Pagan holidays such as “Christmas” (Yule) and “Halloween” (Samhain) create natural resting points in stressful everyday life. Many have forgotten the true reason for these holidays, getting buried under the symbolism of foreign religions and modern consumerism. Many hate “Christmas”, because they think it is only for children, it is a party of buying unnecessary things and even if you are lucky enough to have a family, everyone is tired and arguing during the whole party.
Holidays are not just for children, on the contrary. In the times when these holidays were created, people needed to work hard to live. The eight festivals, equally distributed throughout the year, were much needed and longed for as days of rest and joy. I can understand that when one spends most of the day resting and entertaining, how are vacations different? The natural meaning of the holidays is lost in our lazy lifestyle.
I don’t think one should go back to the harsh days of yore, but one shouldn’t forget the Spirit of Yule, or any other holiday, just because it doesn’t fall into the traditions so naturally. In my opinion, we must continue working to keep the relationship with traditions as alive and flourishing as the human relationships in our lives. After all, the roots are important. We are what we are and what we are because of where we come from, and that must be honored and accepted.
You should not cling to the old traditions that cause you pain and anguish, but only to the traditions that you like. Create new traditions that express the meaning of Yule that you want to include in your life.
The traditional meaning of Yule is a reminder that even in the darkest of winter, humans are not alone. The human race has survived thanks to the virtues of hospitality, kindness and society. We want to be together, especially when “the weather outside is awful.” That’s why communities hosted communal Yuletide parties, where most of the activities were designed to be done with others.
Honor the Spirit of Yule by going out and finding the lonely and bringing them home with you. There was an actress who spent a Christmas night at the train station. It was the most miserable time of her life and she vowed that she would never spend a Christmas like this again, nor would she knowingly allow another human being to spend it. If she is afraid of bringing strangers into her home, she can rent a space for her Christmas celebration. Also, remember that Yule is not on December 25th. It is on the winter solstice, and that usually happens on December 21. December 21st is Saint Thomas Day and that was traditionally the day Christmas started, and people used to visit each other on that day. Host your Yule party together with the community as a potluck to share the costs. I’m sure there are organizations, groups, clubs, and the like that would be interested in sponsoring your party.
Decorate the area with candles and evergreens. Have a Yule tree. Nothing uplifts Yule Spirit like this pagan symbol of hope. The candles are a reminder of the return of the sun and light to this planet. From this day on, the days will get longer, and before you know it, spring has arrived.
Use the Yule scents of oranges and cinnamon, cloves and ginger. These aromas have the effect of aromatherapy to relieve stress and depression. Make pomanders (oranges that you have stuck nails into to form patterns) and decorate them with a red ribbon. Serve bowls of nuts and fruit; oranges, clementines and apples and dried fruits, such as grapes.
Make sure there is a bowl of wassail with enough hot, hot cider to go around. This will also spread a charming atmosphere throughout the room. Note that there are some other hot drinks for those who don’t like mulled cider, such as hot chocolate, of course with marshmallows or whipped cream if you wish. Yule is not the time to think about diets, moderation, being afraid of what others may think, but the time of joy and pleasure. You should drink what you like the way you like it, not what is expected.
There should be a fine dinner served with some kind of pork, and whatever is on the classic Yule table. There should be a vegetarian option, lots of vegetables and garnishes, preserves and seasonings. Everyone should get a plate of delicious food and not leave hungry. A dessert table is also a must. Choose traditional and old fashioned desserts, cookies, cakes and sweets.
After dinner there should be storytelling. You can read stories and short Christmas stories. Also, you can print out a booklet with the lyrics to the Christmas carols and give it out to everyone who comes in, and then have a lead singer or choir lead the singing. Most Christmas carols are easy and most people know them and like to sing them. Singing together also creates a feeling of togetherness.
This would already be enough as a gift, but to create an unforgettable party that truly reminds all participants of the true meaning of Yule, it is necessary to speak with all the senses. Give royal gifts. To keep costs manageable, you can organize a giveaway drive and ask people to donate things. Your gifts don’t need to be fancy and expensive things, because it’s the thought that counts. I would give something like a knitted scarf or a used book in good condition. If you limit the gifts to one soft and one hard package, you could let your guests choose for themselves. Naturally, not everyone will be happy with what they get – that’s the nature of giving gifts to strangers.
Make sure people can sleep in the space if they want or need to. You can make makeshift mattresses by stuffing a duvet cover with newspaper.
At Yuletide, people are usually friendly and willing to go out of their way to help you create a good feast, but there is always the risk of party crashes and other problems. If you’re worried about that, you can hire a security guard or a doorman to keep your Christmas party going as planned.
