diff --git a/LOTUS_BUGS.md b/LOTUS_BUGS.md
index df4c913ed..12bbef668 100644
--- a/LOTUS_BUGS.md
+++ b/LOTUS_BUGS.md
@@ -1,69 +1,98 @@
 # Lotus Chat — Bug Report & Technical Audit
-
 **Date:** June 2026
 
-This document tracks identified bugs, edge cases, and architectural discrepancies.
+This document tracks identified bugs, edge cases, and architectural discrepancies found during the audit of the Lotus Chat codebase. Recommended fixes are provided for each item.
 
 ---
 
-## ✅ Resolved Issues (Recently Fixed)
+## 🛡️ Critical Security & Privacy Regressions
 
-- **GIF Sending Bypasses E2EE**: Fixed in `RoomInput.tsx`.
-- **Scheduled Messages Bypass E2EE**: Fixed in `scheduledMessages.ts`.
-- **Drag-and-Drop Overlay Persistence**: Fixed in `useFileDrop.ts`.
-- **Stale Member List in Verification Banner**: Fixed in `useDeviceVerificationStatus.ts`.
-- **Incomplete Python Comment Highlighting**: Fixed in `syntaxHighlight.ts`.
-- **Search Button Hidden in E2EE Rooms**: Fixed in `RoomViewHeader.tsx`.
-- **TDS Design Law Violations (Hardcoded Hex)**: Fixed in `GifPicker.tsx` and `VoiceMessageRecorder.tsx`.
-- **Recent Emoji Sort Order**: Fixed in `recent-emoji.ts` (recency order, not frequency).
-- **Encrypted Search Misses Historic Events**: Fixed in `useLocalMessageSearch.ts`.
-- **Presence Updater Base URL Hack**: Fixed in `usePresenceUpdater.ts`.
-- **Presence Badge Accessibility**: Fixed in `Presence.tsx` (`aria-label` on badge).
-- **Presence Updater Wipes Custom Status**: Fixed in `usePresenceUpdater.ts` (removed `status_msg: ''`).
-- **Manifest Main Icon Paths 404**: Fixed in `public/manifest.json` (`./public/android/` → `./res/android/`). Shortcut icon was already correct.
+### 1. E2EE Bypass in Media Gallery Downloads
+**File:** `src/app/features/room/MediaGallery.tsx` (Line 855)
+**Status:** **CRITICAL**
+
+*   **Issue:** The "Download" button in the Files tab uses `mxcUrlToHttp` directly and clicks an `<a>` link.
+*   **Impact:** In encrypted rooms, this downloads the encrypted ciphertext rather than the decrypted file. Users cannot open the downloaded files.
+*   **Recommended Fix:** 
+    1. Check if the event is encrypted.
+    2. If encrypted, use the `decryptAttachment` logic (similar to `useDecryptedMediaUrl`) to decrypt the file in memory.
+    3. Use `file-saver` or a Blob URL to trigger the download of the decrypted plaintext.
+
+### 2. Privacy Leak in URL Previews
+**File:** `src/app/components/url-preview/UrlPreviewCard.tsx` (Line 1655)
+**Status:** **PRIVACY RISK**
+
+*   **Issue:** Generic URL preview cards fetch favicons directly from `https://www.google.com/s2/favicons?domain=...`.
+*   **Impact:** This leaks the user's browsing/chat activity (domains of links they see) to Google. It bypasses the "proxied through Matrix" privacy standard.
+*   **Recommended Fix:** Use the proxy URL returned by the Matrix `/_matrix/media/v3/preview_url` endpoint instead of contacting Google directly.
 
 ---
 
-## 🛡️ Critical Security & Logic
+## 🚩 Functional & Logic Bugs
 
-### 1. Edit History Broken for E2EE
+### 1. Presence Updater Reverts Status Updates
+**File:** `src/app/hooks/usePresenceUpdater.ts` (Line 20)
+**Status:** High Priority
 
-**File:** `src/app/features/room/message/EditHistoryModal.tsx`
-**Status:** **FIXED**
+*   **Issue:** The `storedStatus` variable is captured once when the `useEffect` starts.
+*   **Impact:** If a user updates their status message in the Profile settings, the presence updater hook continues to use the *old* status message from its closure. Every time the user moves their mouse/activity, the hook sends `setOnline` with the stale status, reverting the user's change.
+*   **Recommended Fix:** 
+    1. Read the status from `localStorage` inside the `setOnline`/`setUnavailable` functions rather than at the top of the effect.
 
-- **Issue:** The modal fetches edit history via raw `fetch`. Edit events not found in the room cache were constructed from raw encrypted content and never decrypted.
-- **Fix:** Each newly constructed `MatrixEvent` is now passed through `mx.decryptEventIfNeeded()` before rendering when `evt.isEncrypted()` is true.
+### 2. Audio Playback Rate Reset
+**File:** `src/app/components/message/content/AudioContent.tsx` (Line 97)
+**Status:** UX Bug
 
-### 2. Service Worker Ephemeral Sessions
+*   **Issue:** The `playbackRate` is set in a `useEffect` that only depends on `[playbackSpeed]`.
+*   **Impact:** If a user selects a playback speed *before* the audio blob has finished loading, the `<audio>` element may reset its rate to 1.0 once the `<source>` is added.
+*   **Recommended Fix:** Add `srcState.data` to the `useEffect` dependencies or set the `playbackRate` in an `onCanPlay` handler on the audio element.
 
-**File:** `src/sw.ts`
-**Status:** **NOT A BUG — by design**
+### 3. Room Insights are Static (No Live Updates)
+**File:** `src/app/features/room-settings/RoomInsights.tsx` (Line 60)
+**Status:** Medium Priority
 
-- The `sessions` Map is intentionally in-memory. The main window re-posts the session to the SW via `postMessage` on every load. Persisting access tokens in SW IndexedDB would duplicate credential storage unnecessarily and is not required for the current feature set.
-
----
-
-## 📱 PWA & Mobile Issues
-
-### 1. No PWA Precaching (Offline Mode Broken)
-
-**File:** `src/sw.ts`, `vite.config.js`
-**Status:** **DEFERRED — out of scope**
-
-- Full offline Matrix requires persisting sync state, E2EE keys, and an event send queue. The SW exists for authenticated media and notifications, which it handles correctly. Adding Workbox precaching is a multi-sprint project with limited benefit for a Matrix client.
-
-### 2. PiP Resize Impossible on Mobile
+*   **Issue:** Stats are calculated in a `useMemo` that only depends on `[room]`.
+*   **Impact:** If new messages arrive while the Insights page is open, the statistics (message counts, top participants, etc.) do not update.
+*   **Recommended Fix:** Add a listener for `RoomEvent.Timeline` inside the component to trigger a recalculation when new events are added to the room.
 
+### 4. Incorrect Ringing in Voice Rooms
 **File:** `src/app/components/CallEmbedProvider.tsx`
-**Status:** **FIXED**
+**Status:** Logic Bug
 
-- **Issue:** Resize corner `onMouseDown` handlers did not fire on touch devices.
-- **Fix:** Added `handleResizeTouchStart` using touch events with the same geometry math extracted into a shared `applyResize` helper. `onTouchStart` is now wired to all four resize corners.
+*   **Issue:** Joining a static voice room (Public Space channel) triggers the "Incoming Call" ringing animation and sound. This should only occur for "StartedByUser" intents (DMs and Private Group Calls).
+*   **Root Cause:** The ringing logic does not distinguish between persistent voice rooms and user-initiated calls.
+*   **Recommended Fix:** Check `room.getJoinRule()` or check for the `m.space.parent` event. If the room is a public voice channel, suppress the ringing animation.
 
-### 3. Double Background Animation (GPU Waste)
+---
 
-**File:** `src/app/pages/client/SidebarNav.tsx`, `src/app/features/room/RoomView.tsx`
-**Status:** **FIXED**
+## 🎨 UI/UX & Visual Consistency
 
-- **Issue:** When Glassmorphism is enabled, the chat background was rendered on both `document.body` and `RoomView`, running the same CSS animation twice.
-- **Fix:** `RoomView` now reads the `glassmorphismSidebar` setting and skips applying `chatBgStyle` when it is active, relying entirely on the `document.body` background that `SidebarNav` already mirrors.
+### 1. Hardcoded Primary Color in Polls
+**File:** `src/app/components/message/content/PollContent.tsx` (Line 245)
+**Status:** TDS Violation
+
+*   **Issue:** Uses `rgba(var(--mx-primary-rgb, 0,132,255), ...)` for selected options and borders.
+*   **Impact:** Polls look like standard Cinny and ignore the Lotus Terminal Design System (TDS) colors.
+*   **Recommended Fix:** Use `var(--lt-accent-cyan)` or the primary theme accent color.
+
+### 2. Inaccessible Room Menu on Mobile
+**File:** `src/app/features/room-nav/RoomNavItem.tsx` (Line 643)
+**Status:** **MOBILE BUG**
+
+*   **Issue:** The room menu icon (`VerticalDots`) is hidden on mobile because `hover` is never active.
+*   **Impact:** Mobile users cannot access room settings, mark as read, or leave rooms from the sidebar.
+*   **Recommended Fix:** Ensure the menu button is visible on mobile for the active room or provide an alternative trigger.
+
+### 3. Inconsistent Settings Dropdown Styling
+**File:** `src/app/features/settings/general/General.tsx`
+**Status:** UI Consistency
+
+*   **Issue:** The dropdowns for "Join & Leave Sounds" and "UI Font" use raw HTML `<select>` elements, which look different from the custom-styled `Menu` used elsewhere.
+*   **Recommended Fix:** Replace raw selects with the `Menu` + `PopOut` pattern used in the "Message Layout" setting.
+
+### 4. No Camera Focus During Screenshare
+**File:** `src/app/features/call/CallControls.tsx`
+**Status:** UX Bug
+
+*   **Issue:** When someone is screensharing and another participant turns on their camera, there is no way to switch the primary display to the camera or go fullscreen on it.
+*   **Recommended Fix:** Implement a "Pin/Focus" toggle on participant tiles that overrides the automatic screenshare spotlight.
diff --git a/LOTUS_TODO.md b/LOTUS_TODO.md
index 6b583d3bb..92a18416d 100644
--- a/LOTUS_TODO.md
+++ b/LOTUS_TODO.md
@@ -104,17 +104,6 @@ Status: `[ ]` pending · `[~]` in progress · `[x]` completed
 
 ---
 
-## Known Bugs
-
-### [!] BUG · Drag-and-drop file overlay doesn't dismiss on hover-away
-
-**Confirmed bug** — drag a file over the window without dropping: the drop overlay persists.  
-**Fix:** Ensure `dragleave` fires correctly at the window/document level. Child element boundaries can cause spurious `dragleave` — use a counter or `relatedTarget` check.  
-**[AUDIT REQUIRED]** Find the drag-and-drop overlay component in `RoomInput.tsx` or the room view. Confirm the exact event listener structure.  
-**Complexity:** Low (bug fix).
-
----
-
 ## Priority 3 — Higher complexity / lower daily frequency
 
 ### [ ] P3-4 · Accessibility Improvements (WCAG 2.1 AA)
@@ -248,11 +237,9 @@ Themes:
 
 ---
 
-### [ ] P5-9 · LFG (Looking for Group) Slash Command
+### [MOVED] P5-9 · LFG (Looking for Group) Command → LotusBot
 
-**What:** `/lfg` generates a formatted LFG post visible on ALL Matrix clients using standard `m.room.message` HTML. Fields: Game, Players Needed, Platform, Skill Level, Description, DM link. Other clients see clean formatted HTML; Lotus Chat renders an enhanced styled card.  
-**[AUDIT REQUIRED]** Test which HTML tags survive Matrix HTML sanitization on Element/FluffyChat before designing the card structure. Test with minimal HTML.  
-**Complexity:** Medium.
+**Decision:** Implemented as `!lfg` in LotusBot rather than a client slash command. Bot-side rendering works consistently across all Matrix clients; client-side enhanced cards would only be visible to Lotus Chat users and require sanitizer auditing. The bot can also support richer flows (list active LFGs, DM interested players, auto-expire posts).
 
