How to Celebrate Yule

Although a lot of Yule celebrations have been absorbed into various modern winter celebrations, many of its ancient traditions live on in the form of festive rituals. Here are a few Yule-inspired traditions to try this year.

Light Candles

The winter solstice marks the return of light, so light candles or lanterns to celebrate the sun’s rebirth. You could create a peaceful, reflective space in your home with candles, fairy lights, and perhaps even a fire if you have a fireplace. As you light each candle, take a moment to reflect on the year past and set intentions for the coming year. This can be a wonderful moment of personal renewal.

Decorate a Yule Tree

The Yule tree—an evergreen, such as a pine or fir—symbolizes life during the dark days of winter. Consider decking your Yule tree with ornaments that represent nature, the sun, and the promise of renewal. You might also add homemade or natural decorations like dried fruits, cinnamon sticks, or ribbons. And of course, other ornaments that you love or that speak to you are welcome!

Burn a Yule Log

If you have access to a fireplace, why not try out the tradition of the Yule log? You can either burn a special log over several days or simply burn a large piece of wood during the solstice itself. Some people like to decorate it with holly or other natural materials before burning it. As it burns, take time to think about the year ahead, focusing on new beginnings.

Celebrate with Family and Friends

At its heart, Yule is a festival of gathering with loved ones. The night is long, the weather may be cold, and we need to gather together and celebrate each other and the return of the sun. It’s a time to share in good food, stories, and laughter. And let’s not forget the feasting! If you’re looking to add a touch of Yule magic to your meals, try incorporating seasonal foods such as roasted root vegetables, seasonal spices, mulled wine, or warm spiced cider. The focus is on warmth, abundance, and togetherness.

Exchange Gifts

While gift-giving as we know it today is largely associated with Christmas, the tradition of giving small tokens during Yule dates back to the Norse and Pagan traditions. And it’s fun to bring joy to your loved ones! Gifts don’t have to be fancy; they could include handmade items, seasonal foods, or simply thoughtful gestures. (Or our favorite idea, experience gifts.) Give something meaningful, perhaps something that will bring warmth or comfort to the recipient.

Honor Your Ancestors

Yule is also a time to honor your ancestors. It’s easy to do, because the holidays are natural times to gather with our families, and it’s natural to think about holidays past. You could display photographs of loved ones who have passed, light candles for them, and reflect on their influence in your life—maybe even hang their pictures on your Yule tree. Lean in to your connections with those who came before you.

At its core, Yule is about celebrating the light returning after the darkness of the winter solstice. It’s a time for reflection, for rest, for cozy blankets, for setting intentions for the future, and for drawing close to those we love. It reminds us that even in the coldest, darkest times, there is always the potential for renewal and growth. Whether you celebrate with something traditional or simply find time to pause and reflect, Yule offers a moment to connect with the rhythms of nature and the hope of new beginnings.

More on Yule

Now that you have your Brigid's Day associations, do you want to explore more about Imbolc? Here are some more Imbolc ideas and resources:

About Yule: The winter solstice holiday

Yule Associations: The symbols that connect with this holy season and celebration

The Oak King and the Holy King: One of the stories of Yule

Yule Meditation: A Yule log meditation

Yule Journal Prompts: Journal prompts relevant to the winter solstice and the darkest night

Happy Yule!