Holiday dragons are a very mysterious breed. They are only seen during winter, and even then it is hard to catch a glimpse of one. They are responsible for the general cheer that spreads during the holidays. In essence, they are the “Spirits of Winter.”

Dragons are highly-intelligent reptilian creatures that—from a human perspective, at least—appear to live forever. Many different varieties of dragon exist, each with their own unique qualities, habitats, and behavior. Adolescence in dragons is usually marked by the growth of a hatchling’s wings, although not all breeds of dragons grow wings and some breeds have other traits that indicate the beginning of maturation. In Galsreim, dragons and humans coexist peacefully.

Bright-Eyes Aecara is one of Phoenix's dragons. Named for the way her dark eyes sparkle in the firelight, Bright-Eyes is one of the friendliest and most genial dragons in the clan. Even her laugh, which mimics the sound of tinkling Christmas bells, is contagious, but her abilities to brighten and cheer are, of course, most powerful in the season for which her breed is a figurehead.

Unfortunately, she is absolutely useless when it comes to battle. Although she isn't above giving a little slap or tail-snap when someone gets out of line, she seems quite unable to comprehend fighting strategies. A few of the more combat-oriented dragons consider her as only good for decoration, which is really correct.

Bright-Eyes has no mate, preferring to live among friends rather than a lover, but from year to year, she and Reign of Clouds convene so that her children can be gifted to other, younger keepers, just as she was gifted to Phoenix by a senior keeper.