All About Yule

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. 

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
• 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
• Elemental Blessings of Donations Ritual

Yule Magic

The Yule season is full of magic, much of it focusing on rebirth and renewal, as the sun makes its way back to the earth. Focus on this time of new beginnings with your magical workings!

• The Magical Colors of Yule
• 7 Sacred Plants for Yule, the Winter Solstice
• Snow Magic
• Yule Pomanders
• The Magical Scents of Frankincense
• Magical, Mystical Myrrh

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!

• Yule History
• Ten Christmas Traditions With Pagan Roots
• Deities of the Winter Solstice
• Mistletoe: Myths, Mysteries and Medicine
• Winter Customs Around the World
• Celebrating the Solstice in Spain: Las Hogueras
• Io, Saturnalia!
• The Holly King and the Oak King
• Go Wassailing for Yule
• The Origins of Santa Claus
• Krampusnacht, December 5
• The Legend of Frau Holle
• The Legend of La Befana
• Who is the Lord of Misrule?
• Hogmanay, Scotland's Winter Celebration

Yule With 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 Pagans to have a big green tree full of lights!

• Have a Budget-Friendly Yule
• Host a Winter Solstice Party
• 19 Random Acts of Kindness for Yule
• Ten Magical Gifts to Share for Yule
• Great Gift Ideas for Pagans and Wiccans
• 10 Gifts Under $10
• Great Books for Wiccan and Pagan Kids
• Talking to Pagan Kids About Jesus and Christianity
• Celebrating Yule with Kids
• I'm Pagan - Can I Still Have a Holiday Tree?
• How to Have a Low-stress Yule
• Surviving the Holidays with Your Non-Pagan Family
• What Yule Songs Should I Sing?

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.

• 5 Easy Yule Decorations
• Simple Yule Crafts to Make
• Decorate a Yule Log
• Yule Ornaments
• Magical Gingerbread Poppets
• Yule Smudge Sticks
• Winter Nights Incense
• Yule Herbal Sachet
• Make Your Own Yule Greeting Cards
• Cinnamon Stick Yule Candleholders
• Ten Things to Hang on a Pagan Holiday Tree

Feasting and Food

Most 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.

• Meal Blessings for Pagans and Wiccans
• Make a Pot of Wassail
• Yule Plum Pudding