Christmas on Mudewei

History

Christmas as a celebration has enjoyed predominantly academic interest among the Stenza since their discovery of Earth in 2149. For centuries it held "historical footnote" status as a quirk of human society that many Stenza have consigned themselves to never truly understanding. While some dedicated scientists observed changes in the customs over the years, the concept of Christmas did not begin to take off until 2481, when the film White Christmas was transported across the void of space into Stenza territory and became a cultural phenomenon.
Coincident with this was a surge in the popularity of Earth's more flashy Christmas customs, including decorating with lights of all kinds, partying into the wee hours of the morning, and occasionally festooning trees of symbolic importance (which is common among Low Pass and other southern clans). Interestingly, and with no basis in anything whatsoever, it has become popular to wear wreaths or lights on one's head.

Execution

Christmas customs are woven into Midwinter celebrations, such that decorating the Clan Ship with more lights than should be possible coincides with the preparation of Migration's Toast and 'Alashaia Hot Cider. Tales of the deeds of the Leader are followed by songs from and inspired by White Christmas.
Libations are still poured to Migration and Hunter in accordance with ways vastly older than the unified clans.
Wreaths, frequently of the lighted variety, are worn by many as headgear for the course of Midwinter. This custom has no known origin, but is suspected to have begun as a joke or a dare, akin to the original consumption of 'Alashaia.
The rest of the period is passed with Storytelling, An'o of specific types, Chant, and food and drink, as is customary for Midwinter.

Components and tools

The primary component of this celebration is the lights, which the Stenza power efficiently while keeping them cool enough to handle (modeled after modern LED lights found on Earth). These lights are used absolutely everywhere, across the clan ship and as headwear. They are even considered safe enough for pups to chew on (although safety has never stopped pups).
Other important components are special beverages, most prominently Migration's Toast and 'Alashaia Hot Cider, and foods. Kʉrdeneχ sometimes features, although Basket Horns from the previous Hunting Season are more popular by far.

Primary Related Location

Earth