Happy Holidays


the illustration is based on a Russian fairy tale called "The Snow Maiden"

-The story-
A long time ago in the forests of Russia there lived a peasant couple who were unhappy because they had no children. One winter day they decided to build a snowman, so they crafted a pretty little maiden out of snow. Struck with their creation, they said, "Little snowmaiden, speak to us." Before their very eyes, the maiden became a real girl. "I have come from the land of winter," said the girl. The couple was overjoyed and they named the girl Snegurochka. Then one day, when the first signs of spring appeared, Snegurochka came to the couple, and with tear-filled eyes told them that she must go away, up North to the land of snow. They begged her to stay, and shut the door to the hut so the snowmaiden couldn't leave. The peasant’s wife grabbed her and hugged her tightly but as she held the little girl, the child melted away. The couple wept bitterly. All spring and summer they were lonely. Seasons passed and once again it was cold and icy outside. One night a familiar voice was heard. "Mother! Father! Open the door! The snow has brought me back!" The couple opened the door and Snegurochka ran into their arms. That winter she lived with them and the family was happy once more. But in the spring she had to go back North again. This time the couple did not weep, knowing she would return once more when winter appeared. And so the snowmaiden brought warmth and joy to the peasant couple during the long Russian winters for many, many, many years.
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some textures used from- =thiselectricheart