On a cold and frosty morning, the Cailleach woke up early to gather firewood for the rest of the winter. She put on her warmest cloak and set out into the woods with her trusty staff. The snow was deep and the wind was howling, but the Cailleach was determined to gather enough wood to keep her warm.
As she walked through the woods, she came across a group of trees that were still green. The Cailleach was furious. “Why are you still green?” she shouted at the trees. “It’s winter! You should be bare and dead!” The trees didn’t answer, but the Cailleach knew that they were mocking her.
She raised her staff and struck the trees with all her might. The trees shuddered and shook, and their leaves fell to the ground. The Cailleach gathered up the leaves and used them to start a fire. She sat by the fire and warmed her hands, feeling satisfied that she had taught the trees a lesson.
As the day wore on, the Cailleach gathered more and more wood. She filled her basket to the brim and started to make her way back home. The sun was setting, and the sky was turning pink and orange. The Cailleach looked up and saw a flock of birds flying overhead. They were heading south, away from the cold and the snow.
The Cailleach smiled to herself. She knew that spring was on its way, and that soon the snow would melt and the flowers would bloom. But for now, she was content to sit by her fire and keep warm with the wood she had gathered on Imbolc.