The Anti-Christmastide Virus

The Anti-Christmastide Virus or Flu is a magical virus, characterized by the gradual loss of holiday cheer of Christmastide Traditions/Customs/Beliefs by those who rely on Christmas Spirit and who are known for their jolly attitude and devotion to the actual Spirit herself. This virus is a well-known health crisis among the Christmastide Beings Family. It was last seen in the 1990's when Christmas Commercialization although it is over a few centuries old as it started maybe in the 1600's. The origin of this disease is unknown. The first appearance is unknown.   Most often, Christmas Elves and Flyers don't realize they have it. But the virus comes in different stages. At the first sign of the virus in a person, that person is then quarantined at home but their close co-workers are monitored for the same symptoms. And all begin their vaccinations. This virus is also not seen physically but is an virus that plays with one's Christmas Spirit and their belief in it.   As is normal, the Anti-Christmas Virus is often called The Christmastide Bah-Humbug Illness after the famous line said by Scrooge for most of Charles Dickens A Christmas Carol. Other names might include The Scrooge-Grinch Anti-Christmas Virus, The Grinch Flu, Scrooge Syndrome, Christmas Grouch Disease, The Holiday Funk Cold, Red and Green Illness, Grumpy Illness, The Jingle Bug Flu, Mistletoe Mis-Merriment Cold, the Merry Anti-Christmas Bug, and the Christmas Cold (from the Santa Paws 2: The Santa Pups).  

Origins

Stories of the virus first appearing were told many centuries ago when the Christmas Beings Family had many anti-Christmas Beings attack the Valley. But some believe those are fake and the virus is either more recent or is a magical illness caused by the disbelief of the spirits.   Early accounts, described by Santa's Elves, describe it as a cold until it becomes a serious affliction as it threatens the Spirit of Christmas within each individual. Some theories of how it pops up suggest it is triggered by the negativity exposure of mortals or of attacks by the anti-Christmas Beings in the valley. But how it begins each time is unknown.  
The Anti-Christmas Disease Cell by Hunter via CANVA
 

Symptoms

Symptoms of this virus for Elves or Clauses that may manifest include but not limited to: weariness-hate of Christmas Music, disinterest in decorating for Christmas or in the decorations themselves, lack of enthusiasm for the holiday or lack of holiday cheer, disinterested in eating Christmas foods, disinterest in working with toys or reindeer, diminished creativity, and Spiritless Syndrome (no interest of joy, hope, love, peace, wonder, or faith).   There are possibly others.   Dislike of Christmas music, decorations, and food is a big one for reindeer. As is belief in themselves and lack of holiday cheer. They may also have more symptoms. They typically are affected by the elves around them.  
The Anti-Christmas Disease Cell as Humanoid Being by Hunter via CANVA

Stages of the Virus

Stage 1: The General Non-Holiday Spirit

This stage is where all humans are normally at. But for elves, it is a sign of potential infection of this virus. Most elves at this stage begin to question their spirit and have a general disinterest on all holiday things (food, decorations, ETC.). Most aren't vocalizing a dislike of anything Christmas-related. This is the stage where elves try to find Christmas Spirit but can't.   Symptoms at this stage are mild irritation of Christmas-related things being out when not Christmas for humans (elves would be mild irritation of Christmas in general), grumbling while living on the bi-weekly, avoiding merry chat or music, and not feeling like an elf.  

Stage 2: Depressive Non-Holiday Spirit

Most elves at this stage seem to be depressed about Christmas as they do not about the joy and hope and love around them. This is where The Christmas Cold truly begins. This is when the loss of joy and hope and faith occurs. Most elves experience a vocal dislike of Christmas food, decorations, Christmas Music. Most elves might say "Bah humbug" on a bi-weekly to weekly basis, declining to enter certain places in the city/compound, and more grumpy around those showing that holiday cheer.   At this stage, elves go to see Dr. Tinsel Twinkletoes (She), Dr. Holly Peppermint (She), or Dr. Nutmeg Jollybuttons (She).   When someone gets to this stage, there is a "Scrooge Alert" within the kingdom. This mostly just bells but sometimes elves gather to sing carols or read books or gather together in a park.  

Stage 3: Grinchification of Holiday Spirit

At this stage, those doctors are not used anymore. Instead, Dr. Mistletoe Sugarplum (He) and Dr. Garland Merryweather (He) take over. These elves (within the Christmastown Center for Disease Control) are called for the cases where the virus has escalated to the patient elves being secured in a containment room or their house in order to not infect the reindeer or more elves.   At this point in the stages, an individual's holiday cheer has been entirely drained and they have maybe 20% of it left. It is been taken over by cynicism, hate, and disbelief.   At this stage, the whole Christmastide Mystical Kingdom is put on alert and potentially lockdown. This stage may also be called the "Scrooge of Christmastide Stage".  

Treatment of the Virus

Stage 1: The General Non-Holiday Spirit

No need to do anything at this stage. Elves just notice it. Maybe report it.  

Stage 2: Depressive Non-Holiday Spirit

At this stage, it is reported to the nearest manager or to the Holiday Season Medical Hospital.   Potential treatments, at this stage, are hot cocoa and Christmas and Caroling Sessions where people often drive a sleigh while singing all sorts of songs. Some also include re-decorating a room or the tree. There are those that share favorite Christmas memories from years past.   At this stage, most elves are cured until the next round of the Anti-Christmastide Virus.  

Stage 3: Grinchification of Holiday Spirit

At this stage, the treatment is not focusing on rekindling on lost joy. The treatment has to focus on holiday cheer intervention.   But the actual treatment has been lost to time.   What is known is that some elves do recover but it does take some time
The Christmas Hate Virus by Hunter via CANVA
Type
Magical
Origin
Magical
Cycle
Chronic, Acquired
Rarity
Uncommon


Cover image: The Anti-Christmas Virus Up Close by Hunter via CANVA

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