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@r-m-archer

Both of those sound really interesting.  I still have to flesh out several holidays in my hi-fi world seeing as there are at least seven major countries in the story with even more ethnic groups within.  Towards the beginning of the story there is actually a yuletide celebration of some kind that combines traditions from the various people who live at the castle; there is traditional dance performed by the Eya (gypsies), and traditional singing performed by some of the Keltaic girls.  Several traditions, such as gift-giving and surprise presents, come from Arian or Nors culture (which the majority of the castle occupants are descended from).  There are also many games and chants that are a mix of all cultures, and some which are more recently developed.  One particular game describes a mix of cultural beliefs and heavily features the antagonists of the story; the Mares.  It is based on The Werewolves of Miller’s Hollow, though rather than the standard narration done by the narrator, I put mine into verse:

Night is falling, Townsfolk sleeping
Moon is rising, Mares are creeping
Townsfolk, soundly sleep this night!
Keep your eyes shut nice and tight!

Up now wakes the feathered fiend
Eros rises yet unseen
Let your golden arrows fly!
Pair the Lovers, ere they die!
Your work is done, now go to bed
Fold your wings and rest your head

Lovers, wake this wondrous night!
Find your mate by dark moonlight 
Stare into your partner’s eyes
When passes one, the other dies
Now lie you down in peaceful sleep
And dream of love long and deep

Three eyes open, black as coal
The Seer wakes to view a soul

The crystal ball is going black
Now to sleep she’s going back

Hear the deadly midnight howl
The Mares are out upon the prowl
Little Girl, shade your eyes
Or tonight it’s you who dies
Their victim slain, the Mares now rest
And the Little Girl their guest

The witching hour is now come
Two potions brewed beneath the sun
Will she save a life tonight?
Or will she take one out of spite?
The witching hour is now past
The Witch has gone to bed at last

Sun is rising, Townsfolk waking
Councils and decision making

That game isn’t necessarily strictly a yuletide game, but it is played by several of the castle’s children/teenagers/young adults during the yuletide festival in the book.  Generally it’s played at almost every major gathering or festival because there isn’t much opportunity to do so outside of that.  The narrator is usually someone who sings well, so often either Eya or Keltaic.  The players stand in a circle holding hands and the narrator stands in the center to direct them.  The narrator assigns roles to the players at the beginning.