Chestnuts roasting over a pagan fire

Centuries and centuries ago when our pagan foremothers at this time of year began gathering small evergreen branches and took decorative dried berries from storage pots and announced the time for winter solstice decoration, our pagan forefathers found reason to be elsewhere.

“I believe,” said pagan forefather Lars, “this is the most opportune time for me to track and kill the elusive, and soon to be extinct, European bison.”

Pagan foremother Megan then said, “You are not going to help me decorate this massive log dwelling with decorations proper for welcoming the winter spirits?”

Said Lars, “You know I would like nothing better, but the elusive, and soon to be extinct, European bison waits for no man.”

“But,” rejoined Megan, “the bison have traveled to lands more southward.”

“Ah, the reason they are so elusive,” said Lars.

“You just don’t want to help.”

“No, no,” remonstrated Lars. “That is not the reason at all. But … I promised Rothgar and Hagar I would accompany them on the hunt.” Lars then went to the clothing alcove, from where he took fur boots and a bison hair coat, and the to the weapons locker, selecting four of his best hunting spears. “In fact, I agreed to meet Rothgar and Hagar this day at the Glade of Gathering.” He hugged Megan and opened the door and stepped into snow lightly falling. “I will return in a seven-day,” he said, and he closed the door before Megan could say anything else.

***

My wife today finished decorating the Christmas tree and has laid out plans for outside light hangings. Alas, there is no Florida bison for me to hunt.