 ---
 
@@ -350,6 +337,32 @@ Themes:
 
 ---
 
+### [ ] P5-30 · Advanced ML Noise Suppression (Krisp-style)
+
+**What:** High-end background noise cancellation using a pre-trained ML model (e.g. RNNoise) running in the browser. Removes dogs, fans, and keyboard clicks from the mic stream.  
+**Note:** This is a top-tier feature request and an EXTREME COMPLEXITY project.  
+**[AUDIT REQUIRED]** Must verify if mixing a processed stream into Element Call's WebRTC implementation causes latency or AEC (Echo Cancellation) issues.  
+**Complexity:** Extreme.
+
+---
+
+### [ ] P5-31 · Granular Voice & Screenshare Quality Controls (Discord-style)
+
+**What:** Let users (or room admins via room settings) adjust audio bitrates (e.g., 64kbps to 512kbps) and screenshare quality (resolution: 720p/1080p/Source, framerate: 15/30/60fps).  
+**Note:** Requires tight integration with the LiveKit SFU and custom state events for per-room quality caps.  
+**[AUDIT REQUIRED]** Must verify if current `lk-jwt-service` can be extended with custom bitrate/resolution claims or if a new sidecar (similar to `voice-limit-guard`) is needed for server-side enforcement.  
+**Complexity:** Extreme.
+
+---
+
+### [ ] P5-34 · User-to-User Private Notes
+
+**What:** A private "Notes" field on user profiles visible only to you. Syncs across all your devices.  
+**Matrix Tech:** Store in `io.lotus.user_notes` account data. Must be keyed by `userId`.  
+**Complexity:** Medium.
+
+---
+
 ## Blocked Features
 
 These features are confirmed desirable but cannot be built until the listed dependency is resolved.
diff --git a/LOTUS_TODO_REFERENCE.md b/LOTUS_TODO_REFERENCE.md
index 57966fd7c..1bcb1e8af 100644
--- a/LOTUS_TODO_REFERENCE.md
+++ b/LOTUS_TODO_REFERENCE.md
@@ -1,109 +1,234 @@
-# Lotus Chat — Implementation Reference for Backlog
-
+# Lotus Chat — Technical Implementation Field Guide
 **Date:** June 2026
 
-This document provides technical guidance, file paths, and architectural notes for unimplemented items in `LOTUS_TODO.md` to assist engineers during development.
+This document provides exhaustive, low-level implementation details for the remaining items in `LOTUS_TODO.md`. Follow these patterns to ensure code is "Lotus-perfect" (idiomatic, performant, and TDS-compliant).
 
 ---
 
 ## 🧵 Priority 3 — Higher Complexity
 
 ### P3-8 · Thread Panel (Full Side Drawer)
+**Architecture:** Mirror the `MembersDrawer` pattern but with a specialized timeline.
 
-**⚠️ Largest Feature**
-
-- **Objective:** Add a right-side drawer to view and reply to threads (`m.thread` relations).
-- **Key Files to Reference:**
-  - `src/app/features/room/RoomView.tsx`: Main layout. Needs to render the new `ThreadPanel` component conditionally.
-  - `src/app/features/room/MembersDrawer.tsx`: Use this as a pattern for side drawers (fixed width, toggleable).
-  - `src/app/features/room/message/Message.tsx`: Check `isThreadedMessage` logic and the `onReplyClick(ev, true)` handler.
-- **Architecture:**
-  - Create `activeThreadEventIdAtom` in a new state file.
-  - `ThreadPanel` should reuse `Timeline` components but filter for events where `m.relates_to.event_id === activeThreadEventId` and `rel_type === 'm.thread'`.
-  - **SDK API:** Use `mx.getThread(eventId)` or the aggregations API: `GET /rooms/{roomId}/relations/{eventId}/m.thread`.
-- **Note:** `RoomTimeline.tsx` currently has `handleReplyClick` (Line 978) which already supports starting threads.
-
----
-
-## 🛠️ Priority 4 — Specialized Features
-
-### P4-3 · Knock-to-join Notifications for Admins
-
-- **Objective:** Alert admins when users are knocking and provide an easy way to approve/deny.
-- **Key Files:**
-  - `src/app/features/room/MembersDrawer.tsx`: Already contains logic to show "Pending Requests" (Line 412).
-  - `src/app/hooks/useRoomsNotificationPreferences.ts`: Add logic to detect `Membership.Knock` events in joined rooms where the user has invite permissions.
-- **Implementation:**
-  - Create a hook `usePendingKnocks(room)` that returns `room.getMembersWithMembership(Membership.Knock)`.
-  - Add a notification badge to the "Members" icon in the room header if knocks > 0.
-
-### P4-4 · Math / LaTeX Rendering
-
-- **Objective:** Render `$...$` and `$$...$$` blocks using KaTeX.
-- **Key Files:**
-  - `src/app/utils/sanitize.ts`: **Critical.** The sanitizer currently strips many tags. You must allow specific KaTeX/MathML outputs.
-  - `src/app/plugins/react-custom-html-parser.ts`: Add a custom rule to detect LaTeX patterns in plain text or handle the specific HTML from the server.
-  - `src/app/styles/CustomHtml.css.ts`: Add KaTeX CSS import/styles.
+*   **1. State (src/app/state/room/thread.ts):**
+    ```typescript
+    export const activeThreadIdAtom = atom<string | null>(null);
+    ```
+*   **2. Layout (src/app/features/room/Room.tsx):**
+    Insert the `ThreadPanel` conditionally alongside the `RoomTimeline`.
+    ```tsx
+    {activeThreadId && (
+      <>
+        <Line variant="Background" direction="Vertical" size="300" />
+        <ThreadPanel roomId={roomId} threadId={activeThreadId} />
+      </>
+    )}
+    ```
+*   **3. Component (src/app/features/room/thread/ThreadPanel.tsx):**
+    *   Use `room.getThread(threadId)` from the SDK.
+    *   Render a `Header` with a "Close" button that sets `activeThreadIdAtom` to `null`.
+    *   Reuse `RoomTimeline` but pass a filtered `EventTimelineSet`.
+    *   **Pro Tip:** Use `thread.timelineSet` directly for the most accurate thread view.
 
 ---
 
 ## 🎨 Priority 5 — Gamer / Aesthetic / Customization
 
-### P5-1 · Custom Accent Color Picker
+### P5-1 · Custom Accent Color Picker (Non-TDS only)
+**Mechanism:** Dynamic CSS variable injection.
 
-- **Objective:** User-defined accent color for non-TDS themes.
-- **Key Files:**
-  - `src/app/hooks/useTheme.ts`: Central theme logic.
-  - `src/app/state/settings.ts`: Add `customAccentColor: string` to the settings atom.
-- **Implementation:**
-  - Inject a `<style>` block into `<head>` that overrides CSS variables.
-  - **Variables to target:** `--lt-accent-orange`, `--lt-accent-cyan`, `--lt-accent-green` (or their non-TDS equivalents in `folds`).
+*   **1. Setting (src/app/state/settings.ts):**
+    Add `customAccentColor: string` (hex).
+*   **2. Manager (src/app/pages/ThemeManager.tsx):**
+    Inside the `useEffect` that monitors theme changes:
+    ```typescript
+    if (!lotusTerminal && customAccentColor) {
+      document.documentElement.style.setProperty('--lt-accent-orange', customAccentColor);
+      // Also derive a 'glow' version (e.g. 50% opacity)
+      document.documentElement.style.setProperty('--lt-accent-orange-glow', `${customAccentColor}80`);
+    }
+    ```
+*   **3. UI (src/app/features/settings/general/General.tsx):**
+    Use a `<Input type="color">` component. Hide this section if `lotusTerminal` is `true`.
 
-### P5-10 · Voice Channel User Limit
+### P5-14 · Animated Avatar Overlay
+**Mechanism:** CSS Pseudo-element wrapping.
 
-- **Objective:** Prevent joining a voice channel if the user limit is reached.
-- **Key Files:**
-  - `src/app/features/call/CallView.tsx`: Join logic site.
-- **Implementation:**
-  - In `CallPrescreen` (Line 77), retrieve the `io.lotus.voice_limit` state event from the room.
-  - Compare `callMembers.length` with the `max_users` value from the event content.
-  - If current members >= limit, disable the `canJoin` flag and display a "Channel Full" message.
-
-### P5-13 · Avatar Frame / Border Decorations
-
-- **Objective:** Add cosmetic frames around user avatars.
-- **Key Files:**
-  - `src/app/components/user-avatar/UserAvatar.tsx`: Rendering site.
-- **Implementation:**
-  - Add an optional `frameName` prop to the `UserAvatar` component.
-  - Since `folds` components like `AvatarImage` are restrictive, wrap the entire return value (both fallback and image paths) in a new `Box` container that applies the frame/glow effects via CSS.
-
-### P5-21 · Custom @Mention Highlight Color
-
-- **Objective:** Persistent background highlight for messages that mention the user.
-- **Key Files:**
-  - `src/app/components/message/layout/layout.css.ts`: Styling site.
-  - `src/app/features/room/message/Message.tsx`: Logic site.
-- **Implementation:**
-  - In `layout.css.ts`, add a `mention` variant to the `MessageBase` recipe that sets a static `backgroundColor`.
-  - In `Message.tsx`, pass the `isMentioned` boolean (Line 800) into the `MessageBase` component as a new prop to trigger the highlight variant.
-
-### P5-20 · Quick Reply from Browser Notification
-
-- **Objective:** Inline reply in OS notifications.
-- **Key Files:**
-  - `src/sw.ts`: Handle the `notificationclick` event.
-- **Implementation:**
-  - Check for `event.reply` in the service worker.
-  - Use the `accessToken` and `baseUrl` stored in the `sessions` map (already implemented in `sw.ts`) to send a Matrix message via `fetch` directly from the Service Worker.
-  - **Crucial:** Ensure the message is sent as a relation if the notification was for a thread.
+*   **1. Wrapper (src/app/components/user-avatar/UserAvatar.tsx):**
+    ```tsx
+    const avatar = (
+      <AvatarImage className={classNames(css.UserAvatar, className)} ... />
+    );
+    if (!frame) return avatar;
+    return (
+      <div className={css.AvatarFrameContainer} data-frame={frame}>
+        {avatar}
+        <div className={css.AvatarFrameEffect} />
+      </div>
+    );
+    ```
+*   **2. CSS (src/app/components/user-avatar/UserAvatar.css.ts):**
+    Define animations like `rotate` or `pulse`. Use `position: absolute; inset: -4px` on the effect div to create a glowing ring around the avatar.
 
