With Thursday's passing of the winter solstice, the skies are becoming overcast and the air is taking on a bitter chill. There have been a lot of updates to the server these past few weeks in preparation for Christmas. Here's a rundown of the most exciting additions to JT2!
Splash Screen
Our holiday-themed splash screen greets players with a seasonal backdrop and, of course, the yuletide jingle that everybody knows, "We Wish you A Merry Christmas".

Gift Boxes
The multicolored gift boxes finally got a makeover too, featuring all new textures. Now can surprise your friends (and even your enemies) with an assortment of personalized presents just in time for Christmas. Each gift box drops one of 10 random items, ranging from high-grade tools to the standard lump of coal :)

Gift boxes are easy to easy to craft too, with just a mese crystal and cotton, three paper, and four colored wool.

Stockings
With so many new players, Santa can't possibly keep up with who's been naughty and nice. So this year her sleigh will only be making stops at houses with stockings on display. Don't worry! They can be hung anywhere, and they are easily craftable too. Best of all, stockings are an easy way to accept donations from other players.

Stockings (borrowed from the christmas_decor) have a smaller inventory than a mailbox. But they include a list of previous donors, so now you can remember who to thank for their generosity!

Candy Canes and Gingerbread Cookies
Santa has been making her rounds at spawn every day, handing out a random assortment of candycanes and gingerbread cookies for all the good little boys and girls. These holiday treats are not craftable. However, they are amongst the random drops from gift boxes. Of course, you also have a chance to grab some goodies when Santa returns on Christmas Day!

Merry Christmas from all your friends at the north pole of Minetest!