Original subtitles

Clear water crystals turn misty and white

Like icy bells chiming a song

But memories of mine choose to dance and to smile

My heart has been waiting so long

Come blackbirds and finches

Come blue babbling brook

Come blossoms and seeds on the wind

Please make the world just the same as before

But all the while shining and new

Have you ever been singing a summer refrain

Not knowing why or for whom

Or roam through the woods

On an evening so cool

But found your way back to the bloom

Now rest the reeds and the whispering oceans

Now rest the oak trees from answering questions

Life in each furrow

Beneath frozen bark

I'm longing to see you

As light turns into dark

I'm longing to see you again

Come right glowing sunsets

Come light up the night

Come raindrops to water

Sometimes our minds make the fairytales true

The sun will be shining again

The last leaves of autumn.

I like when they float on the wind.

It's Snufkin.

Snufkin!

Hello.

Let's go down to the river.

We'll build bark boats and let them sail away.

I wonder where will the water take them.

Perhaps to where heading on my journey.

I'm leaving soon.

Oh Snufkin, is it that time already?

Why do you always go away in the autumn?

I wanna explore some new trails,

spend some time alone for a while.

I need to miss ya a bit.

It makes me sad that you, the sun, birds,

the smell of chestnuts and berries and leaves,

you all go away.

I don't like winter.

Everything has its time.

you have your winter sleep and I travel the world.

- But... - you'll see.

Soon when spring comes,

we'll sit side-by-side warming our backs

in the early rays of the sun

and you'll tell me what you've been dreaming about

all winter long.

It's time.

Sweet dreams, Moomintroll my dearest friend.

- Goodbye. - I'll miss you.

Don't forget to come back.

I'll be back I promise!

Bye, Bye Snufkin.

Spruce trees are the only trees

that do not surrender to the upcoming winter.

These evergreens do not yet know how important

their role will be in this story.

The smell of winter seeps slowly into the Moominvalley.

The chestnut trees can no longer hold on

to their brown, rustling leaves.

Every day the sun sinks below the horizon

earlier than the day before.

With every step, the Groke strides more boldly

through the Moominvalley,

spreading cold and frostiness.

Winter is coming.

Everything freezes slowly.

It's time to say goodbye

and start preparing for the coldness.

Brr, it's so cold.

Brr, I think the Groke must be nearby.

Otherwise where could this coldness be coming from?

What if the Groke freezes the sun?

What if the spring will never come back?

Moominpappa, why are there so many leaves?

Over the winter, the leaves will turn

into compost for Mamma's roses.

We could already smell winter in the air.

We need to prepare well for the deep cold.

Stow the boat, make preserves,

bring in the peat and the wood.

Why do we need winter at all?

What if something or someone visits us

while we're fast asleep and we don't even know about it?

Oh don't fret, my dear.

The world would be far less interesting

without such mysteries.

I wonder what happens in the sea during the winter.

Pappa, what kinds of mysteries were you talking about?

you don't always need to travel far

in order to see a whole new world

full of the strangest creatures.

Sometimes a new world just appears ready to explore.

For example, every spring in the bathing house

we find a thank you letter.

Really, who's it from?

I do not know, Moomintroll.

The mushrooms will grow big in this rain.

Raspberry preserves, yes.

Wild rose preserves, yes.

Apple and plum preserves, yes,

Needle cover for the soup?

Oh no, we can't sleep through the winter without that.

- Darling? - Yes, dear.

Please run and get some spruce needle cover.

The first snow might come any minute.

Please, hurry.

Mamma, there's no need to worry.

We'll get everything done in time.

And pick more mushrooms.

We'll do them in vinegar.

Pappa, come quick.

The sun is about to set and the snow

might start falling any second.

I'm coming, Moomintroll, I'm coming.

Be calm.

There's nothing to fear,

as far as I know.

Huh?

Mushrooms, endless amounts of mushrooms.

We'll have our baskets filled in no time.

One little one, one nice big juicy one.

One...

Huh?

Pappa Pappa, I'm frightened.

The wolves are howling so dreadfully.

What do they want?

Oh don't worry, they're gathering

in the lonely mountains for the winter.

There's no reason to be scared of wolves.

Now as for the Lady of the Cold,

she's beautiful beyond measure.

yet has a deadly freezing gaze.

yikes!

Moominmamma is very pleased.

The whole house smells of warm wood and mushrooms.

I am so happy we've had a bumper crop

of mushrooms this year.

Moominmamma, see what I found?

This one is really big.

yes Moomintroll, it's a whopper.

How 'bout I dry it separately for you?

Would you like that?

On reflection, I much prefer eating mushrooms

to picking them.

That Moomintroll,

he never thinks of anybody else but Snufkin.

Never, never, never.

He just ignores me.

I know what I'll do.

Forget mushrooms, I'll bring him some toadstools.

That'll make him angry and give him something else

to think about than Snufkin.

Oh no, my roses.

The Fosters nipped them.

Look Mamma

Iots of mushrooms, a basket full.

Gracious, those are toadstools.

Why did you pick them, Little My?

They're poisonous.

They're for Moomintroll.

