Once upon a time, in a small village nestled in the rolling hills of the countryside, there lived a family of farmers. They were a hard-working family, always tending to their crops and livestock, but they always made time to come together and celebrate special occasions.
One such special occasion was the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year. This marked the beginning of deep winter, when the crops on the farm stopped growing and there was very little food for people and animals. These months were known as the “famine months,” as it was a time of scarcity and hardship.
To prepare for the long and cold winter ahead, the family would slaughter most of their cattle on winter solstice. This way, they wouldn’t have to feed them throughout the winter and they could have one last plentiful meal themselves.
On the day of the solstice, the family gathered around a warm fire in the cozy farmhouse kitchen. They cooked up a delicious feast of roast beef, mashed potatoes, and gravy, along with all of their favorite winter vegetables.
As they sat down to enjoy their meal, the family reflected on the year that had passed and all that they had accomplished. They were grateful for the good times they had shared and looked forward to the new beginnings that the longer days ahead would bring.
After dinner, they gathered around the fireplace and told stories, sang songs, and played games. It was a special time of togetherness and joy, and it brought the family closer together as they faced the challenges of the winter months ahead.
As the night drew to a close, the family retired to their beds, feeling warm and content, knowing that every day after the solstice would bring them one step closer to the spring.
