What an amazing piece of a short story. I love how well it does with the characterization of the Doctor here, and just… breathtakingly good. I must admit when I first start reading this I didn't expect much, that said.. wow this was such a good surprise! Please read it, it's available on the Doctor Who Website, so no excuse not to read it at least once!

There is a lot to love here.

📝8/10

Counting down to Whomas 2024, one adventure at a time!

"Day 10: A Time-Traveler’s Holiday Blues"

A Day to Yourselves offers a poignant glimpse into the Ninth Doctor’s post-Time War psyche, blending melancholic introspection with heartwarming revelations. In this short story, the Doctor roams the universe searching for a world to save, only to find each one already protected by his future selves. It’s a quiet yet profound tale of self-discovery, healing, and the timeless bonds the Doctor shares across his incarnations.

A Poetic and Reflective Journey:

Dave Rudden’s lyrical prose beautifully captures the Ninth Doctor’s internal struggle, balancing his war-hardened trauma with the cheerful façade he uses to mask his sorrow. The story is at its best when delving into the Doctor’s solitude within the TARDIS. These moments of quiet reflection—where he contemplates his past, future selves, lost companions, and the destruction of Gallifrey—are masterfully written, offering deep insight into his character.

Alien Worlds and Whimsical Details:

The Doctor’s visits to different alien locales, from a holiday card factory to the Crystal Sphere, are vividly described, though not all settings are equally engaging. The whimsical first segment with Winston at the Holiday Card Company stands out as a delightful and imaginative highlight, while the latter locations, though atmospheric, don’t resonate as strongly.

The Sweetest Christmas Cards:

The story’s most touching element is the revelation that the Doctor’s future selves are leaving Christmas cards for him after saving the worlds he visits. This simple yet heartfelt gesture carries profound meaning, underscoring the ongoing connection between his incarnations. For the war-weary Ninth Doctor, it’s a subtle reminder that his own efforts matter, and that hope persists even in his darkest moments.

A Healing Step Forward:

A standout moment occurs when the Doctor enters the TARDIS wardrobe room for the first time since his regeneration, a space left untouched after the regenerated Ninth Doctor shattered its mirrors. This act symbolizes a crucial step in his journey toward self-acceptance and healing, making it one of the story’s most powerful and moving scenes.

Final Thoughts:

“A Day to Yourselves” is a beautifully crafted story that balances the Ninth Doctor’s raw grief with glimpses of hope and connection. While not every segment lands perfectly, the poetic descriptions, heartfelt revelations, and exploration of the Doctor’s psyche make it a standout piece for fans of the character.

A bittersweet reminder that even in his loneliest moments, the Doctor is never truly alone.

CONTENT WARNING: Brief discussion on themes of Suicide

Okay that was just beautiful and brilliantly written, I had to stop three times in the middle of reading to add quotes!

Nine is definitely the doctor with the most trauma, War is up there but he never has a chance to stop and think, where Nine is always on the run not because he has to be, but because he can't let himself stop. The idea that even future versions of himself can't force him to stop despite their best efforts is great and absolutely in-keeping with his character.

Generally his characterisation here is just done perfectly. The TARDIS forcing him to take it slow and clean up the broken mirrors himself is a great moment for him and it, and there's a careless disregard for his own life shown here. When Eleven showed up to stop the cult he had a plan, Nine just showed up without one. There's also the moment when he jumps off the top of a building, of course he's saved by its security measures, but you almost get the sense that he wouldn't care if he wasn't.

And then there's the ending, leading brilliantly into Rose (Or some of the 9DAs depending how you want to read the timeline), giving him back his purpose.

I loved this story and highly recommend to any and all fans of Nine.