Yule, the winter solstice

Where it comes from

The word goes back to Old English geol and Old Norse jól, and in the Nordic languages jul still means Christmas. The early sources speak of feasting, drinking and offerings at midwinter, in the dark of the northern year. As Christianity spread, the two festivals became one.

How it is kept

The Yule log was burned to carry light through the dark days. Evergreens are brought in because they stay green when everything else rests. Modern pagans mark the solstice itself, often by watching the sun rise on the following morning.

At home

Yule asks for very little: a darkened room, one candle, and something that smells of the season, such as orange, clove or cinnamon. Light it at dusk on the longest night and let the evening be slow.