When the first chilly morning of autumn wriggles through the summer heat, all beavers pause in their labors and look to the trees they had previously been felling. If the leaves are green, we hasten our labors. If they have but a hint of color on them, it’s time for the Lastleaf celebration.

Lastleaf is a lot like Firstbud and usually takes place under the same tree. Beavers from all over gather together to frolic beneath the golden and red leaves to celebrate goals attained and strength gained. We make a point of gorging ourselves on whatever autumn fruits we can find to make sure we have enough energy to last the winter.

Then, once the sun sets, we bid each other farewell, not knowing if we will see each other again, and with a great slap of our tails, we retreat to our lodges for inventory of our winter stores.

Now that I’m a beaver in a summer city, it’s not always easy to find the right time and location to celebrate the holidays. Luckily, Lastleaf never falls on the same day each year, so that gives all sorts of flexibility in finding a spot for its celebration! Usually, I wait for the equinox, then try to find a place that has bright leaves over water in order to celebrate. I try to invite my family, because they’re the most important part of any beaver holiday, but it isn’t always possible. Regardless, I do my best to send them a messenger albatross to commemorate the occasion!