For our 21st Yule Calendar surprise, we have some hobbity art! Miss Casmantha painted us a picture of a festive meal: sausages! Today is the winter solstice, the darkest day of the year, and especially then, even the smallest light of a candle can bring enormous comfort, especially if there is a full plate next to it.
~
Direct from my studio I present to you a portrait of "Yule sausages with Dwarf Lights". It is a manifestation of joy we feel when we start to realize that Yule is near again. Can't you hear them sizzle?
For our 20th Yule Calendar surprise, we have another recipe – for a beloved seasonal drink, the eggnog! Although this version does not use any eggs, and the alcohol is optional too. It has been approved by the Queen of Cluckland.
I discovered eggnog a couple of years ago and fell in love. It was creamy, comforting, and festive. However, there were some issues with eggnog that I wanted to fix. First, the eggs. As the eggs for the eggnog are not properly cooked, there is a risk of food poisoning. Second, there’s the alcohol. If there is lots of it in this tasty drink, you will get drunk and, most probably, you WILL get into trouble as well.
So I wanted to figure out a way to make an eggnog without eggs and alcohol. As a result, here is a recipe that I put together – the vegan eggnog, or “veggnog”, that is delicious without alcohol. I have tested this a couple of times now, and it tastes pretty much like I want to, with a creamy texture and sweetness that is not overpowering. Feel free to adjust it as you like! I have used banana in this drink for sweetness and texture, but if you don't like banana, there are other eggless eggnog recipes that you might find useful – just ask master Google! And remember, you can still add alcohol if you like, just be careful…
Veggnog
2 portions (mugs), multiple as you wish
Ingredients: 300 ml low-fat, low-sugar coconut milk (or other milk you prefer) 1 tbsp vanilla syrup 1 cinnamon stick 3 whole cloves A pinch of nutmeg 1 tsp instant coffee powder 1 banana 100 ml whipping cream (for the mix)
In a bowl/jug, whip the cream into foam. Pour the coconut milk into a small/medium-sized kettle and add the vanilla syrup, cinnamon stick, cloves and nutmeg. Bring the mix to a boil, remove from the heat, put a lid on the kettle and let the mix wait for 5–10 minutes. Then, pour the mix through a mesh strainer into a blender (or a bowl, if you use a handheld blender) to remove the cinnamon stick and the cloves. Add the banana and instant coffee powder to the mix and blend it until the mix is smooth and creamy. After this, you can still heat the mix in the kettle, if it has cooled down. Before you serve the veggnog, mix the whipped cream into it. This way, you will get very creamy veggnog. You can also top the mugs/glasses with whipped cream and cinnamon powder, if you like, for this you need some extra whipping cream.
Before serving, you can add some alcohol to the mix as well (rum, bourbon, brandy, coffee liquer, whatever you prefer). Just be careful with it!
Pictured: two hobbits from the Eggnog Mishaps Club
For our 19th Hobbity Yule Calendar surprise, we have a sweet lullaby by Yamy!
It is a "Blue Lullaby", and Yamy has decorated her Yule tree with this song in
mind. Here's the song, with an English translation and pictures of the Yule tree decorations.
~
This is loose translation of a blue lullaby that I learned when I was
very young. It is about the wish that ask on a prayer a innocent child. I
think that it goes well with the wishes theme for this year. It is curious
that a decorated my Xmas tree with that that in mind. I will attempt to be
true to the meaning.
Little White Dove Translation:
Little white dove of the blue beak, carry me on your wings to
go see Jesus!
Yes my dear child I will bring you there, because
with your mommy you are well behaved
She would not eat neither
wheat nor rice & lives only for carrying & love.
Palomita Blanca Original (in Spanish)
Palomita Blanca del piquito azul, llevame en tus alas a ver
a Jesús!
Si niñito bueno yo te llevaré, porque con
mamita te has portado bien
Ella no comía ni trigo ni
arroz, y se mantenía con celos de amor.
The song is very old, and it is hard to find it with these exact lyrics, but here is a new version of it with different ones. You can listen to the melody while reading the lyrics above.
This is how Yamy has decorated the Christmas tree! Many blue details... and it seems that there is also little dove there, like in the song!
For today's Yule Calendar entry, we have another recipe! Lottie has a
favourite lemon curd recipe she would like to share with us. For this one, no
eggs are needed, so the residents of Cluckland can get some rest!