Do you really want to poison him?

No, no I...

No, I just want to make him angry

and stop thinking about Snufkin.

Mamma I'm going outside to look at the sun for a while.

I wanna say goodbye to it.

The shadows are growing longer.

Oh.

Snufkin is probably sitting,

warming himself in the sun and exploring unknown lands.

Winter's just horrible.

As the snow begins to fall,

Moominmamma and Moominpappa ready the Moominhouse

for the long winter sleep.

Ah, there we are.

This one.

A properly preheated stove is essential

for a good winter's sleep.

We brought so many spruce needles

that we might sleep 'til the late spring.

Everything's all set.

Ready, gathered, tucked away.

The pantry is full.

We're warm and snug in our very own house.

Mamma, is it time now to go to bed?

The smell of winter and the evergreen forest

wafts through the house one last time.

Whoa.

As the cold settles in,

you can hear a gentle cracking of the walls.

The sea lies asleep under ice, under thick drifts of snow.

Deep down among the roots of the Earth,

all small creatures are asleep

in their burrows dreaming of Spring.

The silence is deep and expected.

Well there's no doubt about it, winter has arrived.

Oh the Groke, she's on her chilly way.

It's best not to look outside, darlings.

Time for our winter sleep.

Okay Mamma, I'm going up to bed.

Just like every year, we will Sleep all winter long

with our bellies full of spruce needles.

That's what our parents, grandparents

and great grandparents did.

Really Mamma?

And where are all our ancestors now?

I'm not sure.

All I know is that they used to live

behind the tiled stoves.

Oh, that's not fair.

I wish I could talk to the ancestors.

There are millions of questions I'd like to ask them.

Well try not to think about it and go to sleep.

Maybe I'll dream of something spring-like

or a great adventure with Snufkin.

123,

124

- What are you doing? - I'm counting sheep,

I can't seem to fall asleep.

I think I should've put up more rose hip preserves.

Oh Mamma, the pantry shelves are sagging

with all your preserves.

125, 26.

Goodnight, my darlings.

All the clocks have stopped

as if time is standing still.

Specks of dust drift gently to the floor.

The firewood smolders slowly in the tiled stove

and all the sweet scents of summer have disappeared

tightly sealed in the jars of preserves.

The snow blankets the landscape

smoothing sharp angles into pillowy roundness.

Every single twig in the wood carries a large snowcap.

A cold sparkle of snow falls into Moomintroll's dream.

Oh, so The sun sometimes appears in The winter too.

So fluffy and cold.

Curious.

There sure is a lot of it.

It's so silent and empty.

Pappa always says that the world is calm and silent

before something terrible happens.

I wonder what to expect.

I hope I meet someone.

Can it be that I am the only one awake

in all of Moominvalley?

I'll go down to the seashore.

The sound of the waves lapping is always so comforting.

Oh no!

But there are no lapping waves.

There's nobody at the frozen shore,

not even the smallest little creature.

Oh no, the sea is gone.

It's frozen over.

What has happened to the fish and the seaweed?

Where are the shrimps and the seashells I like to collect?

There's no one here.

Or, wait.

Pappa talked about a mysterious thank you letter.

Interesting.

Nobody's here, but the stove is warm.

Oh, who's that?

Is that the lady of the cold?

Oh how beautiful she is.

The most beautiful person I've ever seen.

Brrr she carries cold with her.

I wonder where she's going.

Oh no!

Ahh!

She froze her.

Froze her.

Momma.

Momma, I hate winter.

You're dreaming of the lady of the cold too.

I'll bring you some sun.

Sleep Moomintroll.

I have a box full of pictures in the attic.

I hope I can find it.

Must be here somewhere.

Here it is.

Beautiful sun.

I found lots of stickers too.

I'll make a pretty pattern

over Momma's bed to give her sweet dreams.

Attics are very useful especially in winter.

She's alive?

Is that the same squirrel?

She has such a beautiful tail.

You should find yourself some warm shelter squirrel!

The Moominhouse looks rather

Iike a lopsided snow drift.

And there are no footprints.

Moomintroll feels very lonely.

I'm so hungry.

Oh, here's some bread.

Momma must have left it out for me.

How did she know?

Mmm!

Mmm!

When bread is cold, it's crunchier.

A little light will help me think.

In this chair, I'll be just like Pappa.

He would know what to do.

It's such a cozy chair.

Mmm what was I doing?

That's right, a mattress.

I need a new mattress.

It's cold.

It's too cold to stay in my den.

I have to find a mattress.

Oh, what was it?

Oh yeah, a mattress.

I must remember.

That's weird.

This cardboard box wasn't here before.

Or am I in the wrong cave?

Or am I the wrong squirrel?

Oh that can't be the case.

Just what I was looking for, warm wool.

This will make a comfy mattress.

It's almost as fluffy as my beautiful tail.

Amazing.

Ow ow ow, something bit my foot!

Ow ow ow!

you ugly squirrel.

How dare you wake me up.

Can't you see I'm sleeping here with my sister?

Keep sleeping sister.

I'll sort this out myself

and I'll be back when I get too cold.

