Yule, or for most growing up, they know it as Christmas. The Winter Solstice is the time of year where the Sun is at its lowest point, so Yule is the shortest day of the year. Our Ancestors were Hunter Gatherers, so spent most of their time outdoors, so they paid close attention to the seasons as they changed. The Norse seen the sun as a wheel that rotated throughout the seasons. This is where the word Yule came from, for the word Houl meaning wheel. The wheels were sometimes lit on fire and rolled down a hill as part of their festivities. The Gods and goddesses are the closest to Midgard at the time of Yule, so we know them as Yule Beings. Odin was named Jólnir or the Yule one, and this is where our vision of Santa Claus comes from. The Christmas Tree is a representation of Yggdrasil or the world Tree. Our ancestors would hang gifts in this tree during this time. During Yule, there would be dancing, splendid feasts, and overall, just spending time with their family and friends.
In my life growing up Christian, Christmas was an important part of my life, but I think my mind was set around getting gifts an not the religious aspect the holiday. My traditions growing up were, going to Christmas eve vigils at church, going to a family house and having a big lunch every year as part of our celebrations. As the years went by my path changed to paganism. I still enjoy giving gifts, but i have more enjoyment now of watching my loved ones open them. I Still enjoy the same traditions as when I was growing up, but instead of going to church I show communion to the Gods and Goddess by my Shrine. I have a new outlook on what Yule really is spending time with family and friends.
“Religions – Paganism: Winter Solstice.” BBC, BBC, 6 June 2006, https://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/paganism/holydays/wintersolstice.shtml.
“Yule: The-Asatru-Community”,