He had suggested at the time he departed for the Seal Lake trails in the autumn that he might come out of the wilderness for additional provisions at Christmas time, but it was a long and tedious journey, and they knew it was one he would hardly undertake unless pressed by need.
Christmas holiday week was always one of celebration at the Hudson's Bay Company's Post.

At this time trappers and Indians emerged from the silent wilderness to barter their early catch of furs and to purchase fresh supplies; and on New Year's eve it was the custom of the men and women of the Bay to gather at the Post for the final festivities.

All day long sledge load after sledge load of jolly folk appeared to take part in the great New Year's eve dance, and to enter into the shooting contests and snowshoe and other races on New Year's day.
Eli and Mark Horn drove their team in at The Jug just at dinner time on New Year's eve, and Eli invited Margaret to go on with them and visit Kate Hodge, the daughter of the Post servant.
"We'll be short of lasses at the dance, and we needs un all," said Eli.
"I'd like wonderful well to go," said Margaret wistfully.
"Go on," urged Doctor Joe.

"You'll have a good time and the boys and I will make out famously here.

You get away seldom enough and see too few people.