Alright then.

Mmm I see.

So this is what snow looks like.

The things they come up with.

How crunchy.

Who would have thought.

Haha so much snow.

You're still here ugly, squirrel.

Thanks to you.

Weeee!

I'm wide awake.

Woo hoo!

And I want to play in the snow.

This winter I will be the fastest My sliding down the hill.

Weeee!

If you're playing outside

why don't I go to sleep in the warm in your cave?

Fine, do whatever you want.

I've got an idea.

I'll wake up Moomintroll.

He needs to play with me.

Greetings little lady.

What marvelous ski trails you have in this valley.

Well duh.

Obviously.

Our valley is the best.

And who, pray tell, are you?

I am Healthy Hemulin.

I love winter and I am an expert on snow conditions.

Ah there's nothing better than fresh air and exercise.

You said it.

Winter is absolutely amazing.

How do you do?

I'm Little My.

And what are these boards attached to your legs?

These are skis.

Don't tell me you've never heard of skis?

They let you slide down really fast.

- See? - Wow!

I need to get myself something like that.

Now I'm off to wake up Moomintroll from his winter sleep.

What?

How can you sleep all winter?

Don't you know that if you sleep too long

your bones and muscles get weaker?

And the heart slows down.

We need to save him from this great danger.

If I may young lady I could wake him up myself.

I didn't know winter sleep could be that dangerous.

Oh I'm getting hungry.

Maybe the Moomins will prepare a feast.

After all, Christmas is coming.

Christmas?

Who's Christmas?

Such a peculiar valley.

When Christmas comes,

it's the most important event of the year.

People gather with friends and family and guests.

There's lots of food.

There are gifts.

And best of all, there's a Christmas tree.

I've never heard of Christmas.

I bet the Moomin family haven't either.

Presents?

Guests?

That's what I said.

Wow!

We'd better wake them all up

so they can get ready for Christmas.

How fast can you get there?

Mmm Over fluffy snow with A Good wind behind me

and mostly downhill, I'd say I can be there in no time.

Mmm well hurry.

But don't mention Christmas.

Let's keep it a surprise.

Little My is right.

We need to wake them up quickly.

Thus it is my duty to wake them up.

And a Hemulin always does his duty.

Ohh!

Why oh why did I agree to this?

There's so much stuff here and it's all dusty.

Mind you, it's a good thing the attic is so cluttered.

I might have hurt myself.

Mmm mmmm.

How can anyone hate winter so much

that they want to sleep through it?

Mmmm.

Hello!

Wakey wakey.

Moomin!

Moomin, Christmas is coming.

Uh oh, I've never been good at keeping secrets.

Oh get up.

Who is that?

you can't spend all winter sleeping.

The weather is fantastic.

Get ready.

What's going on? Who are you?

What Christmas were you talking about?

I am healthy Hemulin.

I came here to wake you up

and to warn you.

Mamma, Mamma.

You have to get up.

Gracious!

What's going on?

Everybody stay calm.

Calm down.

We can handle it.

Hemulin.

What Christmas?

Just get ready.

Christmas will soon be at the door.

And here you all are fast asleep.

And open some windows.

Mamma someone's at the door.

Someone called Christmas.

We're not ready for guests.

Especially Christmas.

The world is full of great and astonishing things

waiting for those who are not ready.

I am sure that we'll give Christmas a warm welcome.

I can't see anybody.

No Hemulin.

No Christmas.

Oh snow!

Look how everything sparkles

Iike millions of little sunshines.

I couldn't have said it better myself.

Look, there's Gafsy.

I wonder what she's up to?

What's in the sleigh?

Oh it looks like presents.

Oh, how exciting.

What could this mean?

Moomins, better Just have your Christmas tree

and wrap your presents or you won't be ready in time.

Christmas is almost here.

What?

We need a tree to protect us from Christmas?

I wonder, does it have to be large enough

for us all to hide underneath?

Mmm and we need to have some gifts.

And a feast.

Good morning, Fillyjonk.

So are you ready for Christmas?

Oh dear Oh dear Mrs Gafsy, I have run out of time.

I'm rushing home to prepare the food.

I'm expecting guests at any moment.

Anybody home?

How did you get here?

you're upstairs.

There're so much snow

and I can barely see your house.

Open up please, I have a gift for you.

Good to see you on this special day.

Likewise.

Oh oh, you're not nearly ready.

Here.

Not good, not good, but they do say

the most important thing is being together.

Well goodbye now.

Who sent it?

What could it be?

How exciting!

Maybe it's a gift from Snufkin.

Well let's open it.

I love surprises.

Oh well, I'll be!

Hello there, happy to see you.

Nibling, this is unexpected.

Why have you come to visit us, Nibling?

My mom was busy

and I was getting on her nerves.

But I heard that you're hosting a great feast.

Please don't jump on the beds, Nibling.

What's that?

I can't hear you when I'm jumping on the beds.

Haha weeee!

Heres a note.

I'm sending him to you

because I know that you

will take good care of him.

I knew I should have made more preserves.

What should we do to prepare?

Moomintroll, you go to the bathing house

and try to find some more plates.

