Outlander Book 5: Roger and Brianna talk about Christmas [Spoilers]

In “The Fiery Cross,” we get to see the Frasers and MacKenzies celebrate Christmas. Here’s a look at what could happen in Outlander Season 5.

There’s a chance we’ll see the Frasers and MacKenzies celebrate Christmas in Outlander Season 5. With it being Christmas Day today, I thought it would be the perfect time to share a snippet from “The Fiery Cross.”

Of course, this means we’re into spoilers for Outlander Book 5 if you haven’t read ahead. However, I’m sure most of you have, and will enjoy delving into a small snippet with me.

During Chapter 33, Roger and Brianna discuss their return home (no details on where they’ve come from for those who don’t mind teases but want to avoid major spoilers). Brianna mentions that it’s Christmas, and Roger has completely forgotten. He’s lost all track of the date, but it turns out that it is Christmas Eve.

And, in that moment, we see what the 18th century has done. It’s hard to imagine that anyone from the 20th century would forget Christmas. Even Roger, despite Hogmanay being a bigger celebration when he was a kid. Considering he grew up in the 50s and 60s, he would have seen some Christmas celebrations, as it was made a national holiday in Scotland in the late 50s.

Yet, Roger has completely overlooked the date. Days have rolled into one. He’s not had the modern-day technology to keep him on track of dates.

But what doesn’t help is how Christmas was celebrated in the 18th century, especially by Highlanders in Scotland and in the Colonies. Highlanders were mostly Roman Catholic, and the Catholics didn’t celebrate Christmas in the way we do today. It was more of a religious observation than a big feast, more like a traditional Sunday.

There wouldn’t have been the same emphasis in the lead up to the date. It’s no wonder Roger overlooked it, even with everything else on his mind.

I love that we get to see this focus on how Christmas differed in the past. “The Fiery Cross” is one of my favorite Outlander books because it focuses more on life and on family. I am curious as to how that all translates onscreen, but I’m still looking forward to Outlander Season 5.

Whichever holiday you are celebrating, I do hope you enjoy the reminder of “The Fiery Cross” and Roger forgetting Christmas.