New Year's Celebration in the Canadian Wilderness

The story unfolds during a New Year's party in the Canadian wilderness, featuring a group of French-Canadian loggers who long to escape their harsh surroundings. Logging was primarily a winter activity during the 19th century, made easier by frozen ground and less sap flow from trees. As these men gather to celebrate, their longing for home and a more festive atmosphere emphasizes their dissatisfaction with their situation. The setting serves as a backdrop to their desperation, leading them to consider extreme options to reclaim their holiday spirit.