We'll have to cook a lot of food for the feast.

Meanwhile I'll take Nibling to Fillyjonk

and find out about this Christmas.

We also need to find someone

to find the tree for Christmas.

Ah such a task demands someone

really brave, resourceful and clever.

But where will we find someone like that?

Of course it's a task just right for Pappa.

I'm sure he'll find a perfect tree.

I'm off to discover everything

I can about Christmas.

We'll find a solution Mamma.

We always do.

Little Nibling, don't worry.

I have a perfect sense of direction.

This is what mothers always do

when faced with difficult challenges.

Nothing can stop them.

Oh I'll set this one here.

And move this over here.

Oh I don't see anyone approaching.

Oh after all my weeks of preparation

I'm afraid nobody is coming for the holidays.

Guests?

Moominmamma, what brings you here?

Please come in.

Thank you.

Now to what do I owe the honor?

I want to ask about Christmas.

What should we do, Fillyjonk?

How can we save ourselves?

We have medicine, bandages, candles, hatchets

Pappa's out looking for the Christmas tree now.

As we understand it's helpful to have it

before Christmas comes.

Oh you don't understand.

The most important thing is food

and lots of it.

Oh and you have to clean.

Everything must be spotless.

Goodness gracious, I must rush home.

We need to clean.

And remember, you're supposed to

dress up the Christmas tree.

It must look beautiful.

Oh what a naughty creature!

He needs to leave my house this instant!

I spent a whole week cleaning this room alone.

Come Nibling.

I'm sorry for the mess, Fillyjonk.

And thank you for all your advice.

We'll be off.

I'm sure your guests will be arriving soon.

No.

Nobody's coming.

Oh dear, Well in that case, Please come to us.

It may be a little haphazard

but we'll be safer if we're all together.

Thank you.

I'll be there, promise.

Bye bye.

so Christmas likes A spotless house and lots of food.

But how will we dress up the Christmas tree?

If it's a big tree, I'm not sure I can find

clothes large enough to fit.

Here dear.

Perhaps Pappa will choose a small tree

and we'll dress it up in one of my dresses.

Pappa told me that The lady of The cold is Just A legend.

But I had a real dream about her, so maybe she does exist.

Why did I never hear about Christmas?

Snufkin's right, there's so much to explore.

So many things we don't understand.

Last time I was here, Snufkin and I went swimming

and they'll lay in the warm sand.

Is somebody here?

It's so warm inside.

Huh?

Anybody there?

Oh no, how did this happen?

Why did you let him go?

I'm sorry, I didn't mean to.

It's all because of this Christmas thing.

And what's your name?

Pappa said that someone leaves

a letter in here every spring.

Is that you?

Do you live here all winter?

yes I do; I know who you are.

you're Moomintroll.

My name is Too-Ticky.

But this is Pappa's bathing house.

I used to dive from here.

The sea was warm.

You may be right and you may be wrong.

In the summer, it belongs to a Pappa.

In winter, it belongs to Too-Ticky.

What was that creature?

your ancestor, family.

My ancestor?

Family?

- Are you sure? - yup.

He didn't look anything like me.

Family is family; you don't get to choose it.

But it's very important around Christmas.

That was your great, great, great grandfather.

What's going on?

Those are invisible shrews.

A lot of amazing creatures appear in the winter.

Creatures that are afraid to show themselves

in spring or summer.

Listen, the point of Christmas is about being with others,

when you all sit around the table together

eating a festive meal.

You know more about my ancestors than I do.

I need to find him.

I'm gonna run now, but I'll be back.

I have so many questions.

Word of advice, young fellow.

Relatives have a tendency to stay

somewhat longer than you want them to.

Okay, thanks.

Bye bye.

Moomintroll runs home

and straight up to the attic where he feels sure

to find answers to his many questions about his ancestors.

I bet he hid in the attic.

He'd feel right at home with all this old stuff.

Ooh, the family album.

Maybe I'll find a family resemblance in here.

But I don't look anything like the long-tailed creature

in the cupboard.

It is not true, or could it be?

After all, he did have a fringe on his tail

just like me.

Hmm, I don't know.

Maybe a bit.

Huh?

Hi, great great great grandfather.

Come down.

Don't be scared.

Will you join us to wait for Christmas?

you'll meet all the others.

That's Fillyjonk, don't worry.

She's not related to us.

I don't like her much either.

She doesn't understand that sometimes,

a little bit of chaos is necessary.

Now I can see you're family.

The ancestors of Moomins used to live behind tiled stones

just like you.

you hate alarm clocks, just like me.

Hey!

Fearing that Fillyjonk is coming,

the ancestor scurries into the chimney to hide.

Huh, who can that be?

Oh no, what if it's Christmas?

We're not ready; we don't have our Christmas tree yet.

Hello there, Moomintroll.

Welcome, Hemulen.

What are those sticks attached to your feet?

These are skis.

Little My said I could invite as many guests as I like.

I met Fillyjonk, the Wompers and Salome on the way.

So they're all coming.

We'll all prepare for Christmas together.

After all, it's the most important night of the year.

