Giftsgiving

In the middle of the market square, presents are being piled high. Hundreds of tiny boxes and bags hold tiny trinkets and baubles, waiting to be given out to the excited crowd. Most were made and sold in this very market, but the expensive items at the very top of the pile are all exotic and bespoke items, the crown jewels of Giftsgiving. In the hands of the gathered people, each person has at least one ticket, which will be redeemed this evening for one of the gifts. The tickets are given out by the merchants guild at the entrance to the festivities, and more can be earned throughout the day, at age appropriate challenges. Over three days, most people will gather a handful of tickets, and on the final day the gifts will be given out to whoever holds the matching ticket.

History

With the farmer's markets closed for the season, the guilds that pay to maintain the public space wanted a way to get bustling activity from those who would not normally be out shopping in the cold months. What began as a simple system of offering local makers a market to offer small gifts became a large celebration enjoyed in every village with a market square.

Execution

On the first day, tickets are given out to those who come early in the day, equal in number to the initial pile of presents. After this first come first serve granting, anyone who wishes to gain tickets must offer a gift of their own to be added to the pile, with the higher valued items being worth a few more tickets. Further tickets can be earned through pay-to-play challenges for all ages. Common challenges often have the public performing simple tasks that inadvertently assist the merchants with the more menial labour.

Components and tools

The tickets, made from thin slats of wood with the number burned into the surface, using a special counting brand.

Participants

The guildmaster has the most important role, for they are the host of the entire event, and organize dozens of assistants and merchants through the celebration. Many guildmasters also take the role of prize-drawer, selecting items from the pile and calling out the winning ticket for the item.

Related Ethnicities