 ---
 
-## 🧪 Pending Audits Guidance
+## 🛠️ Priority 4 — Specialized Features
 
-### Audit-3 · Profile Banner Image
+### P4-4 · Math / LaTeX Rendering
+**Mechanism:** KaTeX injection into the HTML parser.
 
-- **Task:** Check if MSC4133 or Matrix v1.16 defines a banner field.
-- **Update:** Matrix spec does not currently have a stable `m.banner` field. Most clients use `org.matrix.msc4133.banner_url` (unstable).
-- **Recommendation:** Use `mx.http.authedRequest` to experiment with this field on `matrix.lotusguild.org`.
+*   **1. Sanitizer (src/app/utils/sanitize.ts):**
+    You must allow KaTeX-specific tags and classes (e.g., `span`, `annotation`, `math`). Use a specialized allowed list for math blocks.
+*   **2. Parser (src/app/plugins/react-custom-html-parser.tsx):**
+    Detect `$ ... $` and `$$ ... $$` patterns in text nodes.
+    ```tsx
+    if (node.type === 'text') {
+      const parts = node.data.split(/(\$\$.*?\$\$|\$.*?\$)/g);
+      return parts.map(p => {
+        if (p.startsWith('$')) return <KaTeX math={p.replace(/\$/g, '')} />;
+        return p;
+      });
+    }
+    ```
+*   **3. CSS (src/app/styles/CustomHtml.css.ts):**
+    Import `katex/dist/katex.min.css` only when a math block is rendered to save initial bundle size.
+
+### P4-6 · OIDC / SSO Next-Gen Auth (MSC3861)
+**Mechanism:** Matrix Authentication Service (MAS) Integration.
+
+*   **Architecture:** Shift from password-based `/login` to OAuth2 `authorization_code` flow.
+*   **Key Files:** `src/app/pages/auth/Login.tsx` and `src/app/hooks/useAuth.ts`.
+*   **Implementation:**
+    1.  Use `oidc-client-ts` or a similar lightweight OIDC library.
+    2.  Check for `m.authentication` in `/.well-known/matrix/client`.
+    3.  Redirect to the MAS authorization endpoint.
+    4.  Handle the callback in a new `OidcCallback` route and store the OIDC `refresh_token`.
+
+---
+
+## 🎨 Priority 5 — Gamer / Aesthetic / Customization
+
+### P5-12 · Seasonal / Event Themes
+**Mechanism:** Date-aware global overlays.
+
+*   **1. Component (src/app/components/seasonal/SeasonalEffect.tsx):**
+    ```tsx
+    const isHalloween = now.month === 9 && now.day >= 15; // etc.
+    if (!isHalloween) return null;
+    return <div className={css.HalloweenSpiderWeb} />;
+    ```
+*   **2. Styles (src/app/styles/Animations.css.ts):**
+    Use `repeating-linear-gradient` for spider webs or `keyframes` for falling snow.
+*   **3. Mounting:** Place at the very end of `App.tsx` (above the `LotusToastContainer`) with `pointer-events: none`.
+
+### P5-13 · Avatar Frame / Border Decorations
+**Mechanism:** Static variant of P5-14.
+
+*   **Implementation:** Use a simple `border` or `box-shadow` in `UserAvatar.tsx` based on the `io.lotus.avatar_frame` account data. Unlike the animated version, this should avoid `keyframes` to save CPU on long member lists.
+
+### P5-2 · Additional Color Theme Presets
+**Mechanism:** Standard vanilla-extract theme multiplication.
+
+*   **Implementation:** Replicate the `lotusTerminalTheme` object in `src/colors.css.ts` for each new theme (Cyberpunk, Ocean, etc.). Ensure each theme defines all 50+ tokens required by the `folds` library and TDS.
+
+### P5-15 · In-Call Soundboard
+**Mechanism:** Local-to-Global Audio Bridge.
+
+*   **Architecture:** Use the `Web Audio API` to mix sounds into the `MediaStream` before it enters the Element Call widget.
+*   **Implementation:**
+    1.  Create an `AudioContext`.
+    2.  Create a `MediaStreamDestinationNode`.
+    3.  Create an `AudioBufferSourceNode` for the clip.
+    4.  Route the mic `MediaStream` and the clip source to the destination.
+    5.  Pass the destination's `.stream` to the call bridge.
+
+### P5-20 · Quick Reply from Browser Notification
+**Mechanism:** Service Worker `notificationclick` Action.
+
+*   **1. Registration (src/sw.ts):**
+    ```typescript
+    self.addEventListener('notificationclick', (event) => {
+      if (event.action === 'reply' && event.reply) {
+        const { roomId, threadId } = event.notification.data;
+        const session = sessions.get(event.clientId); // Uses existing session mapping
+        // Send via direct fetch to bypass SDK loading
+        fetch(`${session.baseUrl}/_matrix/client/v3/rooms/${roomId}/send/m.room.message`, {
+          method: 'POST',
+          headers: { Authorization: `Bearer ${session.accessToken}` },
+          body: JSON.stringify({
+            msgtype: 'm.text',
+            body: event.reply,
+            'm.relates_to': threadId ? { rel_type: 'm.thread', event_id: threadId } : undefined
+          })
+        });
+      }
+    });
+    ```
+
+---
+
+## 🔬 Extreme Complexity Projects
+
+### P5-30 · Advanced ML Noise Suppression (Krisp-style)
+**Mechanism:** RNNoise WASM + Web Audio Worklet Pipeline.
+
+*   **Objective:** Filter non-vocal noise from the microphone stream in real-time.
+*   **Architecture:**
+    1.  **Engine:** Use `RNNoise` (Recurrent Neural Network for noise suppression). It is lightweight and highly effective for speech.
+    2.  **Pipeline:** `Mic Stream` -> `AudioWorkletNode` (Processing) -> `MediaStreamDestination` -> `Element Call`.
+*   **Implementation Steps:**
+    1.  **WASM Wrapper:** Compile the `RNNoise` C library to WebAssembly. Use a library like `rnnoise-wasm` or `noise-suppression-js`.
+    2.  **Audio Worklet:** Create `src/app/utils/audio/RnnoiseWorklet.ts`. This must handle 480-sample chunks (10ms of audio at 48kHz), which is the standard frame size for RNNoise.
+    3.  **Client Integration:** 
+        *   In `CallControl.ts`, intercept the `localStream`.
+        *   Pass the stream through the Worklet.
+        *   Crucially, you must ensure that the processed stream is used by the `RTCPeerConnection` within the Element Call iframe.
+### P5-31 · Granular Voice & Screenshare Quality Controls
+**Mechanism:** WebRTC Encoding Parameters + Backend Quality Guard.
+
+*   **Objective:** Per-room and per-user control over audio fidelity and screenshare smoothness.
+*   **Architecture:**
+    1.  **State Event:** `io.lotus.room_quality` (state key `""`) containing:
+        ```json
+        {
+          "audio_bitrate": 128000,
+          "screen_max_res": "1080p",
+          "screen_max_fps": 60
+        }
+        ```
+    2.  **Client-Side (RoomInput / CallControl):**
+        *   **Screenshare:** In `src/app/plugins/call/CallControl.ts`, when initiating screenshare, map the "Quality" setting to `getDisplayMedia` constraints:
+          ```typescript
+          const constraints = {
+            video: {
+              width: { ideal: 1920 }, // 1080p
+              frameRate: { ideal: 60 }
+            }
+          };
+          ```
+        *   **Audio Bitrate:** After the call joins, find the `RTCRtpSender` for the audio track and update parameters:
+          ```typescript
+          const sender = peerConnection.getSenders().find(s => s.track?.kind === 'audio');
+          const params = sender.getParameters();
+          params.encodings[0].maxBitrate = roomBitrate || 128000;
+          await sender.setParameters(params);
+          ```
+    3.  **Backend Sidecar (The "Quality Guard"):**
+        *   **Pattern:** Extend the `voice-limit-guard.py` (on LXC 151) to handle quality metadata.
+        *   **Mechanism:** When a user requests a LiveKit JWT to join a room, the Guard fetches the `io.lotus.room_quality` event for that room via the Synapse Admin API.
+        *   **Enforcement:** The Guard injects these limits into the LiveKit token claims (if supported) or simply returns them to the client as an authorized "config" packet that the client must respect.
+*   **Challenges:**
+    *   **LiveKit Compatibility:** Ensuring the SFU doesn't over-compress a high-bitrate stream from a "Pro" user.
+    *   **Network Stability:** High bitrates (512kbps audio + 60fps 1080p video) require significant upstream bandwidth. Implement a "Network Warning" UI if packets are dropped.
+
+### P5-34 · User-to-User Private Notes
+**Mechanism:** Encrypted account data map.
+
+*   **Objective:** Private, cross-session notes about other users.
+*   **Key Files:**
+    *   `src/app/hooks/useUserNotes.ts`: New hook for CRUD operations.
+    *   `src/app/components/user-profile/UserRoomProfile.tsx`: UI site.
+*   **Implementation:**
+    1.  Store as a single map in `io.lotus.user_notes` account data: `{ "@alice:server": "Cool dev", "@bob:server": "Needs moderation" }`.
+    2.  Wrap the entire map in E2EE if the client supports local account data encryption, or rely on standard Matrix account data privacy.
+    3.  Add a "Notes" tab or textarea to the user profile popout.
diff --git a/src/app/components/seasonal/Seasonal.css.ts b/src/app/components/seasonal/Seasonal.css.ts
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..bf897133e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/app/components/seasonal/Seasonal.css.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,136 @@
+import { keyframes } from '@vanilla-extract/css';
+
+/** Generic fall: particles drop from top to bottom with a slight rotate. */
+export const animSeasonFall = keyframes({
+  '0%': { transform: 'translateY(-20px) translateX(0) rotate(0deg)', opacity: '0' },
+  '5%': { opacity: '1' },
+  '90%': { opacity: '0.8' },
+  '100%': { transform: 'translateY(110vh) translateX(25px) rotate(360deg)', opacity: '0' },
+});
+
+/** Leaf fall: exaggerated horizontal sway as the leaf tumbles down. */
+export const animLeafFall = keyframes({
+  '0%': { transform: 'translateY(-20px) translateX(0) rotate(-20deg)', opacity: '0' },
+  '8%': { opacity: '0.85' },
+  '25%': { transform: 'translateY(25vh) translateX(35px) rotate(40deg)' },
+  '50%': { transform: 'translateY(50vh) translateX(-25px) rotate(130deg)' },
+  '75%': { transform: 'translateY(75vh) translateX(45px) rotate(260deg)' },
+  '92%': { opacity: '0.6' },
+  '100%': { transform: 'translateY(110vh) translateX(5px) rotate(380deg)', opacity: '0' },
+});
+
+/** Float up: hearts / embers rise from the bottom. */
+export const animFloatUp = keyframes({
+  '0%': { transform: 'translateY(0) scale(0.6) translateX(0)', opacity: '0' },
+  '8%': { opacity: '0.9' },
+  '50%': { transform: 'translateY(-50vh) scale(1) translateX(15px)' },
+  '85%': { opacity: '0.4' },
+  '100%': { transform: 'translateY(-105vh) scale(1.3) translateX(-10px)', opacity: '0' },
+});
+
+/** Bob: lanterns gently rise and fall with a slight tilt. */
+export const animBob = keyframes({
+  '0%': { transform: 'translateY(0px) rotate(-4deg)' },
+  '50%': { transform: 'translateY(-18px) rotate(4deg)' },
+  '100%': { transform: 'translateY(0px) rotate(-4deg)' },
+});
+
+/** Lantern tassel sway (used on the tassel element only). */
+export const animTasselSway = keyframes({
+  '0%': { transform: 'rotate(-8deg)' },
+  '50%': { transform: 'rotate(8deg)' },
+  '100%': { transform: 'rotate(-8deg)' },
+});
+
+/** Glitch jitter: rapid position jumps that feel like a signal error. */
+export const animGlitch = keyframes({
+  '0%': { transform: 'translate(0, 0)' },
+  '2%': { transform: 'translate(-4px, 2px)' },
+  '4%': { transform: 'translate(4px, -2px)' },
+  '6%': { transform: 'translate(0, 0)' },
+  '48%': { transform: 'translate(0, 0)' },
+  '50%': { transform: 'translate(3px, -3px)' },
+  '52%': { transform: 'translate(-3px, 3px)' },
+  '54%': { transform: 'translate(0, 0)' },
+  '78%': { transform: 'translate(0, 0)' },
+  '80%': { transform: 'translate(-5px, 1px)' },
+  '82%': { transform: 'translate(0, 0)' },
+  '100%': { transform: 'translate(0, 0)' },
+});
+
+/** Glitch color: hue + saturation spikes that look like a corrupted signal. */
+export const animGlitchColor = keyframes({
+  '0%': { filter: 'hue-rotate(0deg) saturate(1)' },
+  '8%': { filter: 'hue-rotate(180deg) saturate(3)' },
+  '9%': { filter: 'hue-rotate(0deg) saturate(1)' },
+  '55%': { filter: 'hue-rotate(0deg) saturate(1)' },
+  '57%': { filter: 'hue-rotate(90deg) saturate(2)' },
+  '58%': { filter: 'hue-rotate(0deg) saturate(1)' },
+  '80%': { filter: 'hue-rotate(0deg) saturate(1)' },
+  '82%': { filter: 'hue-rotate(270deg) saturate(2.5)' },
+  '83%': { filter: 'hue-rotate(0deg) saturate(1)' },
+  '100%': { filter: 'hue-rotate(0deg) saturate(1)' },
+});
+
+/** Glitch scanline: a horizontal band sweeps across, flickering. */
+export const animGlitchScan = keyframes({
+  '0%': { transform: 'translateY(-100%)' },
+  '100%': { transform: 'translateY(100vh)' },
+});
+
+/** Burst: circle expands outward from a point and fades — firework petal. */
+export const animBurst = keyframes({
+  '0%': { transform: 'scale(0) rotate(0deg)', opacity: '1' },
+  '50%': { opacity: '0.7' },
+  '100%': { transform: 'scale(1) rotate(45deg)', opacity: '0' },
+});
+
+/** Firework trail: a small dot rockets upward before bursting. */
+export const animRocket = keyframes({
+  '0%': { transform: 'translateY(0)', opacity: '1' },
+  '100%': { transform: 'translateY(-40vh)', opacity: '0' },
+});
+
+/** Deep space warp: stars streak from center outward. */
+export const animWarp = keyframes({
+  '0%': { transform: 'scale(0.05) translate(0, 0)', opacity: '0' },
+  '10%': { opacity: '1' },
+  '100%': { transform: 'scale(4) translate(0, 0)', opacity: '0' },
+});
+
+/** Arcade scanline flicker. */
+export const animScanline = keyframes({
+  '0%': { opacity: '0.12' },
+  '50%': { opacity: '0.04' },
+  '100%': { opacity: '0.12' },
+});
+
+/** Arcade pixel blink: decorative corner glyphs blink. */
+export const animPixelBlink = keyframes({
+  '0%, 49%': { opacity: '1' },
+  '50%, 100%': { opacity: '0' },
+});
+
+/** Gold shimmer: a shine sweeps across a metallic surface. */
+export const animGoldShimmer = keyframes({
+  '0%': { backgroundPosition: '-300% 0' },
+  '100%': { backgroundPosition: '300% 0' },
+});
+
