A Yule Celebration

Dec 12

The end of the year is approaching, and we have one more big feast to close out this cycle. Our family celebrates all month long, with themes of both Yule and Christmas in our home to continue traditions my husband and I enjoyed growing up. Whether this season is more Christmas or more Yule, celebrate this season in a way that feels magickal to you.

Family Activities

Spending time in nature in the cold winter months can feel challenging for those of us (or just me) who don’t enjoy the snow. Here are a few ideas to stay warm and enjoy nature during this cold season.

Make a Yule wreath
Make and burn a Yule log(save a piece to burn next year)
Forage for evergreen decoration materials
Decorate a Yule tree
Go wassailing(caroling)
Ice/snow magick
Read Yule stories
Make homemade hot chocolate
Create Yule decorations and ornaments with Pine branches, pinecones, cinnamon sticks, dried oranges, small bells, ribbons, etc
Rest and reflect on the past year
Spiritual and physical home cleaning
Host a Yule feast
Connect with the fire element
Divination for the year to come

Altar and decorations

The symbols during Yule are about continuity, the cycles of endings and beginnings, and the return of light.

Lots of candles
Use colors of red, white, green, and gold
Handmade besom
Yule log
Bells
Bowl of snow or snowflake imagery
Symbols of the Holly King
Sun wheel
Herbs and crystals that correspond to the season

In the Kitchen

My favorite memory is baking cookies with my mom and grandma during the holidays. It is a tradition that I enjoy continuing with my children. These are some of our favorites:

Pork dishes
Bread
Roasted root vegetables
Dried fruit & nuts
Spiced cookies
Wassail or cider for the youngsters
Cake Yule log
Cranberries!- in oatmeal cookies, muffins/coffee cake, and cranberry relish/sauce