tracked.

And of course it wouldn't be an NS issue without at least one heartless bastard, but should that person be the "Minister of Mirth, Merriment and Income Taxes"? I think another character would be better to be the reluctant donator.

[The Free Joy State]

If this gets published, can I suggest that it be a Christmas day-specific issue? Having this and a doppelganger/similar issue for socialist nations, and then auto-receiving it on Christmas day, would be a nice touch.

[option] "Here, take it and go!" snaps your host, dumping one @@CURRENCY@@ into the tin. "I'll tell you what Maxxmas is a time for, @@LEADER@@ darling: fabulous parties where fabulous guests can finalise big plans in a more relaxed setting. Talking of which, did you see these plans for the investment to my department? Oh, I must have left them by the champagne fountain. Silly me!"
[effect] all work and no play makes parties very dull
[option validity] alcohol legal

This (and it's doppelganger) should also have a not-electronic-currency validity, if that's tracked.

We can't code to exact days. It is possible to broadly limit when issues can be received -- if it is necessary.

The issue kind of depends on physical currency for several options, so I'll just put "does not have digital currency" on the whole thing.

And of course it wouldn't be an NS issue without at least one heartless bastard, but should that person be the "Minister of Mirth, Merriment and Income Taxes"? I think another character would be better to be the reluctant donator.

I'll make it a different minister.

Thanks for your feedback.

[SherpDaWerp]

We can't code to exact days. It is possible to broadly limit when issues can be received -- if it is necessary.

A christmas seasonal issue would be nice, but come to think of it, it might be worth having it not be a christmas-only issue, cause religious tolerance and celebration of non-christian holidays is a thing.

[The Free Joy State]

We can't code to exact days. It is possible to broadly limit when issues can be received -- if it is necessary.

A christmas seasonal issue would be nice, but come to think of it, it might be worth having it not be a christmas-only issue, cause religious tolerance and celebration of non-christian holidays is a thing.

Yeah, that's why I ultimately stuck with Maxxmas.

Changes edited -- with underlining -- into draft one (as they're fairly small).

[Pilipinas and Malaya]

If there will be a seasonal time for the issue, put it around September to January. That's when the Christmas season starts in my parts.

[The Free Joy State]

If there will be a seasonal time for the issue, put it around September to January. That's when the Christmas season starts in my parts.

If it's ever chosen for editing, it's up to whoever edits it decide how to code it.

Right now, my concern is with getting the text in the best shape it can be. Just like any other issue author.

[Redternetia]

[validity] Has capitalism;

I'm confused as to why this is only valid for capitalist nations? Christmas and other holidays have been a thing in socialist countries, after all.
https://i.imgur.com/vJIyzWu.jpg

[Fontenais]

[validity] Has capitalism;

I'm confused as to why this is only valid for capitalist nations? Christmas and other holidays have been a thing in socialist countries, after all.

Probably option 5:

[option] "I'll tell you what Maxxmas is for," laughs your brother, emptying the urchins' donation tin and bolting the door. "Presents! Presents piled ten stories high. Rooms full of presents with my name on: diamond-studded watches, and cashmere suits and a private helicopter. The only reason to have Maxxmas is so you can show people you care by buying them presents. Only presents are a valid expression of love!"

Unless what you're getting at is that the issue should be valid for all nations, and option 5 should be amended so its only valid for capitalist countries?

[Trotterdam]

What is the issue here?

Some beggars come knocking at your door and asking for money, that at least presents you with an actual choice on how to respond, though not one the highest echelons of government should normally concern themselves with.

Most of the other options are just "this is what I think is the best way to celebrate the holiday" without mentioning anything the government is supposed to be doing about it. There isn't a policy choice.

[Bears Armed]

If this gets published, can I suggest that it be a Christmas day-specific issue? Having this and a doppelganger/similar issue for socialist nations, and then auto-receiving it on Christmas day, would be a nice touch.

We can't code to exact days. It is possible to broadly limit when issues can be received -- if it is necessary.

Is #1120, 'Following Yonder Star', seasonally coded?

[The Free Joy State]

I'm confused as to why this is only valid for capitalist nations? Christmas and other holidays have been a thing in socialist countries, after all.

Probably option 5:

[option] "I'll tell you what Maxxmas is for," laughs your brother, emptying the urchins' donation tin and bolting the door. "Presents! Presents piled ten stories high. Rooms full of presents with my name on: diamond-studded watches, and cashmere suits and a private helicopter. The only reason to have Maxxmas is so you can show people you care by buying them presents. Only presents are a valid expression of love!"

Unless what you're getting at is that the issue should be valid for all nations, and option 5 should be amended so its only valid for capitalist countries?

I don't know. I kind of like the progression with the @@CURRENCY@@ and I don't want another doppelganger.

What is the issue here?

Some beggars come knocking at your door and asking for money, that at least presents you with an actual choice on how to respond, though not one the highest echelons of government should normally concern themselves with.