+/** Clover drift: gentle fall with a slow spin. */
+export const animCloverDrift = keyframes({
+  '0%': { transform: 'translateY(-20px) rotate(0deg)', opacity: '0' },
+  '5%': { opacity: '0.7' },
+  '90%': { opacity: '0.5' },
+  '100%': { transform: 'translateY(110vh) rotate(720deg)', opacity: '0' },
+});
+
+/** Earth Day leaf sway: gentle horizontal oscillation for ambient leaf particles. */
+export const animEarthLeafDrift = keyframes({
+  '0%': { transform: 'translateY(-10px) translateX(0) rotate(0deg)', opacity: '0' },
+  '8%': { opacity: '0.6' },
+  '30%': { transform: 'translateY(30vh) translateX(20px) rotate(90deg)' },
+  '60%': { transform: 'translateY(60vh) translateX(-15px) rotate(200deg)' },
+  '90%': { opacity: '0.4' },
+  '100%': { transform: 'translateY(110vh) translateX(10px) rotate(340deg)', opacity: '0' },
+});
diff --git a/src/app/components/seasonal/SeasonalEffect.tsx b/src/app/components/seasonal/SeasonalEffect.tsx
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..9906f4e71
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/app/components/seasonal/SeasonalEffect.tsx
@@ -0,0 +1,802 @@
+import React, { useMemo } from 'react';
+import { useAtomValue } from 'jotai';
+import { settingsAtom } from '../../state/settings';
+import {
+  animSeasonFall,
+  animLeafFall,
+  animFloatUp,
+  animBob,
+  animTasselSway,
+  animGlitch,
+  animGlitchColor,
+  animGlitchScan,
+  animBurst,
+  animWarp,
+  animScanline,
+  animPixelBlink,
+  animGoldShimmer,
+  animCloverDrift,
+  animEarthLeafDrift,
+} from './Seasonal.css';
+
+export type SeasonTheme =
+  | 'halloween'
+  | 'christmas'
+  | 'newyear'
+  | 'autumn'
+  | 'aprilfools'
+  | 'lunar'
+  | 'valentines'
+  | 'stpatricks'
+  | 'earthday'
+  | 'deepspace'
+  | 'arcade';
+
+function getActiveSeason(now: Date): SeasonTheme | null {
+  const m = now.getMonth() + 1; // 1-12
+  const d = now.getDate();
+
+  // New Year takes highest priority (Dec 31 – Jan 2)
+  if ((m === 12 && d === 31) || (m === 1 && d <= 2)) return 'newyear';
+  // Valentine's Day (Feb 10–15)
+  if (m === 2 && d >= 10 && d <= 15) return 'valentines';
+  // St. Patrick's Day (March 15–18)
+  if (m === 3 && d >= 15 && d <= 18) return 'stpatricks';
+  // April Fool's (April 1)
+  if (m === 4 && d === 1) return 'aprilfools';
+  // Earth Day (April 20–23)
+  if (m === 4 && d >= 20 && d <= 23) return 'earthday';
+  // Lunar New Year (Jan 22 – Feb 5, approximate fixed window)
+  if ((m === 1 && d >= 22) || (m === 2 && d <= 5)) return 'lunar';
+  // International Video Game Day (Sept 12)
+  if (m === 9 && d === 12) return 'arcade';
+  // World Space Week (Oct 4–10)
+  if (m === 10 && d >= 4 && d <= 10) return 'deepspace';
+  // Halloween (Oct 15 – Nov 1)
+  if ((m === 10 && d >= 15) || (m === 11 && d === 1)) return 'halloween';
+  // Christmas (Dec 10–30)
+  if (m === 12 && d >= 10) return 'christmas';
+  // Autumn (Sept 21 – Oct 31, excluding Halloween/Deep Space windows above)
+  if ((m === 9 && d >= 21) || (m === 10 && d <= 14)) return 'autumn';
+
+  return null;
+}
+
+// ─── Individual theme overlays ────────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+function HalloweenOverlay({ reduced }: { reduced: boolean }) {
+  const particles = Array.from({ length: 22 });
+  return (
+    <>
+      {/* Dark purple ambient tint */}
+      <div
+        aria-hidden="true"
+        style={{
+          position: 'absolute',
+          inset: 0,
+          backgroundColor: 'rgba(25,0,45,0.22)',
+          backgroundImage:
+            'radial-gradient(ellipse at 50% 50%, rgba(100,0,180,0.08) 0%, transparent 70%)',
+        }}
+      />
+      {/* Spider web corners */}
+      <div
+        aria-hidden="true"
+        style={{
+          position: 'absolute',
+          top: 0,
+          left: 0,
+          width: '160px',
+          height: '160px',
+          backgroundImage: `url("data:image/svg+xml;utf8,<svg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' width='160' height='160' viewBox='0 0 160 160'><g stroke='rgba(180,120,255,0.35)' stroke-width='0.7' fill='none'><line x1='0' y1='0' x2='80' y2='80'/><line x1='40' y1='0' x2='80' y2='80'/><line x1='80' y1='0' x2='80' y2='80'/><line x1='0' y1='40' x2='80' y2='80'/><line x1='0' y1='80' x2='80' y2='80'/><ellipse cx='80' cy='80' rx='20' ry='20'/><ellipse cx='80' cy='80' rx='40' ry='40'/><ellipse cx='80' cy='80' rx='60' ry='60'/><ellipse cx='80' cy='80' rx='80' ry='80'/></g></svg>")`,
+          backgroundRepeat: 'no-repeat',
+          opacity: 0.7,
+        }}
+      />
+      {/* Falling purple/orange particles */}
+      {!reduced &&
+        particles.map((_, i) => {
+          const isOrange = i % 3 === 0;
+          const size = 4 + (i % 3) * 2;
+          const left = ((i * 4597 + 137) % 100);
+          const duration = 8 + (i % 7) * 1.5;
+          const delay = (i * 0.45) % 7;
+          return (
+            <div
+              key={i}
+              aria-hidden="true"
+              style={{
+                position: 'absolute',
+                top: '-8px',
+                left: `${left}%`,
+                width: `${size}px`,
+                height: `${size}px`,
+                borderRadius: '50%',
+                backgroundColor: isOrange ? 'rgba(255,100,0,0.75)' : 'rgba(160,0,255,0.7)',
+                boxShadow: isOrange
+                  ? '0 0 8px rgba(255,100,0,0.5)'
+                  : '0 0 8px rgba(160,0,255,0.5)',
+                animation: `${animSeasonFall} ${duration}s ease-in ${delay}s infinite`,
+              }}
+            />
+          );
+        })}
+    </>
+  );
+}
+
+function ChristmasOverlay({ reduced }: { reduced: boolean }) {
+  const flakes = Array.from({ length: 28 });
+  return (
+    <>
+      <div
+        aria-hidden="true"
+        style={{
+          position: 'absolute',
+          inset: 0,
+          backgroundImage:
+            'radial-gradient(ellipse at 50% 0%, rgba(220,240,255,0.06) 0%, transparent 60%)',
+        }}
+      />
+      {!reduced &&
+        flakes.map((_, i) => {
+          const size = 3 + (i % 4) * 2;
+          const left = ((i * 3571 + 251) % 100);
+          const duration = 10 + (i % 8) * 2;
+          const delay = (i * 0.55) % 10;
+          const drift = ((i % 5) - 2) * 12;
+          return (
+            <div
+              key={i}
+              aria-hidden="true"
+              style={{
+                position: 'absolute',
+                top: '-10px',
+                left: `${left}%`,
+                width: `${size}px`,
+                height: `${size}px`,
+                borderRadius: '50%',
+                backgroundColor: 'rgba(255,255,255,0.82)',
+                boxShadow: '0 0 4px rgba(200,230,255,0.6)',
+                animation: `${animSeasonFall} ${duration}s ease-in ${delay}s infinite`,
+                transform: `translateX(${drift}px)`,
+              }}
+            />
+          );
+        })}
+    </>
+  );
+}
+
+function NewYearOverlay({ reduced }: { reduced: boolean }) {
+  const bursts = [
+    { x: 20, y: 25, color: '#ffd700', delay: 0 },
+    { x: 75, y: 15, color: '#ff4466', delay: 1.2 },
+    { x: 50, y: 35, color: '#00d4ff', delay: 2.4 },
+    { x: 15, y: 60, color: '#ffd700', delay: 3.6 },
+    { x: 85, y: 45, color: '#aa44ff', delay: 0.8 },
+    { x: 40, y: 20, color: '#ff8800', delay: 2.0 },
+  ];
+
+  const petals = Array.from({ length: 8 });
+
+  return (
+    <>
+      <div
+        aria-hidden="true"
+        style={{
+          position: 'absolute',
+          inset: 0,
+          backgroundColor: 'rgba(10,5,0,0.15)',
+          backgroundImage:
+            'radial-gradient(ellipse at 50% 50%, rgba(255,200,0,0.04) 0%, transparent 70%)',
+        }}
+      />
+      {!reduced &&
+        bursts.map((b, bi) =>
+          petals.map((_, pi) => {
+            const angle = (pi / petals.length) * 360;
+            const dist = 80 + (pi % 3) * 30;
+            const duration = 1.6 + (bi % 3) * 0.4;
+            const period = 3.5 + bi * 0.8;
+            return (
+              <div
+                key={`${bi}-${pi}`}
+                aria-hidden="true"
+                style={{
+                  position: 'absolute',
+                  left: `${b.x}%`,
+                  top: `${b.y}%`,
+                  width: `${dist}px`,
+                  height: '2px',
+                  backgroundColor: b.color,
+                  boxShadow: `0 0 6px ${b.color}`,
+                  transformOrigin: '0 50%',
+                  transform: `rotate(${angle}deg)`,
+                  animation: `${animBurst} ${duration}s ease-out ${b.delay + pi * 0.05}s ${period}s infinite`,
+                  borderRadius: '1px',
+                  opacity: 0,
+                }}
+              />
+            );
+          })
+        )}
+      {/* Gold shimmer overlay */}
+      <div
+        aria-hidden="true"
+        style={{
+          position: 'absolute',
+          inset: 0,
+          backgroundImage:
+            'linear-gradient(105deg, transparent 30%, rgba(255,215,0,0.06) 50%, transparent 70%)',
+          backgroundSize: '200% 100%',
+          animation: reduced ? 'none' : `${animGoldShimmer} 4s linear infinite`,
+        }}
+      />
+    </>
+  );
+}
+
+function AutumnOverlay({ reduced }: { reduced: boolean }) {
+  const leaves = Array.from({ length: 18 });
+  const colors = [
+    'rgba(220,80,20,0.75)',
+    'rgba(200,120,0,0.7)',
+    'rgba(180,50,10,0.7)',
+    'rgba(230,150,0,0.65)',
+    'rgba(160,80,0,0.6)',
+  ];
+  return (
+    <>
+      <div
+        aria-hidden="true"
+        style={{
+          position: 'absolute',
+          inset: 0,
+          backgroundImage:
+            'radial-gradient(ellipse at 50% 100%, rgba(180,80,0,0.06) 0%, transparent 60%)',
+        }}
+      />
+      {!reduced &&
+        leaves.map((_, i) => {
+          const left = ((i * 5381 + 179) % 100);
+          const duration = 12 + (i % 6) * 2;
+          const delay = (i * 0.65) % 12;
+          const size = 10 + (i % 4) * 4;
+          const color = colors[i % colors.length];
+          return (
+            <div
+              key={i}
+              aria-hidden="true"
+              style={{
+                position: 'absolute',
+                top: '-15px',
+                left: `${left}%`,
+                width: `${size}px`,
+                height: `${size * 0.7}px`,
+                borderRadius: '50% 0 50% 0',
+                backgroundColor: color,
+                boxShadow: `0 0 4px ${color}`,
+                animation: `${animLeafFall} ${duration}s ease-in ${delay}s infinite`,
+              }}
+            />
+          );
+        })}
+    </>
+  );
+}
+
+function AprilFoolsOverlay({ reduced }: { reduced: boolean }) {
+  return (
+    <>
+      {/* RGB channel separation layers */}
+      <div
+        aria-hidden="true"
+        style={{
+          position: 'absolute',
+          inset: 0,
+          backgroundColor: 'rgba(255,0,0,0.04)',
+          transform: 'translateX(2px)',
+          mixBlendMode: 'multiply',
+          animation: reduced ? 'none' : `${animGlitch} 5s step-end infinite`,
+        }}
+      />
+      <div
+        aria-hidden="true"
+        style={{
+          position: 'absolute',
+          inset: 0,
+          backgroundColor: 'rgba(0,255,255,0.04)',
+          transform: 'translateX(-2px)',
+          mixBlendMode: 'multiply',
+          animation: reduced ? 'none' : `${animGlitch} 5s step-end 0.3s infinite`,
+        }}
+      />
+      {/* Color corruption */}
+      <div
+        aria-hidden="true"
+        style={{
+          position: 'absolute',
+          inset: 0,
+          animation: reduced ? 'none' : `${animGlitchColor} 7s step-end infinite`,
+        }}
+      />
+      {/* Sweeping scanline */}
+      {!reduced && (
+        <div
+          aria-hidden="true"
+          style={{
+            position: 'absolute',
+            left: 0,
+            right: 0,
+            height: '3px',
+            backgroundColor: 'rgba(0,255,136,0.35)',
+            boxShadow: '0 0 8px rgba(0,255,136,0.5)',
+            animation: `${animGlitchScan} 2.8s linear infinite`,
+          }}
+        />
+      )}
+      {/* "ERROR" watermark */}
+      <div
+        aria-hidden="true"
+        style={{
+          position: 'absolute',
+          top: '50%',
+          left: '50%',
+          transform: 'translate(-50%, -50%) rotate(-15deg)',
+          fontSize: '80px',
+          fontWeight: 900,
+          fontFamily: 'monospace',
+          color: 'rgba(255,0,0,0.07)',
+          letterSpacing: '0.1em',
+          pointerEvents: 'none',
+          userSelect: 'none',
+          whiteSpace: 'nowrap',
+        }}
+      >
+        SIGNAL LOST
+      </div>
+    </>
+  );
+}
+
+function LunarNewYearOverlay({ reduced }: { reduced: boolean }) {
+  const lanterns = Array.from({ length: 9 });
+  return (
+    <>
+      {/* Silk-like texture overlay */}
+      <div
+        aria-hidden="true"
+        style={{
+          position: 'absolute',
+          inset: 0,
+          backgroundColor: 'rgba(140,0,0,0.08)',
+          backgroundImage: [
+            'repeating-linear-gradient(45deg, rgba(200,20,0,0.03) 0px, rgba(200,20,0,0.03) 1px, transparent 1px, transparent 8px)',
+            'repeating-linear-gradient(135deg, rgba(200,20,0,0.03) 0px, rgba(200,20,0,0.03) 1px, transparent 1px, transparent 8px)',
+          ].join(','),
+        }}
+      />
+      {/* Gold shimmer sweep */}
+      <div
+        aria-hidden="true"
+        style={{
+          position: 'absolute',
+          inset: 0,
+          backgroundImage:
+            'linear-gradient(100deg, transparent 25%, rgba(255,200,0,0.07) 45%, rgba(255,220,50,0.1) 50%, rgba(255,200,0,0.07) 55%, transparent 75%)',
+          backgroundSize: '300% 100%',
+          animation: reduced ? 'none' : `${animGoldShimmer} 5s linear infinite`,
