The quilts warmed cold nights. But they did little to shorten them. As the evenings grew longer, one of the village Artisans built a tiny spring-loaded box as a joke.

When opened, out popped a little carved reindeer. The children laughed and soon everyone was trying to outdo one another.

Some boxes revealed village Snöwkin (mostly willingly). Others hid reindeer, trees, sleds, or whatever delightful surprise could be carved small enough to fit inside.

The boxes became known simply as Jack Frost Boxes, because no matter how bitter the wind outside became, opening one always seemed to chase Jack Frost away for just a little while.

The Lorekeepers still insist that laughter is a kind of warmth...one that has carried many winters.