Many of the holiday traditions we hold so dear actually originate from Yule, the pagan celebration of the winter solstice. Officially on December 21, the solstice marks the first day of winter and the longest night of the year when the Earth’s axis tilts farthest from the sun in the northern hemisphere. The holiday revolves around the return of the sun and the days slowly getting longer. 

Yule is a celebration of the sun, rebirth, renewal, and the continuation of life. During this time we reflect on the past year, take care to let go of past habits that no longer serve us, and instead look toward the future. The winter solstice is a time for connecting to those we love and spending time in nature. 

Yule has a long lineage: originally midwinter was embraced by the Europeans, mostly the Nors people. Many customs began with these Germanic people including celebrating with greenery, hanging ornaments in trees, caroling, and gift-giving. There are also close relations to the ancient Roman holiday of Saturnalia, a week-long honoring of Saturn, the god of agricultural bounty. NeoPagan and Wiccan lore tells a tale of the Holly King, who represents the dark half of the year, giving way to the sun god, or the Oak King, representing the cyclical change of the seasons. 

Since nature is such an integral part of the holiday, lights and seasonal plants are both important to yuletide celebrations. Candles, bonfires, twinkle lights, and lighting of the tree all represent the festival of light. Setting up an evergreen tree, which symbolizes the continuation of life and bringing the outdoors inside the home. Another way to integrate nature indoors is through decoration of boughs and wreaths.

Some of the plants we see during this time of year are holly, representing the old solar year, protection, and the Holly King, who may have been a precursor to Santa Clause. Birch is associated with rebirth because they are commonly the first trees to grow after a forest has burned, a birch stick is also the weapon of Krampus, the mythical demon who punishes the naughty every December. 

During the winter season, the dark and quiet peace can open opportunities for new beginnings, incorporating nature inside, focusing on gratitude, and celebrating the return of light. There has recently been a resurgence of yule adjacent activities. Since the holiday is so in tune with nature, sustainability can be incorporated into many of the festivities and celebrate natural surroundings. Decorating with green, red, white, silver, and gold are all symbols for winter berries, evergreens, earth, snow, and the sun. 

Yule can additionally be celebrated by setting up an altar, embracing the return of the sun, cleansing rituals with smoke, tree blessings, sending greeting cards, holding a yule log ceremony, and feasting. Gift-giving during yule typically encourages more intention to show loved ones true feelings, instead of the expected mass consumerism.