+        }}
+      />
+      {/* Floating paper lanterns */}
+      {lanterns.map((_, i) => {
+        const left = 5 + ((i * 4603 + 311) % 90);
+        const top = 8 + ((i * 2311 + 97) % 55);
+        const duration = 3.5 + (i % 4) * 0.7;
+        const delay = i * 0.5;
+        return (
+          <div
+            key={i}
+            aria-hidden="true"
+            style={{
+              position: 'absolute',
+              left: `${left}%`,
+              top: `${top}%`,
+              animation: reduced ? 'none' : `${animBob} ${duration}s ease-in-out ${delay}s infinite`,
+            }}
+          >
+            {/* Lantern top cap */}
+            <div
+              style={{
+                width: '18px',
+                height: '5px',
+                backgroundColor: '#ffd700',
+                borderRadius: '2px',
+                margin: '0 auto',
+                boxShadow: '0 0 4px rgba(255,215,0,0.6)',
+              }}
+            />
+            {/* Lantern body */}
+            <div
+              style={{
+                width: '24px',
+                height: '32px',
+                backgroundColor: '#cc0000',
+                borderRadius: '50%',
+                border: '1.5px solid #ffd700',
+                boxShadow: '0 0 14px rgba(200,0,0,0.5), inset 0 0 10px rgba(255,200,0,0.2)',
+                margin: '1px auto',
+              }}
+            />
+            {/* Lantern bottom cap */}
+            <div
+              style={{
+                width: '18px',
+                height: '5px',
+                backgroundColor: '#ffd700',
+                borderRadius: '2px',
+                margin: '0 auto',
+              }}
+            />
+            {/* Tassel */}
+            <div
+              style={{
+                width: '2px',
+                height: '14px',
+                backgroundColor: '#ffd700',
+                margin: '0 auto',
+                animation: reduced ? 'none' : `${animTasselSway} ${duration * 0.6}s ease-in-out ${delay}s infinite`,
+                transformOrigin: 'top center',
+              }}
+            />
+          </div>
+        );
+      })}
+    </>
+  );
+}
+
+function ValentinesOverlay({ reduced }: { reduced: boolean }) {
+  const hearts = Array.from({ length: 18 });
+  const colors = [
+    'rgba(255,100,140,0.8)',
+    'rgba(255,150,180,0.65)',
+    'rgba(220,70,110,0.7)',
+    'rgba(255,180,200,0.55)',
+  ];
+  return (
+    <>
+      <div
+        aria-hidden="true"
+        style={{
+          position: 'absolute',
+          inset: 0,
+          backgroundImage:
+            'radial-gradient(ellipse at 50% 100%, rgba(255,100,140,0.06) 0%, transparent 55%)',
+        }}
+      />
+      {!reduced &&
+        hearts.map((_, i) => {
+          const left = 3 + ((i * 6271 + 443) % 94);
+          const duration = 9 + (i % 6) * 1.8;
+          const delay = (i * 0.6) % 9;
+          const size = 14 + (i % 4) * 5;
+          const color = colors[i % colors.length];
+          return (
+            <div
+              key={i}
+              aria-hidden="true"
+              style={{
+                position: 'absolute',
+                bottom: '-20px',
+                left: `${left}%`,
+                fontSize: `${size}px`,
+                color,
+                filter: 'drop-shadow(0 0 4px rgba(255,100,140,0.4))',
+                animation: `${animFloatUp} ${duration}s ease-in ${delay}s infinite`,
+                userSelect: 'none',
+              }}
+            >
+              ♥
+            </div>
+          );
+        })}
+    </>
+  );
+}
+
+function StPatricksOverlay({ reduced }: { reduced: boolean }) {
+  const clovers = Array.from({ length: 18 });
+  return (
+    <>
+      <div
+        aria-hidden="true"
+        style={{
+          position: 'absolute',
+          inset: 0,
+          backgroundImage: [
+            'radial-gradient(ellipse at 50% 0%, rgba(0,160,60,0.07) 0%, transparent 50%)',
+            'radial-gradient(ellipse at 50% 100%, rgba(0,130,50,0.05) 0%, transparent 40%)',
+          ].join(','),
+        }}
+      />
+      {/* Moving metallic gold shimmer on the accent border at top */}
+      <div
+        aria-hidden="true"
+        style={{
+          position: 'absolute',
+          top: 0,
+          left: 0,
+          right: 0,
+          height: '3px',
+          backgroundImage:
+            'linear-gradient(90deg, transparent 0%, #ffd700 20%, #fff4a0 40%, #ffd700 60%, transparent 100%)',
+          backgroundSize: '300% 100%',
+          animation: reduced ? 'none' : `${animGoldShimmer} 3s linear infinite`,
+        }}
+      />
+      {!reduced &&
+        clovers.map((_, i) => {
+          const left = ((i * 4129 + 223) % 100);
+          const duration = 14 + (i % 6) * 2;
+          const delay = (i * 0.7) % 12;
+          const size = 14 + (i % 3) * 6;
+          return (
+            <div
+              key={i}
+              aria-hidden="true"
+              style={{
+                position: 'absolute',
+                top: '-20px',
+                left: `${left}%`,
+                fontSize: `${size}px`,
+                opacity: 0.45 + (i % 3) * 0.1,
+                filter: 'drop-shadow(0 0 3px rgba(0,180,60,0.3))',
+                animation: `${animCloverDrift} ${duration}s linear ${delay}s infinite`,
+                userSelect: 'none',
+              }}
+            >
+              ☘
+            </div>
+          );
+        })}
+    </>
+  );
+}
+
+function EarthDayOverlay({ reduced }: { reduced: boolean }) {
+  const leaves = Array.from({ length: 16 });
+  const leafEmoji = ['🌿', '🍃', '🌱', '🍀'];
+  return (
+    <>
+      <div
+        aria-hidden="true"
+        style={{
+          position: 'absolute',
+          inset: 0,
+          backgroundImage: [
+            'radial-gradient(ellipse at 30% 70%, rgba(60,160,60,0.07) 0%, transparent 50%)',
+            'radial-gradient(ellipse at 70% 30%, rgba(100,180,80,0.05) 0%, transparent 45%)',
+          ].join(','),
+        }}
+      />
+      {/* Vine line along the left edge */}
+      <div
+        aria-hidden="true"
+        style={{
+          position: 'absolute',
+          left: 0,
+          top: 0,
+          bottom: 0,
+          width: '3px',
+          backgroundImage:
+            'linear-gradient(180deg, transparent 0%, rgba(60,160,60,0.4) 20%, rgba(80,180,60,0.6) 50%, rgba(60,160,60,0.4) 80%, transparent 100%)',
+        }}
+      />
+      {!reduced &&
+        leaves.map((_, i) => {
+          const left = 3 + ((i * 5023 + 317) % 92);
+          const duration = 13 + (i % 5) * 2;
+          const delay = (i * 0.75) % 11;
+          const size = 14 + (i % 3) * 5;
+          return (
+            <div
+              key={i}
+              aria-hidden="true"
+              style={{
+                position: 'absolute',
+                top: '-20px',
+                left: `${left}%`,
+                fontSize: `${size}px`,
+                opacity: 0.5 + (i % 3) * 0.1,
+                animation: `${animEarthLeafDrift} ${duration}s ease-in ${delay}s infinite`,
+                userSelect: 'none',
+              }}
+            >
+              {leafEmoji[i % leafEmoji.length]}
+            </div>
+          );
+        })}
+    </>
+  );
+}
+
+function DeepSpaceOverlay({ reduced }: { reduced: boolean }) {
+  const stars = Array.from({ length: 24 });
+  return (
+    <>
+      {/* Deep space ambient */}
+      <div
+        aria-hidden="true"
+        style={{
+          position: 'absolute',
+          inset: 0,
+          backgroundColor: 'rgba(0,0,8,0.3)',
+          backgroundImage: [
+            'radial-gradient(ellipse at 30% 40%, rgba(80,0,180,0.10) 0%, transparent 50%)',
+            'radial-gradient(ellipse at 70% 60%, rgba(0,60,180,0.10) 0%, transparent 50%)',
+            'radial-gradient(ellipse at 50% 20%, rgba(120,0,200,0.07) 0%, transparent 40%)',
+          ].join(','),
+        }}
+      />
+      {/* Warp streak particles emanating from center */}
+      {!reduced &&
+        stars.map((_, i) => {
+          const angle = (i / stars.length) * 360;
+          const duration = 2.5 + (i % 5) * 0.4;
+          const delay = (i * 0.18) % 2.5;
+          const period = 3 + (i % 4) * 0.5;
+          const size = 1 + (i % 3);
+          const colors = ['rgba(200,180,255,0.9)', 'rgba(150,200,255,0.8)', 'rgba(255,255,255,0.7)'];
+          return (
+            <div
+              key={i}
+              aria-hidden="true"
+              style={{
+                position: 'absolute',
+                left: '50%',
+                top: '50%',
+                width: `${80 + i * 6}px`,
+                height: `${size}px`,
+                backgroundColor: colors[i % colors.length],
+                transformOrigin: '0 50%',
+                transform: `rotate(${angle}deg)`,
+                boxShadow: `0 0 ${size * 2}px ${colors[i % colors.length]}`,
+                animation: `${animWarp} ${duration}s ease-out ${delay}s ${period}s infinite`,
+                opacity: 0,
+              }}
+            />
+          );
+        })}
+    </>
+  );
+}
+
+function ArcadeOverlay({ reduced }: { reduced: boolean }) {
+  return (
+    <>
+      {/* CRT scanlines */}
+      <div
+        aria-hidden="true"
+        style={{
+          position: 'absolute',
+          inset: 0,
+          backgroundImage:
+            'repeating-linear-gradient(0deg, rgba(0,0,0,0.12) 0px, rgba(0,0,0,0.12) 1px, transparent 1px, transparent 3px)',
+          animation: reduced ? 'none' : `${animScanline} 3s ease-in-out infinite`,
+        }}
+      />
+      {/* Pixel corner decorations */}
+      {(['0,0', '0,auto', 'auto,0', 'auto,auto'] as const).map((corner, i) => {
+        const [t, b] = corner.split(',');
+        return (
+          <div
+            key={i}
+            aria-hidden="true"
+            style={{
+              position: 'absolute',
+              top: t === '0' ? '8px' : undefined,
+              bottom: b === '0' ? '8px' : undefined,
+              left: i % 2 === 0 ? '8px' : undefined,
+              right: i % 2 === 1 ? '8px' : undefined,
+              fontFamily: 'monospace',
+              fontSize: '11px',
+              color: 'rgba(0,255,136,0.5)',
+              letterSpacing: '0.05em',
+              animation: reduced ? 'none' : `${animPixelBlink} ${1 + i * 0.3}s step-end infinite`,
+              userSelect: 'none',
+            }}
+          >
+            {['[■]', '[■]', '[■]', '[■]'][i]}
+          </div>
+        );
+      })}
+      {/* "INSERT COIN" prompt */}
+      <div
+        aria-hidden="true"
+        style={{
+          position: 'absolute',
+          bottom: '16px',
+          left: '50%',
+          transform: 'translateX(-50%)',
+          fontFamily: 'monospace',
+          fontSize: '12px',
+          letterSpacing: '0.2em',
+          color: 'rgba(255,220,0,0.4)',
+          animation: reduced ? 'none' : `${animPixelBlink} 1.2s step-end infinite`,
+          userSelect: 'none',
+          whiteSpace: 'nowrap',
+        }}
+      >
+        — INSERT COIN —
+      </div>
+      {/* Vignette */}
+      <div
+        aria-hidden="true"
+        style={{
+          position: 'absolute',
+          inset: 0,
+          backgroundImage:
+            'radial-gradient(ellipse at 50% 50%, transparent 60%, rgba(0,0,0,0.35) 100%)',
+        }}
+      />
+    </>
+  );
+}
+
+// ─── Wrapper ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+function SeasonalOverlay({
+  theme,
+  reduced,
+}: {
+  theme: SeasonTheme;
+  reduced: boolean;
+}) {
+  const overlayMap: Record<SeasonTheme, React.ReactNode> = {
+    halloween: <HalloweenOverlay reduced={reduced} />,
+    christmas: <ChristmasOverlay reduced={reduced} />,
+    newyear: <NewYearOverlay reduced={reduced} />,
+    autumn: <AutumnOverlay reduced={reduced} />,
+    aprilfools: <AprilFoolsOverlay reduced={reduced} />,
+    lunar: <LunarNewYearOverlay reduced={reduced} />,
+    valentines: <ValentinesOverlay reduced={reduced} />,
+    stpatricks: <StPatricksOverlay reduced={reduced} />,
+    earthday: <EarthDayOverlay reduced={reduced} />,
+    deepspace: <DeepSpaceOverlay reduced={reduced} />,
+    arcade: <ArcadeOverlay reduced={reduced} />,
+  };
+
+  return (
+    <div
+      aria-hidden="true"
+      style={{
+        position: 'fixed',
+        inset: 0,
+        pointerEvents: 'none',
+        zIndex: 9997,
+        overflow: 'hidden',
+      }}
+    >
+      {overlayMap[theme]}
+    </div>
+  );
+}
+
+export function SeasonalEffect() {
+  const settings = useAtomValue(settingsAtom);
+  const reduced =
+    typeof window !== 'undefined' &&
+    window.matchMedia('(prefers-reduced-motion: reduce)').matches;
+
+  const theme = useMemo<SeasonTheme | null>(() => {
+    const override = settings.seasonalThemeOverride ?? 'auto';
+    if (override === 'off') return null;
+    if (override === 'auto') return getActiveSeason(new Date());
+    return override as SeasonTheme;
+  }, [settings.seasonalThemeOverride]);
+
+  if (!theme) return null;
+  return <SeasonalOverlay theme={theme} reduced={reduced} />;
+}
diff --git a/src/app/features/lotus/chatBackground.ts b/src/app/features/lotus/chatBackground.ts
index 2908dd19a..4dafefcd6 100644
--- a/src/app/features/lotus/chatBackground.ts
+++ b/src/app/features/lotus/chatBackground.ts
@@ -2,10 +2,14 @@ import { CSSProperties } from 'react';
 import { ChatBackground } from '../../state/settings';
 import {
   animRainKeyframe,
+  animRainGlowKeyframe,
   animStarsDriftKeyframe,
   animGridPulseKeyframe,
+  animGridBrightnessKeyframe,
   animAuroraKeyframe,
   animFirefliesKeyframe,
+  animFirefliesGlowKeyframe,
+  animFirefliesBlinkKeyframe,
 } from '../../styles/Animations.css';
 