Um, do we need that much help?

We might not have room for everybody.

You can thank me later.

Now, let's get the house ready.

I shall stay out here and blow my horn

so all the guests will find their way easily.

Okay, But I can use some help in The house.

I'll have to make up beds for everyone.

Don't worry about me.

I shall be sleeping in a snow house outside.

It's much healthier.

Alright everyone, here's what we should do.

We are going to build a snow house just for me.

A big one.

Why do you need a big house?

I want fresh air.

Lots of fresh, healthy air.

Believe you me, nothing is more dangerous

than spending too much time indoors.

Now, it's time to get to work.

But why a house of snow?

He lives in his own bubble.

Oh, this is a big one.

Goodness, that's quite large enough.

There we are.

A little bit more, A little bit Too The right.

Very good, bravo.

Splendid work!

Whoa, that's amazing.

The snow house is ready and I'm hungry.

Let's go to the Moominhouse and have something to eat.

Run along, I will join you later.

So Fillyjonk, the Wonkers and Salome

make their way to the Moominhouse,

but the can't find the door.

Come, here.

This is the way in.

Climb the ladder, I'll hold it steady.

It's perfectly safe.

I am not climbing any ladders.

Please come, I'll help you.

Come on.

Certainly not.

Do I look like a squirrel?

Hang on, hang on.

I will clear the snow off for you.

yeah, that's better.

Here you go.

Woo!

In the silence of Winter,

it's always wise to expect the unexpected.

On this particular day,

another stranger arrives in Moominvalley.

A skinny, little dog with a wooly hat over his eyes.

His name is Sorry-oo.

I wonder how they'll treat me.

A homeless, hungry dog like Sorry-oo.

Little My said that there's always

Iots of food at the Moominhouse.

I haven't eaten for days.

Isn't he cold?

Strange man.

This must be the Moominhouse, I've made it!

Huh?

The house has grown so cold that we need more wood.

This is almost enough for now.

Let's get it inside.

- Hello? - Hi there,

have you come a long way?

yes, I set out two days ago.

Oh!

I heard there's going to be a feast

and I have nothing left to eat.

Well, we have plenty of food.

Come in.

Here, I'll help you.

The door is blocked up with snow,

so we go in through the window.

Come in, please.

Guests first.

You're very kind.

Who's that?

Ha, oh it's you!

Glad you made it.

There's lots of food, come on in.

Dinner is served.

I see that Moominmamma's been busy.

I do love soup.

Come, you can sit here.

There's a free spot here.

Make yourself at home.

If you're gonna gobble it up that quick,

there'll be nothing left for me.

Mmm, now that's a tasty soup.

Maybe I'll invite my brothers, the wolves to the feast.

Wolves?

The wolves live in the lonely mountains.

As far as I know, they are dangerous and wild.

But I bet they're hungry.

I don't think they're that much into preserves.

Are you sure they're your brothers?

Sure, I'm sure.

They're strong and brave.

My brothers would never harm.

I wouldn't count on that.

I never heard of anyone who survived an encounter

with the wolves.

I'm sure they won't do anything bad.

I like them, so why wouldn't they like me too?

Go for it, invite them.

Here you go.

And now, Cranberry dessert.

One of Moominmamma's specialties.

- Thank you, Little My. - Thanks.

yum, yum.

Huh?

Greetings, friends.

I see, are you just sitting inside?

How about a little exercise?

Fresh air does wonders for the Constitution.

Unless there's any of that scrumptious

Raspberry preserve left.

I'm hungry all of a sudden.

Why am I not surprised?

Please, come in and help yourself Hemulen.

A dog.

Excellent, I've always liked dogs.

And without a doubt, you at least love to run.

Come outside with me.

I'm going to the lonely mountains to invite my brothers.

Nothing I like more than fresh mountain air.

I shall accompany you.

However, we must hurry for to make it there and back

before the evening.

We'll be waiting.

Just come back by nightfall.

Hemulen has always dreamt

of having a loyal friend and travel companion.

Meeting a dog in the Moomin house

makes him extremely happy for a Hemulen.

You know, I met a wolf once.

Let me tell you, you don't look much like a wolf.

You're a nice, little dog.

But I am brave.

- In fact... - If you say so.

- I, uh... - But fear not,

I shall take care of you and we will travel together.

This Hemulen character's nothing but talk.

He doesn't listen at all.

We will go this way.

Follow me.

Get up now, let's go.

We shall wander the world together

having great adventures.

Look at him go.

I'll be better off myself.

He wasn't a good companion.

I'm sure I will make friends with the wolves.

After all, they are family.

I am a superb companion.

I can be caring, resourceful and hardworking.

What?

Where did he go?

Moominmamma is so absorbed in her work

that she hardly seems aware of the world around her.

It's as if she disappears into the task at hand,

Iike the colors that disappear in winter.

But as usual when something is missing,

you have to stay calm

and look in the right place to find it.

Everybody is preparing for the most important guest

of all: Christmas.

Moominpappa, stop!

Whoa!

Ooh, I've made an even bigger mess.

Perhaps I'll be of more use in the kitchen.