~
Let's give those chooks a break after Hobnanigans!
Lemon Curd without egg
Ingredients:
100 g granulated sugar 2 tablespoons (20 g) cornstarch pinch of
salt 240 ml milk (plant based for a vegan version) 120 ml fresh
lemon juice (about 4-5 lemons) 1 tablespoon lemon zest 2
tablespoons (30 g) unsalted butter (or vegan alternative)
Instructions
Zest the lemons. Juice the
lemons until you have about 120 ml of lemon juice. If it's not quite enough
you can add a little water. Mix sugar and lemons zest in a saucepan, stir
them for a bit to release the oils from the zest into the sugar. Add
cornstarch, and salt. Add milk and lemon juice; mix to combine. Heat
on low heat, while constantly stirring with a wire whisk until the mixture
thickens, starts to bubble, and coats the back of a wooden spoon. NOTE: If the
curd isn’t thickening, turn up the heat and constantly whisk. Remove pot
from heat, then add the cubed butter and mix until melted. Pour the
lemon curd into a sterilised jar and let it cool.
This version of
lemon curd should be eaten within a few days.
Chickens planning revenge for someone who used too many eggs in her pies
Simplyy haaving... or dear. Um, yes, time for our 17th Hobbity Yule Calendar surprise! It's a wintry poem written by Saelo about a fireplace and Yule tree, along with an atmospheric drawing by dixALFArt.
Fireplace and Yule Tree
The moon was shining on the snow And a very cold wind From the hills to the vale Kept its freezing blow Among evergreens and broadleaves it was growling And as if to answer it Or to challenge it In distance wolves were howling.
Yet there was untouched, a small burrow With a bright round door And a dim light on its window. As if there was a spell keeping it safe from winter Standing there without breaking before the frost Unlike many things that would wither.
The burrow was very cozy. A small fire was giving warmth, Grandmother's black cat was sleeping inside, And a majestic Yule tree was standing With pride.
It was in a deep slumber Perhaps was dreaming of the days That were warm and fonder. Hence it did not answer When the fireplace mocked it With slander
"Oh look!" said the fireplace again To make sure he was heard. "Another piece of pompous wood! Poor fool does not know Soon enough it will become my food!"
Without losing its composure The Yule tree said nothing Just stood silently Let the crackle of the fire Sing a sweet song Decidedly.
"Are you afraid? Is this why you are telling no word?" The fireplace kept pushing The Yule tree sighed And the words came out gushing.
"It is not your words I am answering But the ignorance that has taken your core Calling me a fool, Yet not thinking far Forgetting what happened not in the days of yore. You will be abandoned too When the weather is warm, No one will refuge in you from a storm. You touch hands, arms, legs When they are freezing Though, when hearts are cold no one finds you pleasing People gather around me, Sing songs, celebrate and laugh, But I can't protect them from the cold like you, Not even by half! With you we are alike, as much as we are different Hence, there is no need to be belligerent. People care for both of us, Perhaps longer to you than me. You keep them warm and safe, And I keep their hearts carefree."
Suddenly the tree stopped talking And went back to its slumber, The fireplace could say nothing either But just stared in wonder.
Light appeared outside - A new day came to the town! Children sprang out of their beds, Their happiness washed away Every frown.
They rushed to the tree, Formed a circle round it, Danced like newborn kids, Then bounced like rabbits. Went out and brought some wood The father of the house. Lit a huge fire from the last night's remainders And newly fetched boughs.
The fireplace looked at the Yule tree Feeling very embarrassed. But the Yule tree smiled in return "Have a merry Yule!" it said.
From that day onward The fireplace was humble No matter how long it passed. It never forgot that night That changed how it see the world Long time ago in the past.
For our 16th Hobbity Yule Calendar surprise, we have a very catchy Yule song! At least for me, it is like that. Even when I just see the words "Simply having wonderful Christmas time", the song starts to play in my head. That inspired me to write the following lyrics for this song. I first got the inspiration at May Queen Rosenbleume's poetry and lyrics meet-up earlier this month – the lyrics basically wrote themselves, and the song was already performed with the Brandy Badgers later that day at the Yule tree raising party in Songburrow.
