For people of nearly any religious background, the time of the winter solstice is a time when we gather with family and loved ones. For Pagans and Wiccans, it's often celebrated as Yule, but there are literally dozens of ways you can enjoy the season. First, you may want to read up on:
- Yule History
- When is Yule 2009?
- Sign up for the Seven-Day Sabbat E-course
- Twelve Days of Yule Devotionals
Rituals and Ceremonies
Depending on your particular tradition, there are many different ways you can celebrate the Solstice season. Here are a few rituals you may want to think about trying -- and remember, any of them can be adapted for either a solitary practitioner or a small group, with just a little planning ahead.
- Setting Up the Yule Altar
- Yule Altar Gallery
- Prayers for Yule
- Welcome Back the Sun for Yule
- Goddess Rite for Solitaries
- Goddess Rite for Groups
- Hold a Yule Log Ceremony
- Yule Cleansing Ritual
- Holiday Tree Blessing Ceremony
Traditions and Trends
Interested in learning about some of the traditions behind contemporary holiday celebrations? Find out why mistletoe is so special, and which ancient revelers went caroling naked in the streets!
- Mistletoe: Myths, Mysteries and Medicine
- Deities of the Winter Solstice
- Io, Saturnalia!
- The Holly King and the Oak King
- Go Wassailing for Yule
- The Origins of Santa Claus
- Hogmanay, Scotland's Winter Celebration
- Winter Customs Around the World
Family and Friends
Nothing says holiday celebration quite like getting together with the people you love. Learn about gifts, decorating, money-saving, and why it's perfectly okay for Wiccans to have a big green tree full of lights!
- Have a Budget-Friendly Yule
- Ten Magical Gifts to Share for Yule
- Great Gift Ideas for Pagans and Wiccans
- Great Books for Wiccan and Pagan Kids
- Ten Great Books for Yule
- Celebrating Yule with Kids
- I'm Pagan - Can I Still Have a Holiday Tree?
- How to Have a Low-stress Yule
- Keeping Your Weight Under Control at Yule
- Surviving the Holidays with Your Non-Pagan Family
- Are There Any Pagan Yule Carols?
- What's Your Favorite Yuletide Song?
Crafts and Creations
There are so many great ways you can decorate your home for the Yule season. Adapt store-bought Christmas decorations, or make your own Pagan-themed home decor for the season.
- Decorate a Yule Log
- Make Salt Dough Ornaments
- Winter Nights Incense
- Pine Cone Ornaments
- Yule Herbal Sachet
- Easy Pentacle Ornaments
- Make Your Own Yule Greeting Cards
- Reindeer Food
- Make a Pagan Nativity Scene for Yule
- Yule Simmering Potpourri
- Winter Solstice Oil
Feasting and Food
Wiccans and Pagans will have a potluck at the drop of a pointy hat, so Yule is as good a time as any to plan a big feast. Spread the table out with your favorite holiday dishes, lots and lots of candles, and some of these delicious seasonal recipes.
