The winter solstice is approaching, ticking along the clock; at last, the cold months have arrived. I see Christmas lights adorning every door and house, decorated trees being erected in every corner, and people exchanging presents with jollity.
Yuletide is here.
It is truly a wonder how humans, for how long they have walked this earth, have so much in common with each other—even when they do not share the same culture. It is truly a wonder how humans created so many celebrations and festivals that still persist today. And it is truly a wonder how an incredible number of them falls right at the beginning of winter.
We do influence each other; that we cannot absolutely deny. But that’s exactly the marvel of it all. It may be difficult to admit, yet traditions and folklore have the fun habit of transcending time.
And Yuletide is one of them. I still remember how astonished I was once I discovered that most of the customs my family does during the Christmas season stem, in fact, from paganism and the great North.
Teachers definitely do not teach that in schools! But I’m not here to talk about the injustices of the academic system; instead, I want to talk about our roots and what makes them precisely as magical as this merry month. Yule historically originates from Germanic peoples, and its name, with its cognates, is still used to describe Christmas in most of Northern Europe. It is one of the most ancient and important celebrations and, in modern times, is observed by many Neo-Pagans. It is indeed the second Sabbath of the Wheel of the Year, and it does coincide with the winter solstice.
However, if we must be meticulous about history, centuries ago, Yuletide and the 21st of December did not concur at all. They were initially two different celebrations, but—like most things—with the rise of Christianity that took hold of the European continent, the pagan traditions were united for what became the day dedicated to the nativity of the Christian messiah. In the Viking age, as a matter of fact, this fête was practised in what would be in our modern days January. It was created to seek the help of the Norse gods and land spirits for the harsh winter months, honouring them with a great sacrifice. The people would gather around a warm hearth, and then they would feast and toast to the deities. But, during the 1st century, under the reign of the Norwegian King Haakon I The Good, the pagan festival of Jul was moved to December 25th, altering the course of history.
For a long time, I never knew of this, and for a long time, I believed we lost some of our origins. Yet, if you look for it, I’ve got a sneaky feeling you’ll find that Yule is actually all around. In our ornaments, in our Santa Claus, in our elves, in our Christmas trees, and even in our presents.
A great example of this is the Nisse. It does not have an accurate translation in English; however, we can definitely refer to it as your typical elf or gnome with a red hat. A small, human-like creature who helps with house chores and expects to be rewarded once a year, typically around the winter solstice. Reminds you of someone?
The Nisse likes food; therefore, be careful to leave some out, or else you’ll find yourself deviously tricked.
Another interesting symbol is the Yule Goat. It’s a traditional figure associated with Christmas in Scandinavia and parts of Northern Europe that has appeared in various forms through time. However, modern representations are typically made of straw. Although its precise origins remain uncertain, one common theory links it to the Norse god Thor, who was said to travel through the skies in a chariot pulled by two goats. In Sweden, Norway, and Finland, the Yule Goat is a prevalent figure in Christmas decorations and ornaments, but the most famous example is surely the giant Yule Goat erected annually in Gävle, Sweden, which has become known for the tradition of the absurd attempts to burn it down before the end of December.
Through centuries, however, Christianity regrettably demonised the goat, portraying it as an evil figure—a fear that persisted well into the 17th century. Over time, fortunately, the terror subsided, people recognised that goats are absolutely adorable, and at last the Yule Goat transformed into a more benevolent figure. With its depictions of bringing gifts to children, or helping Santa Claus with presents, or even carrying Father Christmas on its back, it certainly changed people’s perspective towards it.
Along with the Yule Goat, we also have the Yule Log. It’s a large piece of wood, chosen to be burnt over the course of several days and believed to ward off evil spirits. It is said that it needs to be given, that it is unlucky to have to light it again after it has once been started, and that it ought not to go out until it has turned to ashes. Like most winter solstice festivals, themes of light, fire, and feasting are common threads during Yuletide; however, do not fret.
Even if you are not in possession of some wood or a nice cosy chimney to light up your fire, a modern take on this custom is a delicious cake decorated to look like a log, which I’m sure you can enjoy to the last crumb.
Yule is definitely a sensational celebration, but one of the factors that makes this time of the year so remarkable is how the roots of this ancient practice have evolved through the centuries, adapting and transforming, ultimately becoming today’s winter solstice celebration. What makes it incredibly special is exactly how different it is from person to person, even for people in the same community. I have yet to mention the Sonargöltr, the Yule Boar, or even the phenomenon of the Wild Hunts, but I want to leave you with some curiosities that perhaps you’ll search yourself.
I’ll leave you instead with some of my favourite activities to do in this merry time. Some ways to celebrate Yuletide, Christmas, or any festivity you honour. Planting with an intention, a sort of oath for the future, is a great way to welcome the new year. Lighting one or even ten candles can be extremely symbolic, as well as doing the usual promises we make to ourselves for the awaited months, perhaps grabbing a pen and writing down something we would like to achieve before the next Yuletide. Giving back to nature is another marvellous choice, and there’s no need for me to tell you, but simply decorating the Christmas tree or other corners of your house falls in this category. I adore seeing how lights illuminate this darkening period, making me feel like a little kid all over again. One of the most preferred ornaments is also dried oranges with a sprinkle of cinnamon. Not only do they bring you good luck, but they also smell so sweet.
But overall, being grateful is what makes this holiday enchanting. Whether you celebrate with family or alone, whether you honour Christmas or Yule, I hope you’ll find jollity this December and in all the ones yet to come.
Up, Glade Jul by Viggo Johansen (1891)
Sources:
Celebrating Yule: The Ancient Roots of Christmas
Yule Traditions That You Might Still Celebrate Today
Christmas Before Christ: Yule & Other Northern European Traditions
The Library of the Unseen 
Beautiful description of my sign! Thank you ☺️ 😘😘