Middle-earth Journeys

After my poem last year - Christmas with the Balrog - I almost felt I had to put the Balrog on the list so I could vote for him. I'd probably buy him a fire extinguisher .

I've voted for Merry & Pippin, because throughout LOTR I find them both excellent company, and they know how to have a good time. I'm re-reading the opening chapters at the moment - Merry's a born organiser, so he'd have everything arranged!

What's more, we could visit all those places I've always wanted to see in the Shire. I wonder if the Green Dragon at Bywater is anything like the Eagle & Child??

As for presents - I reckon a barrel or two of Longbottom Leaf would go down well . . . !

I think that's a very good choice . You're right about them being good company all through the book. It would certainly be a lot of fun. But don't you think they'd fall asleep after dinner after eating too much and leave you with the washing up?

I think the Green Dragon is just like the Eagle and Child but with table dancing .

I'm still thinking . It might be a bit hot with the Balrog and he could get a bit grumpy so I'm reviewing the situation .

I've just spent a snowy day here in the Middle-west by putting up a few homey decorations inside and out, so I'm in a mood: I voted for Elrond, because I think Rivendell would be a fun place to decorate at Christmas! But what to get Elrond for Christmas? I'll have to think about that one.

By the way, the lovely "Christmas with the Balrog" and several other seasonal offerings can be viewed again at the beginning of the 'members only' art and poetry thread, for those who need a reminder!

After much thought I've gone for Gandalf. I toyed with the Hobbits, all of whom I think would make marvellous Christmas companions. And also with Elrond - also think Rivendell would be a fantastic place to spend Christmas and he does have the biggest fire! But in the end Gandalf won me over.

He can be very merry company when he wants and he has fireworks . I would expect several of his best ones. He wouldn't have any trouble lighting the fire and after dinner (I'm sure he's a good cook) he can tell tales of all his travels around Middle-earth. But I'd have to put up with all that pipe smoke!

Maybe I can persuade Gandalf to spend Christmas at Rivendell .

Now - a present. Maybe a pair of very comfy slippers for his tired feet and a lifetime pass to the Library at Minas Tirith with unlimited borrowing rights, his own chair and exemptions from overdue fines.

Merry wrote:By the way, the lovely "Christmas with the Balrog" and several other seasonal offerings can be viewed again at the beginning of the 'members only' art and poetry thread, for those who need a reminder!

I've revised Christmas with the Balrog with extra verses and reposted it on the Chrismas Greetings and Fireside Fun thread . By next Christmas it will be as long as the Lay of Leithian .

Before reading the thread I decided to cast my vote for Gandalf. I suspect he would be great company for us adults as well as my children. Hopefully, we'd be spending the holiday in Rivendell where the food is good and the company merry all the time.

Iolanthe, the balrog...not a good idea. He'd smell, eat to much (maybe yourself included) and you know he'd go on and on about his treasure. BORING!

That's a very good point, Philipa. I really enjoy Christmas dinner, but not being Christmas dinner . I've gone right off the Balrog. He'll have to hang his own stocking up.

It's so VERY hard to choose! Christmas with the Hobbits would be merry, but I suspect I'd gain 20 lbs in the process. Not good for my health.

Christmas in Rivendell would be heavenly -- just imagine the gorgeous music! But all those elves would be quite overwhelming.

Christmas in Minas Tirith with Aragorn and Arwen would certainly be splendid, but I don't know if my heart could bear to actually be in the presence of the glorious King of Gondor, or quite frankly, to see him happily married to Arwen. Been in love with him since I was a teenager!

So I've decided to vote for Tom Bombadil and Goldberry. It would certainly be an unusual, once-in-a-lifetime experience to spend time with The Eldest and his elemental bride. Imagine the stories he could tell! Plus, I have it on very good authority that Gandalf plans to spend some time with them, so I have a good chance of seeing him as well.

Besides, perhaps I'd have a chance to finally figure out who/what they really are, and maybe prove my theory to be correct! Wouldn't that be grand?

My gift -- some beautiful water lillies, of course!

Lindariel wrote:Christmas in Minas Tirith with Aragorn and Arwen would certainly be splendid, but I don't know if my heart could bear to actually be in the presence of the glorious King of Gondor, or quite frankly, to see him happily married to Arwen. Been in love with him since I was a teenager!

That's too funny, I thought the exact same thing . Christmas pining after a happily married Aragorn . Oh dear no.