A wonder for the turning of the year

When I think of literature that is linked to specific times of year, one of the first things that comes to mind is the medieval poem Sir Gawain and the Green Knight.

Christmas at Camelot, court of the king.

With many lords and liegemen loyal,

All the brothers of the Round Table, righteous and renowned,

Together. Rightly reveling and making mirth.

It is a Christmas story, in that it begins at the Christmas feast, with cries of “Noel! Noel!” and the exchanging of New Year’s gifts. Arthur, as is his custom, will not eat until something marvelous has occurred.

Be careful what you wish for, Arthur.

Such a wonder all they had

The uncanny like they’d never seen

Not only in his garments clad

The Knight himself was allover green.