i just wanted to let you know I re-read this every christmas eve... it's a beautiful story and it fills me with christmas spirit and makes me cry just a little bit. Thank you for writing it

Ok, so I've re-read this fic a LOT
like, a LOT. I honestly love it - it never fails to make me tear up, and I always feel Christmassy after reading it. I don't know how, but you captured the christmas spirit in this fic in a way that feels desperately real to me. That undercurrent of hope, that on Christmas Day, things will be better. And somehow, they are.
I was going to quote my favorite line from the fic, but I couldn't pick just one. I love how the man they rescued said there were people fighting up north and it took Xander a moment to realize he was talking about them. I love the bit with the chocolate pudding. I love the bit where Xander thinks of all the Christmas movies.
It's nearly Christmas eve and I was feeling a little forlorn and like it wasn't really Christmas at all when I remembered this fic, which I've read several times over the years, and it honestly made me incredibly happy to read it. This story went up on FF in 2003, which was almost 13 years ago, so I don't know if your account it still active or if you will ever read this review or if you are now horribly embarrassed by something you wrote so long ago, but just in case I wanted to say thank you, and Merry Christmas.

I like AUs a lot, and this one was particularly well done. Maybe it's because I've been playing a lot of Fallout 3, but I love post-apocalyptic stuff, and this didn't disappoint. It was nice seeing Xander in charge, and you have a knack for portraying desperation so very well. But you do happiness so well, too! When Willow showed up, and then GILES! I nearly died. This was such a great read, excellent job.

The General

This is very beautiful, especially the countdown to Willow's return. Possibly one of the best insights to Xander in a long time.

wow. This was really good. I am slightly crying, very well done, touching. I very much like.

...Wow. I didn't expect it to be such a happy ending. I'm glad you kept Giles alive! And you know what? You're the first one I've read that hasn't turned Xander and Spike into a slash relationship! Seriously, awesome fic. Please keep writing, you're a wonderful author.

Amazing. I thought it was a well-written story. Very interesting take on what would've happened if Glory hadn't been defeated. However I think a tad more detail onto "The Gift" would've been nice, like why Buffy couldn't defeat Glory (did she not use her robot clone, or did that orb thingy not work?) Not too much more into it but maybe a little little bit. Otherwise, great story. You write very well, this is the third story of yours I've read and I'm eager to read more!

This was a really amazing and original insight into what is a majorly overdone idea. You've caught Xander and his mannerisms almost perfectly, and bringing Giles back in the end was a great way to tie it up.

I have no idea how such a sad, mournful story could have such a happy ending. Great job. Amazing.

That is so beautiful... and depressing. I loved.
S.

I'm a big fan of post apocalypse stories and I thought you did a great job w/ this one. Wouldn't mind seeing a sequal (hint, hint :) Happy Holidays!

An exceptional story. You have quite the gift for atmosphere and pacing, and I was extremely impressed at how you were able to show a much darker Xander yet still keep his character true. I'd be thrilled to see a prequel or sequel to this.

Wow, that was great. Dark, moving and are you going to do a sequel, prequel, background piece, chapter 2 etc? I for one, would love to read it.

Oh gosh, you made me stop lurking and actually log in... I just read this, on Christmas (here in Australia, anyway)so I got right into the spirit of things. All that aside, this was absolutely fantastic! It was very compelling, and unique and now I just want more!
The sheer awfulness of what Xander was facing (he seemed to be taking it worse) and they way he kept on going and hoping... never giving up. Well, almost. Well, it was wonderful but very heartbreaking. I loved all the bits with him and Anya, they were very sweet, but also a little bittersweet because I don't think having a baby in that world would be too nice. The friendship between Spike and Xander was doing very appropriately, cos let's face it, would they ever be like "Oh Spike, man, you're my best friend, I love you."? No. So excellent work and I really hope you could write a sequel, that would just be a great Christmas present!
Happy Christmas from the Aussies... heheheh.

Hello,
I just read your fanfic , very nice it was nice to see, and was not over the top. I like your pacing and writing was good, keep it up .
cesare