December 1, 2024

 

 

The hobbity Yule calendar is here again, revealing daily surprises from 1st to 24th December.

Our first entry is the winter issue of the Shire Forecast, a seasonal publication for hobbit roleplayers on the LOTRO Laurelin server. It includes the weather, some local gossip and events that are of hobbit interest. This one gives a good overview of the hobbit roleplaying events in winter. Feel free to drop by and join us if you need some cheerful hobbit company! Updated information about the events can be found in our own newspaper, The Gazette.

 

Pictures drawn by Pontin Finnberry.

The Shire Forecast – Winter Issue 2024

Winter arriving precisely when it means to 

It doesn’t snow much in the Shire during winter, but this year, the temperatures have been slightly colder than usual. Snow has painted the lands peacefully white, bringing more light to the darker days. Some prefer to marvel at this change of scenery through their windows and from the comfort of their hobbit holes, while some are eager to plunge right into the white, fluffy frosting. A few rascals have even brought snowballs to the inns, and with the absence of bounders and shirriffs to throw at, they have used other inn-goers as their targets. The innkeeps are not too concerned about this, because the colder weather and collateral snowball damage just boosts their warm drink sales. In any case, the local weather gammers highly recommend that you cover yourself with warm clothing from head to toe when you go out.

Year of the Oinker

With Miss Tibba Stoutfoot acting as the current May Queen, it has been a merry year for the swine (and swine lovers) of the Shire. She has done her best to promote the quality of pork in the Shire, judging pigs at farm animal shows, hauling Budgeford sausages to hobbit gatherings and picnics, and making sure that the pigs get the best treatment at all farms and homes. That means that the upcoming Yule feast might also contain a plethora of pork dishes. You never know though – many pigs seem to be of the free-roaming sort these days, and as clever animals, they often find a way to avoid being on the table on Yule. 

There are also rumours that pigs might take over the Frostbluff theatre this year to perform a play called The Charge of the Oinkhirrim. However, it is highly improbable that such a play will ever play there, with the long history of An Ode to Old Bloodtusk cancellations. Also, it does not sound like a festive Yule story either. It is more likely that the oinkers might take their war to the nearby snowball battlefields instead.

Season for tarts and arts

The darker days, plummeting temperatures and falling snowflakes have also made many hobbits think of upcoming Yule. Many are checking their larders and kegs and sampling good foods to serve at their seasonal parties. Should they find something missing, they can get more groceries at the Yule Market that is hosted by Master Geoadoc Uphill on 1st December. Yule decorations and lights are being put up again and the neighbourhoods are sparkling in merry colours. It’s also the time to decorate beautiful Yule trees, a task that often brings the whole community together (not least for the Yule food that is available afterwards). The Songburrow Yule tree will be raised up on its usual spot on 8th December, probably featuring a lot of huffing and puffing and grumbling.

In addition to food and decorations, some are getting into the festive mood in more artistic ways. Miss Lina is already working on the annual Yule painting that is so life-like that the images in it seem to be moving. Every hobbit is welcome to help her out with the preparations. First meet-up for the painting was on 30th November, but if you missed it, you will still have a chance to take part in the second painting session on 10th December. You should also send her a festive picture of yourself that can be attached to this merry painting collage.

In addition to the visual artists, budding writers are also drawing inspiration from Yule. The Fed Poets Society is having its monthly meeting on 12th December, so that they will be well-versed for all upcoming Yule fests. On 15th December, poets are also gathering for a winter poetry competition organized by Nannie in Winterhome. More details of all these events will be published in the Gazette, so be sure to keep an eye or two on the local paper.

 

Lina's hobbit Yule painting from last year

 

Dancing and dodging snowballs

While some are busy writing and painting for Yule, others are enjoying the numerous December parties. Before the Songburrow Yule tree raising, folks gather around another tree – the old party tree in the Oldfurlong village on 7th December. Expect festive music, loudness, fireworks and many hugs from Acorne at the last OAKS of this year! When you have recovered from that, there are still many chances to work on your dance moves. On 20th December, Yule will be celebrated at the Green Dragon with a grand Yule menu, entertainment, fireworks and mulled cider and wine. On the following day, 21st December, the partying will continue in the village of Sootcrest at the Hobbitry’s Yule Party, where you can enjoy a grand feast, more merriment, and dodge mistletoes.

As for the proper Yule days, many hobbits spend them among their family, friends and relatives and take things easy. However, Barmy keeps his inn open during Yule for those who are alone on Yule and long for some warm-hearted company. The inn is open from 24th to 26th December, and more information about the opening hours will be published in the 24th entry of the Hobbity Yule Calendar.

Merry times continue also after Yule. The Brandy Badgers go wassailing in Winterhome on 26th December, wandering through the snowy streets and spreading cheer with their sett of festive songs. After you have recovered from eating fermented berries with them, you can head over to the nearby snowball battlefield to have a Grand New Years Snowball Fight on 1st January. If you survive the battle, you should head to the Plough and Stars in Brockenborings on Friday 3rd January where the New Year celebration continues with usual Friday entertainment, pork roast, Brockenborings brandy and fireworks. Other dancing opportunities in January include the Shire wassailing, where hobbits visit various farms and bless their crops with music and spilling cider, and drive away some foul spirits by making loud noises. And do not worry if you spill all your cider – there will be more to spill at the Bartunnel Cidermill Grand Opening on 19th January, hosted by the Master of Cider Spilling himself, May King Hermanniadoc.

 

Even though the busy event schedule might get your head spinning, it is also a good thing – we hobbits are blessed to have such a creative and friendly community that is always providing an opportunity to spend time with like-minded folks and escape the dull aspects of everyday life. There is a nice variety of events that help people find some cheer during the darkest time of the year.

This is our last Shire Forecast for this year. Thank you to all our readers and the ones who have provided gossip and feedback. The next issue will be published in the beginning of spring. If you have some contributions for our next seasonal post, please send them to Miss Pycella.

Merry Yule and a Happy New Year to everyone in the Shire and beyond!