What holidays traditions do you celebrate in the gaming world?

Everyone loves the Feast of Winter Veil in World of Warcraft, but my favorite winter night in the MMO occurs on December 31. You see, fireworks appear over the main faction cities on the hour, beginning at 6:00 a.m. realm time. The event is such a small, simple thing — we see fireworks for other holidays in Azeroth — but it means a lot to me.

New Year’s Eve always holds a special place in my heart. First, it’s my anniversary (10 years, next week), but the night holds more meaning than just an anniversary. It has always been my night to celebrate the previous year and wave it right out the door. Celebrate everything we’ve accomplished and everything that has occurred in our lives (yes, good and bad).

And a lot has happened. It’s been a rough year for everyone. We’re trying to conquer what feels like an unconquerable disease. Money gets tight; belts get tighter. Speeches shouted at the world. Signs waved. Protests held. Staffing becomes a battle for both businesses and the unemployed; sometimes, the company can’t (or won’t) pay its people, while the latter need and deserve a living wage. Lawsuits are waged for the rights and dignities of the workers. It feels like it will never, ever get better.

But always, the end of the year greets us with fireworks. With celebration and tears. With love and sorrow. For auld lang syne (times long past), and times to come. And if we can’t see the fireworks in person — because of safety, or health, or just time — those fireworks will be there for you in Azeroth.

Now tell me — what in-game events reflect your favorite holiday traditions? What small fun things do you not want to miss? And how do you celebrate in-game holidays as a gamer?

I wish you much love for the holidays, dear Watchers. We’ll take a cup of kindness yet, for times long past. And a toast, for times still to come.