Story 137: "Mistletoe Madness" by Syntax6

[wendelah1]

"But, but...we just read a story by syntax6!"

I know, I know...but she's such a great writer and I know you'll love it. The premise is a little silly but in a really adorable way. Besides, it is a pure pleasure to watch her work, avoiding every possible misstep and keeping Mulder and Scully completely in character. As always during this time of year, I am looking for something humorous for distraction. Maybe you are, too. For me, "Mistletoe Madness" fits the bill: it's a charming, funny, light romantic comedy, increasingly rare in a fandom that thrives on angst.

Read "Mistletoe Madness".

Those of you who can't get enough of the genre can go read holiday fic at The Xmas Files. Click on "Holiday Reading." I've only read a handful of these. Anyone care to suggest a personal favorite?

Keep an eye on xf_santa for some new, if not necessarily holiday-themed fanfiction.

Feedback is how we give back to our writers. Leave suggestions for stories and themes at the suggestion post.

Happy Holidays!

Comments

[recycledstars.livejournal.com]

This is practically perfect in every way. I actually loled instead of just saying I did. Heh.

(Then again, I have the biggest thing for holiday fic and begrudging desire, so it's really no surprise that I liked it.)

[wendelah1]

This is practically perfect in every way. I know! I was so happy when I found it on her site.

Do you have any XF holiday fic you like? Or even "begrudging desire" stories...a great description by the way.

[sixpences.livejournal.com]

It's a very sweet story and funny in the way all the best funny episodes were- Mulder and Scully have their own natural comedy and she just lets that shine through. I also love that of course a lesser writer would have had the cleaner put the mistletoe there for Mulder and Scully, but syntax6's characters really couldn't give a toss about playing havoc with Our Heroes!

[wendelah1]

I also love that of course a lesser writer would have had the cleaner put the mistletoe there for Mulder and Scully, but syntax6's characters really couldn't give a toss about playing havoc with Our Heroes!

I know! They have their own lives to lead, just like real people do. She is good.

edited for html fail

[enj412.livejournal.com]

Yay! This is one of the classics and one of my favorites ever. I am glad you shared it. My favorite part is when Mulder says that line about has Scully ever wanted to see the back of Frohikes' van. That is just spot-on Mulder and his classic sense of humor. Love, love, love this story.

[wendelah1]

I'm glad you enjoyed the re-read!

[estella-c.livejournal.com]

"Mistletoe Madness" is a wonderful little story that proves a couple of premises. First, a borderline-cheesy notion (the title makes even reccing this story kind of iffy) can be made excellent by attention to detail. MM is full of referential humor that glows with a professional polish. I suppose we all have our favorite lines, like the two about the Gunmen Van that bounce off each other. My personal choice: "Just, you know, things that happen, if they happen multiple times, one of those times has to be the first time. It's a law of physics or something." "There is no law of physics like that, Mulder."

The other premise is that sitcom, despite a low-class rep, can be very good. (This is a hobby horse of mine; I crave your indulgence. I was raised on "I Love Lucy"; my husband never even turned on a television set until he finished graduate school.) This could definitely play as a comic skit, the situation in question being a sprig of highly symbolic foliage messing with two heads. But what heads! How exciting that it is our Scully and our Mulder dealing with the intrusion of pure cheese into their imperfectly balanced relationship. As bravenewcentury puts it, "their own natural comedy" shines through. It all happens because they are as they are; character rules. Scully's crack about the laws of physics works because she's got that degree.

Getting off the horsey now. Whoops, may have sprained an ankle...

[wendelah1]

My personal choice: "Just, you know, things that happen, if they happen multiple times, one of those times has to be the first time. It's a law of physics or something." "There is no law of physics like that, Mulder."

Hahaha. I can totally hear them saying those lines.

First, a borderline-cheesy notion (the title makes even reccing this story kind of iffy) can be made excellent by attention to detail.

Hahaha. I know! I'm so brave! Reccing a popular holiday story by a popular author at Christmas time. The nerve!
But yes, very expert craftsmanship is evident, as always.

Sitcoms can be excellent but I maintain it takes more talent to write great humor than any other genre. Because great humor stays in character. Anyone with a sense of humor can write a decent joke. Only talent can make the joke sound like Mulder or Scully actually thought it up themselves.

[estella-c.livejournal.com]

Hahaha. I know! I'm so brave! Reccing a popular holiday story by a popular author at Christmas time. The nerve!



Oh, I didn't mean YOU. You could rec any title at all and people would trust YOU. (Incidentally, and meanly, am I the only one who is driven mad by that "Pounding your Head Against a Red-Haired Brick Wall" title. Something like that. I can't find it.)

I mean me reccing to nonfans. Of course, no aspect of fandom can ever be adequately explained to nonfans.

there you go

[wendelah1]

"Banging Your Head Against a Red-Haired Brick Wall" by Blair Provence.

Yeah, the title drives me nuts, too. Also the first person pov. The character is likable enough but I had a hard time reading the story anyway.

I wonder if that would be a good theme. Point of view? Maybe I'll do a poll...

Of course, no aspect of fandom can ever be adequately explained to nonfans.

Although, I think most people are fannish about something, they just don't call it that. Fanfiction is hard to explain, period. Even to fans.

[maybe-amanda.livejournal.com]

Of course, no aspect of fandom can ever be adequately explained to nonfans.

Isn't that the truth? I have NOTHING to talk to normal humans about anymore...

[estella-c.livejournal.com]

Oh, as for other Christmas tales, I'd mention 1,000,009's "Ride." It is by no means my favorite--MM is probably that--but it is literate, attention-grabbing, and off the charts for sheer originality.

[maybe-amanda.livejournal.com]

So how many biases do I have regarding this fic? Beta, dedicatee, um...

I like this because it's sweet. it's a farce, a comedy of errors, silly and fluffy and charming and goofy, all the things a good Christmas story generally is. Syn's Mulder and Scully are distinctive, but still recognizable, which I like, and there's banter and wit, which I also like, so there's lots to like. Also, sentences? They seem to be beyond me at the moments.

Anyhow, just wanted to add my two cents. :D

[ktds.livejournal.com]

This story still makes me laugh after every reread. It's wonderfully perfect. I love it when Skinner makes an appearance. Haha.

Thanks!

[syntax6.livejournal.com]

I just wanted to say thanks for all the kind words. This one was really fun to write.

Happy new year to all!

Re: Thanks!

[wendelah1]

It was really fun to read, too. Happy New Year to you!