Counting down to Yule

he Winter Solstice, also known as Yule, is the shortest day of the year and the longest night.  Scientifically, this is fascinating, as every day after this gets longer!  In many Earth based cultures, this important event represents the rebirth of the Sun, and the coming life that will follow in its wake.  Who wouldn't want to celebrate this wonderful event?

In our home, we honor this magical day by counting down the days until Yule, starting December 1st.  On each one of those days, we do one of the activities listed below, and on Yule, we listen to the story of the Yule Fairies.  We are happy to share our activities with you and hope that you enjoy them as much as we do!

Learn some new Holiday songs or sing some old favorites

Write a letter to the Oak King telling him your hope and dreams

Bring some extra non perishable goods to a local Food pantry

Donate gifts to a child in need

Make Yule suns

Make Orange pomanders

Go bird watching

Make small gift boxes out of recycled holiday cards

Watch a holiday movie

Start an indoor herb garden

Make a set of Runes

Meditate out in the forest

Bake cookies together

Listen to the Story of The Colloquy of the Oak and Holly King

Make beeswax candles

Make some special treats for the birds

Cook your favorite family meal together

Go ice skating

Play a family game

Unwrap new pajamas

Go see the sunrise

Listen to  the Story of the Yule Fairies