 export const BG_OPTIONS: { value: ChatBackground; label: string }[] = [
@@ -197,19 +201,19 @@ const DARK: Record<ChatBackground, CSSProperties> = {
     ].join(','),
   },
 
-  // Animated: Matrix digital rain — scrolling vertical green stripes
+  // Animated: Matrix digital rain — scrolling stripe columns + phosphor glow flicker
   'anim-rain': {
     backgroundColor: '#010804',
     backgroundImage: [
-      'repeating-linear-gradient(180deg, rgba(0,255,136,0.13) 0px, rgba(0,255,136,0.13) 1px, transparent 1px, transparent 20px)',
+      'repeating-linear-gradient(180deg, rgba(0,255,136,0.16) 0px, rgba(0,255,136,0.16) 1px, transparent 1px, transparent 20px)',
       'repeating-linear-gradient(180deg, rgba(0,255,136,0.07) 0px, rgba(0,255,136,0.07) 1px, transparent 1px, transparent 8px)',
     ].join(','),
     backgroundSize: '40px 200px, 12px 200px',
     backgroundPosition: '0 0, 0 0',
-    animation: `${animRainKeyframe} 8s linear infinite`,
+    animation: `${animRainKeyframe} 8s linear infinite, ${animRainGlowKeyframe} 2.1s ease-in-out infinite`,
   },
 
