[ He responds to the squeeze with one in turn, coupled by a small, happy smile. Maybe this is why he hasn't observed the Winter Solstice much since he left home. It's not the same without a family to share it with and here, he very much has that. Helix for the private part, the rest of the dome for the festivities after — or just a quiet sacrifice, which is more likely.
It doesn't take long before they reach the beach and he soon abandons the hand holding in favor of digging out one of the fire pits, clearing it of snow and sand before dropping his backpack to the ground. ]
Alright... this'll do. I really wish they could've given us more warnin'... technically you're supposed t' do this on Crimson Eve, but I guess we'll just have to make due.