Celebrating Yule and the Winter Solstice
Welcoming seasonal transitions and return of the light.
Welcoming Seasonal Transitions and the Return of Light
As the longest night of the year approaches, there’s something undeniably magical about pausing to honor the Winter Solstice, also known as Yule. This ancient celebration marks a pivotal moment in the year: the darkness begins to recede, and the light slowly returns.
If you asked me what my favorite part of the holiday season is, the answer would be easy: the lights. They seem to bring everything together, casting a warm glow that encourages the magic and celebration of the season.
One of my favorite childhood traditions was piling into our Volkswagen van with my family—all of us in pajamas, armed with hot cocoa and holiday music on the radio—to explore the best holiday light displays in our small town. There was one house, perched high on a hill and visible from across the bay, that we lovingly called “The Gingerbread House.” Its dark brown siding and dazzling array of colorful lights made it feel like something out of a storybook. It was a family favorite, and even now, I feel a flicker of that same childhood wonder whenever I see holiday lights.
As I write this, white lights shine through fresh cedar garlands draped along the mantle of my fireplace. There’s something inherently comforting about their glow, as if they symbolize more than just seasonal cheer. Deep down, we seem to know that these lights represent magic… hope.
For centuries, people around the world have celebrated this season as a time of hope, renewal, and connection to the cycles of nature. Today, the Winter Solstice invites us to slow down, reflect, and reconnect—with the season, the Earth, and ourselves.
What Is Yule?
Ancient Roots of the Solstice Celebration
Yule is one of the oldest seasonal festivals, rooted in Norse and Germanic traditions. Picture long winter nights, blazing bonfires, and communities gathering to share food, stories, and warmth. It was a time to honor the rebirth of the Sun and to give thanks for resilience during the darkest days.
In Norse mythology, Yule was connected to Odin and the Wild Hunt—a powerful, mystical procession across the winter skies. People decorated with evergreens, symbols of life and endurance, and lit candles to invite the Sun’s return.
From Pagan Yule to Christmas Traditions
Over time, many Yule customs blended with Christmas celebrations. Decorating trees, lighting candles, and sharing feasts all echo these ancient practices. At their heart, both celebrations honor light, love, and the enduring spirit of the season.
Yule and the Stars
Astrologically, the Winter Solstice occurs as the Sun moves into Capricorn, a cardinal Earth sign that encourages reflection and steady growth. Guided by Saturn’s energy, Capricorn invites us to pause, take stock, and lay a strong foundation for the future.
From an astronomical perspective, the solstice marks the Sun’s lowest point in the sky for those of us in the Northern Hemisphere, as it aligns with the Tropic of Capricorn. This tilt creates the shortest day and the longest night of the year.
The solstice also serves as a cosmic reminder of balance. After reaching its lowest point, the Sun begins its slow, steady climb toward brighter, longer days. This shift mirrors the personal growth we’re invited to embrace—letting go of what no longer serves us and making space for new intentions.
The Themes of the Winter Solstice
At its core, the Winter Solstice is about cycles: endings that make way for beginnings. Here are a few key themes to reflect on this season:
Light and Darkness
The Winter Solstice is the longest night of the year, but it’s also the start of the Sun’s return. It’s a reminder that even in life’s darkest moments, there’s always a spark of light waiting to grow… and it will grow.
Rest and Renewal
Winter encourages us to slow down, and the solstice invites us to lean into that stillness. By taking cues from the natural world, we can reflect on the year behind us and prepare for the season ahead.
Connection and Gratitude
Historically, Yule was about gathering together and sharing what we had, whether that was food, stories, or companionship. Today, it’s a time to appreciate the people and moments that bring warmth to our lives.
Simple Ways to Celebrate the Winter Solstice
You don’t need a roaring bonfire or elaborate rituals to honor Yule (though if you have those, that’s wonderful!). In fact, one of the reasons I find paying attention to the natural world so powerful is because it is accessible. You can of course always make things more elaborate if you like, but it certainly doesn’t need to be the case. Here are a few simple and approachable ways to celebrate:
Create a Yule Altar: Gather items that symbolize the season: evergreen branches, pinecones, candles, or sun-shaped decorations. Arrange them on a small table or shelf as a reminder of the light and life that persist through winter.
Sit with the Light: On the solstice, spend time with light—whether it’s holiday lights, a nightlight, or the soft glow of a candle. Gold or yellow candles are especially fitting as a nod to the returning Sun. Reflect on the light you want to cultivate in your own life.
Make Something Seasonal: Craft a Yule log or wreath using natural materials like evergreen boughs, holly, and ribbons. These traditional decorations represent resilience and hope, and they bring a touch of seasonal beauty to your space.
Set Intentions for the Year Ahead: The solstice is a powerful time for introspection. Write down what you want to release as the year ends and what you hope to grow as the light returns. Burn the list of releases as a symbolic gesture, and keep your intentions somewhere visible.
Share a Feast: Even a simple meal can feel magical when shared with intention. Prepare something seasonal, like roasted root vegetables, mulled cider, or spiced cookies. Invite loved ones to join you in gratitude and celebration.
Take a Solstice Walk: Bundle up and step outside. Notice the stillness of the season—the crisp air, bare trees, and shifting light. It’s a grounding way to connect with the natural world.
Why the Winter Solstice Matters
The solstice is a gentle reminder that life is cyclical. Just as the Sun returns after the longest night, we, too, can find renewal and hope after challenging times. This season invites us to slow down, celebrate the beauty of the present moment, and trust in the promise of what’s to come.
As you welcome the returning light this solstice, I hope you find moments of stillness, connection, and inspiration to guide you into the new year.
photo credit: Snowflock via Getty Images