Yule: Yuletide, Winter Solstice
Yule is traditionally celebrated on the shortest day of the year, of course that means the longest night as well. Usually this is around the 20th or 21st of December, though in some parts of the world this is not true. Here are some other names and celebration dates for other religions. Christmas, Christianity, commonly celebrated on the 25th of December. Yuletide, the Teutonic religion lasts from December 20th through December 31st (twelve days of Christmas. The Caledonii celebrate Alban Arthan though I couldn't find a referencing date. (If there is one, please let me know.)
The name Yule seems to trace back to the Norse Iul which means Wheel. This celebration is also linked in many traditions with the death and rebirth of the Sun God, or the Holly King (the God of the Waning Year) and the Oak King (God of the Waxing Year). The Holly King leaves during the celebration of the Yule.
Since this is recognized as a solar festival we include the fires in our circles. With lights, the Yule log and candles. It is most likely that you have a Christmas tree in your home, or ritual area. If this is decorated with lights they should be turned off before the Circle is cast. Once the cauldron candle is lit, you may turn them on again. As for the Yule log there are many possibilities here. The Yule Log is commonly the bottom part of the trunk from the year before. This should be oak or pine, though there are many preferences. An idea is to drill three small holes on a side of the log to place your altar candles. When the ritual is complete you burn the log completely, and don't forget to save a portion of the tree for next year, this is not just for the next Yule celebration but it can be used throughout the year for protection of the home. If you do not wish to use the log in this manner, then if you have a fireplace in the room it can be burned during your celebration. The ashes and the symbology of the Yule log are used in many beliefs. The log for example is considered the bonfire, which we have brought indoors due to the cold of winter.
The colors most often seen at this time are red, and green. These have
actually been traced back to Pagan rites of the past. Your home and ritual
area should be decorated with evergreens, holly, ivy, mistletoe, bay and
rosemary. Bayberry candles are the preferred for this rite, they are known
for their uses to ensure wealth and happiness. The cauldron itself may
be decorated and placed by the South candle. Decorate your altar too, and
if you are going to include them don't forget the crowns for the Oak King
and the Holly King. You may place these simply beside your altar if there
is not room. Make wreaths (or buy them) of holly. Bake breads and cookies
for the festivities, and anything else that you enjoy for your normal holiday
meal.
If like most you have friends that follow different paths and you wish to purchase cards for all, you can make things very simple for yourself. Purchase cards that have nature scenes, preferably the ones that contain a stag. The reindeer stag is a reminder of the horned God. And the image of old Santa Clause is in the Pagan heritage as well, so don't feel too bad if you just have to include him too.
Merry Meet, Merry Part, and Merry Yule to one and all.