As the air turns crisp and the nights grow long, a certain magic begins to settle over the world.
While many prepare for Christmas, others look toward an older tradition that celebrates the very rhythm of the Earth: Yule.
Whether you’re a history buff, a modern pagan, or simply someone who loves the cozy "hygge" of winter, understanding Yule offers a beautiful perspective on the season of darkness and the promise of returning light.
What is the Difference Between Yule and the Winter Solstice?
Though the terms are often used interchangeably, there is a subtle distinction.
The Winter Solstice is an astronomical event. It is the moment when the Earth’s North Pole is tilted farthest away from the Sun, resulting in the shortest day and the longest night of the year.
Yule is the festival or holiday that honours this event.
While the solstice is a single moment in time, Yule is often a multi-day celebration (traditionally 12 days) filled with rituals, feasting, and community.
Where Did Yule Originate From?
Yule has deep roots in Germanic and Norse paganism. The word itself comes from the Old Norse jól and the Old English geōl.
To ancient Northern European people, winter was a period of both hardship and supernatural activity.
They believed that during this time, the veil between worlds was thin.
Yule was a time to:
Honor Odin. One of Odin’s many names was Jólnir ("The Yule One"), and he was said to lead the "Wild Hunt" across the winter sky.
Encourage the Sun. In a world without electricity, the fear that the sun might not return was real. Great fires were lit to symbolically "call back" the sun.
Feast and Sacrifice. Animals were often sacrificed, and their meat provided a grand feast for the community to bond during the coldest months.
Many of our modern Christmas traditions—like the Yule Log, evergreen trees, and mistletoe—actually began as pagan Yule customs.
When is Yule?
In the Northern Hemisphere, Yule begins on the Winter Solstice.
This year, Yule officially begins on Sunday, December 21, 2025.
While some celebrate only on the solstice night, many follow the "12 Days of Yule," which culminates on December 31st / January 1st.
Rituals to Celebrate Yule
1. The Yule Log
Traditionally, a massive log was brought into the home and burned for 12 days. Today, you can create a decorative Yule Log by taking a piece of wood and flattening the bottom. You can also add candles (usually red, green, and white/gold).
2. Bringing the Green Indoors
Because they stay green throughout the winter, plants like holly, ivy, and pine symbolize eternal life and the resilience of nature. Decorate your home with these evergreens to "protect" the home and welcome nature spirits.
3. Mōdraniht (Mother’s Night)
Traditionally celebrated on the eve of the solstice, this is a night to honour the "Mothers"—your female ancestors and the divine feminine. Light a candle, look through old family photos, or bake a recipe passed down from a grandmother.
4. The Sun’s Return Meditation
On the morning after the solstice, wake up early to watch the sunrise. As the first rays hit the horizon, take a moment to practice gratitude and set your intentions. It is a time for rebirth and new beginnings.
Join us for 12 Days of Yule via Yoga Borne YouTube.
From 20th - 31st December, each day there will be a FREE recording available, with a different theme.
All less than 10 minutes long, to easily fit into your day.
Head to Yoga Borne YouTube here.
Yuletide Blessings, friends!
