The year is coming to a close, but the Wheel of the Year keeps on turning! Out come the twinkle lights and the yule trees, the mulled wine and the yule logs. Yule is finally here to remind us of the warmer days and the returning of the light just around the corner. Many of us are familiar with all of the cozy Christmas traditions that take place at this time of year, but did you know that many of those traditions were co-opted from the pagans of the time? If you'd like to make your Winter Solstice a little more witchy, then read on for a few festive ideas!
1. Decorate a Yule Tree. We'll start off easy with something anyone can do whether they are in the broom closet or an out and proud witch. If you've ever decorated a Christmas tree then you already know how this works. Choose a tree that works best for your situation, either real or fake, and then gather lights, ornaments, garlands, and other goodies to place on it once you've set it up. If you're looking to add baubles in traditional Yule colors, you'll be wanting to add ornaments in red, green, and gold. You may also want to add strings of popcorn, cranberries, or dried orange to the tree for fertility, prosperity, and to honor the coming warmer days. Whatever leaves you feeling festive and helps you to connect to the energy of the season.
2. Make Witch Balls. This may be one of my absolute favorite sabbat activities! Witch Balls or Yule Balls are baubles made to house your intentions for the upcoming year as well as protective energy for you and your home. Start by procuring a plain glass or plastic bauble. Inside, place herbs like salt, cinnamon, clove, star anise, rosemary, and bay leaves that correspond with protection or what you'd like to manifest. Add additional items such as crystals or bells. Finish it off by adding a small scroll with a wish written on it for the new year. Replace the top and secure with either glue or hot candle wax and perhaps some ribbon to decorate. Then hang the Witch Ball on your tree or at your window to begin the working. Continue to cleanse and charge with intention throughout the year.
3. Have a Yule Feast. As with most sabbats, food and feasting is always an appropriate option when it comes to celebrating! Gather up your friends and family and share a festive meal together. If you really want to take it a step further, why not make it a potluck and have everyone bring a dish to share. Common foods eaten at Yule include meat dishes, root vegetables, winter fruits, dark breads, and rich desserts. In fact, one of the most recognized desserts is the Yule log, a fabulous rolled cake covered in a layer of chocolate (textured to look like the bark of a tree, of course) and topped with sugary decorations of leaves and berries. Definitely worth buying or baking one to be the showstopper of your meal!
4. Declutter and Donate. Before going into the new year, now is the perfect time to go through your things and have a bit of a declutter. Most of us are getting gifts at this time of year, so it's always a good idea to make a little room by getting rid of the items you no longer want or need. Take it a step further by packing the items up and having an eco-friendly swap with friends. Whatever is left over can be donated to charity to remind you that the Yule season is as much about caring for the community as it is for celebrating.
5. Go Wassailing. If you've ever been caroling before, then you're already familiar with what wassailing is all about! Wassailing is a time to gather your friends and family, and go door to door in the neighborhood singing and sharing well wishes of health and prosperity with your neighbors. And, of course, we can't forget about having a traditional cup of wassail (similar to cider) to go along with the festivities. Pick a few Yule songs to learn and then get out there and spread a little Yule time cheer. Don't worry if you aren't an Adele-level singer. The important thing is to have fun!
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