Most of the other options are just "this is what I think is the best way to celebrate the holiday" without mentioning anything the government is supposed to be doing about it. There isn't a policy choice.

The issue is "what does this major holiday mean today".

We do have room in the base for the occasional lighter issue, especially on a topic that people do have an RL debate about: is Christmas (in the real-life version) spiritual, or commercial, or a time for giving, or a time to be with family.

We can't code to exact days. It is possible to broadly limit when issues can be received -- if it is necessary.

Is #1120, 'Following Yonder Star', seasonally coded?

Following Yonder Star is a seasonal issue.

[Bears Armed]

Is #1120, 'Following Yonder Star', seasonally coded?

Following Yonder Star is a seasonal issue.

Thank you.

[The Free Joy State]

Draft 1.1 up

[Australian rePublic]

This too similar to Christmas. If you don't want call it Christmas, at least try to make it a little distinct

[Redternetia]

I'm confused as to why this is only valid for capitalist nations? Christmas and other holidays have been a thing in socialist countries, after all.

Probably option 5:

[option] "I'll tell you what Maxxmas is for," laughs your brother, emptying the urchins' donation tin and bolting the door. "Presents! Presents piled ten stories high. Rooms full of presents with my name on: diamond-studded watches, and cashmere suits and a private helicopter. The only reason to have Maxxmas is so you can show people you care by buying them presents. Only presents are a valid expression of love!"

Unless what you're getting at is that the issue should be valid for all nations, and option 5 should be amended so its only valid for capitalist countries?

Yeah, probably. I do think it would be nice to see this amended so all nations can receive it, as I don't think it would make sense to have it any other way. Perhaps number 5 could be exaggerated a tad more to emphasize itself as an only-capitalist option? I imagine there could also be an only-socialist alternative for 5.

[The Free Joy State]

This too similar to Christmas. If you don't want call it Christmas, at least try to make it a little distinct

Maxxmas has basically mirrored Christmas in many ways (being a seasonal holiday where gifts are given) since it was invented. The first mention of it (in Commercial Tidings Well in Advance, IIRC) was as a holiday that was getting earlier in the year.

It's not uncommon to have versions of real holidays with slightly altered names (Violetines Day comes to mind).

Probably option 5:

Unless what you're getting at is that the issue should be valid for all nations, and option 5 should be amended so its only valid for capitalist countries?

Yeah, probably. I do think it would be nice to see this amended so all nations can receive it, as I don't think it would make sense to have it any other way. Perhaps number 5 could be exaggerated a tad more to emphasize itself as an only-capitalist option? I imagine there could also be an only-socialist alternative for 5.

There are already nine options, and I already said I didn't wish to add another doppelganger.

As the practise of Christmas has been disputed in non-capitalistic countries (with Soviet Russia attempting to eliminate all religious-themed holidays at one point), whether/how to celebrate could be a whole issue, in and of itself.

[The Free Joy State]

Draft 2.2 is up.

New effect line for option four. Interested if it's too obscure a reference.

[Fontenais]

Draft 2.2 is up.

New effect line for option four. Interested if it's too obscure a reference.

I've often heard people say 'all work and no play makes jack a dull boy', but I didn't know it was a reference until you mentioned it

Also, an alternative effect line for option 5 just popped into my head, if you wanted to use it: 'It turns out you can buy love'

I really like this issue. It feels very Christmassy (sorry, Maxxmassy). And that song played in my head as soon as I read the title!

[The Free Joy State]

Draft 2.2 is up.

New effect line for option four. Interested if it's too obscure a reference.

I've often heard people say 'all work and no play makes jack a dull boy', but I didn't know it was a reference until you mentioned it

Also, an alternative effect line for option 5 just popped into my head, if you wanted to use it: 'It turns out you can buy love'

Ah, I should probably explain my number scheme. I count the doppelganger as XB,

So: 1 (urchin and family) 2 (urchin and charity), 3A (alcohol option), 3B (alcohol-ban option), 4 (brother), 5A (turkey), 5B (meat-free doppelganger), 6 (religious niece), 7 (TV viewing Aunt).

If people don't get the reference for the brother option (BTW, you've got the idiom the party effect line is referring to right), I may put your suggestion in.

I really like this issue. It feels very Christmassy (sorry, Maxxmassy). And that song played in my head as soon as I read the title!

Thanks!

[Baggieland]

He keens over, saliva forming a puddle.

He keels over,

And in the doppelganger too.

BTW, I love this issue Joy!

[The Free Joy State]

He keens over, saliva forming a puddle.

He keels over,

And in the doppelganger too.

Whoops. Amending that retroactively.

BTW, I love this issue Joy!

Thanks!

[Bears Armed]

This is now in use, as #1291: Congratulations!

[Australian rePublic]

Congrats!

[Fontenais]

Congratulations!