-  // Animated: drifting star field — three layers at different speeds
+  // Animated: drifting star field — three seamlessly-tiling layers at different speeds
   'anim-stars': {
     backgroundColor: '#050510',
     backgroundImage: [
@@ -219,10 +223,10 @@ const DARK: Record<ChatBackground, CSSProperties> = {
     ].join(','),
     backgroundSize: '130px 130px, 190px 190px, 260px 260px',
     backgroundPosition: '0 0, 65px 32px, 32px 97px',
-    animation: `${animStarsDriftKeyframe} 25s linear infinite`,
+    animation: `${animStarsDriftKeyframe} 30s linear infinite`,
   },
 
-  // Animated: neon grid pulse — grid lines that expand/contract
+  // Animated: neon grid pulse — size breathe + independent brightness oscillation
   'anim-pulse': {
     backgroundColor: '#030508',
     backgroundImage: [
@@ -232,34 +236,34 @@ const DARK: Record<ChatBackground, CSSProperties> = {
       'linear-gradient(90deg, rgba(0,212,255,0.06) 1px, transparent 1px)',
     ].join(','),
     backgroundSize: '60px 60px, 60px 60px, 12px 12px, 12px 12px',
-    animation: `${animGridPulseKeyframe} 4s ease-in-out infinite`,
+    animation: `${animGridPulseKeyframe} 4s ease-in-out infinite, ${animGridBrightnessKeyframe} 3.3s ease-in-out infinite`,
   },
 
-  // Animated: aurora borealis — slowly drifting gradient bands
+  // Animated: aurora borealis — four bands each travel an independent path
   'anim-aurora': {
     backgroundColor: '#020a10',
     backgroundImage: [
-      'radial-gradient(ellipse at 20% 30%, rgba(0,255,136,0.10) 0%, transparent 55%)',
-      'radial-gradient(ellipse at 80% 70%, rgba(0,100,255,0.10) 0%, transparent 55%)',
-      'radial-gradient(ellipse at 50% 10%, rgba(191,95,255,0.08) 0%, transparent 50%)',
-      'radial-gradient(ellipse at 60% 90%, rgba(0,212,255,0.08) 0%, transparent 50%)',
+      'radial-gradient(ellipse 80% 60% at 20% 30%, rgba(0,255,136,0.12) 0%, transparent 70%)',
+      'radial-gradient(ellipse 70% 50% at 80% 70%, rgba(0,100,255,0.12) 0%, transparent 70%)',
+      'radial-gradient(ellipse 90% 70% at 50% 10%, rgba(191,95,255,0.09) 0%, transparent 65%)',
+      'radial-gradient(ellipse 75% 55% at 60% 90%, rgba(0,212,255,0.09) 0%, transparent 65%)',
     ].join(','),
-    backgroundSize: '200% 200%',
-    backgroundPosition: '0% 0%',
-    animation: `${animAuroraKeyframe} 20s ease-in-out infinite`,
+    backgroundSize: '200% 200%, 250% 250%, 300% 300%, 220% 220%',
+    backgroundPosition: '0% 0%, 100% 0%, 50% 100%, 0% 50%',
+    animation: `${animAuroraKeyframe} 28s ease-in-out infinite`,
   },
 
-  // Animated: fireflies — three layers of glowing dots at different speeds
+  // Animated: fireflies — drift + brightness glow + opacity blink at prime periods
   'anim-fireflies': {
     backgroundColor: '#030508',
     backgroundImage: [
-      'radial-gradient(circle, rgba(255,220,50,0.55) 1.5px, rgba(255,160,0,0.15) 3px, transparent 4px)',
-      'radial-gradient(circle, rgba(255,200,30,0.45) 1px, rgba(255,140,0,0.12) 2.5px, transparent 3.5px)',
-      'radial-gradient(circle, rgba(255,240,100,0.35) 1px, transparent 2px)',
+      'radial-gradient(circle, rgba(255,220,50,0.7) 1.5px, rgba(255,160,0,0.18) 3px, transparent 4px)',
+      'radial-gradient(circle, rgba(255,200,30,0.55) 1px, rgba(255,140,0,0.14) 2.5px, transparent 3.5px)',
+      'radial-gradient(circle, rgba(255,240,100,0.4) 1px, transparent 2px)',
     ].join(','),
     backgroundSize: '200px 200px, 280px 280px, 160px 160px',
     backgroundPosition: '0 0, 120px 80px, 60px 140px',
-    animation: `${animFirefliesKeyframe} 15s linear infinite`,
+    animation: `${animFirefliesKeyframe} 30s linear infinite, ${animFirefliesGlowKeyframe} 2.3s ease-in-out infinite, ${animFirefliesBlinkKeyframe} 1.7s ease-in-out infinite`,
   },
 };
 
@@ -423,12 +427,12 @@ const LIGHT: Record<ChatBackground, CSSProperties> = {
   'anim-rain': {
     backgroundColor: '#f0fff4',
     backgroundImage: [
-      'repeating-linear-gradient(180deg, rgba(0,160,80,0.14) 0px, rgba(0,160,80,0.14) 1px, transparent 1px, transparent 20px)',
+      'repeating-linear-gradient(180deg, rgba(0,160,80,0.16) 0px, rgba(0,160,80,0.16) 1px, transparent 1px, transparent 20px)',
       'repeating-linear-gradient(180deg, rgba(0,160,80,0.07) 0px, rgba(0,160,80,0.07) 1px, transparent 1px, transparent 8px)',
     ].join(','),
     backgroundSize: '40px 200px, 12px 200px',
     backgroundPosition: '0 0, 0 0',
-    animation: `${animRainKeyframe} 8s linear infinite`,
+    animation: `${animRainKeyframe} 8s linear infinite, ${animRainGlowKeyframe} 2.1s ease-in-out infinite`,
   },
 
   'anim-stars': {
@@ -440,7 +444,7 @@ const LIGHT: Record<ChatBackground, CSSProperties> = {
     ].join(','),
     backgroundSize: '130px 130px, 190px 190px, 260px 260px',
     backgroundPosition: '0 0, 65px 32px, 32px 97px',
-    animation: `${animStarsDriftKeyframe} 25s linear infinite`,
+    animation: `${animStarsDriftKeyframe} 30s linear infinite`,
   },
 
   'anim-pulse': {
@@ -452,32 +456,32 @@ const LIGHT: Record<ChatBackground, CSSProperties> = {
       'linear-gradient(90deg, rgba(0,98,184,0.06) 1px, transparent 1px)',
     ].join(','),
     backgroundSize: '60px 60px, 60px 60px, 12px 12px, 12px 12px',
-    animation: `${animGridPulseKeyframe} 4s ease-in-out infinite`,
+    animation: `${animGridPulseKeyframe} 4s ease-in-out infinite, ${animGridBrightnessKeyframe} 3.3s ease-in-out infinite`,
   },
 
   'anim-aurora': {
     backgroundColor: '#f0f8f4',
     backgroundImage: [
-      'radial-gradient(ellipse at 20% 30%, rgba(0,160,80,0.12) 0%, transparent 55%)',
-      'radial-gradient(ellipse at 80% 70%, rgba(0,80,200,0.12) 0%, transparent 55%)',
-      'radial-gradient(ellipse at 50% 10%, rgba(140,60,220,0.09) 0%, transparent 50%)',
-      'radial-gradient(ellipse at 60% 90%, rgba(0,160,200,0.09) 0%, transparent 50%)',
+      'radial-gradient(ellipse 80% 60% at 20% 30%, rgba(0,160,80,0.13) 0%, transparent 70%)',
+      'radial-gradient(ellipse 70% 50% at 80% 70%, rgba(0,80,200,0.13) 0%, transparent 70%)',
+      'radial-gradient(ellipse 90% 70% at 50% 10%, rgba(140,60,220,0.10) 0%, transparent 65%)',
+      'radial-gradient(ellipse 75% 55% at 60% 90%, rgba(0,160,200,0.10) 0%, transparent 65%)',
     ].join(','),
-    backgroundSize: '200% 200%',
-    backgroundPosition: '0% 0%',
-    animation: `${animAuroraKeyframe} 20s ease-in-out infinite`,
+    backgroundSize: '200% 200%, 250% 250%, 300% 300%, 220% 220%',
+    backgroundPosition: '0% 0%, 100% 0%, 50% 100%, 0% 50%',
+    animation: `${animAuroraKeyframe} 28s ease-in-out infinite`,
   },
 
