Celebrating Yule

Ellie Goetz
Dec 10, 2024
2 min read

I am not a devote Christian but love the winter season and do celebrate Christmas traditions. Do you relate? Well... let's talk about Yule.

First, what is the difference?

"Yule: Yule is a pagan festival with no specific religious ties to Christianity. It often involved various nature-based rituals and celebrations to mark the changing of seasons. Christmas: Christmas is a Christian holiday that holds religious significance for Christians"

Thank you Google!

So, how do we celebrate it?

Personally, I want to throw a fun Yule party and make bright decorations with nature stuff! And maybe dip my toe in some of this other stuff

I asked Chat to make a 12 day yule guide. Is this cheating? Its finals week im sorry guys.

anyways--- this is what they gave me.

Day 1: Mother’s Night (December 20/21)

Theme: Honoring the Divine Feminine and ancestors.
Focus: Reflect on maternal figures in your life and spiritual ancestry. Light candles to honor the nurturing forces of the universe.

Day 2: Winter Solstice (December 21/22)

Theme: Rebirth and renewal.
Focus: Celebrate the return of the light as the days start to grow longer. Set intentions for the coming year.

Day 3: Honor the Wild Hunt (December 22/23)

Theme: Honoring spirits and the unseen world.
Focus: Acknowledge the presence of otherworldly forces, such as Odin and the Wild Hunt. Perform protective rituals or meditate on overcoming challenges.

Day 4: Earth and Nature (December 23/24)

Theme: Connection to the natural world.
Focus: Spend time outdoors, collect evergreen decorations, and give thanks for the Earth's bounty. Consider eco-friendly practices as an offering to nature.

Day 5: Family and Kin (December 24/25)

Theme: Strengthening bonds with loved ones.
Focus: Share a meal or exchange gifts. Express gratitude for the relationships that support and nurture you.

Day 6: Generosity and Charity (December 25/26)

Theme: Giving back to the community.
Focus: Perform acts of kindness or give to those in need. Reflect on abundance and how you can share it.

Day 7: Reflection and Rest (December 26/27)

Theme: Inner stillness and mindfulness.
Focus: Take time to meditate, journal, or practice gratitude. Reflect on the past year's lessons and challenges.

Day 8: The Sun and Fire (December 27/28)

Theme: Celebrating light and warmth.
Focus: Light candles or gather around a fire to honor the Sun. Embrace its symbolic role in bringing energy and life.

Day 9: Healing and Renewal (December 28/29)

Theme: Physical and emotional healing.
Focus: Engage in practices that nourish your body and soul, such as yoga, herbal teas, or self-care rituals.

Day 10: Wisdom and Knowledge (December 29/30)

Theme: Learning and growth.
Focus: Read, learn something new, or engage in meaningful conversations. Reflect on lessons from the year and plan for future growth.

Day 11: Community and Friendship (December 30/31)

Theme: Celebrating connections.
Focus: Host a gathering or reconnect with friends. Honor the joy and support of your community.

Day 12: Cleansing and Release (December 31/January 1)

Theme: Letting go of the old and welcoming the new.
Focus: Perform a cleansing ritual to release negativity. Celebrate with a feast or toast to welcome the new year with fresh energy.