Yule or the Winter Solstice, December 21st, is the longest night of the year and has been celebrated by Pagans long before the rise of the Christian holiday of Christmas. Since the Sun is considered to represent the Male Divinity in many Pagan Traditions, this time is celebrated as the "return of the Sun God" where He is reborn of the Goddess. It is a celebration of the cycle of nature and a reaffirmation of the continuation of life through the long winter. You can see decorated pine trees, colorful lights and a yummy feast at this time of the year.

Tips On How You Can Celebrate:

• Light is the one thing we all have in common and is essential for all living growing beings.
  String white lights to celebrate this.
• Burn a Yule log.
• Hang mistletoe and circles of pine boughs.
• Trim a tree with dried apples, berries, and popcorn along with white lights.
• Fill your home with candle light to celebrate the coming of the new Sun.
• Create your own special and sacred traditions.

Sample Yule Feast Focusing On Hearth and Home!

• Appetizer: Spiced Carrot and Celery Soup
• Side 1: Mixed Vegetables With Almonds
• Side 2: Three Cheese Potatoes
• Main Dish Option 1: Ham with Spiced Cherry Sauce
• Main Dish Option 2: Chicken with Spicy Almond Sauce
• Dessert: Apple-Walnut Cobbler with Cinnamon
• Beverage: Hot Rum Punch

The Yule Log (William Hamilton Hayne) Out of the mighty Yule log came The crooning of the lithe wood-flame, A single bar of music fraught With cheerful yet half pensive thought, A thought elusive: out of reach, Yet trembling on the verge of speech.