If this earworm is not enough for you, you can listen to more catchy Yule songs in this old entry.
PS. Today is the last day to submit pictures of Yule wishes to me for a special video entry in this calendar – see more instructions here.
Wonderful earworm time
Let’s form a line We’re all so fine The band’s all set A full sextet
Simply having a wonderful earworm time Simply having a wonderful earworm time
We start the tune A song of Yule Catchy and sweet With a steady beat
Simply having a wonderful earworm time Simply having a wonderful earworm time
I bet yer never heard this one before
It says ding-dong, ding-dong, ding-dong-dang Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh
Doo-doo, doo-doo, doo-doo, doo
Simply having a wonderful earworm time Simply having a wonderful earworm time
The worm is out Wriggling around Into our ears Spreading good cheer
Simply having a wonderful earworm time
How can Yule songs be this catchy? They stick all year long-ding-dong Ding-dong, ding-dong Ding-dong, ding-dong Ding-dong, ding-dong Ding-dong, ding-dong
It never dies No more goodbyes The worm goes on ‘Til the next Yule worm
Simply having a wonderful earworm time We're simply having a wonderful earworm time
Yule’s once a year So embrace the cheer Come, sip yer beer! Open yer ears
We're simply having a wonderful earworm time Simply having a wonderful earworm time Simply having a wonderful earworm time Siiiiiimply haaaaaaving… Woooonderful earwoooorm… Time!
You might have guessed it, and maybe it's already playing on full steam in your head too, but here's the original if you'd like to get a total overdose:
Our 15th Yule Calendar surprise comes from Yamy! Yamy wants to share a sweet holiday recipe for cazuela. The ingredients might be humble, but the taste is pure Yule, lovely and enchanting.
~
This
special holiday custard is best enjoyed cold. It is made with humble
ingredients. Its strong flavour could melt your heart.
Cazuela
Ingredients:
2 cups of
orange sweet potatoes
2 cups of
pumpkin
1/2 cup of
rice flour
3/4 cup of
sugar, or honey, or your favorite sweetener
1/2
tablespoon of salt
1/2
tablespoon of baking soda
1 spoon of
corn starch
2 spoons of
cinnamon
3 scented
cloves spice
4 big eggs
1 cup of
coconut milk
1 spoon of
vanilla extract
Butter or
corn oil (to grease the pan)
Sweet
crackers (I like best the almond flavored but simple vanilla ones will do)
Procedure:
Peel the
sweet potatoes & pumpkin. Remove the pumpkin seeds. Boil the till
they get soft & remove from water to let it cool off. Meanwhile grind
the scented cloves spice with a mortar till it turns into a fine dust. Mix it
on a bowl with all the dry ingredients, except the sweet crackers. Whip
the eggs on a different bowl till they get well mixed & start making
bubbles. Add the eggs, coconut milk, & vanilla to the dry mix & mix
well. Once the sweet potatoes & pumpkin cool off, mix them with the other
ingredients. Grease the pan, set a layer of sweet crackers over it. Pour the
mix inside the pan. Bake at 350°F for 1 hour. Let it cool off at room
temperature then chill at the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
For our 14th Hobbity Yule Calendar surprise, we have a picture and a poem about a tree sent by Peppery! It's not the usual evergreen Yule tree you might expect, but an old willow tree in winter. Is it sleeping? Maybe not...
~
In the heart of the park in my home town, stands the old willow. It has watched countless seasons pass and generations of children have grown beneath its watchful boughs. Though the city around has changed, the willow remains. It is a keeper of stories, a witness to joy and sorrow, a reminder that even in the changes of a season and rush of modern life, there is a place where time slows, and nature remembers. As winter wraps the park in quiet beauty, the old willow stands as a symbol of endurance and hope. May its presence remind us of the cycles of life, the warmth of community, and the promise of brighter days ahead.
Happy Yule! May the season bring light, joy, and renewal to all.
The world is white, and snow is deep, but still the willow does not sleep. It hums a tune both soft and low, a promise of green things yet to grow.
And when the springtime comes at last, with merry feet and blossoms fast, the willow laughs, its burdens gone, and all the Shire sings along.
For our 13th Hobbity Yule Calendar surprise, we have a Yule story by Miss
Lina! If you have visited the Green Dragon Fridays, you might have heard one
of her "Sammy the Slug" stories. Here is one about how Sammy celebrated Yule.
