Christmas Galore (OK Feast of the Winter Star but Whatever) in Stardew Valley

Christmas Year 4 Stardew Valley

I talked about my love for the video game Stardew Valley (and it’s inherent foodie friendliness) on my other blog back in April. It’s now almost August and I’m STILL playing. Not quite as much as when I first started but I did just celebrate my 4th Christmas in game. OK. It’s not actually called Christmas. The official title of the holiday is The Feast of the Winter Star, but as you’ll see, it bares a very strong resemblance to the most wonderful day of the year.

Stardew_Valley_Snow_Weather

As I sit in my 80+ degrees office at 11:00 AM in July, I can’t help but be a little nostalgic for the threat of snow and the prospect of mittens. Stardew Valley doesn’t disappoint in this respect. As soon as I wake up in the game I check the forecast and always get a little excited when the weather man announces an upcoming storm.

The snowstorms in this game are absolutely mesmerizing! Twitter user @kirin87 made this animated gif of snowfall in the game and I think you’ll agree that it has a rather hypnotic effect. The winter season of Stardew Valley is by far my favorite. The music, the landscape, the lack of usual farm frenzy all combine to create a very quiet environment. It’s tremendously relaxing.

Snowfall_Cabin

To really get in the spirit of the holiday season I like to sport a little red ensemble and a jaunty Santa hat. As you can see, I’ve also begun decorating my house. It’s not exactly up to Clark W. Griswold standards but it will do for now.

Stardew_Valley_Leahs_Christmas_House

I hope that in the next game update the creator will add more decorative options because I have serious deck the halls envy when I walk around town and see all of the other houses sporting wreaths and lights and all manner of sparkly touches. Leah has candy canes.

Stardew_Valley_Town_Pierres_Decore

Pierre’s store is festooned with garland.

Stardew_Valley_Town_Penny_Decore

Penny & Pam’s trailer has oodles of twinkly lights.

Stardew_Valley_Town_Evelyn_Decore

Grandma Evelyn’s rainbow theme is completely on point.

Stardew_Valley_Snowman2

Then we have Robin’s house. I assume she’d win the decorating contest if there was one. What an overachiever. Hmm…maybe that activity should be added to the game! Dear Concerned Ape please take note.

Stardew_Valley_Fish

During Stardew Valley’s winter there are two special events that take place. One is the Festival of Ice. The big moment of the day is a fishing contest which I usually win, now that I finally understand how to fish, go me!

Winster_Star_Invite

The other takes place on Winter 25 (aka The Feast of the Winter Star). At some point in the month you’ll receive a letter from the mayor letting you know who your secret santa will be. Your job is to bring that particular townsperson their favorite thing. In return they usually give you complete garbage but I suppose it’s the thought that counts. My first year playing reigning mean girl, Haley, gave me a glow ring which is awesome and let’s you see in the dark so you don’t run into trees at night and get lost in overgrown forests. After that, various townspeople have given me shells, sticks of wood, and rocks. Umm…yay? Rumor has it there’s a slim chance you’ll get a tea set. I’m holding out a little hope that this will happen.

Secret_Santa_Reveal_Erin_Close_Enough

During Winter 25, the downtown area of Stardew Valley is extremely pixel pretty. There’s a huge, lovely tree and everyone gathers to share a feast.

Family_Ugh

However, just like real life holidays, Stardew Valley keeps it real. Moody Sebastian is annoyed with his family.

Too_Much_Nog2

Someone drinks way too much.

Dad_Keeping_It_Real

Dad Demetrius already knows he’s just getting another tool from his unimaginative family (at least it isn’t a rock…) be grateful, dude!

Christmas_Diet

People worry about eating too much. To which I say, chill out Jodi! You’ll be back at step class with all the ladies on Tuesday. Which also means that none of you will be in your respective shops and homes when I need something. I’m not bitter about that at all. Nope.

Its_A_Wonder_Life_Moment

After all that holiday drama it’s no wonder I’m having an It’s a Wonderful Life moment on a bridge…I kid! I kid! I just like standing around in the snow.

Stardew_Valley_Christmas_Tree2

Holiday iPhone Cases

A Note From Erin:
Hey! My friend, Muara, is a fellow Christmas Queen too and she’ll also be contributing her holiday traditions, tips, and faves here as well. Her iPhone case list below is a fabulous idea. Why didn’t I think of that? Welcome, Maura!

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christmas_iPhone_cases2

Now that I have a pretty pink iPhone 6s, it’s time to outfit it for the holiday season. I like to get a Christmas case every year. Here are a few great options I found:

Christmas Lights iPhone Case by Sarah Showalter [1]
This has been my case for the past couple of Decembers. I’m a sucker for anything having to do with strings of Christmas lights.

Festive Fair Isle by Tracie Andrews [2]
Reindeer, snowflakes, and trees in a Fair Isle pattern. There are some excellent, similar options as well.

Fun Winter Wonderland Mittens by Little Smilemakers Studio [3]
These cute snowflakes and mittens would work well into February.

Festive Flicks for the Week of March 2, 2015

christmas_tivoHindsight: All I Want For Christmas Is You (Note: I’m SO excited for this one. I LOVE this show).
Season 1, Episode 9
Wednesday, March 4, 2015 at 10:00 PM [VH1]
Synopsis: Lolly wants to get over Kevin by throwing a party; Thermal’s release is a success; Kevin does something that may force history to repeat itself.

The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air: Twas the Night Before Christening
Season 4, Episode 13
Wednesday, March 4, 2015 at 4:00 PM [BET]
Synopsis: Five years into the future Uncle Phil tells Nicky about his Christmas christening. Guest stars Boyz II Men.

Downton Abbey: A Mooreland Holiday
Season 5: Episode 9
Currently Streaming on PBS.Org
Synopsis: After a shooting party at a castle in Northumberland, the Crawleys return to Downton for the Christmas holiday.

The Big Bang Theory: The Clean Room Infiltration
Season 8, Episode 11
Thursday, March 5, 2015 at 9:00 PM [CBS]
Synopsis: Leonard and Wolowitz clash over a work emergency; Amy throws a Victorian Christmas party which Sheldon resents.

Bridget Jones’s Diary
Movie: 1 hour, 38 minutes [2001]
Currently Streaming on Netflix
Synopsis: This clever tale of Bridget Jones’s odyssey from Mr. Right-here-right-now to Mr. Right delivers a glimpse into the inner workings of the female mind.
Note: While not a “traditional Christmas” film, I watch this movie every Christmas and there’s plenty of holiday scenes bookending the storyline. Plus, who doesn’t love Mr. Darcy’s reindeer jumper.