christmas
Recently in December '24
December is now coming to an end. It's time to recap about what has happened during this last month, before writing my final Year in Review. This month was quite of a rollercoaster, I visited a few places, met with people a few times and watched a lot of stuff.
Christmas on Repeat
Despite often being terrible, we watch the same holiday movies every year. Why's that? Well, it's not often about the movies—it's about our memories.
Recently in November '24
The eleventh month of the year is now gone, and it's almost time for Sinterklaas and then Christmas. November had more events than I was actually planning for, but it all ended up going well. Let's recap!
Fake Festive Vs. Real Thing
The tale of the modern Christmas tree is a concept that constantly passes through a tale of sustainability, whether the tree is real or fake.
Visiting Köln's Christmas Markets
Last year, Chris and I visited Aachen's Christmas market and I wrote a bit about it. In the article, I mentioned I was looking forward to similar adventures. Well, it has happened! Last weekend, we went to Köln to visit some of its Christmas markets, and it was amazing!
How Santa Morphs
Santa Claus as a figurehead has long represented a control on society, what we should aspire to be. But for someone who is portrayed as an icon of permanence, his image is sure subject to influence.
Visiting Aachen's Christmas Market
Last weekend, Christiaan and I went to the Christmas Market in Aachen. The first time I went to a Christmas Market was in 2019, in Zurich, during a work trip. Until then, I did not even know that Christmas Markets were a thing. Since moving to The Netherlands, I've been wanting to visit one of these magical markets, but, unfortunately, Covid-19 made that impossible. Fortunately, last weekend we made that wish come true.
Recently in November '22
November has been a pretty intensive month in many different regards: from my parents visiting The Netherlands for the first time, to my partner and I moving in together to a new apartment. Besides, we're getting closer and closer to the end of the year, which means there are some cosy events I am looking forward to 🎄🍷.
Hippos, Punks & Yuletide Cheer
A look back at a few alternate Christmas novelty songs that may not be on your holiday soundtracks … but definitely should be.
You Know, For Kids
Pondering the uncomfortable relationship kids and parents have with technology—and making a case that kids deserve the chance to fall in love with gadgets.
Gingerbread In The House
A tasty Christmas-time treat, gingerbread is surprisingly versatile, with deep roots in storytelling—and (of course!) a deep footprint in pop culture.
Four Things A-Weirdin’
The roots of a whole bunch of holiday-season things we do without even bothering to question their origins. Use this knowledge to sound smart this year.
Four Songs A-Listenin’
Celebrating weird, wonderful, and somewhat less heralded holiday music as we continue our yuletide celebration. Bring headphones with a built-in Santa hat.
Four Things A-Watchin’
Tedium starts a holiday series by recommending a bunch of holiday things that might have fallen off your watch lists … if they were ever there.
Pato’s Game Theory Christmas
The tale of how a college engineering professor once used game theory to turn his holiday gift-giving into an experiment—complete with winners and losers.
Desperation-Tinged Gift Ideas
Every year, Tedium looks back and publishes a last-minute gift guide full of odd crap we found from the prior 12 months. Think we’re gonna change gears now?
Gifts For Total Strangers
This year’s Tedium gift guide—designed for people you’re not particularly close to—is full of ideas perfect for alienating yourself with loved ones.
Sweating the Ugly Truth
The history of the sweater—along with the tale of how a Vancouver house party made the ugly Christmas sweater into the pinnacle of modern ironic taste.
Christmas In Clay
Pondering why a well-received Claymation holiday special, turning 30 this year, hasn’t become a lasting holiday classic like most of the other junk on TV.
Gifts For People You Don’t Like
Need to weed out some of the folks on your gift list? Buy them some of the stuff listed here. You won't have to worry about buying them a gift next year.
Stocking Stinkers: A Tedium Gift Guide
For the people at the end of your gift list, here's a gift guide with recommendations for things that you may not have considered. For good reason.