Abuela Crimbo's Cottage (2019)

This content has been retired and is no longer available in game.

Abuela Crimbo's Cottage appeared in Crimbo Town (2019) during Crimbo 2019.

Starting December 14, 2019:

As you enter Crimbo Town, you're greeted by Abuela Crimbo -- Uncle Crimbo's aunt, a big broad-shouldered barrel of a woman with her white hair in a tight bun, a corncob pipe, and a red-and-white checked apron (in case you've forgotten or weren't here last year).

"Well, if it isn't <Player Name>!" she says, greeting you with a big bear hug. "Are you ready for a good old-fashioned Crimbo, with no conflict or fighting or other tomfoolery?"

"Gosh!" you say. "I barely remember a time when Crimbo didn't come with some sort of crazy ruckus."

"Well, there'll be no ruckuses on my watch, you hear?" She waggles a forefinger at you, mock-sternly. "No Elder Gods or extradimensional invaders or psychic demons, and no casualties except gingerbread men. You got that?"

"Loud and clear," you grin.

"I set Tammy to work getting the toy factory up and running, so she's scampering around somewhere. Why don't'cha go hunt her down, she'll be excited to see you. I've got to get back to work getting the Cafe ready for tomorrow."

On subsequent visits:

• Abuela Crimbo will be busy with various different things each time you visit her. Some examples include:

Abuela Crimbo is busy giving orders to the elves. Probably best to just stay out of the way 'til tomorrow.

Abuela Crimbo is busy with some knitting right now. You shouldn't bother her until tomorrow.

Abuela Crimbo is preoccupied with her baking, so there's probably nothing to do here until tomorrow.

Abuela Crimbo is tidying up her cottage right now. Best come back tomorrow.

Abuela Crimbo isn't here, she must be dealing with something in the factory or somewhere. Maybe try back tomorrow.

Abuela Crimbo looks busy dealing with a couple elves that got tangled up in some rope-lights. Better to come back tomorrow.

Starting December 15, 2019:

There's a slightly odd aroma in the air as you enter Crimbo Town. Abuela Crimbo comes out of the Crimbo Cafe, brushing flour off her apron, and greets you with a wave.

"Hey there, <Player Name>," she says. "We've got the Cafe up and running now, so I hope you've brought your appetite! All your favorite fish-based Crimbo treats!"

"...Fish?" you ask.

"Well, yes. For some reason a bunch of the elves have taken to fishing with a passion. Or should I say, a pescado! Hah! Anyway, they've been bringing back buckets of the stuff as ingredients, and I didn't have the heart to tell them you can't make a fruitcake out of fish, so I've just been making do. They have Crimbo on the coast too, after all, so they're still all traditional recipes even if they aren't quite the traditions you're used to."

Starting December 16, 2019:

When you arrive at Crimbo Town, Abuela Crimbo is sitting in her rocking chair, weaving pine boughs into wreaths and puffing on her corncob pipe, occasionally calling out instructions to some elves who are busily stringing lights and garland around the place.

"Hi there, Abuela," you say with a wave. "Anything I can help with?"

"Oh no dearie, you just relax and enjoy the season," she says. "We've got everything under control. Although... have you seen Tammy? We're more-or-less on schedule with the toy factory, but I haven't seen hide nor hair of that girl."

"Oh, uhh... well, I'm sure she's around here somewhere. If I see her, I'll let her know you were looking for her."

Starting December 17, 2019:

You enter Crimbo Town and find Abuela Crimbo directing traffic -- the elves are busily running this way and that, loaded with stacks of gift-wrapped packages.

"Hiya, Abuela!" you greet her. "Looks like you've got the factory up and running!"

"Sure have!" she says with a grin. "Not quite as organized as I'd like--" She stops an elf carrying more empty boxes than he can see around by placing one big hand on the top of his head, then rotates him ninety degrees and sends him off in this new direction "--but there's no real trouble. Can't help but suspect Tammy's sleeping on the job, though. She's the one in charge of factory management, you know."

"Wellll..." you say, "she's probably just feeling a little stressed out after what happened last year, is all. That'd throw a wrench into anyone's stride. I'll go find her and uh, cheer her up a bit."

"That's a fine idea," Abuela beams. "You go and do just that. I imagine she'll be around the factory somewhere -- and I think they'll have a little something for you there as well!"

"Ooh!"