This Christmas business is making me so nervous.

Darling thank you for helping,

but we still don't have a tree

and we absolutely must have one to welcome Christmas.

Ooh, oh the tree.

I do wish I were more organized.

Where is it?

Aah, here.

Now, my grandmother's recipe for fish pie.

Sit down a moment dear, I'll finish the cooking.

I'm sure Christmas will be very hungry after a long journey.

Are you alright, dear?

Oh yes yes yes.

I just need a moment.

I believe there's a book that can tell me

what a Christmas tree looks like and where to find one.

Hmm, it'll be up in the attic.

What's Moominpappa up to?

Oh I do like having an attic

where we can store all the seemingly useless things

that save our lives from time-to-time.

Oh, I keep telling Moominmamma we must get organized.

Now, where do I look?

I try over here.

Aha!

Aah, here we are.

Alright then, Chris...

Oh, oh glasses.

Christmas trees are conifers which are evergreen.

They symbolize life.

A Christmas tree can be a Spruce tree, a Pine tree.

A tree stolen from nature

will bring good luck to the household.

I need to steal a tree!

Just think of it as bringing it in from The cold.

Excellent idea, dear.

Oh, thank you.

Gifts, gifts.

Everybody likes gifts.

But what kind of gift do you give to somebody you don't know

and are even a little afraid of?

Moomintroll has a challenging task in front of him.

What would make Christmas happy?

I wonder what Christmas looks like.

Whoa.

Maybe she looks like a ghost.

Or like a fortuneteller.

Or like a beautiful seahorse.

What is that light?

It's so pretty and sparkly.

Stuck.

I think I'll go ask Too-Ticky.

Maybe she knows Christmas better.

Too-Ticky I was looking for you.

What is this?

It's a snow lantern.

I was wondering who would emerge from that forest.

I guess it was you I was waiting for.

Oh wow, what's that song you were whistling?

It's a song about myself.

A song of Too-Ticky who built a snow lantern.

I see.

No you don't

because the refrain is about things

no one can understand and that may not even exist.

Like the Northern Lights for instance.

Hmm, I think The Northern Lights might exist.

Hmm, or maybe they just look like existing.

All things are so very uncertain.

And that's exactly what makes me feel reassured.

I came lookin' for you

because I need to make some gifts for Christmas,

but I have no clue what.

Well, think about it.

What would you like to receive?

Well, I don't know.

The sun went away and the winter

is too mysterious and unpredictable.

The thing I want most in the whole wide world

is to see the sun again.

You're in luck.

Every year we light a special bonfire

together with all the invisible

and mysterious creatures of the valley.

Today is the day.

You can help us gather wood.

These are the longest nights of the year.

The fire will encourage the sun to return.

Great.

Come on, let's have something to eat.

I could do us something hot.

Someone just jumped on my foot.

There are so many invisible creatures around.

I had no clue about all this.

Invisible shrews, cut it out.

Tell me, how big

does the bonfire have to be?

Pretty big.

There's not much time.

I wonder if we'll manage.

We'll be ready; don't you worry.

But now, let's have some nice hot soup

and listen to music.

But what about a gift for Christmas?

Maybe I'll draw her something.

I'm quite good at drawing.

Good idea.

Mmm, thanks.

That was delicious, but maybe I should get going.

Everybody's busy cleaning.

No need for me to be here.

I'd rather go sledding on snow,

especially now that I have a nice warm snowsuit.

I'll try sliding downhill on this tray.

Yee, out of my way!

Maybe Little My can help

- us with the gifts. - Woohoo, wooie!

It's Little My; ready or not, here I come.

My, watch out.

Are you two alright?

My, you and your monkey business.

Do you have a gift for Christmas yet?

I think I'll make skis for Christmas.

Then she can slide down a hill the way I do on the tray.

you're nothin' but a troublemaker.

In fact, if you make skis as well as you make trouble,

it'll be first-rate.

Now what can I use to make skis?

Look I will make a pair of skis, but for myself.

My wonderful company will be enough of a gift for Christmas.

Woohoo!

Woohoo, these skis are perfect.

Whoo!

I'm going to ski down every hill

and I'll be faster than Hemulen in no time, yippee!

My, you only ever think of yourself.

Come and help us gather wood.

I wish Snufkin were here.

He's already to pitch in.

Alright, I'll help you but my way.

I will tell all of the Woodland creatures

to bring you some wood.

And I'll spend the afternoon skiing.

Whoo!

Too-Ticky, are you sure

this stack is high enough?

Hey, this is the bench from our garden.

yup, But it was broken and no One uses it anymore.

Don't be stingy, we're doing this for the return of the sun.

I guess you're right.

I think I'll go back home and look for some other things

we can burn.

Fine, you go look for more wood.

Whoo!

What are you doing, Moominpappa?

Oh hello, you recognized me.

Nothing, I'm not doing anything in particular.

Maybe I can help you.

No no no, there's no need.

Isn't this Fillyjonk's forest?

Could that be one of her trees?

what are you talking about, My?

I dare say it's been a while

since you've been in these parts.

you don't know your way around here anymore.

I don't think so.

