Ways to Celebrate the Winter Solstice

The Winter Solstice (21st-22nd December) marks the shortest day and longest night of the year, a turning point when the sun is reborn and light begins to return. From Yule logs to candle rituals, there are cultures that celebrate the solstice as a time of hope, rebirth, renewal and new beginnings.

The winter solstice symbolises stillness and reflection, and a great time to set intentions for the new year. The darkness teaches us to rest while the light offers opportunities for growth.

Yuletide

Yuletide, or Yule, is the Pagan celebration of the winter solstice and falls on the same day. Yule is a winter festival historically observed by the Germanic peoples and was incorporated into 'Christmas' during the Christianisation of Europe.

Scholars have connected the original celebrations of Yule to the Wild Hunt, the Norse god Odin, and the heathen Anglo-Saxon Mōdraniht ("Mothers' Night"). The term Yule is still used in English and Scandinavian languages, as well as in Finnish and Estonian to describe Christmas and other festivals occurring during the winter holiday season.

There are many present-day Christmas customs and traditions that come from Yule, such as the Yule log, Yule goat, carol singing, mistletoe, Christmas dinner, gift giving, and Santa's sleigh.

Ways to Celebrate Yule and the Winter Solstice

Activities

• Light candles or a fire to honour the sun's return

• Set intentions for the year ahead

• Create a sacred space

• Give back to the earth

• Take a walk in nature

• Crafts or baking

• Hang mistletoe for protection

• Decorate a Yule log

• Get a real tree and decorate it

Items for your Altar / Sacred Space

• Evergreens

• Pine

• Oranges

• Star anise

• Crystals like moonstone, quartz (snowy or clear), selenite, labradorite

Winter Gods / Goddesses

• Skadi (Norse)

• Baldur (Norse)

• Beira (Celtic)

• Boreas (Greek)

Rituals

• Balance

• Rebirth

• New beginnings

• Protection

Decor

• Wreaths

• Dried oranges

• Holly

• Mistletoe

• Pinecones

• Pine leaves

• Yule goat

Colours

• Red

• Green

• White

• Gold

• Blue

Incense

• Cinnamon

• Pine

Foods

• Yule log

• Mulled wine

• Mead

• Nuts

• Vegetables

• Fruitcake

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