Sammy the Slug celebrates Yule
Sammy the Slug celebrates Yule
Once upon a time, Sammy the Slug woke up and found his garden full of snow.
"Good gracious", Sammy said. "That'll make for a challenging neep run today. It's quite the slog dragging neeps home as a slug, but even more so if you have to drag them through several slug-heights of snow as well."
Still, Sammy was very, very hungry. He wriggled off the porch and braved the winter wonderland ahead. But he hadn't even squirmed two slug-lengths into his yard before he fell through the snow. It took several minutes and all the curse words Sammy knew before he made it back to his porch.
"Woe is me", Sammy sniffed. "I'm out of neeps, the snow is unpassable, and tomorrow is Yule Day. This will be the sorriest Yuletide ever". Feeling very sorry for himself, he found his favourite woolly blanket, his favourite woolly socks and his favourite stuffed slug, and he curled up to sulk the Yuletide away.
He had barely begun to thaw up, when there was a knock on his door. "Now who comes to disrupt my Yuletide sulk?", whinged Sammy, but he went to open the door anyway. Outside was Kitty the Cat.
"I figured you were snowed in, so I brought some food for you", said Kitty. She pushed a hamper with fresh fish through the door, and she waved goodbye with a "Merry Yule, Sammy".
His mood considerably improved, Sammy dragged the hamper to his larder. Cunningly, he avoided the top shelf. He had hardly finished storing the food before there was another knock on the door. This time, it was Diggy the Dog.
"I figured you were snowed in, so I brought some food for you", said Diggy. He pushed a hamper with steak through the door, and he waved goodbye with a "Merry Yule, Sammy".
"Goodness", Sammy said as he dragged the new hamper towards his larder. Avoiding the top shelf as usual, he had hardly finished storing the food before there were more knocks on his door.
Pippa the Pig brought a hamper with bacon (the proper kind). And Henry the Horse brought a hamper with honey oat biscuits. Sammy was glad to see them both, and all the food went into his larder shelves, all besides the top one. Although, he wriggled under his blanket and hid when he saw Monty the Mill snake approach with a hamper full of dead mice. And no, he did not open the door, no matter how much Monty hissed and cursed outside. Let's just say that Monty did not leave with a "Merry Yule, Sammy". It is a small Yuletide miracle that the snow in Sammy's yard did not melt under Monty's ire.
When Sammy found it was safe to crawl out from under his blanket, there was another knock on the door. This time, it was Fred the Farmer.
"Hey, Sammy. I figured you were snowed in, so I brought some food for you". He pushed a hamper full of neeps through the door. "And since I barely escaped Monty trying to palm lots of dead mice off on me just down the road, do you think I could hide in here for a while?"
Being a gracious slug, Sammy invited Fred inside. Fred was a good lad, and he'd brought Sammy's favourite food. And, let's not deny it, he'd be able to reach the top shelves in the larder and store more of the food Sammy had gotten.
As darkness fell, the two friends stood by the window, sipped mulled wine and looked out on Sammy's snowy yard. All his visitors had trampled a fine path through the snow. Sammy could easily reach the road now.
Fred took a deep gulp of mulled wine and pondered. "It looks like you're not really snowed in any more, Sammy. Do you plan to visit all your other friends and bring them presents too?"
"Ha, as if", Sammy guffawed. "It's cold out there, Monty is on the prowl, and none of them brought me what I really wanted: Neeps. None besides you, Fred. Have another mulled wine while we wait for you to cook the Yule meal. Merry Yule".
The two friends clinked their wine mugs together and looked forward to a grand Yule feast. With absolutely no dead mice on the menu.
About the story
Sammy the Slug popped up one time Nannie told one of her stories at Green Dragon Friday. As an intro to her story, she reminisced about popular old children’s tales in the Shire, including those of Sammy the Slug. My own hobbit would likely have grown up with those tales.
So I wrote some. I wanted to write them as fairy tales for children, like the stories hobbit parents would tell to their little rascals before nap time. So the tales have many of the usual characteristics of fairy tales and children’s stories: They’re set in the past (“Once upon a time”), with fantasy elements (talking animals), repetition, clearly defined problems and resolution, etc.