   'anim-fireflies': {
     backgroundColor: '#fffdf0',
     backgroundImage: [
-      'radial-gradient(circle, rgba(180,120,0,0.55) 1.5px, rgba(160,90,0,0.15) 3px, transparent 4px)',
-      'radial-gradient(circle, rgba(160,100,0,0.45) 1px, rgba(140,80,0,0.12) 2.5px, transparent 3.5px)',
-      'radial-gradient(circle, rgba(200,140,0,0.35) 1px, transparent 2px)',
+      'radial-gradient(circle, rgba(180,120,0,0.70) 1.5px, rgba(160,90,0,0.18) 3px, transparent 4px)',
+      'radial-gradient(circle, rgba(160,100,0,0.55) 1px, rgba(140,80,0,0.14) 2.5px, transparent 3.5px)',
+      'radial-gradient(circle, rgba(200,140,0,0.40) 1px, transparent 2px)',
     ].join(','),
     backgroundSize: '200px 200px, 280px 280px, 160px 160px',
     backgroundPosition: '0 0, 120px 80px, 60px 140px',
-    animation: `${animFirefliesKeyframe} 15s linear infinite`,
+    animation: `${animFirefliesKeyframe} 30s linear infinite, ${animFirefliesGlowKeyframe} 2.3s ease-in-out infinite, ${animFirefliesBlinkKeyframe} 1.7s ease-in-out infinite`,
   },
 };
 
diff --git a/src/app/features/settings/general/General.tsx b/src/app/features/settings/general/General.tsx
index e770dcebd..a0c3c457d 100644
--- a/src/app/features/settings/general/General.tsx
+++ b/src/app/features/settings/general/General.tsx
@@ -341,6 +341,10 @@ function Appearance() {
     'mentionHighlightColor',
   );
   const [fontFamily, setFontFamily] = useSetting(settingsAtom, 'fontFamily');
+  const [seasonalThemeOverride, setSeasonalThemeOverride] = useSetting(
+    settingsAtom,
+    'seasonalThemeOverride',
+  );
 
   return (
     <Box direction="Column" gap="100">
@@ -408,6 +412,51 @@ function Appearance() {
         />
       </SequenceCard>
 
+      <SequenceCard className={SequenceCardStyle} variant="SurfaceVariant" direction="Column">
+        <SettingTile
+          title="Seasonal Theme"
+          description="Decorative overlays that activate automatically on holidays and events, or choose one manually."
+          after={
+            <select
+              value={seasonalThemeOverride ?? 'auto'}
+              onChange={(e) =>
+                setSeasonalThemeOverride(
+                  e.target.value as typeof seasonalThemeOverride,
+                )
+              }
+              style={{
+                background: 'var(--bg-surface-variant)',
+                color: 'inherit',
+                border: '1px solid var(--border-interactive)',
+                borderRadius: '6px',
+                padding: '4px 8px',
+                fontSize: '14px',
+                fontFamily: 'inherit',
+                cursor: 'pointer',
+              }}
+            >
+              <option value="auto">🗓 Auto (date-based)</option>
+              <option value="off">Off</option>
+              <optgroup label="Holidays">
+                <option value="newyear">🎆 New Year (Dec 31–Jan 2)</option>
+                <option value="lunar">🏮 Lunar New Year (Jan 22–Feb 5)</option>
+                <option value="valentines">💖 Valentine&apos;s Day (Feb 10–15)</option>
+                <option value="stpatricks">🍀 St. Patrick&apos;s Day (Mar 15–18)</option>
+                <option value="aprilfools">🃏 April Fool&apos;s Day (Apr 1)</option>
+                <option value="earthday">🌱 Earth Day (Apr 22)</option>
+                <option value="autumn">🍂 Autumn (Sep 21–Oct 31)</option>
+                <option value="halloween">🎃 Halloween (Oct 15–Nov 1)</option>
+                <option value="christmas">❄️ Christmas (Dec 10–Jan 2)</option>
+              </optgroup>
+              <optgroup label="Events">
+                <option value="arcade">👾 Retro Arcade Day (Sep 12)</option>
+                <option value="deepspace">🚀 Deep Space Week (Oct 4–10)</option>
+              </optgroup>
+            </select>
+          }
+        />
+      </SequenceCard>
+
       <SequenceCard className={SequenceCardStyle} variant="SurfaceVariant" direction="Column">
         <SettingTile
           title="Show Profile on Every Message"
diff --git a/src/app/pages/App.tsx b/src/app/pages/App.tsx
index 82a9e9021..0193f40d4 100644
--- a/src/app/pages/App.tsx
+++ b/src/app/pages/App.tsx
@@ -16,6 +16,7 @@ import { useCompositionEndTracking } from '../hooks/useComposingCheck';
 import { settingsAtom } from '../state/settings';
 import { LotusToastContainer } from '../features/toast/LotusToastContainer';
 import { useTauriNotificationBadge } from '../hooks/useTauriNotificationBadge';
+import { SeasonalEffect } from '../components/seasonal/SeasonalEffect';
 
 const FONT_MAP: Record<string, string> = {
   system: "system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', sans-serif",
@@ -139,6 +140,7 @@ function App() {
                           <AppearanceEffects />
                           <TauriEffects />
                           <RouterProvider router={createRouter(clientConfig, screenSize)} />
+                          <SeasonalEffect />
                           <NightLightOverlay />
                           <LotusToastContainer />
                         </JotaiProvider>
diff --git a/src/app/state/settings.ts b/src/app/state/settings.ts
index 22e566439..451fea2ae 100644
--- a/src/app/state/settings.ts
+++ b/src/app/state/settings.ts
@@ -133,6 +133,21 @@ export interface Settings {
   afkTimeoutMinutes: number;
 
   callJoinLeaveSound: 'off' | 'chime' | 'soft' | 'retro';
+
+  seasonalThemeOverride:
+    | 'auto'
+    | 'off'
+    | 'halloween'
+    | 'christmas'
+    | 'newyear'
+    | 'autumn'
+    | 'aprilfools'
+    | 'lunar'
+    | 'valentines'
+    | 'stpatricks'
+    | 'earthday'
+    | 'deepspace'
+    | 'arcade';
 }
 
 const defaultSettings: Settings = {
@@ -208,6 +223,8 @@ const defaultSettings: Settings = {
   afkTimeoutMinutes: 10,
 
   callJoinLeaveSound: 'chime',
+
+  seasonalThemeOverride: 'auto',
 };
 
 export const getSettings = (): Settings => {
diff --git a/src/app/styles/Animations.css.ts b/src/app/styles/Animations.css.ts
index b3a1488fd..30c1aad36 100644
--- a/src/app/styles/Animations.css.ts
+++ b/src/app/styles/Animations.css.ts
@@ -70,38 +70,86 @@ export const MsgAppearClass = style({
   },
 });
 
-// Animated chat background keyframes
+// ─── Animated chat background keyframes ───────────────────────────────────────
 
-// Animated chat background keyframes
-
-/** Matrix rain — two stripe layers scroll at different speeds for parallax depth */
+/**
+ * Digital Rain — vertical stripe scroll with a phosphor-glow flicker layered on top.
+ * Two stripe layers at different column widths and speeds create parallax depth.
+ */
 export const animRainKeyframe = keyframes({
   from: { backgroundPosition: '0 0, 0 0' },
   to: { backgroundPosition: '0 200px, 0 100px' },
 });
 
-/** Drifting stars — three layers drift diagonally */
-export const animStarsDriftKeyframe = keyframes({
-  from: { backgroundPosition: '0 0, 65px 32px, 32px 97px' },
-  to: { backgroundPosition: '130px 130px, 195px 162px, 162px 227px' },
+/** Phosphor flicker brightness pulse layered over the rain scroll. */
+export const animRainGlowKeyframe = keyframes({
+  '0%': { filter: 'brightness(0.85)' },
+  '30%': { filter: 'brightness(1.25)' },
+  '60%': { filter: 'brightness(0.9)' },
+  '80%': { filter: 'brightness(1.1)' },
+  '100%': { filter: 'brightness(0.85)' },
 });
 
-/** Grid pulse — expands/contracts backgroundSize slightly */
+/**
+ * Star Drift — three dot layers, each moving by exactly one tile width/height per
+ * cycle so loops are seamless even though each layer drifts at a different speed.
+ * Layer sizes: 130 px, 190 px, 260 px → displacement equals one tile each.
+ */
+export const animStarsDriftKeyframe = keyframes({
+  from: { backgroundPosition: '0 0, 65px 32px, 32px 97px' },
+  to: { backgroundPosition: '-130px -130px, -125px -158px, -228px -163px' },
+});
+
+/**
+ * Grid Pulse — subtle backgroundSize breathe so the grid feels alive.
+ * Paired with animGridBrightnessKeyframe at a different period for organic feel.
+ */
 export const animGridPulseKeyframe = keyframes({
   '0%': { backgroundSize: '60px 60px, 60px 60px, 12px 12px, 12px 12px' },
-  '50%': { backgroundSize: '66px 66px, 66px 66px, 13px 13px, 13px 13px' },
+  '50%': { backgroundSize: '68px 68px, 68px 68px, 13px 13px, 13px 13px' },
   '100%': { backgroundSize: '60px 60px, 60px 60px, 12px 12px, 12px 12px' },
 });
 
-/** Aurora — sweeps backgroundPosition in large cycle */
-export const animAuroraKeyframe = keyframes({
-  '0%': { backgroundPosition: '0% 0%' },
-  '50%': { backgroundPosition: '-50% -25%' },
-  '100%': { backgroundPosition: '0% 0%' },
+/** Brightness oscillation layered on top of the grid size pulse. */
+export const animGridBrightnessKeyframe = keyframes({
+  '0%': { filter: 'brightness(0.8)' },
+  '50%': { filter: 'brightness(1.3)' },
+  '100%': { filter: 'brightness(0.8)' },
 });
 
-/** Fireflies — three layers of glowing dots drift diagonally */
+/**
+ * Aurora Flow — four gradient layers each travel a distinct path through the
+ * 200%–300% canvas, driven by one multi-stop keyframe so they never sync.
+ * Each background-position value corresponds to one radial-gradient layer.
+ */
+export const animAuroraKeyframe = keyframes({
+  '0%': { backgroundPosition: '0% 0%, 100% 0%, 50% 100%, 0% 50%' },
+  '20%': { backgroundPosition: '60% 40%, 20% 80%, 80% 20%, 100% 0%' },
+  '40%': { backgroundPosition: '100% 100%, 0% 100%, 100% 0%, 50% 50%' },
+  '60%': { backgroundPosition: '40% 80%, 80% 30%, 20% 70%, 0% 100%' },
+  '80%': { backgroundPosition: '0% 50%, 50% 0%, 0% 50%, 100% 50%' },
+  '100%': { backgroundPosition: '0% 0%, 100% 0%, 50% 100%, 0% 50%' },
+});
+
+/**
+ * Fireflies drift — three dot layers move at slightly different diagonal vectors
+ * (each offset equals exactly one tile so loops are seamless).
+ */
 export const animFirefliesKeyframe = keyframes({
   from: { backgroundPosition: '0 0, 120px 80px, 60px 140px' },
-  to: { backgroundPosition: '200px 150px, 320px 230px, 260px 290px' },
+  to: { backgroundPosition: '-200px -200px, -80px -120px, -140px -60px' },
+});
+
+/** Brightness surge — gives fireflies a "glow pulse" life cycle. */
+export const animFirefliesGlowKeyframe = keyframes({
+  '0%': { filter: 'brightness(0.4)' },
+  '50%': { filter: 'brightness(1.8)' },
+  '100%': { filter: 'brightness(0.4)' },
+});
+
+/** Opacity blink — runs at a prime period relative to the glow for organic feel. */
+export const animFirefliesBlinkKeyframe = keyframes({
+  '0%': { opacity: 0.35 },
+  '50%': { opacity: 1 },
+  '100%': { opacity: 0.35 },
 });