This time of year is very extraordinary. Snow is falling and covering the landscape, which appears almost void of life. But if you listen very carefully, you can still witness the heartbeat of the earth beneath the snow. The winter demands sheltered refuge inside the warmth of our homes. It’s a natural time of sleep for the earth and animals alike. Soon the light will be returning to the land, and despite its sleepy nature, it’s an excellent time to celebrate!

What is The Winter Solstice? How does it Connect with Yule?

The Winter Solstice is a particular astronomical alignment and refers to the low, seemingly unmoving position of the sun at the time of the Solstice. Yule is the shortest day of the year. It represents a time of darkness as this is the longest night of the year. However, it also refers to a variety of religious celebrations. For example, in the Germanic calendar, it was a winter festival or today is better known as Christmas day. Most importantly, it’s about the turning of the Wheel of The Year and the return of the light. Bringing hope and the promise of springtime once more.

Most of our modern Yule or Holiday traditions have ancient roots. One of the most familiar is the representation of death, birth, and restoration. Another common custom is to bring Evergreen trees indoors. These trees represent life and strength during the often bleak winter. Feasting is likewise a prominent tradition carried with us from ancient times. Feasts celebrated the return of the light and gave renewed hope to the promise of springtimes bounty.

Most people today don’t care for wintertime. It’s common to feel disconnected and even depressed at this time of year. We tend to go outside less frequently and stay cooped up inside away from nature and plant life. Bundle up and brave the cold. Take a stroll around your neighborhood and connect with nature observing this particular phase of the year. Contemplate your ancestors and what their lives would have been like at this time. Perhaps send them a bit of gratitude for the struggle they endured. Remember that their triumph over winter and the success of their lives is directly responsible for your existence!

Celebrate the Season by Making Your Own Yul Log.

One of my favorite Yule traditions that gets me outside is finding and creating my own Yule log. You could make a special visit out into your backyard or some wooded space to find a log or piece of wood to decorate for such a purpose. Various varieties of wood contain particular spiritual attributes. Oak signifies strength and wisdom. Pine is suitable for inviting prosperity, and Aspin induces greater spiritual understanding. You can use any sort of would you want. But I suggest choosing a log or branch that has fallen naturally from a tree.

After you have chosen your log, it’s time to decorate it! Pinecones, dried berries, holly, ivy, feathers, cinnamon, and other natural herbs and spices are excellent choices! Think about what you would like to attract in the coming year. Look up what ingredients would best server your desire. The more of the decorations you can gather outside yourself, the better! But don’t be afraid to add a little extra power with herbs and spices from your kitchen. You can use a hot glue gun to stick your items on or use string to tie larger pieces onto the log if you are looking to avoid chemicals.

On the Eve of Yule, you can make a small ritual of burning your log or plainly state your intentions for the new year and what you wish to attract. Place the Yule log on an already burning fire watching it as the flames consumes it. The scent of your chosen spices and other ingredients will perfume the air and with it the magic, of what you will manifest in the year to come.

Honor the Season with meaningful Symbols and Rest.

Decorate your home with greenery if you don’t already. Bring in a tree real or artificial to remind you of the warmer months that are soon to come. The color green is therapeutic on the senses so even an artificial tree will work great! Hang decorative lights or use candles to represent the rebirth of the lite once more. Red and green lights, in particular, represent the holly and berries our ancestors once brought into their own homes. Honor the Solstice with a feast and gratitude for the bounty you enjoy in your life. Additionally, Allow yourself to slow down. This is a season for rest, try to go to bed earlier if you can, and sleep in later. Stay in and read, embrace the call for solitude amongst the bustle of the holidays.

Whether you have a favorite childhood tradition or you are trying to implement new holiday rituals into your life. Celebrate the season in ways that resonate personally with you. Find joy in the Winter Solstice and Yule, remembering the rebirth of the light once more. Set your intentions for the new year and release all negativity from the last twelve months. Lastly, Acknowledge the peaceful nature of our world at this time and allow yourself to unwind with it.

Happy Yule and Winter Solstice to you all!