I know this forest pretty well.

Ooh, Well The fact is somebody cut this down

and I happened to walk by...

Don't worry, I won't tell how you stole the tree.

Woo, woo!

Our ancestors were right.

It's wiser to sleep through the whole Winter

than have to save your family from danger

and wait for somebody named Christmas to come.

do we have A dress for The Christmas tree?

Oh dear, you're shivering.

Maybe you would like a blanket

or something warm to wrap up in?

yes, please.

Here, take this.

Now I'll get you some hot tea.

Hmm, perhaps my shawl would look better

on the Christmas tree than a dress.

But it might be too small.

Thanks.

A Christmas tree should be dressed up

with beautiful things, not with clothes.

Oh really?

Thank you, Woody.

Happy to help!

Beautiful things.

Well I have lots of lovely things.

Maybe my necklaces.

The Moomin family decorated the Spruce tree

with seashells from last Summer's flower beds,

Snorkmaiden's pearl necklaces, a beautiful bark boat,

prisms from the drawing room chandelier

and other items they found especially fine looking.

At the very top of the tree,

Moominmamma's rose brooch took pride of place.

It looks beautiful.

Oh I hope we've done everything right.

Here you go.

Well, there we go.

What do you think this Christmas eats?

I've sat out blueberry pie and juice.

Oh I hope she's not too hungry.

Ready.

Now we wait for nightfall.

The bonfire must be huge.

No, hmm.

These old things are perfect.

We don't use them anymore and they're not family heirlooms.

This, too.

I think Mamma would agree.

Oh, hello Mamma.

What are you doing here, Moomintroll?

Mamma, I really need to take these

because I'm building a bonfire with Too-Ticky.

Why a bonfire?

We're doing it for the sun.

Look, there are so many things we don't use anymore.

Now they can be made use of for a good cause.

yes you're right, we do have a lot of things.

It's very nice of you and Too-Ticky to think about the sun.

Are you lookin' for something, Mamma?

I was looking for You and heard noise from up here.

I reckoned you were up to something.

Hope the bonfire makes the sun return.

Just remember to be back in time for the evening.

Oh, a torchlight procession.

They know about the bonfire

and are bringing wood to add to the pile.

I must remember to show Too-Ticky the picture

I painted as a present for Christmas.

Don't be late.

Too-Ticky will be happy that we have so many things

to put on the bonfire.

Ooh!

Wow, the moonlight is...

It's almost like the sun is gazing at the moon

Iike in a mirror.

Ha, goodie, more stuff.

This is goin' to be the greatest bonfire ever!

Fantabulous!

Come on.

Sorry-oo's heart is filled with longing.

He climbs up into the mountains

to answer the call of his wolf brothers.

He is cold and not a little sorry he left Hemulen behind.

What if they don't like me?

I've come this far, I ought to at least try.

Is it them?

yes, at last!

Hi, greetings.

I am your brother.

We don't know each other yet,

but perhaps you'd like to come

and celebrate Christmas with me and the Moomins.

Sorry-oo realizes his mistake.

The wolves aren't his brothers.

Instead, he might get eaten

and possibly have time to consider what a fool he has been.

Brothers?

The wolves slowly close in on Sorry-oo.

Help, help, help!

Somebody, anybody, please, help!

Help!

Sorry-oo!

Help, help!

That's him!

He's calling for help, for me!

Help!

Sorry-oo have no fear, I'm coming.

I will find you!

Please!

Wolves, out of my way.

Get, shoo, scat!

Get lost!

- Be off with you! - Hemulen.

Scram, get, skedaddle!

Hemulen, thank you Hemulen.

you saved me!

No trouble.

Oh, Sorry-oo.

Have you been waiting for me to rescue you?

Oh don't be afraid now, they're gone.

I told you nothing good would come out

of this wolves business.

Sometimes family can be complicated.

Sorry-oo is no longer afraid

with Hemulen skiing by his side.

And Hemulen is happy because at last

he has a dog who likes him.

Sorry-oo gives up dreaming of his wolf brothers.

He has found something more important:

a true-hearted friend.

I'm not the only one who wants the sun to come back.

I hope this helps.

Aah, say goodbye to this broken chair.

Bye bye, chair.

There you go, be off!

The usually shy, timid Woody

begins drumming ecstatically.

Giant shadows seem to dance on the mountain.

Valley dwellers give themselves up to merry-making

and play unheard of giggling.

Are you sure the sun will return, Too-Ticky?

Listen Moomintroll, this always works.

Do you think the sun would notice

if the garden bench was on the fire or not?

Do you think the sun cares?

This bonfire is 1,000 years older than your garden bench.

You should be honored that it is worthy

of being burned on this bonfire.

Hmm.

The Woodland creatures are shying away.

Why?

They don't know you.

you usually sleep all Winter.

Maybe they want to keep their secrets to themselves.

I understand.

The Groke is coming.

Now this is something.

Too-Ticky, do you think the Groke

will come all the way to here?

I could fight from stomping out The fire.

I don't like it, but today I'm not in the mood.

She has grown a lot bigger since August.

It's so cold.

