The Return of the Light
- Sundri Jones
- Dec 22, 2025
- 3 min read
As winter’s deep quiet settles in and the nights stretch long, many people around the world turn their hearts and minds toward Yule — an ancient midwinter celebration honoring the return of the sun and the renewal of light. Though rooted in Norse and Germanic seasonal traditions, Yule today is a living, evolving celebration that anyone can adapt in ways that feel meaningful to them.
At its heart, Yule is about pause, reflection, hope, and togetherness. It reminds us that even in the deepest darkness, light is returning — slowly, steadily, and inevitably.
When Is Yule?
There isn’t just one “fixed” date for Yule — and that’s part of its magic. Historically, Yule was a midwinter festival celebrated over several days or nights, often tied to lunar cycles rather than a single calendar date. Many modern practitioners honor Yule at the Winter Solstice — the shortest day and longest night of the year — as a symbolic moment marking the sun’s turning point.
Others follow different traditions that begin after the solstice or span the weeks around it. The commonly shared modern practice is to celebrate Yule across a season of days, often reflected in the contemporary idea of the 12 Days of Yule — a flexible spiritual calendar with themes that help guide simple rituals, reflection, and celebration.
A Season of Light, Meaning & Intention
While many modern Yule calendars assign themes or rituals to each day, what matters most is intentionality — the way you bring meaning, light, and sacred attention to the season. Here are some gentle ways to celebrate:
🌟 Make Space for Reflection
Take time to slow down. Light a candle or sit by a warm fire and reflect on the year that’s passed — what you learned, what you let go of, and what you hope to nourish in the year ahead. Even just a few calm moments of breath and thought can be grounding.
🕯️ Welcome the Light
Since Yule celebrates the returning light, finding small ways to honor that theme each day can be powerful. Light candles in the evening, decorate a window with warm lights, or take a mindful sunrise walk. These small acts or symbols make the growing light tangible in everyday life.
❤️ Connect With Loved Ones
This is a season made for community. Whether you host a small meal with friends, exchange handmade gifts, or simply share stories over hot drinks, coming together fosters warmth and belonging. Invite people into your space or reach out to someone who might be alone — kindness is one of the truest ways to celebrate this time.
🥰 Create Your Own Traditions
One of the most beautiful aspects of modern Yule is its openness. Some might weave in traditional elements like a Yule log or seasonal wreaths; others might write intention journals, practice gratitude, or engage in acts of service. None of these are required — only that they hold meaning for you.
Celebrate Yule in Small, Sacred Ways
Here are a few simple, heartfelt ideas you might adopt:
Light a candle at dusk each evening and take a moment to think of something you’re grateful for.
Share a meal with someone — whether it’s friends, family, or a neighbor — and speak blessings into the new season.
Reflect on what you want to release from the old year, then write it down and transform it in a way that feels symbolic (for example, composting it or tucking it into a candleholder).
Offer kindness or service to someone without expectation; even small acts ripple outward.
Your Yule, Your Way
Ultimately, Yule isn’t about perfection or historical accuracy — it’s about presence and heart. Whether you draw on ancient lore, create new rituals, or simply enjoy the quiet joy of winter’s deepest shelter, your celebration can be whatever supports your well-being, community, and sense of light.
Wherever you are in your journey, may this season gently remind you that light always returns — not all at once, but day by day, moment by moment — and that you have endless opportunities to find and share that light in your life.
Want to learn more about Yule? Check out: The Pagan Grimoire
Looking for local community spaces?
The Sacred Hallow - Hastings, NE
And don't forget our upcoming spring expo! SoulFest Nebraska
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