Between the holly jolly music and the endless sweets, Yule is a pretty awesome time of year! For me, it's a time to relax, restore, and most definitely indulge. I work hard in October and November to make sure I have a little extra time in December for reading novels, crocheting, and baking.
You know, things 80-year-olds like to do.
Just as nature hibernates in the cold dark months of winter, Yule (the Winter Solstice) is a time for restoration and reflection. It's the shortest day of the year, generally falling between the 20-22. As the days progress from here on out, light will extend by roughly a minute each day, showing us that even in our darkest hours there is hope for a new dawn.
Representing the God, the sun is reborn during the solstice. Having proverbially died on Samhain, the God's death cycle has now ended and life is restored, which is why Yule is often called The Renewal.
...If you want to be extraordinarily technical, the sun (God) returns the day after the Winter Solstice, since the solstice itself is the shortest day of the year (with the days following gradually giving in to the returning sunlight). This is why some celebrations begin on the solstice and party hard into the wee hours of the following morning. With my time of all-nighters behind me, I (like most others) celebrate on the solstice itself. Surely our ancestors weren't rigid in their celebration schedule since they didn't have NASA doing the math for them. Plus this sabbat is a time of rest, so there's no need to overcomplicate the darn thing. In case you haven't noticed, I do my best to keep it simple.
=D
You'll notice in the dormant nature around you the Goddess (nature) is resting after giving birth to the God (Don't overthink the familial ties here. It's proverbial). Now is the time to regroup and revitalize as The Wheel slowly turns toward spring.
If you're looking for foods to help celebrate the return of the sun, think hot and warm! Ginger, nutmeg, and cinnamon are all wonderful additions to baking this time of year, honoring the return of the sun. Red/green, gold/silver celebrate the God and Goddess respectively, which is why we so commonly see decorations in these joyful hues. Pine, cedar, and spruce are popular in Yuletide celebrations, representing the eternal nature of our souls. Need some altar inspiration? Check out my simple Yule altar that will brighten your home with the beauty of nature!
Above all, remember this isn't a season of stress and overspending but a time we should stop to regroup and replenish. Find peace in the cycles of nature and honor the seasons. Take a few extra moments to indulge in something restorative to the soul, such as meditation or yoga. Find healing in the stillness by disconnecting from electronics. Relish the moments with your family...even if those aren't so quiet. Winter, and Yule specifically, is a time to nourish our bodies and minds, because nothing in nature moves nonstop—not even with a peppermint macchiato!
Wishing you a magical, restorative Yule and a New Year brimming with health and happiness!
Wishing you a restorative, sugary-sweet, cozy-steeped, gingerbread-scented Yule!
By using this site, you agree you have read the full DISCLAIMER.
NOTE: As with any recommendation found on this blog, consult your doctor or naturopath before use.
