5 Special Ways to Celebrate yule
As the chill of winter settles in and the days grow shorter, there’s a certain magic that comes with this time of year. For me, Yule is a beautiful way to celebrate the Winter Solstice—a time to honor the cycles of nature, find joy in coziness, and prepare for the promise of longer, brighter days ahead. If you’re looking for meaningful (and slightly magical) ways to celebrate Yule, I’ve got you covered. Let’s dive into five traditions that will warm your home, and your heart, and maybe even make you laugh.
A Brief History of Yule
Yule, at its core, is an ancient celebration tied to the Winter Solstice. Originating from Norse and Germanic pagan traditions, it marks the shortest day of the year and the gradual return of the sun. Imagine our ancestors gathered around roaring fires, feasting, and making merry to honor the rebirth of the sun god and the triumph of light over darkness.
Sure, we’ve traded in some of the revelry for holiday sales and awkward office parties, but the spirit of Yule remains. It’s all about embracing the season, honoring nature, and connecting with loved ones. And yes, it’s also a great excuse to eat cake and drink wine. Let’s not pretend that doesn’t matter.
1. Decorating a Tree: A Yule Tradition
Before department stores and Pinterest made Christmas trees a thing, Yule was already way ahead of the trend. Our ancestors decorated evergreen trees to symbolize life and renewal amid winter. Bringing a tree indoors wasn’t just about aesthetics—it was a reminder that even in the darkest times, life persists.
These early Yule trees were adorned with candles, fruits, nuts, and ribbons. (Let’s pause and appreciate the bravery of people hanging open flames on dry wood. Bold move.) Today, you can honor this tradition by decorating your tree with natural elements like dried oranges, cinnamon sticks, or even strings of popcorn. Not only will it smell amazing, but it’s also a nod to those who came before us—and who didn’t have the luxury of LED lights.
2. Making a Yule Log (or Yule Cake!)
If you’re looking for an excuse to get creative—and maybe a little messy—this is it. The Yule log tradition dates back centuries when a large log was burned in the hearth to bring warmth and protection to the home. Each family would carve runes or symbols into the log, making wishes or setting intentions for the coming year.
Now, if you’re like me and your fireplace is gas, you can honor this tradition in two ways: craft a decorative Yule log or bake one. A decorative log can be adorned with candles, sprigs of greenery, pinecones, and a dusting of faux snow. For a delicious twist, try making a Yule log cake (Bûche de Noël, for the fancy folks). Whether you’re rolling chocolate sponge cake or simply buying one from the bakery (zero judgment), it’s a tasty way to embrace the season.
3. Bringing Greens Inside
Evergreens have long been associated with Yule for their symbolism of endurance and vitality. Bringing greens like holly, ivy, mistletoe, and pine into your home isn’t just decorative—it’s deeply symbolic. Each plant carries its own meaning: holly represents protection, ivy symbolizes connection, and mistletoe brings love and good fortune.
For me, this tradition is all about bringing the outdoors in, especially when it’s too cold to step outside without resembling a marshmallow in layers. I like to drape garlands over the mantel or create simple centerpieces with candles and sprigs of greenery. Pro tip: sprinkle a little cinnamon or clove essential oil on the leaves to make your house smell like a holiday dream.
4. Creating a Yule Affirmation
Yule is a time to reflect, release, and renew. One of my favorite ways to honor this season is through affirmations. It’s simple yet powerful—kind of like making a wish but with extra intention.
Set aside a quiet moment (yes, even if you have to lock yourself in the bathroom for five minutes) and light a candle. Reflect on the year that’s passed and what you want to welcome into your life with the return of the sun. Then, create your affirmation. Here’s one to get you started:
“I honor the darkness that has shaped me and embrace the light that guides me forward. I am grounded, grateful, and ready for all that is to come.”
Say it aloud, write it down, or even whisper it to your Yule tree—it’s your ritual, so make it your own.
5. Share the Yule Spirit
The beauty of Yule is that it’s about connection—not just with nature but with each other. Whether it’s sharing a Yule meal, exchanging handmade gifts, or simply sitting by the fire with loved ones, this season is a reminder that warmth comes from community.
As we celebrate Yule, let’s embrace the magic of this season: the quiet beauty of winter, the promise of longer days, and the joy of traditions both old and new. Whether you’re decorating a tree, baking a cake, or crafting an affirmation, remember that these rituals connect us to something much larger than ourselves.
So, how will you celebrate Yule this year? Whatever you choose, make it meaningful, magical, and maybe a little messy (because that’s where the fun is).
Embrace the light, honor the dark, and let the season fill your heart with warmth. Happy Yule!