Of course, I had to add my own twists, and the tales ended up how a somewhat naughty uncle would have told them: Starting out pretty much as regular, wholesome children’s tales, but then taking a life of their own, with a somewhat self-obsessed slug as the main character.
We are now half-way through our Hobbity Yule Calendar! Let's celebrate it with a special treat: the 12th entry is a filming of the annual Grand New Year's Snowball Fight! Last year, Miss Demelsa sneakily filmed this video when the members of the Laurelin hobbit community gathered in Frostbluff to have some fun in the snowball battle fields. It was our last snowball fight on that server, so it is a special video in that way. Soon, on 1st January 2026, we will have our first Grand New Year's Snowball Fight on Meriadoc, and everyone's welcome to join us. (Keep an eye on The Gazette for more details.) It is grand fun in a large group! Afterwards, we often sneak to the theatre to warm up and see if the Ode to Old Bloodtusk is finally being performed.
Here is what to expect: lots of cool action and merry company! Enjoy the video and the festive music.
The last Grand New Year's Snowball Fight on Laurelin! (LOTRO RP)
In our 11th Yule Calendar surprise, Master Saelo makes us sing! He has written another lovely Yuletide tune to sing and dance to. You might have heard this one at the Brandy Badgers' biweekly rehearsal this Monday, if you passed through Michel Delving on the Meriadoc server. You might also hear it when the Badgers wassail in Winterhome (see The Gazette or the Grand Order noticeboard for more details on the event later).
~
Writing a Yule themed song has been some kind of tradition for me for years at this point. Every year in November I would get inspiration all of a sudden and write a song to celebrate the festivity. The same happened this year as well. However, unlike previous years, I felt like writing more of a fun song rather than the values or the spirit of the Yule. Because I had realised that sometimes we focus on traditions, celebrating, or even having fun too much that it becomes something serious on its own, and this way we miss fun things that have more... lighter essence, if I may say so. That's why writing a light song mostly about community jokes felt the right thing to do this time. Can't say the tune I chose had completely no impact in that decision either.
Anyway, not going to take too much of your time. I wish you a very merry, fun, and lighthearted festivity time. Happy Yule in advance, and a very Merry New Year!
Celebrate
Leave aside weights on your shoulder Join the singing people and make it louder Drinks will be flowing and heads will be light We will celebrate tonight, Oh we will celebrate tonight
The mayor might want to play games, Lead astray everyone by swapping the dates But it can not stop us 'cause we know what is right We will celebrate tonight, Oh we will celebrate
Once a year we celebrate The Yule We won't let it be so dull So we'll celebrate tonight We will celebrate tonight
Do not leave anybody out The grump too, even the snowbeast to make sound Nobody is going home till the first light We will celebrate tonight, Oh we will celebrate
Once a year we celebrate The Yule We won't let it be so dull So we'll celebrate tonight We will celebrate tonight
By launching fireworks to height We'll celebrate tonight
We aren't going to be quiet We'll celebrate tonight
This song is best sung to the melody of Girls Just Want to Have Fun:
In our 10th Yule Calendar entry, we prepare for the Yuletide by baking! Miss Oleander-Rose has sent us her festive mince pies recipe. How many can you eat at once? Let's find out! And be careful with that brandy...
~
Hullo Hobbits!
Today I will be sharing a Mince pie recipe. Every year at Yule time I eat these rich fruity delights, which I normally serve with a generous helping of cream. This year I have made some with my tiny hobbit helper. Much fun and mess was made!
Ingredients for the mincemeat:
60ml brandy 1 tsp mixed spice 1 orange - zest and juice 225g currants 175g demerara sugar 225g vegetarian suet 225g bramley apples 125g candied peel 225g sultanas 225g raisins
Method
Mix all of the ingredients together in a large bowl. Cover and let stand overnight, so that the fruit can absorb the brandy and juice. The mincemeat will be ready to use the next day. Any leftovers can be pressed firmly into sterilised jars and kept for up to 3 months.
Ingredients for the mince pie:
100g golden caster sugar 350g plain flour 225g cold butter 280g mincemeat 1 small egg beaten Icing sugar for dusting Pinch of salt
Method
1. First of all we make the pastry by rubbing the butter into the flour. Next add a pinch of salt, and mix in the golden caster sugar.
