Snowfall's Eve

Snowfall's Eve is a holiday celebrated throughout the world, in all locations where snow occurs. (It is often nominally celebrated in warmer locations that border colder areas, such as Brightwater.) As the name suggests, it celebrates the last night before the first snowfall of the winter, as predicted by a local Diviner.
Many of the traditions of Snowfall's Eve revolve around hiding from the Fey of the Winter Court, either symbolically or literally.

History

Celebrations of the changing seasons have existed since antiquity. Early societies held impromptu celebrations within their homes during the first snow of winter. The divination magic required to predict the weather enough to celebrate before the snow arrived was developed by Sun Elf diviners in the Age of Integrity. The raucous, elaborate celebrations before the first snow quickly eclipsed the much quieter commemoration of the snowfall itself.

Execution

Celebrations of Snowfall's Eve typically start at sunset. Revelers don masks and costumes (supposedly to hide their identities from the Winter Court) and attend dances and fairs. Most events are simple block parties or dances in temples and community halls. In the upper echelons of society, though, Snowfall's Eve is a time of masquerade balls held in palaces and grand ballrooms, used as a chance to show off one's wealth and ingenuity through fantastically elaborate (often enchanted) costumes.

Components and tools

Decorations for Snowfall's Eve involve large swaths of white (in ribbons, fabrics, paint, etc.), to simulate snowfall and supposedly "trick" the Winter Court into thinking they've already arrived.
Traditional Snowfall's Eve foods vary from region to region. Common themes include white or light-colored items, hot beverages, and foods that can be roasted over an open hearth. Freshly popped corn is a popular treat in central and western Dreibach, whereas soft white rolls with butter are usually enjoyed in Halfling cultures and along the Liberty Coast.
In southern Scalados, taverns serve a seasonal drink called ancalvï, a heady (and highly alcoholic) mix of fortified red wine, Elvish whiskey, and brandy boiled for several hours with raisins, almonds, cardamom, cloves, white peppercorns, and the peels of oranges and Lemdina. This is often also served through the rest of the winter due to its warming qualities, but more of it is consumed on Snowfall's Eve than any other day.

Observance

The date varies from year to year and place to place; the town Diviner is typically able to predict the date one to three months in advance. It usually falls within the first week of December in most places and years, though it can be held as early as late October and as late as the last week of December. Places that celebrate the holiday but do not typically see snow before the end of December (or at all) will often "borrow" the next most convenient date from a neighboring city; for instance, Brightwater's Snowfall's Eve celebrations usually take place the weekend after Cantonova's.