Winter is coming, but so is Christmas in the Seven Kingdoms. While the characters of Game of Thrones may not celebrate Christmas in the traditional sense, there are still plenty of holiday moments throughout the series. From festive feasts to heartwarming reunions, let's take a look at how the world of Westeros celebrates the holiday season.
Feasting in Winterfell
One of the most iconic holiday scenes in Game of Thrones takes place in Winterfell, where the Starks host a grand feast to celebrate the arrival of King Robert Baratheon. The table is filled with roasted meats, pies, and other delectable treats, and the atmosphere is jovial as the guests drink and make merry. Of course, this being Game of Thrones, the festivities are cut short by the arrival of the Lannisters, but for a brief moment, the holiday spirit is alive and well in Winterfell.
Gift-Giving in King's Landing
While gift-giving is not typically associated with Christmas in Westeros, there are a few notable instances of characters exchanging presents during the holiday season. One of the most touching moments comes when Tyrion Lannister gives his squire, Podrick Payne, a suit of armor as a Christmas gift. The gesture is especially meaningful given Tyrion's complicated relationship with Podrick, and it serves as a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is still room for kindness and generosity.
Arya's Homecoming
For many Game of Thrones fans, the most heartwarming moment of the entire series comes when Arya Stark finally returns to Winterfell after years of wandering and hardship. Her reunion with Sansa and Bran, as well as her emotional embrace with Jon Snow, feels like a Christmas miracle in and of itself. While there may not be any presents or carols involved, the joy and warmth of family is at the heart of the holiday season, and Arya's homecoming captures that spirit perfectly.
The Night's Watch Feast
Even at the frigid and isolated Castle Black, the Night's Watch finds a way to celebrate the holiday season. In one memorable scene, Jon Snow and his fellow brothers gather together for a feast, complete with roast pig and mulled wine. The camaraderie and sense of community among the Night's Watch is especially poignant during the holidays, when the comforts of home are sorely missed. It's a reminder that even in the most dire circumstances, human connection and celebration can still thrive.
The Red Wedding
Of course, not all holiday moments in Game of Thrones are happy ones. Perhaps the most infamous example is the Red Wedding, which takes place during the Stark's celebration of Edmure Tully's wedding to Roslin Frey. The feast turns into a bloodbath when the Freys and Boltons betray the Starks, resulting in the deaths of many beloved characters. While not exactly a Christmas story, the Red Wedding serves as a reminder that the holidays can be a time of both joy and tragedy, and that life in Westeros is always unpredictable.
Conclusion
While Game of Thrones may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Christmas, the series is full of holiday moments that capture the spirit of the season. From feasts and gift-giving to family reunions and community celebrations, the characters of Westeros know how to make the most of the holidays. Of course, as with everything in Game of Thrones, there are also plenty of dark and violent moments that remind us that this is a world where anything can happen. Regardless, the holiday spirit endures, and the world of Game of Thrones is all the richer for it.