2. This was baby Hobbits favourite part - combining the pastry into a ball. Pick it up squash it together and knead briefly. The dough should be fairly firm.
3. Next turn on your oven 200c/180c fan/gas 6. Line 18 holes of 2 baking tins, by pressing small balls of pastry into each hole.
4. Get a spoon and pop some mincemeat into the pie cases. Make pie lids by taking small pastry balls and patting them out between your hands to make round lids.
5. Give the pie edges a gentle poke to seal them, then brush with egg
6. Bake for 20 minutes until golden. Once out of the oven leave to cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
7. To serve lightly dust with icing sugar
These will keep for 3 days in an airtight container.
Our 9th Hobbity surprise is a beautiful poem and a painting by Master Nomo Paltin! He is a frequent visitor at many hobbit events on the LOTRO Meriadoc server. In his poem, he takes us outside the Shire bounds, to Swanfleet, where some hobbits also dwell.
Our 8th Hobbity Yule Calendar entry is another video – this time, it is a teaser of the upcoming hobbit Yule video by Lina! Each year, she gathers the players of the hobbit community to help her shoot a two-part Yule video (you can watch the older videos here). This short teaser is for the first part of the upcoming video. You will see the final result on 24th December in this calendar, and also at Lina's own biscuity burrow.
If you are a hobbit on the LOTRO Meriadoc and would like to join the video, you still have a chance to take part in it tomorrow when the second part of the film will be shot. Please see more information in The Gazette.
Our 7th Hobbity Yule Calendar surprise comes from Hermanniadoc Snorkintree, a Shire bounder who is often seen spilling his drink on the Green Dragon rug. As a bounder, he is concerned with safety, especially the safety of biscuits. Now, he would like to share us a little trick that might help keep your biscuits safer (at least from a certain hobbit), and it also works as a pretty piece of Yule decoration.
Hermanniadoc's Solution to Keep Biscuits Safe
Some might remember that I made a Biscuit Cake for Miss Pycella last year and it went so well that I thought to myself "Hermanniadoc, you clever lad, why don't you make another Biscuit Cake for Miss Pycella". My reasoning was the more cake the better.
So I started getting the ingredients together and to my dismay "someone" had emptied my Biscuit Jar. As I aired my concern to local Shirriff Nimelia she solved the case right away. "Miss Lina did it, case solved!" Nimelia said.
While that is all good it still left me with a problem of missing Biscuits for my cake. So instead I created this Lina repellant mechanism using an orange, cloves and a pretty ribbon I found. It is odd enough that it might work.
The tradition behind the story
When I was a kid, Christmas or Yule was mostly something my Mom was interested in. She did a lot of craft with my brother and me, like drawing, painting, cutting out decorations and such things.
This year I tried recreating a decoration thing we used to do with her. It is pretty simple and gives a nice scent that brings back some happy memories.
It is not something I do every year and I don't know if it is a common thing or not. When I was a kid it was something we did at home, in the school or kindergarten.
And I did write that Lina stole my biscuits (she might have), but I also already did one Biscuit Cake and I will probably make one more before Yule's end.
Our 6th Yule calendar surprise comes from Louella Vertechant! She is a hobbit lass from Overhill, and wants to share us a local Yule tradition with a poem she has written and a couple of pictures. You can meet Louella at the weekly Ivy Bush Gala (Gala du Lierre Touffu) on Tuesdays on the LOTRO Meriadoc server. She is also a frequent visitor at the Green Dragon.
Outside the tannery in Overhill
A Yule tradition at Overhill
When the nights are long and first star appears, At Yule, through the tops of the fir trees, When we hear the earth crack under our feet, It’s finally the right time, isn’t it? In the wood from Bindbole at Overhill, During Yule, terribly excited, I feel. We go out in the cold of the night, Under this beautiful sky so bright, All, neighbors and cousins, gathering, Everyone brings a little something, To meet all together at tannery, We are going there enthusiastically. That’s the moment for few stories telling, Sharing our warm, eating, playing, singing, Regaining the sweet warmth of the hearth, A good tradition in the Shire our earth.
It's Friday, 5th December, and it's storytime! In a form of a video by our talented hobbit minstrel, Miss Hollyberye. She is a lover of music and stories, and you can see it in her own videos too. Here is a touching Yule story about a hobbit, Benjamin, who has lost a dear furry companion. It is a bittersweet story with fitting Yuletide music and atmosphere. Lean back on yer chair and enjoy!
