Winterfair was a traditional Barrayaran holiday surrounding the winter solstice. Traditional foods for Winterfair included breads with cardamom and hot brillberry syrup. Father Frost was believed to bring presents to children. The night of the solstice was marked by a ball at the Imperial Residence followed by midnight bonfires ("Bonfire Night"). The following day was also a holiday; it was the first day of the new year (but not the fiscal year, as that was matched with the Emperor's Birthday).