Official ending time per guildwars.com...
Wintersday Event Extended! 5 January 2007
We are happy to announce that the Wintersday Event will be extended until 11:59 p.m. PST on Thursday, January 11th (7:59 a.m. GMT Friday, January 12th). You can use these days to enjoy more PvP battles in the Snowball Arena, to join the holiday quests and missions, and to redeem your collected Candy Cane Shards for Wintersday Gifts. Find out more here.
http://www.guildwars.com/community/t...ibe-070104.php
January 4, 2007
Wintersday Concludes, And the Winner is...
The Wintersday challenge has concluded. And yet, as many have noticed, warm weather has not returned. Though the lands in Tyria and Elona haven't yet thawed, those loyal to Dwayna assure me that soon only the mighty Shiverpeak Mountains will be covered in Grenth's white blanket.
The Avatar of Grenth has expressed his satisfaction with the performance of Grenth's supporters during the divine challenge, assuring those loyal to Grenth that they have successfully forestalled the thaw for as long as can be expected. He did, however, grumble that his deity is slightly annoyed at the inevitable return of the warm weather; it seems no amount of support can prevent spring's thaw completely.
Dwayna's loyalists dismiss the avatar's claims of victory as premature rubbish, and have proclaimed their beloved goddess the victor of the annual competition. With spring on the horizon and the snowline undoubtedly receding to its summer refuge high in the mountains, Dwayna's followers steadfastly claim that victory is theirs.
Well, I have been given the honor of announcing this year's victor and putting all the arguments to rest. It does appear that the Avatar of Grenth was correct in his assessment, and his patron deity did indeed emerge the champion, thus delaying the inevitable return of spring. Yes, winter, and the Wintersday Festival activities and decorations shall remain for at least another week in light of Grenth's victory over Dwayna. Citizens will continue to trade their Candy Cane Shards for Candy Cane Weapons or other prizes until the cold climes finally leave the valleys and return to their mountain homes.
Grenth's followers will no doubt rub this victory in the faces of Dwayna's loyalists—just as many of them have rubbed snow in their opponents' mugs in the past. In turn, I suspect Dwayna will return next year with payback on her mind.
In the truest sense, though, no matter the outcome of the god vs. goddess battle, the people who attended this fine celebration were the real winners. Those who now don their Wintersday hat with pride, or wield the red and white splendor of a Candy Cane Weapon, emerged from the event victorious. Whether you sang and danced to celebrate the return of spring with the supporters of Dwayna, or sat like miserable Grenth in the corner with your arms crossed, condemning the inevitable invasion of sunshine and warmth, I trust you enjoyed the festivities, and hope to see you next year!
