Yule: A Celebration of Light and Warmth »

Originally from Texas, Dorothy Morrison now lives the magical life in Maine with her family. Dorothy is a member of the Pagan Poet’s Society and a charter member of M.A.G.I.C., a magical writer’s and artist’s organization. Dorothy is a Wiccan High Priestess of the Georgian Tradition, and has been an avid practitioner of the ancient arts for more than twenty years. She founded the Coven of the Crystal Garden in 1986, and spent many years teaching the Craft of Wicca to students both in the United States and in Australia.

A former state championship archer and bow hunter, Dorothy’s current interests include Tarot work, magical herbalism, stonework, and computer networking.

Dorothy’s work has been published in many journals and magazines, including Circle Network News, SageWoman, and Crone Chronicles. She is the author of the acclaimed Everyday Magic, Magical Needlework, In Praise of the Crone, Yule, Bud, Blossom & Leaf: The Magical Herb Gardener’s Handbook, The Craft, and The Craft Companion, among other works..

The holidays are a time for reflection, resolution, and renewal. Whatever our beliefs, they provide us with rituals to celebrate the balance of light and dark, and for welcoming the healing powers of warmth back into our world. Jam packed with holiday lore, recipes, crafts, rituals, and more, Yule guides you through the magic of the season.

Contents

Part I: Yule and its Place in our Hearts
1: The History of Yule: How it all Began 3

2: Yule Traditions and Symbols 9
Advent Wreath
Bells
Bird's Yule Tree
Blowing in the Yule Candles
Candy Cane
Carols
Chimney
Christmas Card Elves
Evergreens
Gift Exchange
Gingerbread
Holly Lights
Mistletoe
North Pole
Ornaments
Plum Pudding Poinsettia
Reindeer
Santa Claus
Sleigh
Snowflake Stockings
Tinsel and Icicles
TreeTwelve Days of Christmas
Wassail
Wreath

3 Yule Log: Festivals of Light Around the World 19
Christmas
Hanukkah
Kwanzaa

4 Yule: Holiday Customs Around the World 23
Argentina
Australia
China
Czechoslovakia
Denmark Greece
India
Iraq
Ireland
Italy
MexicoNetherlands
Norway
Pakistan
Romania
ScotlandSweden
Syria

5 Venezuela: Omens, Superstitions, and Other Magical Goodies 31
Animals
Monsters, Trolls, Imps, and UgliesFood and Consumables
Gift-giving
Hearth and HomeMarriage Omens

6 Weather: Yuletide Trivia and Fun Facts 37


Part II: Preparing for the Yuletide Season

7: Making Room for Yule 41
Cleaning Ritual
General Success CharmAlleviating Success Blockers During the Year

8: Decking the Halls 51
The Yule Log
Quick and Easy Yule DecorationsYuletide Crafts for Children

9: Giving Winter its Due 67
Winter Scene

10: The Yule Tree 71
Tree Decorating
Skirting the TreeTree Ornaments

11 Decorating with Garlands: Holiday Cards 85


Part III: Gifting, Feasting, and Festing

12: Quick and Easy Yule Gifts 87

13: Wrapping Up the Season 111
Fun Wrap Ideas

14 Great Name Tag Ideas: Let's Party! 115

15: Party Ideas and Games 121
Simple Party Ideas

16 Games: Eat, Drink, and Be Merry 125
Yuletide Sweets
Main Meal TreatsFestive Beverages
Culinary MiscellanyPart IV: Creating Personal Traditions

17: Personal Traditions 151

18: Daily Event Calendar 159

19: Keeping the Holidays Happy 183

20: After the Holidays 185

Appendix I: Goddesses Associated with Yule 189
Appendix II: Gods Associated with Yule 191
Appendix III: Holiday Greetings in Other Countries 193
Appendix IV: Yule-Related Websites 195

Bibliography 197

Index 199