For our 4th hobbity Yule calendar surprise, we have a Yule song! This is a
brand new one that has not even been tested yet, but it should work as a song.
I have written it to be performed with our LOTRO band, The Brandy Badgers. You
might see them at our biweekly rehearsals in Michel Delving (next time on 8th
December, LOTRO Meriadoc server), or in Winterhome during the Yuletide, when
we go wassailing there.
Here is also a pick from a previous calendar: a painting that Miss Rubellita
sent for the 2017 Yule Calendar. You can imagine these wassailers singing the
song. Here's what she tells about the painting and the artist:
Dutch artist Anton Pieck is well known for his wintry scenes that remind
many of the novels by Charles Dickens. In the above picture he even
predicted Winterhome, hobbits and wassailing. Aye, he even foresaw the
upcoming fiddle!
Yuletide Faire
Years ago, when I was still young Yuletide was such a special time It
meant joy, sweet treats and fun Those days were ever so fine
I
remember that one dark winter day When we stayed at home to play It
was dull, and I heard my friend say: “Let us sneak out to the market
way”
Feel the magic flow in the air Come with me to the
Yuletide Faire Hurry now, we're almost there Fa, la, la, la, la,
la, la, la, la, la
There were buns, pastries, biscuits too Candies
that would make you drool I’ve never seen such delicious food Than
what they sold at the Yule Faire
The wassailers sung their
beautiful tunes They made us dance the whole day through Then we
napped inside a warm booth Saw Yule dreams that could come true
Feel
the magic flow in the air Come with me to the Yuletide Faire Hurry
now, we're almost there Fa, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la
Now
whenever I feel forlorn and lost And I seek some sweet comfort I
wander in my thoughts once more To my childhood and the Yuletide
Faire
Feel the magic flow in the air Come with me to the
Yuletide Faire Hurry now, we're almost there Fa, la, la, la, la,
la, la, la, la, la
Feel the magic flow in the air Come with
me to the Yuletide Faire Hurry now, we're almost there Fa, la, la,
la, la, la, la, la, la, la
Feel the magic flow in the air Come
with me to the Yuletide Faire Hurry now, we're almost there Fa,
la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la
This song is best sung to the melody of Renaissance Faire by Blackmore's
Night:
It's time for our third Yule calendar surprise, and this time, it's an entry from the past! Like mentioned in the first entry of this year's calendar, there are not enough surprises for all dates this year, but I would still like to have a full calendar with 24 entries, so that's why I decided to pick up some old ones from the previous Hobbity Yule Calendars to fill up the holes. There are so plenty to choose from! Here is re-post from our very first Yule Calendar from 2017. It was delivered by our Quickpost lass, Ambrinna. She has been a bit absent lately, probably busy delivering mail somewhere at this very moment. For the first Yule Calendar, she sent the following entry with a lovely poem. The original post can be found here.
Miss Ambrinna posing in front of the Yule Quickpost Office
Mr Robin
Robin sang sweetly When the days were bright: 'Thanks, thanks for summer,' He sang with all his might.
Robin sang sweetly, In the autumn days, 'There are fruits for everyone; Let all give praise.'
In the cold and wintry weather, Still hear his song: 'Somebody must sing,' said Robin 'Or winter will seem long.'
When the spring came back again, He sang, 'I told you so! Keep on singing through the winter It will always go.'
Our second hobbity Yule surprise is here, and since we are all hobbits inside,
we deserve something sweet and comforting... such as a recipe! Tulppaani has
sent us a one for mouth-watering seasonal drink that will warm you up:
Gingerbread Cocoa!
Gingerbread cocoa
2 dl milk
2 tbsp cocoa powder
1 tsp gingerbread spice
2-3 gingerbread cookies
Whipped cream and gingerbread crumbs for decoration
Crush the gingerbread into fine crumbs.
Heat the milk in a saucepan over medium heat.
Add the cocoa powder, gingerbread spice and stir until the mixture is
smooth.
Pour the hot cocoa into a mug and stir in some of the gingerbread
crumbs.
Decorate with whipped cream and sprinkle some more gingerbread crumbs on
top.