Starting December 18, 2019:

Abuela Crimbo is in her rocking chair, with a circle of elves sitting on the ground in front of her, threading popcorn onto string (or perhaps, stringing it onto thread) to make garlands. Occasionally she gives one a gentle bop on the top of the noggin to stop them eating the popcorn.

"Hello there, <Player Name>," she nods as you approach. "Getting into that Crimbo spirit?"

"I sure am, ma'am," you say. "How's everything coming along here?"

"Oh, we still have a lot to do, but there's plenty of time still," she says. "Don't forget to pick up today's gift at the factory, now. Have yourself a good non-violent time."

"Uh, thanks, I sure will. Yep!"

Starting December 19, 2019:

Abuela Crimbo waves you over to her rocking chair when she sees you, and pulls a pair of red and green wool booties out of her knitting bag. "Here you, <Player Name>, these are for you."

"Aw! Thanks, Abuela!" you say.

"Don't think nothing of it. I noticed you and the other adventurers have been spending a lot of time swimming out on the coast--"

"Uh..."

"--So thought you should have some nice warm diving booties. You'll catch your death, going diving at this time of year!"

"Ha ha well, you know, it's good for the skin? And the circulation. Very bracing!"

"Mmm-hmm. Well, you just be careful, now."

You acquire an item: hand-knitted diving booties

Starting December 20, 2019:

Abuela is sitting in her rocking chair, watching keenly as elves scamper to and fro, hauling packages and decorations and crates of toy parts between... you know, the various places that things go.

"Morning, <Player Name>," she nods to you. "Going out swimming again today?"

"Oh uh, yeah," you say. "Thought I'd do a few laps. Good exercise, you know."

"Laps? Of the ocean?"

"Oh ha ha, no, not actual laps, no. Just, you know. Swimming around."

"Uh-huh. Well, don't forget to keep warm!"

"No ma'am, I've got those booties you made, they're working a real treat. Everything going okay here? Do you need an extra hand with anything?"

"No need, hon', we've got things under control. You go have fun."

Starting December 21, 2019:

"<Player Name>! Over here, dear!" Abuela Crimbo waves you over to the door of the Crimbo Cafe, and hands you some small jelly-jars filled with... something gray.

"Err... thanks, Abuela! What are these?"

"Since everyone's so interested in fishing and swimming this year, I cooked up some traditional fish broth from an old Northern recipe."

"Oh! Sounds... delicious!"

"Hah! Maybe if you spend your entire life acquiring the taste. What it is, is healthy."

"Ah."

"Look," she says, giving you a smile and a pat on the head, "I know wool booties and fish broth don't seem like very fun gifts. But the secret is: the practical gifts make the fun gifts even more fun by comparison. And what's more, you'll still be using the practical gifts long after the fun ones have run out of juice."

"You know what," you say, "that's a very good point. Thanks, Abuela!"

"Now, this stuff is very highly concentrated, so don't drink it straight. You'll want to dilute it at about six-to-one. By which I mean, six gallons of water to one of these little jars."

You acquire 3 bowls of concentrated fish broth

Starting December 22, 2019:

You look around Crimbo Town, but don't see Abuela Crimbo anywhere. Eventually, though, the smell of baking leads you to the kitchen of the Crimbo Cafe, where Abuela is busily filling the counters with tray after tray of baked goods, which some elves are packing into decorative tins.

"Anything I can help with?" you ask.

She looks up from her work. "Nope! No room in here for you if there was, kiddo." She sticks a sopapilla in your mouth and flaps her hands to shoo you out of her kitchen.

You acquire an item: Baja sopapilla

Starting December 23, 2019:

Abuela Crimbo and the elves are all rushing around finishing their final last-minute tasks for the big day (well mostly it's the elves rushing, and by 'mostly' I mean 'entirely').

Probably it's best to just stay out of their way. Tammy probably has something more pressing for you to do, anyway.

Starting December 24, 2019:

"Happy Crimbo, <Player Name>!" Abuela Crimbo gives you a big rib-cracking hug. "Feliz Navi!"

"Oof! Ha ha, you too, Abuela," you say. "Looks like everything went off without a hitch around here?"

"Yep, it was fine," she nods. "And I assume your little adventure worked out okay too, right?"

"Uhh..."

She winks and taps the side of her nose, then hands you a book. "Here's your Crimbo present. Read it in good health, kiddo."

You acquire an item: The Spirit of Giving

Thereafter:

Abuela Crimbo is done for the season. You should let her rest.