"Aye. The Hogmanay," Jamie supplies with a brighter smile. Though he'd always wished to have Claire with him, that time never fully enjoyable without her. "Much of the festivities are similar to other celebrations, with an abundance of ale and good food. And more dancing," he smiles over at Brianna.

"But a bit of a unique highlander tradition for New Year's Day: we call it the saining, where we bless and protect our house, loved ones, and livestock for the coming year. From a river ford near Lallybroch, we collect magic water that's been touched by both the living and the dead. The water gets sprinkled on all of us, in every room, and on the beds. When we've finished wi' that, we seal up the house," he drags out his words just a bit for dramatic effect, a twinkle in his eyes as he explains and shares such a time-honored tradition with his daughter, "and burn juniper branches that we carry throughout every hall and room. When we nearly canna stand the smell of the juniper smoke any longer, we take our places at the windows and doors and fling them all open wide." He laughs a bit, just remembering the sound of laughter echoing through Lallybroch. "The cold, fresh air of a crisp day ushering in the new year fills the house. Then we all have a wee bit of whiskey and sit down for the morning breakfast."

He stops walking with her, standing in front of her now and resting his hands on her shoulders. "Bit of yer family history."