In the second half of the third chapter of “How Lovely Are Thy Branches,†Filif’s decoration is complete, and Nita gives her gift to Kit. Intrigued? Then it’s time for Mark to read Young Wizards.Â
I am actually struggling to remember what ornaments we used that were homemade. For the most part, we had like three boxes of plain (but multi-colored) glass or aluminum bulbs that would go up on our tree, and there were a tiny number of custom or expensive bulbs that NO ONE was allowed to put on the tree but our mother. They could break!!!
Aside from that, there were a couple of bulbs decorated with glitter that we made, and there was a single Christmas tree made out of popsicle sticks, glitter, and Elmer’s glue that somehow survived longer than literally everything else. The last time I saw a tree at my parents’ place, it still hung on proudly on it. I think I made it, but it might have been my brother. Anyway, I am still considering getting my own tree this year. I’ve actually never had one of my own, but I also don’t have any ornaments. I’d have to buy everything from scratch, and something tells me that deep down, all I would do is buy nothing but really expensive themed ornaments in the Star Wars universe.
DON’T JUDGE ME.
I am also in awe at Nita’s gift-giving ability. I really do think that’s a skill because, in general, giving gifts is really hard. I would like to think that I’m pretty decent at it, and all my previous partners have gotten some dope gifts. (They haven’t always been appreciative of them, but that is another story, and I refuse to make any of this review negative because it is CELEBRATION TIME.) I love things that are both practical and meaningful, so I try to pay attention to things a person mentioned that they liked earlier in the year so that I can RULE THEIR LIFE.
But let’s just take a moment to acknowledge how meaningful this gift was for Kit. I’m glad there is canonical confirmation that Kit knew that Ponch was in Takaf, and that makes the ornament even more emotional. Nita got something that was truly unique to him, that acknowledged his interest in Mar and the shared experience he had with Nita, and that reminded Kit of his beloved dog. She hit like EVERY emotional point on a checklist of Good Gift Giving! SHE IS LIKE GOD-LEVEL TIER, OKAY.
And I’m basing that solely on the gift she gave Kit. If Carmela and her succeed in getting Filif those candles… seriously. That will make her the greatest gift-giver of all the time. Sorry, I don’t make the rules, that’s how it is.
https://youtu.be/E5zYe3A2_-U
Mark Links Stuff
– My YA contemporary debut, ANGER IS A GIFT, is now available for pre-order! If you’d like to stay up-to-date on all announcements regarding my books, sign up for my newsletter! DO IT.