Look, she's coming closer.

What do you think she wants?

We're safe here in the cave.

The Groke wants the fire.

She's always freezing cold.

She wants to warm herself.

I think the Groke likes it.

I wonder why.

Looks like it.

I think she longs for the unattainable

as so many of us do.

I wonder if she feels better right now.

Maybe she won't be so cold anymore

and the sun will finally come back.

I hope so.

Poor Groke, she just wanted to get warm.

But now the fire's out, she's miserable again.

I should be getting home.

Christmas will come soon.

Finally, where have you been all this time?

We were getting really worried.

Where are your brothers, the wolves?

Sometimes it's better to keep family at a safe distance.

May we come in?

I hope there are some pancakes left.

He deserves them, Moomintroll.

He was a real hero today.

I'm sure we can rustle up some pancakes for you.

Come in.

So when is Christmas coming?

Everything is ready.

She seems to be late.

Oh, Merry Christmas Moominfamily from us all.

Thank you.

you've got such a pretty Spruce tree.

May we stay and admire it for a while?

So much food!

Make yourselves at home.

Hope you like it.

There's lots more to eat.

Don't forget to leave something for Christmas too

when she shows up.

I never thought winter could be so much fun.

Everything went just as planned.

But I'm so tired, I can barely keep my eyes open.

The visit of unexpected guests

turned out to be quite enjoyable.

Moominmamma and Moominpappa go to sleep happy,

but also very, very tired after the Christmas celebration.

I wonder what Christmas thinks now.

Gracious, I'm too sleepy to ponder the meaning of it all.

But maybe this is what Christmas is all about,

making others happy.

Well, you're probably right.

I must add a chapter on this to my memoirs.

Even though Moomintroll's own belly is full,

he doesn't forget to feed the ancestor

and the dweller under the sink before going back to sleep.

There you are, it's raspberry.

Moomintroll falls asleep

the moment his head hits the pillow.

He hopes that the Lady of the Cold and Christmas

are happy with their presents

and will let the sun come back soon.

And he thinks about the Groke,

and her lonely, passionate longing for warmth.

The Northern Lights bedazzle the sky

with thousands of colors as if the sun,

eager to return, is blowing on them with its warm breath

to make them swoop and sway.

The Moomins know nothing about what is happening

in the sky above them.

The Lady of the Cold knows it is time for her to leave

and vanishes softly into the horizon.

Moomintroll dreams that the sun is making its way

from the far reaches of the universe to the Moominvalley

bringing all the warmth and joy of Summer.

And everything Moomintroll knows and loves will come back.

The sun!

It's back!

Ooh, it's so warm.

I need to honor the sun somehow.

I want to go thank Too-Ticky.

These are perfect to welcome the sun.

Golden ribbons.

It's back!

The sun.

I know, it came back as it does every year.

Wasn't that because of what we did?

Well that's something no one can be sure of.

Tell me Too-Ticky, did you know that she wouldn't come?

- Who? - Christmas.

Oh but she did come.

Just not in the way you expected her.

Why didn't you tell me?

I wanted you to discover

the magic of Christmas for yourself.

You know you've had a wonderful Christmas

when you spend the longest nights of the year

together with the people you love:

your family and friends.

I am so tired.

This Christmas has wiped me out.

It was fun having all those guests and making new friends.

But I can't stop thinking how wonderful I will be

to fall asleep in my own bed.

I'm sure it will be, Moomintroll.

The more Moomintroll thinks about the sun,

the more he longs for the happy days of Summer.

Ohh, I miss the sun so much.

So Winter can be nice if you have a chance to experience it.

The world can be mysterious and magical

even when you stay close to home.

When I wake up again, I'll tell Snufkin all about it.

Yes, darling.

Moomintroll slowly nods off,

but he can't leave Winter behind.

He shudders thinking about the Lady of the Cold

and the memory of the fire

makes him snuggle deeper under the coverlet.

He muses about how Winter is different.

It is deep and dark and mysterious.

One can lose one's way in it,

and still strangely feel at home.

Above all, he thinks about the peculiar invisible creatures

whom he would never have met if not for Christmas.

A Winter storm rolls near.

The sky darkens, the worried gusts of wind

rush to and fro over the snowdrifts.

If Moomintroll were outside,

he might feel something familiar in the air.

A hint of a promise of things to come

that make him feel light and almost like flying.

Sleeping under willow trees

I dreamt about this winter breeze

The soft and snowy world outside my window

Summer days have gone away

They feel so distant anyway

I can't believe I'm waking up to see snow

Under the blue northern star

Summer's in a chilly jar

Somewhere underneath white blankets

Of my winter wonderland

Bring the snow

Bring the snow

Bring the whole Christmas show

Bring my worries and I'll let them go

And if you need a friend

You'll find one before this

Winter's day will end

seems so very small

Hey you're the brains and stoneless soul

Deep down in your heart the wolves are howlin'

Everything you thought would be

Will soar away eventually

But something new will always be here waitin'

Under the blue northern star

Friends are not so very far

Somewhere on these hills and mountains

Of my winter wonderland

Bring the snow

Winter's day will end